Music in Chapter
Taylor Swift - Enchanted
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･ ｡ﾟ: *. .* :ﾟ.
Klaus Pov
･ ｡ﾟ: *. .* :ﾟ.
OCTOBER, THE MONTH OF MY BIRTH, HAD HARDLY BEEN INTERESTING UNTIL LAST NIGHT.
Elijah had thrown an extravaganza that promised much merriment the night before.
The courtyard's furnishings had been altered for a grandiloquent occasion, the leather had been swapped out for smooth velvet, and the grand dining table was amassed with savory dishes. String lights dangled from the awning, casting a soft light on all the bodies in the room.
Despite Rebekah's distaste for me at the moment, she showed up. The death of her lover hadn't been an accident, but what was one supposed to do?
He had hit her.
And in a moment of blind rage, I reacted.
She told me that she could've handled it, but what was done was done...
Out of all of my siblings, I struggled with Rebekah the most. Maybe it was because we were too alike...
We had a different upbringing from the rest of our siblings.
In a way, this made us closer compared to the others.
Mikael abhorred us, and he was not afraid to penalize us when our mother wasn't looking. Esther had an affair with a werewolf alpha, Ansel. He looked after us in the night... there had even been a time when he came to defend us from our brutal stepfather, he nearly lost his life but my mother intervened just in time. Bad became worse when a pack of nomadic wolves attacked Henrik. Mikael ordered my mother to call upon her magic to make us faster than the wolves...stronger... After the spell was complete, with our new selves discovered, Mikael grew increasingly hostile with his newfound abilities... My mother saw this and one evening she led us away from Mikael, through the woods and meadow to Ansel. There had been a moment when Ansel, Esther, Finn, Elijah, Rebekah, Kol, and I connected hands. The declaration we had come up with, always and forever, chimed in the night air before we left together...as a family...
My sister walked up to me, with her nose held in the air, muttering, "Happy birthday, brother."
I gave her a slight smile, and she mirrored the action before pulling me in for a hug.
"You should thank Finn, he convinced me to come."
Tensing I sighed.
"Bekah - -"
"No, don't Bekah me. You are a grown man, you should have acquired self-restraint in the last thousand years," she hissed under her breath, as she smiled at some of the guests.
"I will not allow any man to hit you as Mikael used to."
She flinched at that and her eyes flashed gold.
"Nik, I hate it when you get involved in my love life. It has never been, nor will it ever be your concern."
"I just want to protect you," I insisted, not bothering to keep my voice down.
Feeling a hand on my shoulder, I turned to see the mother of my child, Adah. She didn't look pleased.
"Don't tell me you two are squabbling already? This is a party, a zone where people come together not farther apart."
Rebekah leaned forward, kissing Adah's rouged cheek. "I apologize, dear, but my brother is - -"
"Standing right here," I cut her off, with my arms folded over my chest.
My sister rolled her eyes, "Where is my niece?"
As if someone had called her, Hope skipped up the stairs. I smiled, no matter what mood I was in she always seemed to make it better.
"Auntie Bex, you made it!" Hope cheered happily.
Rebekah chuckled, embracing Hope, and smoothing down her red hair.
"Of course, I did, sweetheart. I would never miss your father's birthday...no matter how much he tests my patience..."
I moved away from the scene, still feeling frustrated.
Near the banister decorated with brightly colored streamers, Elijah stood in one of his nicest suits.
"I hope she's here..." Elijah trailed off as I approached, and I instantly knew who he was referring to.
"Brother, it appears you've invited half the women in the city."
Elijah nodded, "With great numbers come greater odds of finding the one who plagues your dreams."
"Perhaps," I replied as I studied the faces of every individual in the sumptuous space adorned with music and laughter.
But her face wasn't among them.
My brief spell of excitement withered, and for the rest of that night, I spent my time trying to enjoy the birthday bash my brother had thrown me.
The next day I awoke from my usual dream... Her dulcet tones rang in my ears even though I had been awake.
I could still feel the weeds and wildflowers on my back...my lungs remained full of her sweetness. We had been laying in a meadow. Her head had been on my chest, and my fingers were swathed in her long, dark tresses.
