Author's Note: And we're off to New Orleans! Buckle up kids; it's going to be a crazy ride!
Chapter Forty Two: Let It Rock
"Truth is hard to swallow
So you pray to God
To justify the way you live, live a lie, live a lie
And you take your time, and you do your crime
Well you made your bed, I'm in mine
Because when I arrive, I'll bring the fire
Make you come alive, I can take you higher
I must now remind you, let it rock…"
Ooo0ooO
My wolf was no stranger to me these past few days. Her presence was louder, stronger, crawling underneath the surface. She knew where we were going and she was on edge but eager. We both knew this was for the best.
I walked down the long staircase carrying a small suitcase and purse, ready to face whatever New Orleans had to offer when I returned there.
Klaus waited for me at the front door, his own tote bag next to him. His large black SUV was parked in front of the mansion steps.
When he heard me approaching, his eyes met mine. His gaze was intense as he assessed me slowly. I felt a tingle of nerves about sitting in a car with him for an extended period of time, not wanting to give away anything that I was hiding from him.
So, in hopes of distracting him, I wore skimpy, well washed shorts and an off-the-shoulder peach blouse. My hair was bundled up at the top of my head in a loose bun with a few strands tickling my cheeks and neck, my makeup light and natural.
When I saw his blue eyes darken to midnight as they traced over my exposed skin, I knew I had made the right choice. I nearly smirked. If only he knew what I had waiting in my suitcase.
"You look…lovely," he said slowly. Once I was by his side, he reached over to touch his necklace that I wore, along with Charlie's bracelet. He glanced down before looking up with amusement.
"No shoes?" he asked with a smile. I shook my head with a small smile of my own.
"This," I said, gesturing to my outfit. "Is just for the car ride. I can hardly dress like this once we reach New Orleans."
"Because…?" I arched a brow.
"How long as it been since you've been there? Werewolves aren't exactly welcome there. Besides…" I trailed off, walking by him. I looked over my shoulder to grin.
"I want to make an impression," I finished. Klaus eyed me for a moment before laughing, following me out of the mansion to the car.
Turning briefly, so I wasn't facing him, I felt my smile slip for a moment. I knew I would have to keep up this act so he wouldn't suspect that anything was wrong, but it hurt deep down since I knew I was lying to him.
Straightening my shoulders slightly, I climbed into the car as Klaus slid into the driver's seat.
"Ready?" he asked. I flipped on the radio so music filled the large car.
"Oh yeah."
Ooo0ooO
As I drove, Annabelle kept constantly fiddling with the car's stereo system. She played a variety of music, sometimes from her phone, other times on the radio. I felt the most relaxed when she sang along to the music.
Our windows were rolled down so the fresh air blew into the car. The wing played with Annabelle's hair, tossing her curls about, tearing it loose from her bun. She sat curled in the passenger seat, looking out the window, her eyes far off.
Then a new song began, which caused her to smile and turn up the music just a little louder. I didn't mind too much, I tuned it out for the most part, but I found myself listening when she started singing again.
"I'm not Snow White but I'm lost inside this forest,
I'm not Red Riding Hood but I think the wolves have got me,
Don't want those stilettos, I'm not, not, Cinderella
I don't need a knight so baby, take off all your armor…"
I didn't miss the slightly amused look she casted my way as she smiled and continued singing.
"You'll be the Beast and I'll be the Beauty, beauty
Who needs true love as long as you love me truly?
I want it all but I want you more
Will you wake me up boy, if I bite your poison apple?
I don't believe in fairy tales,
I don't believe in fairy tales
But I believe in you and me…"
To my surprise, I felt her take my hand which was resting on the arm rest between us. I glanced her way briefly but she was looking away. I interlocked our fingers while she finished the song.
"Take me to Wonderland, take me to Wonderland
Wonderland, Wonderland, Wonderland
When I lay my head down to go to sleep at night
My dreams consist of things that'd make you wanna hide
Don't lock me in your tower, show me your magic powers
I'm not afraid to face a little bit of danger, danger…
I want the love, the money and the perfect ending
You want the same as I, so stop pretending
I want to show you how good we could be together
I want to love you through the night,
I'll be your sweet disaster…"
Abruptly, Annabelle took her hand away from mine to change the station to another song. I watched her out of the corner of my eye carefully. She seemed all right at the moment, perhaps a little tense. I wondered if she was secretly nervous about going to New Orleans. She was right when she said that werewolves were not welcomed there, I had heard they had been driven out of the areas where the most vampire activity resided.
Casting her one last glance before focusing my attention back on the road, I wondered absently how Annabelle would react to the area I was planning on taking her to. She didn't elaborate when she had said she had been to New Orleans before… I shrugged it off. I was very eager to return to the town I had once called home.
Ooo0ooO
A couple hours later, Klaus and I arrived without any trouble. I felt a great sense of relief but struggled to keep it hidden away. I knew I would have to be very careful with how I controlled my emotions since Klaus was going to be watching over me carefully.
Klaus drove deeper into the heart of New Orleans, through the bayou. I narrowed my eyes and felt a wicked smile spread over my face.
"My, my, that's an eager smile," Klaus said. I looked over at him through my lashes. I turned a little, drawing up my legs against my body on the large, plush seat.
"When I was younger, my parents would take Charlie and me to New Orleans to visit family here. You and I both know that werewolves from Samuel's bloodline use to reside here, all those who have that birthmark Hayley has. There were a few cousins, aunts and uncles that we got along with from that bloodline, and we made a point to carry out a good relationship with them. Those from William's side of the bloodline never wanted any conflict with his brother's side, but family problems can stretch through the centuries, carrying on through the generations."
"I myself would understand that rather well," Klaus commented. I snorted softly.
"Yeah, maybe," I replied. "It's been about five years since I've been to this part of New Orleans. Despite the vampires driving out the werewolves…There had always been a certain understanding amongst the supernatural beings here that members of the Original Werewolf family have a privilege to be here as much as the rest of them."
"So you're not afraid to be the only werewolf in the bayou." I shook my head, flashing him a smile with a hint of fang.
"Hell no," I said firmly. "I'm sure none of these vamps want a nasty wolf bite anyway and certainly not from a female Alpha werewolf from the Davis bloodline. And certainly not the mate of the one and only Hybrid." Klaus smirked, raising a cocky brow at me.
"We're here," he said, parking the car.
When I stepped out of the car, I was immediately immersed in the sights, the sounds, the scents. People were milling up and down the streets, some taking pictures while the others eyed each other carefully. Street vendors were set up and an array of food was being sold to the masses.
I felt a swell of anticipation, a ridiculous surge of confidence and power, sweep through me as I took in my surroundings, unable to stop another smirk from stretching across my face. Oh yeah. We had definitely arrived.
"Welcome to the Dark Side of New Orleans," a man with long hair and a muscular build was saying to a crowd of tourists.
"A supernatural playground, where the living are easily lost and the dead stick around to play."
The crowd murmured loudly at his words. His dark eyes swept over them and connected with mine. A knowing grin stretched over his tanned face which I returned with one of my own.
Klaus stepped up next to me, obviously absorbing the surroundings as well.
"And stick around we shall," he said. I looked up at him and didn't stop the much needed laughter that bubbled up from my chest.
Ooo0ooO
While I moved the car off the crowded streets, Annabelle found us a secluded hotel a little ways from Bourbon Street. I began weaving my way through the crowds, taking interest in the different vendors that were set up up and down the road.
I heard a slight uproar in the murmuring of the crowd to my right. Glancing to the side, I stopped dead in my tracks.
The mass of people seem to part out of the way as Annabelle strode over to me, her stride long and confident, echoing the smile on her face and the gleam in her silvery eyes. She had changed; she now wore skin tight, ripped black jeans, low ankle boots, and a sparkling charcoal tank top that dipped low in the front, on the sides and the back, revealing the black lace bra she wore underneath quite obviously.
