AN:
Me: Complains about the difficulty of writing sex scenes.
Also Me: Continues to write sex scenes.
CW: Smut at the end of Miriam's POV
FREYA
It was the Monday before Thanksgiving, and Hearth Hall was crawling with people. The Roanoke Pack and their families were constantly over, cooking and talking and laughing. Miriam's soul brother Baahir and his mate Philip had come up from New Orleans for the week, the entire Martin and Lambert family was spending the bulk of their time at the Hearth, and Caroline's mom was supposed to get into town that night.
Poor young Caroline was nearly bouncing off the walls in anticipation. She had single-handedly decorated the entire mansion the day after Halloween, and now the place was covered in pumpkins, cinnamon sticks, blankets and throw pillows in fall colors, and various other decorations. Even though every decoration was in its place, she kept going around and around the mansion, straightening already perfectly placed items.
"Little one, if you touch that damn plaid pumpkin one more time, I will snap your neck," Kol threatened from where he was sprawled across the couch, his head in Miriam's lap.
"Kol," rebuked both Finn and Elijah.
Miriam tugged extra hard on Kol's hair. "Stop it. She's just nervous. Caroline, why don't you go play with the kiddos? God knows they need an extra pair of eyes on them."
Caroline looked relieved to have something to do. "Great! I'll go do that." And she sped off.
"I cannot wait until this horrid holiday is over," Kol groused. "There is nothing good about gathering large amounts of people in one place."
"Oh, really?" Miriam was amused. "You don't want to see Rebekah?"
"I give it a thirty percent chance Rebekah returns to us for the holiday," Klaus put his two cents in. He was sketching on the couch across from Freya. "She hasn't bothered to write to me, though I know she writes to Elijah."
"She also writes to me," Finn said, a repressed smile.
"And me," Kol said, delighted to dig the knife a little deeper into Klaus.
Freya didn't say so, but she had also written to Rebekah. Only a couple of days after she had been awoken from her curse, Freya had Finn help her compose a letter to send to their youngest sibling. Freya had been shocked that she had gotten a response. Rebekah was slightly aloof in her words, but Freya didn't blame her. A sister that appeared randomly a millennia after she had supposedly died was suspicious.
"Niklaus is right, she may not return home," Elijah said. He shot a reproachful look at Klaus. "And we will not blame her if she stays away, right, Niklaus?"
Klaus just rolled his eyes.
"I must admit, I do want to meet Rebekah," Freya said from her spot next to Finn. "I always wished to have a sister."
"They aren't so great," Kol argued. "She has a vindictive streak a mile wide and her main way of communicating is through maiming. Our baby sister happens to have a weakness for handsome men."
"Handsome men who are never good for her," added Klaus.
"Is any handsome man ever good for a woman?" pondered Miriam with a cheeky grin.
Kol scowled up at her. "I am an extremely handsome man, and I am very good for you- and to you!"
"Sure you are, baby," Miriam soothed. She winked at Freya, who let out a shocked laugh.
"That's it!" Kol jumped to his feet. "I'm calling Bex and telling her she can't come, because I cannot handle both of my sisters and my mate teaming up against me."
"That will just encourage her to come for the holiday," Elijah said dryly.
"... Fuck!"
Freya giggled at their antics. The mood was relaxed, which was a novelty to Freya. To enjoy the presence of family was something she hadn't experienced in a thousand years, since she was a child. Now she had this family made up of her brothers- and maybe even Miriam- and a sister she had yet to meet.
She wouldn't tell Klaus or Kol (because she enjoyed how Elijah and Finn teased them), but Rebekah had promised to return to Virginia for the holidays. Freya's stomach fluttered uncomfortably whenever she imagined truly meeting Rebekah without the pretense of being Kol's Christmas date. She had longed for a sister, and then when Rebekah arrived, Freya had prayed to gods she had lost faith in that Dahlia would leave her infant sister alone. She had fought Dahlia viciously when the evil woman had threatened to take Rebekah in Freya's place after Freya had misbehaved. Could she be as brave when meeting her sister?
"Stop thinking so hard," Finn murmured. He spoke in their native language, and the familiar words soothed her. "No heavy thoughts are allowed."
Freya nodded and leaned against him. He was her constant, her one good thing from her old life. With Finn by her side, she could face anything.
"What are you doing?"
Freya looked up to see Kol glaring at Miriam, who was giggling as she typed something on her phone.
"I'm telling Rebekah that Kol misses her and that he reeeeally loves her and- hey! Give that back!" Miriam shouted at Kol as he held her phone above his head.
"I am revoking your cell phone privileges!"
Miriam gasped. "Privileges?! I'll privilege you!"