"It's strange, isn't it? How we met?" She wondered aloud in that alluring silvery voice of hers.
"I think I would recall encountering you... in fact, I wouldn't let you out of my sight."
She laughed, and the soft sound brought a smile to my face.
I awoke shortly after that, with no answers or clues as to where or who she was.
Following the day of tedious kingdom management... that evening I drove to a tattoo parlor in a town called Prairieville that was about an hour's drive from the Quarter. It was fairly remote, I would not have to worry about someone recognizing me.
I was in a foreign territory, walking on lands that I did not possess...
But the art form of tattooing was familiar to me despite it being at least twelve thousand years old.
Art was a way to express oneself. To me, it was a world that existed on a different plane though only a few had access to it.
"Niklaus, your father and I apologize for not being able to make it to your birthday celebration," my mother's clear voice sounded through my phone.
"Don't fret, mother, all went well. Kol didn't burn anything down this time."
She chuckled, "That's good to hear. Your father and I might drop by this weekend."
I smiled softly at that.
My mother and Ansel made quite the pair. Their joy was spreadable and virulent...I had been happy for them since the day they finally got together.
"What are you up to, darling? You are so quiet..." She said a few moments later.
I parked my car in front of Someplace Magical and explained my silence.
"Recently there's been a lot on my mind."
My mother sighed, "Is it because of the missing alphas? Your father's been getting uneasy about that as well."
"Partly...but there are other things in my mind... I'm currently parked in front of a tattoo parlor, I called and they said they'd let me freelance."
"That's great, Niklaus! Maybe you'll meet someone..." she trailed off suggestively.
I rolled my eyes, remembering all those horrid blind dates she had sent me on.
"Alright, alright, I'll leave it alone."
I gave a sigh of relief, "Thank you."
After saying goodbye to my mother I walked into the tattoo parlor. I set up the room they had kindly given me. No comments were made about my title, I was greatly alleviated by that.
Part of the reason why I drove an hour away from the Quarter was to get away from all the politics and lofty expectations.
When I walked out of my cozy space I was caught off guard by the girl wearing the blindfold.
I was attacked by the all-too-familiar warmth... the one that had originated in my dreams...
And when she responded to my remark, the mild heat that enveloped my chest, dug its hooks in my heartstrings and yanked.
It was a pleasant feeling, despite the violent description.
Her voice was melodic...pleasing to the ears...it could have flowed along with the air.
The design Luna had chosen was simple, a single blooming rose that matched her delicate beauty. During the tattoo process, I expected her to wither in pain but she did nothing of the sort, proving me wrong.
Our conversation was cut short by Finn, my oldest brother. He was asking for advice about his wife Sage, the two were going through some things at the moment.
When I went back to the room she was gone.
It wasn't until I drove to my hotel that I realized who Luna could have been...
She was the princess of three Great Wolf Nations but was it possible that she could be more...to me... I rolled over on my side, and the sun's illuminating rays blinded me. Sighing in annoyance, I arose from my bed, letting the black satin sheets drop to the floor.
I stretched my limbs yawning loudly.
Plucking the glass of water off my nightstand I downed it, cringing at the stale taste.
Well, that wasn't as good as I expected it to be.
·𖥸·
After a much-needed vigorous workout and a quick shower, I exited my suite and made my way to Adah's.
"Good morning," she greeted me cordially in her flower-patterned silk robe.
I looked down at the plate of food she was offering me. Hope was right behind her, with a glass of orange juice.
"What's all this about?"
Hope only smiled. "I need to talk to you about something, Daddy."
Raising my brows, I made my way to the L-shaped counter. I was surprised to see Elijah here, he was reading a newspaper, and a steaming cup of coffee sat inches from him.
"Good morning, brother. I trust your evening went well?"
As I cut into my omelet I couldn't help but smile at the thought of Luna.
"Very well, judging by that dreamy look on his face," Adah stated, and Elijah chortled.
I ignored the adults in the room and turned to my daughter, who was perched on a stool close to mine.
"What did you need to speak with me about, little lady?"