Her hair was loose and spilling down her back in dark spirals, her eyes were shadowed to make them look more mysterious and more silver, and her lips were glossed. I spotted the swing of long earrings, while my necklace hung provocatively in between her breasts and her bracelet gleamed on her wrist.
She walked towards me looking like some dark, seductive angel. Heads turned to follow her, eyes were glued to every inch of her exposed skin. I felt an insane rush of jealousy and fury when I saw all the males on the street eyeing her like she was meat.
"Klaus?" I blinked and saw Anna standing before me. I struggled to rein in my temper.
"Quite the get up," I said. Anna raised a brow at me, stepping back a little to spin in a slow circle. I caught a glimpse of her tattoo at the base of her neck through her curls as well as the utterly sexy lingerie she wore under the barely there top.
"Quite…revealing," I forced out. Anna's rich laugh washed over me as she faced me, her eyes sparkling.
"First impressions, Klaus," she said, tapping my chest briefly. I stepped forward and caught a whiff of her perfume. It smelled like the rose and jasmine did in the garden at night, rich and intoxicating.
"Shall we?" she asked, moving slightly away from me. I wanted to frown and to take her hand but instead; I motioned for her to follow me through the crowds.
I scanned the stands that were set up to promote different attractions; tarot card readings, palm readings, that sort of thing. My gaze finally landed on a lone woman sitting near the back of the crowd and when her dark eyes met mine, she began to hastily pack up her things.
"Hmm," Anna said, her eyes looking at the same woman. Her head rolled a little in my direction. "I'm guessing we're going to interrogate her?"
I smiled. "Indeed."
When we approached her, she stopped her movements to watch us warily. I sat down at the chair across from hers while Anna stood behind me, her stance casual, easy going. Her eyes scanned the people while I looked at the woman.
"Good afternoon. Time for one more?" I asked, sliding my hands slightly in front of me as a gesture of peace.
"I have nothing to say to you," the woman replied sharply.
"Oh well now that's not very amiable, is it? You don't even know me," I replied.
"I know what you are- half vampire, half beast. You're the Hybrid."
"I'm the Original Hybrid, actually, but that's a long story for another time," I said easily.
"I'm looking for someone. A witch. Perhaps you might be able to help me find her? Jane Anne Devereux." The witch's stance stiffened a little and her eyes flickered away from my own quickly.
"Sorry, I don't know." I leaned forward, giving her a simple but cold smile.
"Well now, that's a bit unfair, is it?" I picked up her arm to trace her palm.
"Now you see, I know that you're a true witch amongst a sea of posers…so enough with the fabrications. I have quite a temper," I chuckled. Annabelle snorted from behind me as the witch pulled her hand away from my grasp.
"Witches don't talk out of school in the Quarter. A vampire won't allow it. Those are the rules. I don't break Marcel's rules." I narrowed my eyes and leaned forward again.
"Marcel's rules," I repeated. "Where do you suppose I might find Marcel?"
"Marcel?" Anna repeated herself. I looked over my shoulder and saw Anna's eyes dancing with mischief. I raised a brow.
"I think I know where to find him," she replied to the look on my face. I frowned at her, standing. Anna turned but stopped when the witch called out.
"Wait!" Anna turned to face the woman, her gaze curious. The woman motioned for her to come over to her. Anna walked by me and sat down at the table.
To my surprise, the witch took Annabelle's hands and closed her eyes before releasing a deep, heavy breath.
"You carry something, something both light and dark within you," the woman said. Her black eyes snapped open to meet Anna's eyes. "This will be both a blessing and a curse. Many struggles stand in your way but the biggest is the man who stands by your side." Her eyes strayed to me briefly before she finished.
"Beware of your secrets and those who call you 'friend', for when the sun sets, the true monsters shall appear." The witch dropped Anna's hands and Anna stood quickly and whirled. I caught a glimpse of her grim look.
I strode to catch up with her, grabbing her arm. I turned to so she was forced to face me. Her gray eyes were dark, tense.
"What was that all about?" I demanded. Anna shrugged impassively.
"No idea," she replied smoothly. She pulled her arm away from my hold. She lifted a brow at me.
"Now do you want to find Marcel or not?"
Ooo0ooO
I saw Klaus's eyes narrow suspiciously at me. I buried the raging emotions I felt from the witch's words, casting them aside for another time.
"How do you know Marcel?" Klaus asked. I smiled secretly and turned a little.
"You'll know soon enough," I said calmly. "Come on."
I lead Klaus down the length of Bourbon Street, down a few alleyways, going deeper into the Dark Side of New Orleans- otherwise known as the Quarter.
I walked in a bar with Klaus close behind me. The first thing I heard was someone up on the mike singing "How Do You Like Me Now" and I slowly grinned.
Marcel stood on the stage, wearing a simple black v-neck shirt, jeans and leather shoes. I spotted the necklaces he wore around his neck, which if I remembered right, where old dog tags from the war. Or perhaps he had switched it up.
Leaning back, I whispered right into Klaus's ear. "I'm going to use the restroom."
Before he could reply, I slithered away, keeping out of sight as I headed for the back. In the bathroom, I made sure my makeup was all right before I tied my hair up in a messy ponytail, pulling out some tendrils so they framed my face. Turning a little, I was pleased to see my hair barely covered my tattoo now.
When I walked back into the bar, I saw that Marcel and Klaus were exchanging a few words. The bar's noise level had dipped a little as everyone watched Klaus with both wary and suspicious eyes. I walked through them easily, making my way over to the men.
"Well if I had known you'd be coming back to town, if I had had a head's up-,"
"What, Marcel?" Klaus interrupted, approaching the tall man slowly. I raised a brow. I figured they knew each other by Klaus's recognition of Marcel's name but I kind of hoped there was no bad blood- no pun intended- between them.
"What would you have done?" Klaus asked.
"I'd have thrown you a damn parade," Marcel stated. Both men then laughed a little, embracing. Marcel pulled away to clasp Klaus's shoulders.
"Niklaus Mikaelson; my mentor, my savior, my sire. Let's get you a drink," Marcel said. I stepped from the crowd with an easy smile.
"What about me?" I asked teasingly. Everyone turned at the sound of my voice. I heard a few gasps when people realized what I was, when they saw the tattoo on the base of my neck as well as the ones branding my arm.
"Annabelle," Klaus said softly, as if in warning. His eyes were firing questions my way but I ignored him. Marcel turned to look over at me. He began laughing, grinning broadly.
"Well, look what the wind blew in," he called. He walked towards me, his dark eyes assessing me. "Annabelle Davis."
Marcel them scooped me into his arms, twirling me around a little. I laughed, clasping my arms around his neck at his welcome. He set me down carefully, his black eyes glowing.
"How's it going, Marcel?" I asked, tilting my head a little. I saw Klaus step up from behind Marcel.
"You two know each other?" he asked, his voice low. Marcel patted Klaus's back, giving me another smile.
"Come on," Marcel said. "We'll catch you up over that drink."
Ooo0ooO
I watched begrudgingly as Marcel wrapped an arm around my mate's shoulders, pressing a friendly kiss into her hair. She patted his back briefly but slid out of his embrace smoothly. I glared at their backs, trying not to feel the bite of the green eyed monster.
Marcel led us to a back room with a table and chairs, a bottle of whiskey and some glasses. I noticed briefly that Anna refused a drink as Marcel pour one for himself as well as me.
"Yeah," Marcel said on a laugh. "It is good to see you. Both of you." He leaned forward.
"What are you doing here with Klaus, hmm?" he asked Anna. She laughed again.
"We're together," she replied casually, leaning back to cross her legs. Marcel raised a brow and gave me a grin.
"Really now?" I chuckled.
"She's mine. My mate," I explained. Marcel looked at me to Annabelle.
"Well, you certainly know how to reel in the big ones. You've changed a lot since I saw you here last." Anna chuckled and nodded, turning to look at me.