In a move that was impressive for a human- but less so for a supernatural being- Miriam climbed onto the couch she had been sitting on and launched herself at Kol.
Freya's magic tingled under her skin, ready to catch the stupid girl, but Kol easily grabbed her around the waist. Miriam howled with laughter as he spun her around.
"No fare!" she shrieked. "You have super strength!"
"And you have super audacity," he chuckled.
"Let me go, you barbarian!"
A mischievous look took over his face. "Alright."
He dropped her.
"Kol!" snapped Freya, Elijah, and Finn.
Miriam had landed dramatically, but not very hard. From her place on the floor she glared at Kol before turning her gaze on Niklaus.
"Klaus, help me out!" Miriam pleaded.
He sighed, the picture of longsuffering, but set down his sketchbook and started to move towards Kol.
"Hey, now, this was between me and the lady," Kol warned as he began to back away.
"Sorry, mate, but she called in reinforcements," Klaus shrugged before charging.
Kol let out an undignified yelp and dashed away, Klaus hot on his heels.
"Yes!" Miriam encouraged. "Get him!"
"Children, the lot of you," Elijah shook his head, a fond smile tugging at his lips.
Freya laughed. Her family was flawed, but enjoyable all the same.
"You've been avoiding me."
Freya froze.
Her day had been going so well. Since she woke up from her cursed sleep, most of her days were going well. She filled her days spending time with her brothers: she would commiserate with Finn over their shared pain, she would learn history from Elijah, Kol was teaching her magical techniques and spells, and Klaus accosted her with needling questions in a horrible attempt at getting to know her. Freya had even written a few letters to Rebekah. She was trying to connect with her wild family, and for the most part she was succeeding.
She was even trying to get to know Miriam. The human girl was friendly, if somewhat cautious to interrupt whenever Freya was with one of her brothers. She willingly shared her space with Freya, and even gave her an opportunity to have friends. Miriam, Jenna, and Caroline had taken Freya shopping, and the experience had been wonderful. For the first time ever, Freya had spent time with a group of women that didn't want her for her powers and didn't fear her. She chose clothes that she wanted while spending time with women who weren't going to hurt her.
Everything was perfect… except for Keelin.
Freya knew that Keelin was her soulmate. She had dreamed about Keelin for the past couple of years. It was another thing she had in common with Finn and Kol- they both had watched their mate from afar, unable to do anything but watch. Freya could only observe as Keelin entered college and began to live her adult life. She watched as Keelin decided on a career path, as she made friends, and dated women. She experienced Keelin's joy as her family grew with the addition of her brother's children. And as she witnessed all the little moments that made Keelin Keelin, she became terrified.
And so Freya avoided her to the best of her abilities. She refused invitations to events where she knew the werewolf was going to be at. It wasn't too difficult; Keelin was a dedicated student and had little time for frivolities.
But as Freya turned around and saw Keelin standing in the doorway to the greenhouse, she realized her luck had run out.
"I'm not avoiding you," Freya lied stubbornly. "We have not been formally introduced, as a matter of fact."
"Because you keep avoiding me," Keelin argued.
Freya shifted nervously on her bare feet.
Keelin leaned against the doorway, and didn't make a move to enter Freya's space.
"You know, I was confused when the Mikaelsons saved me and my family," Keelin said conversationally. "Sure, they aren't the kind of people to just let babies die, but neither are they the type of people to do anything out of the kindness of their own hearts. Even with Miriam's influence, no Mikaelson will ever act out of selflessness. And I asked, and my brother and sister-in-law asked, but no one ever gave us a straight answer for why we were saved. Klaus said it was because my brother and I are werewolves, and my nieces and nephew might be werewolves in the future. But even that explanation doesn't account for why we were treated so well. The Mikaelsons helped my brother find work and a house in a good neighborhood. Miriam and Caroline watch the kids. My brother and I have faced no pressure into becoming hybrids, even though Klaus is working on making an army."
Freya stayed silent. Dread curdled in her stomach like bad milk.
"Then one night one of the hybrids asked Miriam how the soulmate bond worked. She talked about shared dreams and an instant connection that felt like a piece of a puzzle snapping into place. And then I saw you ducking out of the room to avoid me, and I felt the puzzle piece clicking into place."
Keelin took a step forward, anger and confusion in her eyes.
"You are my mate. I'm sure of it. You're my mate and you are avoiding me."
"It's for your own good!" Freya blurted out.
Keelin's dark eyes blazed. "You don't get to tell me what's good for me. Only I get to make that decision."
"You don't understand," Freya pleaded. "Dahlia is evil!"
"Dahlia? What does that bitch have to do with anything?" Keelin demanded.