Hope smiled sweetly, "Well, the other night I met a girl and I felt something - -"
She cut herself off as her forehead creased. "It's like...it's like I know she's... important..."
Adah put her hand on Hope's shoulder and kissed the top of her head.
"Our daughter here really liked Luna. She is a lovely girl, very kind and polite."
I frowned, they couldn't be the same person...could they?
...She did say she was the princess of three Great Wolf Nations...
"Elijah, that event you went to...was it by chance headed by Jason Labonair?"
My brother set the newspaper down, a peculiar look on his features. "It was."
"Does he perhaps have a daughter?"
Adah chuckled, "Nik, he has three and they are all exceptionally attractive. As a matter of fact, Elijah is going out with one of them at noon today. I believe her name is Jilian."
Elijah narrowed his eyes at Adah, before turning to me. "Why are you so interested in the Labonairs?"
"I think I may have met the girl who's invaded my dreams for over a thousand years."
Silence enveloped the room, Hope was the one to break it.
"Dad, I know you'll love, Luna, she's a princess...just like me... I can't wait till you meet her!"
I simpered, sipping on my orange juice, appreciating the fresh taste it brought. "I already have."
Adah was grinning from ear to ear whereas the gears in Elijah's head were visibly turning.
"How did you meet her?"
I frowned, "Well, we didn't meet per se. Luna was wearing a blindfold but I did tattoo her last night."
"What was it that you inked onto her skin?" Adah wondered receiving a look from Elijah.
"A rose but that's beside the point... I don't know where I go from here."
Hope snorted, "Why can't you just ask her out?"
My eyes widened, "And what would you know about asking someone out, little lady?"
My daughter blushed and her eyes fell to the floor before she hopped down from her stool.
"I have to go to the bathroom," she announced, running off.
"My niece brings about a good point. You could ask her out."
Adah nodded in agreeance along with Elijah's words, flipping her waist-length hair behind her.
I rolled my eyes at the two of them, "I do know where she will be tonight. She mentioned that she sang every karaoke night at Rousseau's with her father."
The mother of my child's hand came to rest on mine.
"Fathers are notorious for cockblocking. Try to get her alone."
I laid my head in my hands, was I doomed before I began my pursuit to come into contact with Luna once more?
･ ｡ﾟ: *. .* :ﾟ.
Jilian Pov
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I stared down at the well-used tube of brick-red lipstick, my thoughts anxiously churning in my mind.
Elijah and I's first date was in an hour and I had yet to change out of my nightie!
As usual, I slept in but with Luna and Shadow doing some shopping with Mom, Dad with Jackson, and Hayley at a doctor's appointment I was alone at the cabin.
Setting the tube of lipstick aside, I freed my hair from its bun and was immediately disappointed with the results.
My dark hair was a little wavy, it was mostly straight except for in the back.
I began the daunting task of brushing my hair, looking in the mirror of my vanity as I did so.
Thinking of his name made my cheeks heat up. As I stared in the mirror I could hardly believe the pink flush beginning to make its appearance on my skin.
Men didn't make me blush... yet Elijah had made me do so.
What was so special about him?
Well for starters, I was enchanted to meet him...mesmerized by his authoritative presence that cast sparks inside me. The vibes I got from him made my heart beat with suspense. This man was unpredictable...he took control...
I wanted to see how his calm energy paired with my own erraticness... This felt like the first page of a steamy novel that my little sister read from time to time.
That kiss had felt incredible. My lips tingled as I remembered the feel of his lips lying upon mine.
It was a magical feeling.
This was all so strange, typically the phrase magical didn't come to mind when defining a kiss I shared with a guy.
But that man incited something within me...my feelings for him could burn a candle down to the wick they were so intense.
After finishing up my hair, I rose from the vanity seat, set the brush down, and made my way to my closet.
It was easy to pick out my outfit for the date. I didn't wonder what he would think...I dressed to please myself and myself alone...
So, I plucked a black top off the wire hanger and grasped a pair of holey jeans. From the bottom of my closet, I chose a pair of simple black heels to complete my outfit.
Once I made my way back to my vanity I put on my medium-sized white gold hoop earrings and begin to apply a small amount of makeup.