"Last time I was in New Orleans, I had just turned twenty one. I had run off with a group of friends- werewolves- to celebrate, sort of forgetting about the ban of wolves in this area. So we stumbled into the Quarter, ready to party, only to see the welcome mat wasn't exactly rolled out for us." She leaned over to pat Marcel's hand in a friendly manner.
"Marcel here saved our skins. He knew about my bloodline and about how my family still wield power over Louisiana and decided to respect that power. So he let me- and only me- stay for a bit."
"And despite our differences," Marcel concluded. "We became…"
"Pals," Anna said while Marcel said "buddies". They grinned at each other and I resisted the urge to growl in warning at the male.
"So Klaus," Marcel said, facing me. "How does it feel to be back in the Quarter?"
"It's good to be home. Although please tell me the current state of Bourbon Street is not your doing," I quipped. Marcel chuckled.
"Something's gotta draw the eye to the town otherwise we'd all go hungry." I glanced over my shoulder casually, looking at the group of men who had followed us back.
"I see your friends are day walkers," I commented. Anna's head tilted to the side a little and frowned consideringly at the vampires standing right outside the room.
"Yeah, yeah, I shared the secret of your daylight ring with a few buddies. Just the inner circle though, the family," Marcel said, finishing his drink. I leaned forward.
"Tell me, how did you find a witch willing to make daylight rings?" I asked.
"I got the witches here wrapped around my finger." I chuckled.
"Is that so? I'm looking for a witch… by the name Jane Anna Devereux. Has some business with me." I didn't miss the look he casted towards one of the vampires at the door.
"Lookin' for Jane Anne?" he drawled. "Then you'd probably ought to come with me." Marcel stood and laughed, all but rubbing his hands together.
"Show time!" he said excitedly. Annabelle stood up smoothly.
"This should be interesting," she commented, her eyes gleaming again.
Ooo0ooO
I went back to the hotel briefly while Klaus and Marcel went off together for some male bonding. I closed the door and sighed as I stood in the blissfully quiet room. Well, quiet for the most part.
I could hear my pounding, anxious heart as my worry filled the room with its scent. I was cutting it too close with being so close to Marcel as well as Klaus. I couldn't allow myself to slip up while I was this close.
Pulling out my phone, I called Elijah.
"Hello?" he answered.
"Elijah," I said, biting my lip. "Where are you?"
A knock sounded on the door, startling me. I whirled and lowered the phone a little. I peered through the peep hole before flinging the door open. Elijah stood on the other side, holding his phone to his ear before hanging up. Hayley suddenly appeared next to him, looking displeased.
Without really thinking, I flung my arms around Elijah's neck. I felt him still in surprise before he patted my back comfortingly. I pulled back, embarrassed by my actions and by the tears that threatened to spill.
"Sorry," I mumbled, looking down. Elijah gently gripped my chin so I was forced to meet his patient gaze.
"Don't apologize," he said. I nodded and stepped back so they could enter the room. Hayley plopped herself down on the bed while Elijah took up the chair next to the desk. I looked down at my outfit and winced a little.
"Let me change," I said in a rush. I grabbed something from the closet and went into the bathroom.
When I reemerged, I wore a thick, off the shoulder navy blue sweater. I found myself playing with Klaus's necklace nervously as I faced my cousin and Elijah.
"What took you guys so long?" I asked, looking from Elijah to Hayley. "I thought I'd get a call from one of you before Klaus and I left."
"We ran into some complications," Elijah replied. Hayley snorted and rolled her eyes.
"I'll say." She looked at me. "The people Elijah contacted to help you thought I was you. I was at their bar the other night to ask around about my family, my side of the family, and they gave me directions so I would get lost in the bayou before they knocked me out with their witch hoodoo or whatever." My eyes widened.
"You asked witches to help?" I asked with disbelief. Elijah leaned forward so his arms rested on his thighs while he clasped his hands together.
"Yes," he said. His dark eyes met mine, his expression serious. "When I got in contact with them early this morning and I found out about what they did with Hayley, I went to find her. When I did, I explained the situation more clearly and explained to them that I'll be taking you to meet them."
"When?" I asked quietly.
"Tonight." I sighed and rubbed a hand across my forehead.
"How am I supposed to get away from Klaus? He knows something is up and I don't know how much longer I can hide this… it isn't exactly easy to hide something like this, especially to your mate how can feel every emotion you're experiencing through a bond you share," I said.
"Niklaus will want to explore and see all the Quarter has to offer in light of his absence. I'm sure you will be able to leave and return without him noticing," Elijah said reassuringly. I bit my lip again then glanced at Hayley.
"Sorry about the witches," I said sympathetically. Hayley shrugged.
"I guess they thought I was you because of our shared bloodline," the girl said with a nonchalant shrug of her shoulder. "It's all straightened out now."
"There is one thing-," Elijah began.
My phone buzzed a few times. I looked down at it and saw that Klaus was calling me. I raised a finger to my lips before picking it up.
"Hello?" I asked, trying to keep my voice calm.
"Annabelle, are you all right? I can feel that you're distressed, sweetheart. Are you at the hotel?" I winced.
"Yes, but I'm fine," I said on a weak laugh. "I just couldn't figure out what to wear." I closed my eyes at the lie, hating myself. Klaus laughed.
"Changing again, are we? Well, when you're done with your girly primping, meet Marcel and me at the heart of the Quarter. He says there's something he wants us to see," he said easily. I opened my eyes and wrinkled my brow.
"Okay, I'll be there in ten minutes," I replied before quickly hanging up. I sat down on the bed next to Hayley.
"Like I was saying," Elijah continued. "They- they being the vampires under Marcel's control- have taken one of the witches that was supposed to help you. I suspect she will be…" I sighed.
"I know. I've seen what Marcel does to witches that break his rules." I looked up at him. "There's nothing we can do?" Elijah shook his head.
"It's an unfortunate situation. We have informed her sister, the other witch, but that is most likely where Marcel is bringing you and Klaus to witness."
"I can't keep lying to him like this," I said miserably. "I'm already keeping this secret from him and lying to him is only going to make this worse! He's not going to furious about this-," I gestured to myself in one rapid motion, "but about how I've chosen to tell everyone but him! After all this time, he's going to lose his faith in me! His trust!" I buried my face in my hands.
"This is all my fault," I cried. "If I had been more careful…" I felt a pair of hands grasp mine to pull them away from my face. Elijah knelt in front of me.
"Annabelle, you mustn't blame yourself. You did not know this would happen. Come now, darling," he said gently, wiping my tears away. "Don't cry. Niklaus would be here in a heartbeat if he feels that you're distraught."
"But I am," I whispered, looking into Elijah's eyes. "He's my mate, Elijah, and I betrayed him in the worst possible way. I went behind his back, I lied, I…" I choked a little, lowering my head. "I ran away again."
"Hey," Hayley said suddenly, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. I lifted my gaze to hers. The younger werewolf's eyes were blazing.
"It will be all right. We won't let anything happen to you and we certainly won't let anyone hurt you. You have to trust us, okay?" I stared at Hayley for a long moment.
"I know," I said, taking a deep breath. "I do trust you. Both of you." Hayley gave me a gentle nudge with her shoulder, which reminded me of one of Charlie's gestures.
"Then go on. Elijah will meet you later at the bar. Just wait for my text," Hayley said. Elijah kissed my hands.
"Be calm, Anna," he said softly. "I know you'll be just fine." I smiled a little at him.
"That's the first time you've called me Anna," I murmured. Elijah smiled kindly.
"Well, we're family now. And like Hayley said before, we protect our own." I nodded before standing up. I straightened the sweater before giving them one last smile and walking back into the night air.
Ooo0ooO
I waited impatiently for Annabelle down the street from the hotel room. Marcel leaned against the brick wall of a building, trying to get me to relax, which proved worthless.
When I caught her scent, I turned to see her walking towards me. She still wore those jeans and boots, but now she had a heavy sweater on to ward off the cold. Her hair was still bundled up and my necklace gleamed in the street lights.