"She will wake in two years. And when she does, she will realize I broke her spells and come after me. I am her last chance at having a powerful coven, and she will use you to make me do whatever she wants," Freya pleaded. "You are safe if you stay away from me. She can never know what you mean to me."
"I will never mean anything to you if you don't spend time with me," Keelin said. "And I don't fear your horrible aunt."
"You should! Keelin, she is ruthless. She would kill you just to torture me. She would kill your entire family! Do you really want to risk the children's lives just to be with me?"
Keelin growled. "Don't bring the babies into this."
"I have to! You have to understand that the woman who killed entire villages won't hesitate to harm your nieces and nephew."
"We can protect them! Freya, you're not alone anymore. You have your brothers and sister, the pack, an army of Strix vampires, and many witch covens willing to help. We will kill Dahlia. I don't doubt that. But you have to decide if you want to live in fear of your aunt or if you want to live your life how you want to."
Keelin reached out and cupped Freya's cheek, which was wet with tears. Freya hadn't realized that the werewolf had gotten so close. Against every self-preservation instinct, she leaned into the warm, gentle touch.
"If you're not ready for a relationship, that's fine," Keelin murmured. "I'm not going to force you into anything you don't want to do; I won't be another person in your life that takes away your choices. But if you want to try, I'm here and I'm willing to get to know you. I want to get to know you. I think you're brave and strong and very pretty."
Freya blushed.
"I am not brave. I am terrified of my aunt." She feared her aunt's destructive hand, but more than that, she feared being alone again. She feared she would wake up one day and realize she had dreamt her family reunion and her freedom. She was the furthest thing from brave. She was a coward, through and through.
"We will kill your aunt. And one day you will be brave." Keelin was so sure of herself, and Freya truly wished she could possess the same stark confidence. "And when that day comes, let me know. I'd love to take you out for dinner."
Keelin kissed Freya's cheek, then left.
Freya continued to avoid her werewolf, though mostly out of embarrassment. Keelin's observations had hit true, but Freya didn't want to dwell on it. So she kept busy, making sure that Keelin wouldn't be at the places that Freya would be. It was easy, especially with Keelin in school and the holidays coming up.
Freya wasn't religious. She still observed her parents' religious faiths, but without any of the religious fervor. Where were the gods when she had been taken by Dahlia? Despite her disdain for worship in any form, she threw herself into the planning of the fall and winter holidays. The modern, celebrated holidays- Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Muharram, the New Year by the Gregorian calendar- were coming up. Freya and her siblings were mixing their childhood traditions (and traditions they had picked up during their long lifetimes) into the holiday rotation. Freya had been delighted to find out that her siblings had kept some traditions and modernized them, including the Last Harvest. Harvest time was not just a central day but small acts during a long period of time. During this time, Klaus made offerings to the lang spirits and to the Old Gods. Kol left small portions of grains and other crops around the property of the mansion as Harvest offerings. Elijah celebrated by giving large monetary donations to charities in Roanoke. Finn had suggested that instead of a festival for the end of Harvest they celebrate during the week of Thanksgiving. Everyone had agreed that the idea had merit, so the entire week had been dedicated to harvest festival traditions.
It was the day before Thanksgiving, and Freya was taking a break from all the festivities. While she adored being around her family and the pack, all the social interactions were tiring. The laughter was too loud. The vampires and hybrids moved too fast. There were too many magical signatures in one space.
So Freya was outside.
She had been awake from her cursed sleep for a few weeks now, and she enjoyed every moment of consciousness. She was developing her own sense of clothing style; Miriam called it 'hippie core'. Freya liked loose items of colorful clothing and wearing magical jewelry. Currently she wore a pair of sturdy boots, a multi-colored skirt that fell to her ankles, a baggy purple sweater knitted by Miriam, and a plethora of rings, necklaces, and bracelets. Her long hair was contained in a loose braid. She liked her outfit. She felt comfortable in it, and it made her happy.
Freya closed her eyes and laid down on the grass. She could still hear the inhabitants of the house, but the sound was muted. The early evening air was cold on Freya's skin. The weather had finally cooled down as autumn finally set in. Freya sent a trickle of her magic into the ground beneath her, and it grumbled at her to go away. The earth had begun its hibernation, and would wake from its much needed rest in a few months. In contrast, Freya felt like she was just waking up. Her life was beginning for what seemed like the first time ever.
The earth, still sleepy, whispered to Freya about an approaching vampire. It was Freya's only warning before an accented voice spoke in her mother tongue.
"I see that my brothers were not lying about the new sister."
Freya stood up quickly. In front of her was a pretty girl who looked to be seventeen or eighteen. Youth still clung to her form and her face. She was shorter than Freya by a few inches, though Freya herself was a tall woman. The girl wore a pale pink coat over a white turtleneck, dark jeans, and heeled boots. Her curled blonde hair was a little longer than shoulder length.