I decided to go nude rather than bold.
After I was satisfied, I left the cabin for Daisy, my yellow jeep.
As soon as I turned the key in the ignition, my favorite song blasted through the speakers.
Red rosé on painted lips
Putting on Chanel
Packing Harlem boots
Side by side like fuzzy dice
If looks could kill
We'd be doing time
I grinned as I pulled out of the driveway, singing along to the next lines of the song that reminded me of the bond I shared with my sisters.
We're a deadly combination you and me
The way I play it cool
And you bring the heat
But I got your back
And I know that you got mine
That makes us two of a crime
My plan for last night had gone well, I was surprised Hayley went along with it but also relieved. Every day we worked to better our relationship.
Some days were difficult but we were making it work.
And no matter how much I hated her lack of upbeatness... I would always have her back.
·𖥸·
I arrived at L'amour parle at 12:25, I didn't spot Elijah anywhere but it was technically still early.
The french cafe was cute with its maroon bricks and white trim creeping with ivy. Walking into the packed place I was met with respectable handshakes and kind smiles.
I was a regular here, and while I didn't care much for coffee, their strawberry and cream cheese danishes were simply divine.
My interest became piqued when a black jaguar pulled up in the parking space beside my jeep.
A few moments later, just as I suspected, Elijah stepped out of the sports vehicle looking dashing in a crisp navy blue suit.
He entered the family-owned business with a gracefulness only he possessed.
When his dark brown eyes met mine, my heart skipped a beat.
His lips curled into an all-knowing smirk as if he knew what had just occurred.
"Jilian, you look lovely."
I blushed under his lingering gaze.
"Thank you, most people say I'm hot even sexy... it's nice to hear something different for once. The color of your suit pairs well with your eyes."
Elijah looked taken aback by my words.
I took it as he never really got complimented much... I was sure he was used to doing most of the work as he took the lead but I believed in equality. If two individuals were interested in eachother, both should showcase affection. Men didn't need to lead all the time.
"Do you ever get complimented?" I asked, and he reclined back in the chair as two eclairs were placed on our table.
Tracy, the waitress smiled kindly at me, "It's on the house."
Her eyes danced across Elijah before she moved to the next table. I clenched my jaw and exhaled lowly.
Why should I care if he gets gawked at by some blonde curly-haired bimbo? It wasn't like he was mine... at least not yet...
"Not often... but somehow I feel things will be different with you."
As the corners of my mouth turned up, I nudged my foot deliberately against his.
In a flash, his eyes met mine. A chuckle escaped him.
"Are you sure you want to play that game with me?"
I tilted my head to the side, and smiled coyly, as he pressed his foot against mine.
"Yes, and I have about a dozen others on my mind."
He shook his head, "You are unbelievable...in a good way... you aren't like anyone I've ever met. You hold yourself with fierce confidence."
I shrugged my shoulders, "There are people who hate me for what I am."
Elijah leaned forward slightly, and I noticed that are eclairs were no longer warm...in fact, we had forgotten them altogether.
"I can understand that... My family is abhorred by a few just because we are Mikaelsons."
"Rather than wither under their hate-filled glares I smile."
Elijah bit into his eclair at the same time I bit into mine.
I moaned at the taste of the sweet chocolate and puff pastry, out of the corner of my eyes I noticed Elijah tense.
As he continued our conversation I smirked a little, happy to have an effect on him.
"Huh, that is an interesting way to combat the animosity you are met with. I will take note of it in the future."
I leaned slightly leaned forward, "You should, Lijah. Can I call you that?"
He laughed, his brown eyes sparkling.
"You can call me anything you want."
"Oh, really?" He nodded and I bit my lip, placing my hand on top of his.
"How about I call you...mine..."
His brows rose up. "Never have I ever met a lady as bold as yourself."
"Never have I ever met a man who makes me blush as much as you do."
We dropped each other's eyes and finished the eclairs. Looking down at my watch I noticed that it was 1:30...oh how the time flew by with Elijah...
I rose from my stool...as did Elijah. I allowed him to lead me to our vehicles.
"So, do you like me enough to go on a second date?" I asked, looking up at him.