"Hi," she said with a smile. She paused a few feet away, her eyes flickering from me to Marcel. I stepped forward to take her hand.
"Hello," I replied, kissing her hand. She gave me a crooked smile.
"It's been awhile since you've done that," she said. I smiled but stilled a little when I caught a vaguely familiar scent coming from her clothes.
"Well!" Marcel said, clapping a hand on my back, distracting me from my thoughts. "Let's get this party started."
"Last time you said that to me, it didn't end well for anyone," Annabelle teased, sliding her hand away. Marcel laughed loudly before gesturing for us to follow him.
When we walked onto another street, I noticed the large crowd, except this crowd wasn't human. The large mingling of vampires walked up and down the street. Marcel turned a little to look at me.
"Oh how's your family?" he asked.
"Those who live hate me more than ever," I replied dryly.
"Not true," Anna muttered, moving to walk alongside Marcel. I narrowed my eyes at her.
"Ah, just forget 'em. If your blood relations let you down, make your own, eh? You taught me that. And what's mine is yours, as always. Even my nightwalkers, the riff-raff," Marcel announced, motioning widely with his hands.
"They're hardly subtle, are they?" Anna asked good naturedly, looking up at the roofs where vampires were leaping from.
"It's the Quarter. Ain't no such thing as subtle."
"That's an understatement," I muttered under my breath. I saw Anna's steely gaze slid towards me, her eyes amused. Marcel let out a loud whistle and we turned to look forward. One of Marcel's vampires brought forward a young woman with a slim, athletic build. Her hair was a dark reddish brown and her eyes were large and dark, nearly black.
Marcel approached her while the crowd formed a circle around him. Anna stood off to the side, her arms crossed, and her weight resting mostly on one leg. I stood next to her but didn't miss the small step she took away from me.
"Jane Anne Devereux. Give it up for Jane Anne! Come on!" The crowd cheered for a moment before quieting when Marcel continued talking.
"Jane Anne Devereux, you have been accused of the practice of witch craft beyond the bounds of the rules set forth and enforced by me. How do you plead? Oh!" Marcel turned to walk over to Annabelle and me, his eyes sparkling.
"Was that convincing? I studied law back in the '50's. Hold that thought." He turned back to the witch, his movements a little impatient. Annabelle chuckled and I looked down at her with surprise.
"You do realize what is going on, don't you?" I asked very quietly. Anna lifted her eyes to mine.
"I've told you before, Klaus, I don't trust witches. And this isn't my first rodeo with Marcel. I've seen him do this before. I hardly flinch over it now," she stated firmly. I stared at her.
"I thought you were the one person to stop someone from killing," I accused softly. Anna's jaw tightened but she didn't answer me.
"Seriously, J, tick tock. You know the drill. How do you plead?"
"I didn't do anything," Jane Anne declared in a strong voice.
"Mmm, that's a lie. You know it, I know it and you hate that I know it! It drives you witches crazy that I'm aware of your every move. That you can't do magic in this town without getting caught! So, why don't we just cut to the chase, huh?" Marcel played with a long, whip-like branch in his hands. Jane Anne's eyes met mine. I nearly flinched at her burning gaze before she focused on Annabelle. I swore I saw the woman nod at her and Anna returning the gesture.
"You tell me what magic you're brewing, you tell me and I'll grant you leniency. Hey I am, after all, a merciful man," Marcel said softly. Jane Anne scoffed quietly.
"Rot in Hell, monster." The crowd noise level raised a little as Marcel gave the witch an icy smile.
"I'll tell you what. I'll give you one more chance…" Marcel trailed off, taking a step back. With a quick flick of his wrist, the branch whipped out, striking Jane Anne across the throat. She gurgled, lifting her bound hands to her now bleeding throat. "Or not…"
The crowd erupted into cheers as she collapsed and Marcel walked away laughing.
I stood there, eyeing her body before I felt my anger surge forward. I turned quickly, moving past Anna who looked at me with surprise as I stalked over to Marcel. I turned him around rapidly.
"What was that?" I demanded furiously.
"Heyyy…come walk with me. Witches aren't allowed to do magic here, she broke the rules-," I cut him off.
"I told you I wanted to talk to her!" Anna walked up beside me.
"Easy," she warned softly. I looked at her before glaring at Marcel again.
"Hey I'm sorry! I got caught up in the show. Those witches, they think they still have power in this town, I have to show them that they don't. I never waste an opportunity for a show of force, another lesson that I learned from you. And besides, anything that you could have gotten out of her, I can find out for you and I will, I promise." I stared at him for a moment.
"Well whatever it was, doesn't matter anymore, does it?" I asked softly.
"Good, good, then let's eat, 'cause all that spilled blood makes me hungry!" Marcel laughed as he walked off ahead of us.
I turned and saw Marcel's friends walking in my direction. My gaze landed on the one in the middle with the hat and the blue-green eyes. I placed a hand on his chest to stop him.
"Hey, Jerry, isn't it? Anymore Devereux witches where she came from?" I asked, my tone curious but firm. Jerry eyed me suspiciously.
"Jerry," Annabelle said smoothly, taking a step forward, giving him a kind smile. I saw the flicker of gold in her eyes.
"Why don't you just tell us before things get…ugly," she implied, her intention clear. I raised my brows at her domineering attitude.
"The bar down the street," Jerry replied, his eyes now focused on my mate. "Jane Anne and her sister worked there."
"Perfect, thank you, mate," I said, clapping a hand on his shoulder. I turned and began walking away.
"Coming, love?" I asked over my shoulder. I heard Anna's heels clicking briskly behind me and I smiled slowly.
When Anna and I reached the bar, I opened the door for her. She walked in a few steps and stopped, placing her hands on her hips. Without a word, she walked over to one of the tables near the kitchen, sliding into a chair casually.
I looked up, noticing where Anna was gazing. The woman cooking in the back bore a strong resemblance to Jane Anne, with the same fair skin, dark eyes and hair.
The woman was busying herself with cutting carrots as I approached, stopping where Anna was sitting. Her gray eyes were latched on the woman's back, her expression unreadable.
Finally, the witch turned a little and stiffened as she sensed our eyes on her. She gasped when she spotted us.
"You're Klaus," she breathed. Her eyes flickered to Anna and I saw Anna's eyes narrow slightly. The witch blinked twice and looked back at me.
"I am…and you're upset. Sophie, isn't it? I assume this is because of what we just witnessed with your sister on the corner of Royal and Sentan."
"Did you enjoy the show?" Sophie asked sarcastically, her eyes flashing.
"It was a little melodramatic for my tastes. What did your sister want with me? Why did Marcel kill her?" I asked. Sophie shifted a little, her eyes looking over my shoulder before settling back on me.
"I see you brought friends." I looked where she had and saw two of Marcel's vampires sitting at the bar, failing at looking inconspicuous.
"They're not with us," I stated.
"They're with Marcel, that's all that matters. I know you built this town but this is his town now. He killed my sister because she broke the rules. So I talk to you in front of them? I'm next," Sophie said flatly. She turned back to her cooking, clearly dismissing me. I clenched my jaw, then my fists. Anna stood quickly.
"Klaus," she said warily. "Take it easy." I ignored her, walking over to the bar quickly. I grabbed the men's shoulders tightly and they winced.
"Are you two gentlemen following with us?" I hissed. I hardly noticed as Annabelle slid into a stool next to them, her eyes focused on me calmly.
"Marcel said we're your guides," the vampire with the beard replied.
"Oh he did, did he?" He nodded and I bared my teeth. "He did. Well then let me be exceedingly clear about something. If either of you follow me or my mate again, you'll do so without the benefits of a spine."
"Oh shut up, Klaus," Annabelle suddenly snapped. The three of us turned to look at her and saw her rolling her eyes. Her gaze was full of disapproval. I opened my mouth to snap back at her but was interrupted by the blond haired bartender returning.