It was strange, being around relations. Freya had no real physical similarities with Dahlia. But she did with her brothers. She realized that she and Klaus (and now Rebekah) shared a similar slighter build, as well as blonde hair. She and Kol shared the same smile. She, Elijah, and Kol had the same chin.
Staring at Rebekah- for who else could the vampire be?- Freya also noticed how strange it was to see bits of her parents in her siblings. Rebekah had Esther's face shape and Mikael's eyes. To see flashes of her hated mother in her siblings was unsettling, but to recognize familial similarities was exciting. The two emotions were constantly warring within Freya.
"They do not lie," Freya said nervously.
Rebekah rolled her eyes. "They are our brothers; of course they lie. But I am glad they did not lie about this."
Freya didn't want to let her hope show, but she was sure that she was unsuccessful: "Oh?"
Rebekah's responding grin let her know that she had failed. "Yes. You see, I have been surrounded by bothersome brothers for a millennia. It is about time that the universe has given me a sister. Come, let us get out of the cold. There must be some room in this mansion that we can use as a parlor."
"Miriam has been letting me use her craft room to hide in," Freya said as she led her little sister- her sister!- into the Hearth and down a hall. "She will not mind if we use it."
They walked through the Hearth until they reached Miriam's 'craft room'. The room had a couch along one wall, an abundance of storage on the other wall, and plenty of windows that let in light, including a bay window that overlooked the backyard and lake. Miriam's projects were scattered around the room, The walls were painted a calming pale blue and the room smelled pleasantly of lavender and lemon. Art hung on the empty spaces on the walls; some of it was children's drawings, some of it was pictures of Miriam with her friends, and some of it looked professional.
"Bloody hell, is that a Van Gogh?!" Rebekah exclaimed as she tossed her coat carelessly onto the couch. She marched right up to the painting of sunflowers and examined it closely.
Freya shrugged. Her interest in human art was minimal. "Probably. O-Our brothers-" what a strange phrase to say out loud! "-especially Niklaus, have been pursuing Miriam relentlessly. He's given her so many gifts."
"I almost don't believe it," Rebekah said. She turned away from the painting and sat down on the couch. Freya sat on the opposite end, with plenty of room between them. "You know, when Nik left me a message saying that they had found you, I didn't believe him. I thought it was a trap, a way to get me back. He isn't above using underhanded tricks to keep me with him."
"Really?" Freya was dubious. Klaus wasn't protective of her at all, and he was more cautious than possessive of his brothers… at least that she had seen.
Rebekah laughed. "My dear sister, our brothers are insane, and none more than Klaus. Once he starts to care for you, he will never let you go."
"He is doing his best to not care for me," Freya said.
"He does that," Rebekah shrugged off the worry in Freya's voice. "He is scared to care for people, but once he cares about someone, it's final."
"The thought of being hoarded like treasure, unused and collecting dust, is not a thought I want to dwell on," Freya admitted. "Dahlia coveted my power and guarded my womb. Nothing belonged to me."
"I doubt Nik has plans for your womb, but he will have plans for your power," Rebekah said seriously. "He values his own power above all else, even family. And even when he cares about his family, he believes he needs power to keep us safe and controlled."
Freya had seen the truth in her sister's words during the short time she had known her brothers. Klaus zealously guarded Miriam's well-being. The Hearth practically dripped protective magic. The witches were some of the best in North America, and the hybrids Klaus had created were strong and loyal. Miriam was fed vampire blood every single day, and she wore several powerful protection charms as jewelry. Klaus cared for Miriam, and he showed his care by practically smothering the girl in safety.
Jealousy burned hot in Freya's chest. She wanted to be protected like Miriam. She wanted a family who would go to great lengths to keep her safe. She wanted that fierce love… but she didn't want to be used. She didn't want to have to earn her place in her new family's home by being their on-call witch.
Probably sensing Freya's sour mood, Rebekah changed the subject. "How are you adjusting to this new century?"
"Easily," Freya said with a shy smile. "I am used to adapting to every new century. Languages evolve, as does fashion and magical theory. The first few centuries were difficult, but now I have a system down."
"At least you knew when you would wake up," Rebekah said bitterly. "When Nik daggered me it would be anyone's guess when he would revive me. I would wake with no knowledge of whatever decade it was."
"That sounds horrible," Freya tentatively reached out and patted her sister's hand. Rebekah looked shocked, but she allowed the touch.
"It was. But he has promised not to do it again, and I know our brothers would raise hell if he did."
"And Miriam," Freya added.
Rebekah gave her a disbelieving look. "Honestly?"