My back was against the jeep, and he was standing inches from me.
His eyes met mine as he flashed a toothy smile down at me.
"How could I not? You are perhaps the most magnificent creation I've ever stumbled upon."
I giggled and looked down at the ground, my cheeks burning. I had never been called magnificent before.
When I took a step forward, our chests brushed together... I let out a shaky breath as my heart beat away in my chest...
"It was enchanting to meet you again, Elijah Mikaelson."
His hand came up to cup my chin, "It was enchanting to meet you again, Jilian Karma Labonair. And I'm sure the next time I meet you, you will captivate me just the same."
I laughed.
"You really know your way around wome - -"
But Elijah never let me finish...he cut me off with a kiss. That fiery feeling arose from deep within me, hitting me like a freight train.
My hands found themselves on the lapels of his blazer, reminding me of that first night.
His lips were warm and soft...I let my tongue trail against his bottom lip, and he groaned...I could feel the thud of our combined heartbeats...
Elijah pulled away but his hand loitered on my cheek.
"Would you be interested in meeting me here Monday at midnight?"
My heart still racing from that breath-robbing kiss, I grinned up at him.
･ ｡ﾟ: *. .* :ﾟ.
Luna Pov
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The day had come for my sister to leave so she could continue her studies abroad.
Dread sunk into the pit of my stomach, as I watched Hayley and Jackson share a passionate kiss. Why couldn't I do that with my dream guy?
Dad didn't seem to mind... I would be lying if I said that didn't bug me a little.
"Good luck with Uvae, I'm sure you do well," I said with a forced smile.
I was saddened by her leaving even though I knew it was coming eventually. Hayley pulled me in for a hug, and I was emersed in her palliative lilac fragrance. She was feeling saddened yet elated at the same time.
"I hope so... I haven't studied in the weeks I've been here. I wish I could stay longer but I know I need to go back."
I nodded as she kissed my forehead.
"I'll call you and Jilly when I arrive, ok?"
Before or after you call Jackson, I wanted to ask but didn't. The last thing I wanted was for things to turn bitter.
"Love you," I called out as she and Jackson began making their way to his truck.
She only waved back and I rolled my eyes before turning around and striding back to the cabin.
Why did boys have to be so distracting?
Dad followed me in, I was certain he detected my vexation but he didn't make a peep. I grabbed the remote and put on some cartoons whilst petting Shadow.
He whined sensing my mood.
"Easy boy..." I murmured, stroking the soft fur behind his floppy ears.
"Is there something going on between you and Hayley?"
My father's voice boomed from the kitchen and I groaned before yelling back, "Not that I know of."
"Then why were you acting - -"
I cut him off, standing up. "Because Dad, she was all up on Jackson... she couldn't even resist looking at him long enough to tell me goodbye."
He was quiet for a moment, and my heart raced in my chest. It wasn't because I was feeling that warm feeling that dreamguy gave me but I was mad...and a little hurt by both Hayley and my dad.
My father walked into the room with his arms crossed over his chest.
"I understand that you're going through a lot right now with your friend being murdered but there is something else bothering you, isn't there?"
"You bother me!"
The first words came out...unleashing the floodgates
"Being totally ok with Jackson and Hayley kissing but not being ok with me and another guy doing the same thing is not ok, Dad. It's not fair."
He paled considerably, I waited for him to say something but he never did.
I began tearing up, "Why don't you treat me the same?"
Despite my yelling, at him, he remained calm.
"Luna, what are you talking about? I don't treat you any differently from your sisters."
Running my hands through my hair, I groaned in frustration.
"You can't see it because you are blind to it, Dad. You know what... just forget it," I hopped off the couch with every intention of going upstairs to my room for the rest of the night.
"No, we are going to talk about this."
I glared daggers at him, "Like hell we are. Let me go."
His green and gray eyes narrowed, "Watch your mouth, little wolf?"
"Or what?
Shadow pawed at my leg and I looked down breaking the intense staring contest between my dad and me.
I allowed him to lead me back to the couch. My anger along with my actions were unpardonable... It's absolutely not all my Dad's fault...he just happened to be the receiver.