"Sorry for the wait. If you're here for the gumbo, I'm about to break your hearts. We just ran out," the woman said apologetically. I pulled out my wallet and placed a crisp 100 dollar bill down on the counter.
"Your oldest scotch for my two friends here," I said. She smiled and walked away without another word. I gripped their shoulders again.
"Marcel wants to know what I'm up to, he can ask me himself," I said firmly, patting them on the back. I turned and looked at Anna. She raised a brow at me, her lips pulled in a grim line.
"Coming?" I asked, motioning towards the door. She shook her head slowly and I looked at her with disbelief.
"I'll stick around… See if I can get Sophie to talk more," she said. I eyed her suspiciously.
"Since when are you so eager to help me in my evil plans?" I asked. Anna met my eyes, her eyes dark.
"You're not the only one with questions," she replied. I watched her carefully, testing out how she was feeling through the bond. I could feel she was tense, uneasy under her cool façade. I nodded at her.
"Very well," I said, I stepped towards her so she had to tilt her head back to meet my eyes.
"Be careful," I warned. Anna rolled her eyes at me.
"I'm hardly the one who needs to be careful," she said, sneering at the vampires sitting beside her. They flicked a glance at us, finished their drinks and left the bar.
I chuckled, lifting a hand to grip Anna's chin. She stilled at my touch, surprising me again. I looked her deeply in the eyes.
"Are you sure you're all right?" I asked softly. Anna's eyes flickered a little.
"Yes," she breathed. Smiling briefly, I kissed her gently before I exited in the bar to go find Marcel.
Ooo0ooO
When Klaus left the bar, I breathed a sigh of relief. I glanced over at Sophie and the witch motioned me over to her. I followed her as she walked out of the bar through the back door.
My phone buzzed, signaling a text.
Elijah is on his way to you now, Hayley sent. I smiled a little.
Outside there was a small table set up, covered in candles, jars and flowers. I lifted myself up onto the railing of the steps so I could perch there while Sophie lit a candle. I heard her quiet sniffling.
"I'm sorry," I murmured.
"There's nothing you could have done," Sophie said quietly but sharply. I frowned.
Suddenly, there was a sharp gust of wind and the scent that followed indicated we weren't alone anymore. I slid down from the railing slowly.
"Sophie," I warned. The witch looked around and we both flinched a little when the back door slammed shut. I growled in my throat.
Marcel's men appeared out of nowhere. They stood on either side of Sophie and I growled loudly at them. One of them hissed at me in warning.
"The door's wide open, you know," Sophie said in a calm voice.
"You're doing magic?" Sophie sent a blaring glare to the taller man.
"I'm praying to my dead sister. Go ahead, pay your respects."
"Ah, don't make this a thing, Sophie. The Hybrid was looking for Jane Anne, Marcel wants to know why."
"Ooooh, that sounds like witch business. I'd say ask for yourself but I guess you can't being that Marcel killed her."
One of the men lunged for her but I saw a dark flash intercept him, dragging him to up the roof. I heard the soft ripping of flesh before a heart fell to the cement behind the second man. He turned and then whirled when he saw the flash, but he was thrown against the wall and staked before he could move.
Elijah appeared next to me, wiping his bloody hands calmly, his hair a little disheveled.
"Hello again, Sophie." Sophie nodded briefly. Elijah rested a hand on my shoulder, but his eyes were focused on the witch.
"And you've met Annabelle," he said calmly. Sophie nodded, her expression a little nervous. I gave her a slight smile.
"Yes," the witch said.
"So why don't you tell Anna what business your family has with her and my brother?" he asked politely. I looked up at him then Sophie again. The witch nodded again before stepping towards me.
"Let's go back inside," she said.
Ooo0ooO
The corner alleyway of the Quarter was packed with an array of vampires and a few humans being fed on. The music was pumping through the air thickly as the bodies moved erotically to its beat.
Shoving through the masses, I enter the open area where there were two levels full of people around the building. I spotted a vampire with a daylight ring and approached him.
"Where is Marcel?" I demanded. The man stepped back, glaring.
"And who the hell is asking?" he shouted.
"I assume you're joking."
"I only answer to Marcel."
"Well then, in that case, perhaps you'll answer to this." I grabbed his throat tightly, letting both sets of fangs slid into place. I dug my claws into his neck while my eyes glowed.
"You're aware that a bite of a werewolf can kill a vampire, well as you can see I am half werewolf, so I'm going to ask you one more time." I leaned in.
"Where is Marcel!" I shouted. Marcel suddenly appeared with an easy smile on his face.
"Heyy, I'm right here! I'm right here, easy now," he said, pulling the vampire out of my grasp and sending him away.
"Diego's looking out for me. Nobody harms my guys, those are the rules," he explained.
"I don't care about your rules, Marcel. I don't need chaperones. Why are you having me and Annabelle followed?" I asked sharply. Marcel smiled, wrapping an arm over my shoulder casually.
"Come here." He walked us off a few steps before facing me. "I get it, loud show of voice, you made your point, let it go…for me." I stared at him for a long, tense moment.
"Fine," I snapped. I smiled forcefully. "Why don't you show me what you've done with the place? Or you explain exactly what it is you've been up to in my town." This time, Marcel stared at me before chuckling.
"Follow me."
I walked behind Marcel as he led me into the penthouse, feeling tension rolling off me and him in waves. Naturally, I knew my tension was coming from wanting to assert my dominance and power over everyone here- including Marcel- and i didn't appreciate how he was refusing to submit. Obviously the younger vampire figured he was in charge now. I wanted to change that.
Marcel led me to the top floor, out onto the balcony. The view, I had to admit, was stunning, spanning out over the entire downtown area of New Orleans and most of the Quarter.
Ooo0ooO
I stared at Sophie once she finished talking to me. I blinked a few times before taking a deep breath.
"Okay, let me see if I got this straight. You ask Elijah for a sample of my blood so you could confirm…everything… and that's why he asked me for a vial of my blood, right?" Sophie nodded.
"We had Elijah ask you that when you were off in the wilderness so we didn't run into any trouble from Klaus. You had no trouble giving him the blood though…" She trailed off giving me a pointed look. I glanced at Elijah.
Before I had decided to return to the mansion, while I was out in the woods, Elijah found me and asked me for my blood. Naturally, I had been suspicious but I agreed. After he had drawn my blood, he had returned to the mansion to talk to Klaus, leaving me with Charlie. I had trusted Elijah, knowing his intentions were pure towards me.
"Our spell caught the attention of a few of Marcel's day walkers," Sophie said. "Jane Anne took the blame, lying and saying I didn't have magic. I don't think they believed me, which is why they were in the alley tonight. I contacted Elijah to tell him about this so he could tell you." I nodded.
"How are we going to go about this?" I said, gesturing. "I mean, I doubt we're all going to go up to him and yell 'Surprise!'" Elijah chuckled.
"No, certainly not," he agreed. He glanced at Sophie before looking back at me. "Sophie will wait for us at the cemetery, along with Hayley and a few others. You and I will go find Niklaus soon and will bring him there…hopefully to reason with him." I scoffed, rubbing my forehead.
"Yeah, this will go well," I muttered sarcastically. I felt Sophie lay a hand over me and I shuddered when I felt her power skitter up my arm.
"You have to be strong, Annabelle. You cannot back down from this. This all rests on your shoulders, as well as Niklaus's. You both have your parts that you have to play but this will only work if you work together through this." I nodded grimly.
"Let's go," I said to Elijah, standing up. He rose smoothly next to me, reaching over to squeeze my shoulder reassuringly. Our eyes met and I nodded again.
Ooo0ooO
"Look at that skyline, hmm? That there, that's progress. More hotels, more tourists, more fresh blood. Any humans, I taught them to look the other way," Marcel boasted.
"And what of the witches? In my time, they were a force to be reckoned with and now they live in fear. How do you know when they're using magic?" I asked, keeping my voice only mildly curious.