"Yes. From what I know of her, she wouldn't stand by and let you suffer."
"It is strange to think of my brothers- all of my brothers- in a relationship with someone," Rebekah said. "What do you think of her? Of Miriam?"
"She is a kind woman, if a little insecure," Freya said carefully. She barely knew Miriam, but she was a great judge of character- an unfortunate side effect of running from her delusional aunt. And what she had seen of Miriam's character was positive. She had seen Miriam take care of another Keelin's nieces and nephew without demanding compensation. She had seen Miriam encourage Caroline when the baby vampire was insecure. She had also seen Klaus's face tighten when Miriam would offer to do too much. "She has a big, forgiving heart that she doesn't care to guard, so Klaus does it for her. He smothers her in protection… and affection."
Rebekah raised an eyebrow. "Just Nik?"
"Well, the others don't let Niklaus have all the attention. Finn makes her meals and sweets that she enjoys. The other day Elijah presented her with four new sets of bedding in cotton, silk, fleece, and flannel for her to choose from for the winter months. And Kol makes her laugh with his antics and he keeps her safe with magical charms that he knows."
Rebekah laughed, delighted. "Oh, I cannot wait to see their poor attempts at seduction in action! But enough of our brothers' love lives. I want to take you shopping!"
"I don't know…"
"Come on!" Rebekah begged. "Let's go have some fun! We can experience this new century together, without our brothers!"
Freya wanted that desperately. She wanted a day of bonding with the sister she should have grown up with. How she hated Dahlia from taking her life from her! In another lifetime, Freya would have been thirteen when Rebekah was born. She would have taken care of her sister; she would have taught Rebekah how to braid, how to mend clothes, and how to do magic. And while she couldn't go back in time and relive their childhood, she could spend time with the sister that she should have rocked to sleep.
"I would love that," Freya said softly, sincerely. Rebekah beamed at her and began to chat happily about what she wanted to buy and what items she thought Freya should own. It was overwhelming and amazing.
As she let Rebekah take the reins on what was sure to be a hectic day, Freya realized she still had much to figure out, but at least she had a sister.
MIRIAM
Thanksgiving arrived.
The kitchen had been taken over by Finn, Miriam, August, Pilar, and Janet (the vampiric wife of the Roanoke pack alpha). Finn and August had woken at dawn to prepare the two large turkeys that had been purchased earlier that week. They had been joined by the others, who began to prepare a variety of dishes for the guests. They had the traditional Thanksgiving foods- turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, pumpkin pie- but guests from other cultures brought their own dishes. Herc, a werewolf from the Roanoke pack, had brought tamales, beans, and rice. Pilar brought enchiladas, chips, and homemade salsa. Janet and her wife Wanda had made dakgaejang, a type of spicy chicken soup from Korea. Appetizers had been set out for the guests while the others made the main dishes.
The Hearth was full of people and food. The delicious aroma of buttery bread, roasted vegetables, turkey, and other foodstuffs filled the air. The Mikaelsons, the Martins, the pack, and the assortment of friends and allies talked and laughed with each other. The werewolves rough-housed outside while their family members rolled their eyes and encouraged them. The witches traded spells and stories of their biggest magical fails. The vampires chatted about historical events they had witnessed or missed while holding wine glasses filled with blood. The humans commiserated with each other about their supernatural friends and family. The teenagers and the children from all four factions went from group to group demanding stories and distractions.
Everything was going swimmingly… except for Liz Forbes.
The woman stood at the edge of the gathering, reluctant to join. Miriam would have thought the woman was just shy, if not for the way her lip curled every time she saw a blatant display of vampire powers. Caroline attempted again and again to get her mother to be social, but the sheriff was resistant to even her daughter's sunny personality.
"She is not making a very good impression," Finn murmured as he handed Miriam an oven mitt.
"No," Miriam agreed. She pulled a dish of roasted vegetables out of the oven and deposited it onto a cooling rack. "I don't understand it. She wanted to come here! She wants to spend time with Caroline, but she won't talk to anyone."
"She won't talk to anyone who is a vampire," Finn corrected gently. "Her hatred runs deep. If she is not careful, her actions will permanently damage her relationship with her daughter."
Miriam frowned at the thought. Caroline was her sister- maybe not by blood, but by their very souls. And her sister needed her mother.
"Turkey's done!" August said cheerfully. "Time to eat!"
Everyone was quickly herded into the backyard, where three large banquet tables had been set up for the large gathering. People were sitting next to whoever they pleased, next to friends and family. Kol had been claimed by little Laura, and was sitting between the girl and her mother. Miriam found herself at a table with Caroline, Liz, Jenna, Jeremy, Klaus, and Elijah. Freya, Finn, and Rebekah were at a different table with Keelin and her family and Baahir and Philip.