"What makes you think I treat you differently from your sisters?"
In irritation, I slapped my hands against my thighs. "I don't know, Dad, maybe it's the fact that when I brought Alec home you hated him."
The tips of my father's ears turned red, and his mouth set in a hard line.
"He wasn't worthy. I apologize if my expressing that angered you but I will not allow you to be around an abuser."
"Alec was not - -"
My father shook his head, "Trust me, Luna. You don't want to go down that road, your mother did once and it didn't end well for her."
My lower lip trembled as I looked him in the eyes, detecting truthfulness.
"That's why you hated him? How do you know he - -"
"I got into contact with his grandmother, before he came over here she warned me. His last girlfriend went missing, and they still haven't found her..."
I covered my face with my hands and burst into tears.
And just like when I was a little girl, my father scooped me up into his arms and held me...I apologized over and over again but my words had still wounded him. But my father wasn't the type of person to hold something over people's heads...
"Shhh...it's okay..."
"It's not okay, Dad," I sniffled loudly.
"I hurt you. I'm so wrong regarding that. The way I acted was unforgivable."
"Well...I forgive you," he whispered against the shell of my ear and I blinked away my tears.
"Being able to acknowledge...and concede to the fact that your actions were harmful is something people of all ages struggle with. You should be proud of being mature."
He continued, his voice decompressing all the balled-up pressure I held inside.
"You are undergoing a lot of pain right now it is ok to yell...it is okay to scream... I will try to be more open to the idea of you inviting boys over but right now, I just want you to know that I'm here for you and I'm not letting you go until you stop crying."
I laughed at his last words, "Thanks, Dad, but that might be awhile. I heard you and Jack talking, you have wolf stuff to do..."
I felt him shake his head.
"At this moment in time, you are all that matters..."
·𖥸·
I felt a lot better after crying a river... I just needed to get it all out... Crystal's death and my frustrations with my father had been pent-up tension that threatened to make me break.
But I didn't surrender to the easy route which led to my tumultuous blow-up.
Luckily I no longer felt angry at Hayley for partially ignoring me. I recognized that I was being irrational.
There was no reason to act the way I did, and I regretted my words deeply.
Dad not only forgave me but he took me out to dinner, it had been just the two of us... He wouldn't be joining me for karaoke night at Rosseau's...something big had come up and he didn't tell me for fear of causing me more.
I sighed staring at my contact list...I planned to call someone I just didn't know who yet.
My finger hovered over the name Phebs and I taped it, the sound of the dial tone echoed in my room.
She picked up a few moments after Shadow trotted into the room.
"TGIF! Am I right?!"
I laughed, her intense enthusiasm cheering me up.
"You are always right, Aunt Phoebe. How have you been doing?"
"Great! Alica is as cute as a button and her father is the same. Did you call because of a demon problem?"
I shut my eyes, hearing the dip in her voice. The change in her emotions were swift.
"To be honest, I called to ask for advice..."
"Oh...is this about a guy? You know it's funny... I keep picturing you marrying this hot blonde guy in a castle."
I sat straight up, in shock. Like me, Phoebe was clairvoyant... could her vision come true?
Dreamguy was blonde...
"You know what...that is funny but I wanted to ask how you are able to juggle so much?"
Phoebe whistled, "Luna, I have a simple piece of advice. Don't think about it too hard, when you overthink mistakes are made. Is this about the innocent you couldn't save?
I cringed, remembering Dani.
"No, I've moved on from that."
"Good, her death wasn't your fault... you tried to hold onto her but she just slipped out of your grasp- -"
She stopped speaking for a moment and sighed. "Honey, I have one word for you...breathing... It helps me get through the simplest and even the hardest of things."
I smiled, as I held the phone against my ear, "Thanks, Phebs. Hey, could you mail my apron to the cabin?"
"Of course!"
After a few more minutes of catching up, she ended the call by explaining that it was movie night.
I allowed myself to lie back as I collected my thoughts.
Breathe Luna...just breathe...
All of my stress and of my worries seemed to disperse. The heavy weight on my shoulders finally eased...