"Maybe I got a secret weapon, an ace up my sleeve. Something that gives me complete control over all the magic in this town."
"Hmm, is that a fact?" I said, eyeing him.
"Might be. Maybe I'm just bluffin'." Marcel then pulled out a small tin case and placed a small capsule in his mouth. I heard it burn his skin and I raised a brow.
"You take vervain," I said calmly.
"Burns like a bitch but I figured I should limit the number of things I'm vulnerable to. Don't be mad about that chaperone thing, I told my guys to look out for you, that's all. That's what we do here, look out for each other. We'll even look out for your Anna," he said with a lavish smile. I nodded a little. We both leaned on the railing and spotted the blond bartender walking alone in the street below.
"Mmmm, mmm-mmm-mmm. New blood," Marcel sighed. I frowned a little.
"The bartender walking alone at night. She's either brave or dumb."
"Let's see, brave, I let her live, dumb, she's dessert." Marcel grinned then vaulted over the railing, landing behind her. The woman turned when she sensed him behind her.
"You know, it's not safe here alone," Marcel told her.
"You know I have a black belt in karate." I heard Marcel laugh.
Sensing someone behind me, I stilled, recognizing the presence.
"Evening, Elijah," I said flatly.
"Niklaus," he greeted evenly.
"What an entirely unwelcome surprise." I turned to look at him. Elijah looked at me patiently.
"And what an entirely unsurprising welcome. Come with me," he commanded quietly, motioning.
"I'm not going anywhere. Not until I found out who's conspiring against me," I stated firmly.
"I believe I found that out for you." I froze completely when I saw Annabelle emerge out onto the balcony, her eyes dark.
"Hi," she whispered. I clenched my jaw.
"Are we done with keeping secrets then?" I asked coldly. Annabelle's shoulders slumped a little.
"Klaus, please," she beseeched. She then turned and began to walk away. Elijah tilted his head a little and then motioned for me to follow her. I obeyed, clenching my fists, not liking where this was going.
Annabelle walked ahead of us by a few yards. I could smell the tension rolling off her and I could hear the nervous beat of her heart. I restrained myself from flashing in front of her and demanding to know what was going on. Elijah shadowed me and I sensed he wouldn't allow me within a few feet of my mate.
I nearly growled at the thought. I was itching to know about the witches but I was burning to know why my mate had been acting so strangely for the past few weeks. Elijah seemed oddly protective of her, which only added to my jealous rage after her affectionate show with Marcel.
"What are we doing here?" I asked once we reached a cemetery. Elijah strode ahead of me to place himself between me and Annabelle.
"Want to know what the witches have in store for you? Follow me." He opened the iron gate and led us deeper in the cemetery. Annabelle was carefully positioning herself next to Elijah.
Then I spotted someone waiting for us. I narrowed my eyes at the witch.
"Sophie Devereux. What is this?" I asked.
"He's all yours. Proceed," Elijah ordered calmly. He stood off a little ways with Annabelle next to him. I glared at Sophie.
"You know you're famous in this town? Witches tell bedtime stories about the powerful vampire Klaus. We know Marcel was nothing but an orphan street rat until you made him what he is, and now he's out of control. He does what he wants, he kills who he wants. I'm going to stop him and you're going to help me." I smiled coldly, lifting a finger to stop her from talking more. I turned to look at my brother.
"This is why you brought me here?" I demanded.
"Hear her out," Annabelle begged, her gray eyes flashing with distress. I felt her nerves grow, searing through the soul bond.
"I don't need to hear her out. I assure you, love, there is nothing on this Earth that will matter enough to me to even waste thirty more seconds of my time," I snapped. Anna's eyes widened suddenly filled with tears. I stopped, shocked. I glared at Elijah heatedly.
"Elijah, what is this madness?" I growled.
Sensing we had company, I turned to see Hayley enter the stone room we were in. She surprised me by striding over to my mate and embracing her tightly, her eyes glaring at me hotly.
"Klaus. You need to listen to them," Hayley snapped. She positioned herself slightly in front of Annabelle, crossing her arms. I bared my teeth a little.
"You're all out of your minds, if you think I'm going to listen to some little werewolf- no offense sweetheart- order me about! I want ans-," I was interrupted by Sophie. I widened my eyes in disbelief and faced her.
"Marcel may be able to keep us from practicing real magic in this town but as keepers of the balance, we still know when Nature has cooked up something new. For example, I have a special gift. Sensing when a girl is pregnant."
I felt every cell in my body lock into place. I felt a roar of emotion rock through me, both from myself and my mate. I heard Anna's quiet voice break the sudden silence.
"I know it's impossible…" she started.
"What are you saying?" I asked in a slow voice to Sophie.
"Niklaus, this woman is carrying your child."
Ooo0ooO
I closed my eyes when the truth finally was out in the open. I felt both a sense of relief and dread. I opened my eyes to look at Klaus, who looked, and felt, like he was going to explode with disbelief, hurt, betrayal and red hot fury.
"No, it's impossible. Vampires cannot procreate!" he yelled furiously.
"But werewolves can. Magic made you a vampire, but you were born a werewolf. You're the Original Hybrid, the first of your kind. And this pregnancy is one of Nature's loopholes."
Klaus whirled and stormed towards me. Elijah stepped forward to block his path while Hayley placed a protective hand on my arm. Klaus's eyes were nearly black as they burned into mine.
"How could you hide this from me! How could you! I know you're lying! It's impossible- admit it!" he snarled, shoving against his brother's restraining hands. I felt my own anger bubble up as I tried to step around Hayley, who blocked my path.
"How dare you! It's been killing me, keeping something like this from you! Why would I ever lie about something like this? Do you really think so little of me?" I nearly screeched, feeling my wolf rise up with flashing gold eyes.
"Yes," Klaus spat and I snarled furiously, letting my anger take over to cover my anguish.
"My sister gave her life to perform the spell she needed to confirm this pregnancy. Because of Jane Anne's sacrifice, the lives of this woman and her baby are now controlled by us. If you don't help us take down Marcel, so help me, Annabelle won't live long enough to see her first maternity dress," Sophie announced coldly. Everyone stilled.
"What?" Hayley and I snarled at the same time.
"Enough of this, if you want Marcel dead, he's dead, I'll do it myself!" Elijah declared, his eyes now dangerous.
"No, we can't. Not yet. We have a clear plan that we need to follow and there are rules," Sophie said. Klaus whirled to face her.
"How dare you command me. Threaten me with what you perceive to be my weaknesses! I won't hear anymore lies!" Klaus shouted.
Suddenly, Elijah stepped forward, snarling under his breath. I never saw Elijah so mad, so impatient.
"Niklaus," he snapped, making Klaus pause. Klaus's dark eyes burned into his brother's.
"Listen," Elijah ordered quietly.
Finally, silence crawled through the air. Klaus turned to look at me, his posture stiff, untrusting. I held his gaze, my eyes filling with tears again.
The sound of my heart beat echoed through the room but it seemed to fade away as a new sound emerged…
A very, very quiet heartbeat trickled into the silence. I closed my eyes, knowing I didn't have to look to see Klaus's gaze zero in on my lower stomach. I lifted my hands to my lower abdomen, feeling the baby's heartbeat through my skin, feeling its quiet presence deep within my body.
Opening my eyes, I saw different emotions flickering across Klaus's stony face. His eyes were shades away from black as he tilted his head infinitesimally, listening to the quiet beat of our baby's strong heart.
"Ours," I mouthed as his eyes finally lifted to mine. Those dark blue orbs iced over.
"Keep it or kill it. What do I care?" Klaus snarled harshly. In a moment, he flashed away, leaving behind only his scent.
Finally I collapsed against Hayley, giving into the bone crushing pain that had been filling my body ever since I told my first lie to Klaus. I sobbed against her shoulder, accepting her embrace. I felt the presence of the others around me but I ignored them, clinging to the only family I had with me at the moment.