Conversation flowed freely. The laughter was loud. Food was passed around, and it was delicious and plentiful. Wine and other alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks flowed without inhibition. Friends and family spent time with each other, sharing stories and hopes for the coming winter season.
Everyone was enjoying themselves, with the exception of Liz. As the night continued, Liz became more and more sullen. She refused to join in on conversation, and when someone did talk to her, she was short with them. She drank glass after glass of wine, and ignored all of Caroline's subtle attempts to get her to slow down.
Miriam fidgeted nervously and reached out and grabbed Elijah's hand. He did not turn from his conversation with Klaus to look at her, but he squeezed her hand, giving her strength. With her other hand she patted Caroline's shoulder. The teenager shot her a grateful smile and continued to try to get her mother to engage in conversation.
"Enough, Caroline!" Liz finally snapped. "Stop trying to make me talk to this-this farce of a family. The man sitting at your table killed Elena."
"She came back to life," Klaus shrugged.
"Mom-"
"And Jenna, how can you break up your family and live with the monsters that have terrorized your family?"
"Liz, stop," Jenna warned.
"And you!" Liz looked at Miriam, who jolted in shock. "You seem like a nice girl. But Elena told me you have sex with all of the brothers. When you took Caroline away, you promised me she would have an eternal family. But is this a family or a polygamy cult?"
"Mom!"
"The slut-shaming is uncalled for," Miriam glared at the woman. She squeezed Elijah's hand again, but this time to restrain him from lunging across the table and decapitating Caroline's mom.
"Caroline, please come home," Liz pleaded, ignoring the threatening looks she was getting from every Mikaelson. "I can protect you, but please, just leave these monsters and maybe we can find a way to keep you good. You don't have to be tainted by these villains."
"Enough!"
Jenna stood up so fast that she knocked over her chair. Her eyes were bright and angry, and her fists slammed into the table, unforgivingly. The entire group went silent, all eyes on the human woman.
"Jenna, you have to admit that these people can't take care of a teenager, especially one with dangerous powers," Liz argued.
"Dangerous? Liz, have you even talked to Caroline about how she uses her vampire abilities?"
Liz flushed red, and kept her mouth shut.
"She uses her 'dangerous' abilities to do good. She walks her high school friends home at night, because she knows she's stronger than any predator. She uses her compulsion to make teachers stop discriminating against certain students, or parents to stop hurting their kids, or to make mean, middle-aged white women be nicer to people who work in customer service. She's trying not to hurt people when she feeds, and she's doing her best to be a good fucking person, unlike you!"
Liz gaped at her.
"Caroline is trying to be the woman you raised her to be: kind, compassionate, and protective. She is learning Spanish and Old Norse, how to bake muffins, how to grow ingredients for magical spells, and she's even learning how to play chess. Liz, she's a great girl, and if you're too blind to see it, that's your problem, not hers."
"I… I just want you to be safe," Liz said softly to Caroline. "The others, they keep talking about a war. And I don't want you caught in the middle of it."
"Mom, you've got to trust that I know what I'm doing," Caroline said firmly. "I made my choices, and I choose to stay here."
"I do trust you… really! I just don't trust them," Liz said, shooting a look at Klaus, who snarled at the insult.
"They've treated me better than my old friends," Caroline defended. "The people here have supported me in my new vampire life. I've made friends at school, my grades are great, and I don't feel the constant pressure to be perfect. Mom, I'm happy here. And if you can't accept that..."
The threat was clear: You should leave. Even drunk, Liz realized it, too.
"I'm not leaving," Liz said firmly.
"Okay, let's just take a break," Miriam suggested. Things were getting heated, and she didn't want Caroline to say something that she would regret. "Jenna, why don't you take Liz inside, get her a sober up potion. Caroline, I'm a little chilly. Do you want to help me pick out a scarf that matches my coat?"
"Yes," Caroline said quickly, grateful for the out.
Miriam kissed Elijah's cheek. "Don't let anyone kill Liz, and guard my food from these vultures."
"I make no promises… on either stipulation," Elijah smirked.
Miriam rolled her eyes and grabbed Caroline's hand.
As they left, Miriam heard Kol retort, "This is why family-centered holidays are awful."
"God, what does she think she's doing?!" Caroline raged once they reached Miriam's room.
"She's trying to protect you, though she's doing a shit job at communicating her feelings," Miriam said as she sat back on her bed and watched Caroline pace in front of her.
"Ugh! She's so infuriating! Where was all this concern a year ago when the vampires first rolled into town? And to insult you and the Mikaelsons, the people that have been taking better care of me than she has!"