My phone buzzed and I saw that Davina had texted me.
Are you going to be at Rousseau's tonight, singing your heart out?
You know I'm there every Friday
Well, my Dad and I will be there. Do you need a ride?
Yes
She sent me a thumbs-up, and a brief text that said, we'll be there soon.
I smiled, and despite the rough beginning of my day, things were looking up for me.
･ ｡ﾟ: *. .* :ﾟ.
Klaus Pov
･ ｡ﾟ: *. .* :ﾟ.
The environment of Rousseaus was simply fascinating. All sorts of supernatural beings gathered here, but there seemed to be no animosity developing...which was a rare occurrence... The space itself would have been dark if it weren't for the bright lights that shone above; the monochromatic photographs complimented the red walls and the smell of alcohol and fried food permeated the air.
I sat at one of the tables at the back in a dimly lit corner and was immediately greeted by Marcel.
"Glad you could make it."
He slid over a neat bourbon. I thanked him, observing the stage being set up.
"How is Davina?" I asked, aware of the girl he adopted years ago.
"She's amazing. Thrilled to be here tonight."
I smirked, raising my glass, "As am I."
"Damn, it's a shame Jason isn't going to make it tonight. I really wanted you two to meet."
I frowned, was his daughter still coming?
Of course, I didn't ask that question...
"How is Hope?"
Before I could answer his query, the door opened, and my nose was filled with a familiar sweet aroma.
It was rich and sweet, exuding a warmth that captivated me.
Vanilla was a classic fragrance, but this particular bouquet was truly bewitching.
I recognized it from my dreams...but I also recalled it from the other night at the tattoo parlor.
Luna.
Her curls spilled a little way past her shoulders, and she appeared to be speaking with someone...a girl whom I guessed to be Davina since Marcel perked up when he saw her.
I seemed to be frozen in my seat...as much as I wanted to go up and approach her...I couldn't...at least not yet...
Marcel waved his hand in front of my face.
"Earth to Klaus... wait are you meeting someone here?"
I shook my head briefly looking over at him before my eyes automatically pivoted to Luna who had now turned around.
"Not exactly."
She waved at Marcel, her eyes completely skipping over me.
My heart skipped a beat as I took in her stunning visage.
Her swarthy curls framed the contour of her face perfectly, her almond eyes were a virescent green, and a riveting excitement swam in their depths. Her plump, pink lips were curved into a dazzling smile as she looked over and saw the stage.
"Don't you ever get nervous being up there?" Davina asked.
Luna shook her head, as she stood on the tips of her toes searching for someone...
"Not really. Do you want to join me?"
The girl stepped back and held her hands up in a defensive position.
"Oh, no, no, I couldn't."
Luna leaned forward and hugged Davina, "One day, I'll drag you up there so you can showcase your DJ skills."
"The day that happens hell would freeze over."
Luna grinned and the warm feeling crept up on me once more...nearly taking my breath away with its potency.
"Listen, man, I'm gonna go be with my daughter. Would you like to join us?"
"Maybe another night, it was good talking with you Marcellus."
"We have to hang out sometime," he bumped his fist with mine and went on his merry way.
I finished the rest of my bourbon, relishing in the sweet taste as Luna made her way to the stage.
"Good evening everyone, how's about we start the night off with some singing?"
Her silvery voice pealed magnificently over the microphone.
Everyone in the bar cheered, many whistled, and some made lewd gestures with their fingers but if she noticed Luna didn't seem bothered by it.
She was more than her looks but it appeared that that's all people cared about.
How could people be so tactless?
"Hey, Lenny, look at her, ain't she a doll?"
The men sitting by the table next to mine jabbered their jaws about Luna.
"I'd love to have her strung up on my wall."
Another man scoffed, "don't tell me the two of you want to fuck her."
"You can't tell me you wouldn't if you had the chance, Don. She's hotter than the sun itself."
Before I could turn back and say something a waitress came and set down a shot of whiskey in front of me, commenting that it was from a woman who sat two tables down from me.
She might as well have just saved their lives.
A soft piano ballad began and the racket stopped enough for me to be able to detect every heartbeat in the room including Luna's. Hers was the easiest to pick out, it seemed to have its own rhythm.