Briefly, I longed wholeheartedly for Charlie. He had decided to stay behind to keep an eye on things in Mystic Falls in regards to Silas, only after giving me a long goodbye hug, kiss on the cheek and a "good luck".
Only I didn't feel lucky. Hayley held me close, running a hand down my hair, trying to shush me. I knew I should have been embarrassed to cry in front of so many strangers but the tearing inside my heart was unbearable.
"Annabelle." I tried to catch my breath as I pulled away from Hayley, looking up at Elijah. He stepped forward and offered me a handkerchief, of all things. I took it and buried my face into it, rubbing away my tears and smeared makeup. I took a few deep breaths, giving the soft material in my hand as I looked up at him again.
"I'm sorry, so sorry," he murmured. I stepped into his waiting arms. He placed his chin on top of my head.
"I shall speak to Niklaus. Someone has to get some sense into that man." I stepped back.
"I'm coming with you." Elijah shook his head.
"No, Annabelle. His temper is deadly right now and we can't risk-,"
"He wouldn't hurt me," I interrupted. Elijah gave me a gentle look.
"Not intentionally," he replied softly. "You have to think of your baby as well. Its safety depends solely on you right now."
"We will watch after her." Elijah and I looked at Sophie who was standing a few feet away. Hayley stepped forward.
"I've got it. I'll take her back to the hotel," Hayley said, raising a brow at the witch as if daring her to object. Sophie nodded, looking reluctant.
Elijah brushed his fingers lightly over my chin in a kind, brotherly gesture. I smiled unconvincingly at him. The older vampire then disappeared into the night after my mate.
"Come on," Hayley urged, leading me out of the structure. When we were far enough away, I leaned into her.
"Hayley, please, we have to go find them," I whispered brokenly. Hayley's green eyes met mine before she nodded.
"We have to keep quiet."
We tracked Elijah's scent, spotting him walking quickly after another disappearing figure. Both men entered a quiet street in front of a café, so Hayley and I hid ourselves in the alleyway they had just emerged from.
"Niklaus," Elijah called out.
"It's a lie, Elijah!" Klaus shouted back.
"No, brother, you and I both know it's not. It's a gift. It's your chance, it's our chance."
"To what?" Klaus demanded, turning to face his brother. I winced as I felt his own searing emotions burn the skin along my wrist.
"To start over, take back everything we lost, everything that was taken from us. Niklaus, our own parents can to despise us. Our family was ruined, we were ruined. And since then, all that you have ever wanted- all that we have ever wanted- was a family."
"I will not be manipulated."
"So they're manipulating you, so what? With them, this woman and her child- your child- live."
"I should kill every last one of them," Klaus snarled. I flinched as Elijah blocked Klaus's path again.
"How can he be like this," Hayley hissed quietly. I closed my eyes briefly.
"He's afraid, just like me," I whispered. Opening my eyes, I looked over at my mate. "He just won't admit it because he's hurt."
"And then what? You return to Mystic Falls to resume your life has the hated one, as the evil Hybrid? Is it so important to you that people quake with fear at the sound of your name?" Elijah demanded.
"People quake with fear because I have the power to make them afraid! What will this child offer me? Will it guarantee me power?" Klaus growled.
"Oh, Klaus," I muttered, shaking my head at him. Hayley squeezed my hand softly.
"Family is power, Niklaus. Love, loyalty, it's power. This is what we swore to one another a thousand years ago before life tore away what little humanity you had left. Before ego, before anger, before paranoia created in this person before me someone I can barely even recognize as my own brother. This is us. The Original family. And we remain together always and forever. I am asking you to stay here, I will help you and I will stand by you, I will be your brother. We will build a home here together, to save this woman. Save your child." Elijah gripped Klaus's shoulder and he returned the gesture.
"Please," I whispered quietly.
"No," Klaus replied coldly. I closed my eyes again as he walked away from Elijah rapidly.
"I'm sorry," Hayley muttered, her voice sympathetic towards me but annoyed towards Klaus.
We both looked up when we saw Elijah suddenly standing in front of us. His eyes were full of disapproval towards Hayley, who lowered her head a little. His gaze turned to me.
"You tried," I said weakly. Elijah shook his head.
"I'm not finished with him," he replied. He motioned for me to follow him. I turned to Hayley.
"Thank you," I said, reaching over to take her hand in mine. Hayley gave me a small smile before she disappeared into the night.
Following Elijah, he led me off onto another quiet street, motioning me to sit at a lone bench. I obeyed, watching him closely. He pulled out his phone and dialed a number.
"Rebekah," he said. I closed my eyes, turning on the bench so I could lift my legs up onto it. I curled into myself loosely. For the first time, I allowed my hands to rest on my stomach as I half-listened to Elijah talk to his sister.
"It will be okay," I whispered quietly to the small, flickering life inside. I turned my head as I heard Elijah sigh deeply.
"Well he's doing what he does. Given a chance at happiness, Klaus runs the opposite direction," Elijah said, looking down at me apologetically.
"Then let him run. That child is better off without him," Rebekah replied. I rolled my eyes with disbelief.
"He's not better off without this child, Rebekah, and neither are we."
"Darling, kind Elijah. Our brother rarely brings us anything but pain. At what point in your immortal life will you stop searching for his redemption?" Rebekah asked calmly.
"I'll stop searching for his redemption when I believe there is none left to be found," Elijah replied, hanging up. I looked up at him as he sat down beside me.
"I know it's here," Elijah said, as if continuing that thought. He looked over at me.
"It's with you and this baby you're carrying. Niklaus will only find happiness once he accepts this situation."
"He's lashing out because I hurt him," I sighed, feeling guilt seep thickly into my veins. "He won't accept this easily."
"He will eventually, he has to. You're his mate and he loves you. And he will love your baby just as strongly." I smiled.
"Your faith in him is strong," I commented.
"Just as strong as yours," Elijah replied, giving me a pointed look. I smiled again.
We fell quiet, and I listened to the soothing sound of my baby's heart again. There had been only a handful of times I had allowed myself the absolute silence I needed to hear this wonderful sound.
I thought back to when I first began having suspicions about carrying a baby. It had been about two and a half weeks after Hayley and I found out we were cousins. I remember being out in the woods and feeling a strange, protective instinct deep within my bones rise up. My wolf surged forward, instincts telling me everything I needed to know.
At first I had denied it. I myself had thought it was impossible. I had even stolen Klaus's phone to call the man who had told him about the soul bond- Antonio.
"Si, it's true, cara," he had told me in his thick Italian accent. "You are with child, Niklaus's child." He offered the same explanation that Sophie did to Klaus when I had asked him how.
One of Nature's loopholes, I thought. So after that, I went to take a regular human pregnancy test in secret. Positive.
That was when I decided to seek out Meredith. She had been very supportive. She had me take another test, which came out positive, before she decided to do an ultrasound.
I remember seeing the tiny, peanut sized baby on the screen. Meredith pointed out the heartbeat, expressing her surprise that we could see it so early. I stared at the tiny, flickering light and burst into tears before I had found the strength to return to the mansion at night, with Elijah waiting for me.
Apart from trying to make amends with Klaus, I had one exciting, yet utterly terrifying, prospect in front of me.
Motherhood.
Ooo0ooO
In a fit of fury, I found myself seeking trouble with Marcel again. I confronted him back in the music alleyway, challenging him.
"Master of your domain," I called him. "Prince of the city. I'd like to know how." Marcel tilted his head to the side, giving him a cocky grin.
"Why? Jealous? Hey man, I get it. Three hundred years ago, you helped built a backwater penal colony into something. You started it but then you left. Actually, you ran from it. I saw it through, huh, look around. Vampires rule this city now. We don't have to live in the shadows like rats. The locals know their place, they look the other way. I got rid of the werewolves, I even found out a way to shut down the witches. The blood never stops flowing and the party never ends. You wanna pass on through? You wanna stay a while? Great. What's mine is yours, but it is mine. My home, my family, my rules," he declared, gesturing widely to the entire alleyway.