Caroline spent the next several minutes bashing her mother in a cathartic release of emotion. Miriam just nodded along, offering her support. Personally, she understood Liz's hesitance at allowing Caroline to stay with the Mikaelsons. They did have a dark past, no doubt about it. They had all committed heinous crimes- against enemies and each other. But unlike the Mystic Falls gang, they didn't put themselves on a moral pedestal. Liz could balk all she wanted about Klaus's body count, but Miriam knew that Stefan and Damon weren't innocent.
Selfishly, Miriam was glad to see Caroline so upset. Each angry word cemented her place with Miriam instead of her mother, and the possessive side of Miriam purred at the thought of not having to share her soul-sister.
As if she could read her mind, Caroline flopped down next to Miriam and said, "You know nothing she could say would make me go back to Mystic Falls, right? I love it here. Really, I do. I love having the freedom to explore my new reality and my new powers without judgment. And I get to spend time with you, which is awesome."
Miriam's heart warmed. "Aww, you looove me."
"Shut up," Caroline grinned widely. "You know I do."
The two of them hugged tightly.
"You ready to go back out there?" Miriam asked after they had pulled apart.
Caroline nodded firmly. "Yes."
"Good. Let's go see if my mates let your mom life after basically calling me a slut."
Caroline blanched. "Oh, shit!"
She vamp-sped ahead, leaving a laughing Miriam behind.
Miriam knocked softly on the closed door to Elijah's study.
It was late that night, and most of the inhabitants of the Hearth had gone to bed. After Liz's outburst, the happy mood over Thanksgiving dinner had taken a hit. Those not close to the issue had been able to keep morale high for the kids, but Miriam had felt tense throughout the rest of the meal, just waiting for Liz to fuck things up again. Luckily the woman had remained silent and contrite for the rest of the night. She had apologized to Miriam for causing a scene, and after a strained goodbye with her daughter, Liz had left for Mystic Falls.
Now all was quiet.
"Enter," came the soft response.
Miriam slipped into the room and closed the door behind her.
While the rest of the house had bright touches of color, florals, and cozy fabrics, Elijah's personal study was the definition of dark academia. The walls and the built-in bookshelves were the same dark navy blue color. The lighting was minimal and yellow. Candles were placed around the room, flickering moodily. Elijah's desk was a large mahogany mammoth that had been owned by a president or a prince (Miriam had been too busy gaping at the impressive piece of furniture to absorb its origin story). It was placed in front of a window that was currently hidden behind dark curtains. A large rug covered the majority of the wooden floors. The only thing that wasn't in a dark shade was the white marble fireplace that stood out proudly against the wall opposite of the wood. There was a fire burning in the fireplace, giving heat to the entire room. A couple of chairs, a couch, and a coffee table (all dark brown leather) had been placed in front of the fireplace.
Everything in the room screamed 'Elijah'... except for a few things. A vase of sunflowers was on his desk next to his computer monitors. The couches and chairs had throw pillows in brighter colors that Miriam had picked out for her own room but hadn't ended up using. One of her knitted blankets was draped over one of the chairs; the yellow, orange, and pink shades looked out of place, but she knew that if Elijah wanted the blanket gone it would be gone.
"You don't always have to knock, you know," Elijah said fondly. He was sitting behind his desk, with the lights of his computer monitors bathing him in blue light. Unlike Miriam, who was dressed in comfy flannel pajamas, he was still in his Thanksgiving outfit: a pale blue knitted sweater over a white collared shirt with the sleeves rolled up, navy slacks, and brown dress shoes.
"Yeah, but I'm still going to," Miriam said as she padded over to the fireplace on double-socked feet. She always knocked when entering their private spaces: Elijah's study, Klaus's paint room, Kol's greenhouse, Finn when he was alone in the kitchen. She never wanted to force her attention on any of her mates, but even more than that, she knew the value of having a space that was hers. She treasured her craft room. It was warm and cozy and a space that she felt comfortable in.
Elijah got up from his desk and walked over to her side.
"I am sorry that the day didn't go as smoothly as you had hoped," he said sincerely.
Miriam shrugged. "It was an okay day. Yeah, Liz was a pain in the ass, but no one said anything too mean and no one got hurt. As holidays go, it wasn't horrible."
"How is young Caroline doing?"
"She's doing fine. Her mom apologized to her, which was good. Everyone kept Caroline busy after Liz left, and I heard her laughing with the other teenagers in the movie room earlier."
"Your sister is strong, just like you." He pulled her to him and kissed her forehead.
It was one of the best compliments he could have given her.
She tugged him down to her level and kissed him gently. Gentle slowly turned into harder and more insistent kisses. He swept her up in his arms, and her legs instinctively wrapped around his waist. He kissed her with fervor, making her blood go hot and the space between her legs turn wet. She found herself suddenly sitting the chair closest to the fire, with Elijah kneeling in front of her. He pressed sharp kisses into her throat, and at one point she was sure that he had bitten her.