You walked in
Caught my attention
I've never seen
A man with so much dimension
Her voice was ethereal, goosebumps began appearing on my arms as she sang the next line of the song.
It's the way you walk
The way you talk
The way you make me feel inside
It's in your smile
It's in your eyes
I don't wanna wait for tonight
It was evident that she had everyone's attention... including mine...
So I'm daydreamin'
With my chin in the palm of my hands
About you
You
And only you
Got me
Daydreaming, with my chin in the palm of my hands
About you
You
And only you
Her kaleidoscopic green and gray eyes flitted over to my table, she nearly met my eyes...but the men from the other table started their shenanigans.
"Don, what do you think about catching her outside after her little song?"
The man grunted, "Are you nuts? Do you know who she is? Her father would skin us alive."
"Mmm, I'd die a happy man if I got a piece of that ass."
On their own accord, my fists curled.
For you oh oh oh
For you oh oh oh
For you oh oh oh
For you oh oh
Luna ran her fingers through her lustrous curls with one hand while she held the microphone in the other. I noticed the men from the table lean forward ever so slightly, caught under her spell.
Now I can't wait
To hold you in my arms
I know I was made for you
I'm in love with all your charm
It's the way you walk
The way you talk
The way you make me feel inside
Her eyes moved around the room, as she softly sang - -
It's in your smile
It's in your eyes
I don't wanna wait for tonight
So I'm daydreamin'
With my chin in the palm of my hands
About you
You
And only you
Got me
Daydreaming, with my chin in the palm of my hands
About you
You
And only you
"You think she's a screamer?" Don wondered aloud.
"I could make her holler...I have a few tricks up my sleeve," I turned to see one of the men wielding a silver blade.
The sharp smell of wolfsbane cut through the air, I clenched my jaw.
But I want you
Got to have you
And I need you
Like I never have loved you before
"After we're finished we'll dump her body in an alley on Bourban street... just like we did with the girl from last night."
It didn't come as a surprise to me that they had a previous victim...these people were killers and Luna was their next target...
Oh I want you
Ooh I need you
Got to have you
Like I never have loved you before
So I'm daydreamin'
With my chin in the palm of my hands
About you
You
And only you
Got me
Daydreaming, with my chin in the palm of my hands
About you
You
And only you
Luna finished up her song beautifully, performing the high notes with ease.
But I couldn't help but be distracted by the men sitting at the table beside mine.
A thunderous applause erupted as she gracefully exited the stage with her head held high. Though instead of heading to Marcel and Davina's table as I anticipated she went outside surprising me.
Moments later, Don and the other men got up and made their way to the door.
This was not good.
·𖥸·
After tipping the waitress I left Rousseaus following Luna's sweet scent.
She had journeyed quite far in a short amount of time...she was seeking something I just didn't know what...
The men were closing in on her, she must have noticed this because she picked up the pace, and her heartbeat raced in her chest.
I grit my teeth when I hear their laughter.
"This is going to be a fun one boys."
"Not if I can help it," I growled out.
The men whirled around, startled by my presence, I grinned as they began backing away.
"You-your the hybrid."
"Ahh, I'm guessing you've heard of my murderous tendencies as well."
Don stepped forward, his hands up in the defensive position.
"What have we done to offend you, perhaps - -"
I cut him off, lifting him up in the air by his throat.
"You made a mistake when you schemed to hurt her."
Looking ahead I could see that Luna was now running... blowing whatever chances I had to make a connection.
Don whimpered and I snapped his neck before moving on to the other three.
Their deaths were clean, I stored their bodies in an alleyway and let Marcel know what had occurred.
"Are you sure Luna's alright?" His voice sounded concerned.
"She's perfectly fine, Marcellus."
"Her dad is going to want to know about this. You should come to my place, Jason will want to thank you in person."
I smirked, I had witnessed her singing...and soon I would be meeting with her father.
"I'll be there."
·𖥸·
Dictionary: L'amour parle (means love talks and it is a romantic cafe). Uvae (Latin for grapes). Innocent - someone who is blameless.