"And if someone breaks those rules?" I asked dangerously.
"They die. Mercy is for the weak, you taught me that too. And I'm not the Prince of the Quarter, friend. I'm the King! Show me some respect." I eyed him before turning my gaze to the whole crowd. I smirked briefly before whirling, biting Jerry viciously with my werewolf fangs. I let him drop to the drop before I turned back to Marcel, eyeing him challengingly.
"Your friend will be dead by the weekend…which means, I've broken one of your rules and yet I cannot be killed. I am immortal. Who has the power now…friend?" I smiled slowly and backed out of the alleyway.
Walking back onto the streets, I wiped the blood off my lips and chin. The number of people had increased again since the night life had taken off. Street vendors were set up again and people were milling in and out of bars and clubs.
There was a band playing but what caught my attention was a man painting rather furiously on a large canvas. I also spotted the blond bartender standing and watching him. She saw me when I stood next to her and smiled.
"The 100 dollar guy," she greeted.
"The brave bartender. Camille… that's a French name," I commented. She shrugged.
"It was my grandma's name. Call me Cami. Amazing, isn't he?" I focused my attention back on the man painting. His brushstrokes were harsh and rapid and I could hear the beat of his heart matching the beat of the music surrounding us.
"Do you paint?" I asked politely.
"No, but I admire. Every artist has a story, you know?" I cocked my head to the side.
"And what do you suppose his story is?"
"He's…angry. Dark. Doesn't feel safe and doesn't know what to do about it. He wishes he could control his demons instead of having the demons control him." I stilled as her words seeped into my mind.
"He's lost. Alone…" she said. I turned to look away a little, denying the slight burn of tears in my eyes. She gave me an embarrassed smile.
"Or maybe he just drank too much tonight. Sorry, overzealous Psych major," she explained. I stared at her a little, my mind turning over everything that had happened tonight.
"No… I think you're probably right the first time," I said softly. The woman turned away and I melted back into the crowd. I heard her speak to me, rather the empty space I had occupied.
"So, do you…paint?" she asked before realizing I had gone. She looked around a little then shrugged.
Walking alone, I went down a few quieter streets until I was alone. I sat down on a bench and rested my arms on my legs. I thought about everything.
My mate was pregnant… with my child. Our child. Beautiful, beautiful Annabelle was carrying something so precious, so delicate. I nearly ran a hand through my hair. What kind of father would I be? After a lifetime of being the most hated creature, after a lifetime of running in fear from my own father… How could I possibly be expected to raise a child?
I was deeply hurt by Annabelle's choices and actions. I was in utter shock about her lies and deceit, how she kept everything so well hidden. Had I really been so blind? So deaf? How did I miss this?
The baby's heartbeat had startled me yet filled me with such wonder and awe. I had no idea how I could have not noticed it before, despite the length Annabelle went to hide it. Everything made sense now, her distancing herself, the constant noise level being high, her going off on her own, Elijah and Charlie and even Hayley being more protective of her… They had all known, leaving me in the dark.
In the end it had been her choice to keep this from me. I winced as I remembered how I initially reacted, how I ignored the tears in her eyes, the look of hurt and rage on her face when I accused her of lying.
But what did she expect? She was the only person in this entire planet I trusted completely and she turned that aside…And over something like this! Our baby! How could she?
Sighing, I clasped my hands together. I knew I would have to get those answers soon enough… I could have to come to terms with what happened and what couldn't be changed.
But there was one last thing… Marcel and the Quarter. I couldn't deny he had been right to call me jealous. I had seen the power he wielded over these people, a sort of power I craved… I wanted that. I wanted it all.
With a sudden gust of wind, Elijah appeared on the bench beside me. I looked over at him.
"Where is she?" I asked softly.
"Safe," he replied. "I had Hayley take her back to the hotel room so she could rest." I nodded, looking away.
"Are you here to give me another pep talk on the joys of fatherhood?" I asked quietly.
"I've said all I needed to say," Elijah replied calmly.
"I forgot how much I like this town," I said absently.
"I didn't forget. All the centuries we've spent together and yet I can count on one hand the number of times our family has been truly happy. I hated leaving here."
"As did I." Elijah shifted so he could face me better.
"What is on your mind, brother?" I sighed deeply.
"For a thousand years, I lived in fear. Anytime I settled anywhere, our father would hunt me down and chase me off. He made me feel powerless and I hated it. This town was my home once and in my absence, Marcel has got everything I've ever wanted; power, loyalty, family. I made him in my image and he has bettered me. I want what he has. I want to be King."
"And what of Anna and the baby?" Elijah asked.
"Every King needs an heir," I replied, feeling a slow smile creep across my face as my mind launched into all the possibilities.
"Well, I would suggest talking to your mate first, Niklaus before you decide to conquer of all New Orleans." I glanced at Elijah.
"Is she all right?" I asked, remembering myself. Elijah shrugged.
"You would know better than I," he said, looking down at my wrist. I looked too and saw the gray lines were faintly glowing, burning.
Ooo0ooO
The next morning, I went for a walk with Elijah. He explained to me the conversation he had had with Klaus after he had cooled down from everything. I was a little worried about his plans with Marcel and expressed my concerns to Elijah.
"Actually," the older vampire said. "I have asked Sophie to join us to explain what is going to be happening."
And just like that, Sophie appeared, walking towards us. We greeted her as we continued walking.
"So how do you propose this will work?" Elijah asked her. I gave her a curious look.
"Your brother needs to submit his place among Marcel's world. His inner circle, the day walkers, that's where we begin. They're his friends, his family. We'll be hitting him where it hurts," Sophie explained.
"As we speak, Klaus has returned to Marcel's to make amends. He will offer the vampire he injured his blood to heal him of the werewolf bite and hopefully, he will gain Marcel's trust back slowly." She turned to face me.
"We are going to need you to keep a low profile. Marcel and you might have been friends, but times have changed and so has he. I have a feeling he will not tolerate your presence must longer in the Quarter, so for your sake and the baby's sake, you must stay hidden."
"Can't I go back to Mystic Falls?" I asked. "My brother is back there. He could help." Sophie shook her head.
"Not right now. We have to be careful until Klaus and Marcel are on good terms again." I nodded, feeling a twinge of sadness.
"I have to return to Mystic Falls," Elijah announced. "I'm going to discuss the situation with my sister Rebekah. I'm hoping to convince her to move down here so we can begin our new life." I frowned a little.
"So we're going to move completely down here?" I asked. Elijah gave me one of his gentle looks.
"It's a definite possibility." I nodded again. I was already longing for the forest back home, for my river and my trees.
When Elijah left, Sophie did as well to leave me to my thoughts. Hayley joined me to keep watch, but she sat a little ways away from where I was sitting. I sat under a tall tree, right under the soft morning sunlight.
My phone buzzed and I flinched a little when I saw it was Klaus calling me. Hayley suddenly was standing over me, her eyes concerned. I shook my head and lifted a finger to my lips.
"Hello?" I answered quietly.
"Annabelle. I'm standing in one of my favorite places in the world, surrounded by food, music, art, culture… and all I can think about is how much I want to see you," he said softly. My eyes nearly rolled in the back of my head in relief.
"I want to see you too," I whispered. Hayley frowned at me but I ignored her.
"Shall I meet you somewhere…on equal ground?" he asked, almost hesitantly. "We could go eat somewhere quiet…"
"Niklaus," I breathed, wanting to laugh. "Are you asking me on a date?" There was a moment of silence before I heard his quiet, quiet chuckle.
"I suppose I am," he replied. I smiled.
"I would love to go out to eat with you," I said. I felt his relief creep into my body.
"Where shall I meet you?"
Ooo0ooO
Author's Note: Crazy episode, crazy chapter! There were a lot of changes I had to make, if there's anything that I need to clarify, let me know! And let me know what you thought of this chapter!