Her flannel pajama top was pulled off and tossed haphazardly away. Elijah attacked the exposed skin, nipping at her breasts and sucking on dusty brown nipples. He didn't stay at her breasts, instead he made his way down to her soft stomach and then lower to her waist. She lifted her ass up so he could work her pants and underwear down.
Miriam expected- and wanted!- him to continue to kiss the rest of her body, but he stopped and pulled back.
"'Lijah!" Miriam whined.
He grinned as he pulled his sweater off and unbuttoned the collared shirt.
"We are going to do something different tonight, vorgyðja," he soothed. Her ears perked up at that. "I want you to pleasure yourself."
Miriam hesitated. She touched herself plenty, but to do it in front of another person? To let him watch her… oh, she liked this idea. She bit her lip and slowly brought one of her hands down to her center. She pushed her fingers past dark curls and into where she was wet.
"I want to see you come apart," he murmured as he undid his belt. "I want to see you brought to climax by your own hand while I do the same."
"Oh my god," she moaned. Her own touches were hesitant at first, but as soon as she saw him pull himself out of his pants, she picked up speed. Her touches became more sure as pleasure clouded her brain.
"Put a finger in," he said, his voice rough.
Miriam complied eagerly. Her fingers weren't as long as Elijah's but it still felt good to have something to clench on. Without being prompted, she added another finger. With her other hand she fondled her breast, pinching and pulling at her nipples.
"God, you look gorgeous," Miriam whimpered as she watched him move his hand over his length slowly and firmly. And he did look gorgeous, if not debauched, with his shirt open and his pants around his knees.
The sight spurred her on, and before she knew it, she was shuddering her release all over her fingers.
"You are so lovely," he praised her. "May I taste you?"
Miriam pulled her fingers out and offered them to him.
Elijah groaned. "Vorgyðja, you ruin me."
He didn't crawl to her, but it was a close thing. When he was kneeling in front of her, he made direct eye contact and engulfed her fingers into his mouth and sucked.
It was Miriam's turn to groan. She had a powerful man on his knees in front of her, and her fingers were in his wet mouth. Was there a more delicious sight? Miriam didn't think so.
He released her fingers with a pop. "You taste delectable, vorgyðja. I want to drink from the source."
"You are most welcome to it," Miriam said, her voice hoarse and her chest heaving in anticipation.
Elijah pressed kisses into her inner thigh. There was a sharp, brief pain, and Miriam knew that he had bitten her again. He didn't linger too long on her thighs. He kissed up her thigh to her center, where he licked a hot strip up the center of her. He dove in, licking into her with an enthusiasm that was as erotic as the act itself.
Miriam moaned and let her head fall back. She reached forward and carded her fingers through Elijah's hair, urging him to go deeper. He growled into her skin, sending shivers down her back.
"You're so good at this," Miriam praised in a breathy voice.
Elijah pulled away to ask, "Better than my brothers?"
Her reprimand was a sharp tug on his hair that aroused him more than it hurt him. "Don't be childish. You know I don't compare you guys."
She truly didn't. Comparing them would only bring heartache and more competition, but more than that, they had different techniques. Kol and Klaus were tender with her when eating her out, while Elijah was all teeth. Finn liked praises, Kol liked dirty talk. The only thing they all had in common was their desire to bite her and to have her drink their blood in turn, though she was pretty sure that was just a vampire thing.
Elijah was too posh to roll his eyes at her peace-keeping response, but she could see the hint of it in his eyes. She tugged on his hair again. "Did I say you could stop?"
His eyes darkened. He attacked with gusto, nipping at her clit and thrust two fingers into her. He didn't give her a moment to adjust to the new speed, and instead finger fucked her fast. In an embarrassingly short time she reached that ledge. She clenched tightly around his fingers as she came with a wordless cry.
When she gained awareness he was still lapping at her.
"Too sensitive," she said as she nudged him away.
Elijah complied easily, licking his lips as he did so.
"It's your turn now," Miriam said once she caught her breath. She pounced on him, laughing and still very horny.
Elijah caught her with ease, his eyes bright with lust.
And so they spent the next hour or so laying in front of the fireplace, enjoying each other.
IDK about you all, but my family holidays are always tinged with chaos.
Anyway, remember the mafia!AU I was planning on? I decided to publish a little snippet of each FMC's story, just to give everyone a taste of what I'm planning, and to get your responses as to which person you like best. It's called Choices and it's on AO3 (my name over there is micrathene_whitneyi), so if you have time, please go read that and lmk what you think!