Diana shook her head, looking at her grandfather in surprise. "I…I don't understand. Why do I need to step away from him?" She looked back and forth between her grandfather and John, feeling very confused. "I promise that this man, as you call him, has been nothing but polite to me. So please let me in on the big secret. What's the problem?"
"Thank you, Diana," John told her before Sean could say a word. "But I can fight my own battles by now, my dear."
Diana gave a nervous chuckle. "I don't know if you should call this a war. It's probably just a misunderstanding. Let's all take a deep breath and talk about this."
"Oh, sure," Sean replied dryly. "Let's just sit down and have tea and cookies with the man who never hesitates to ruin people's lives. There's no talking where John Wade is concerned."
"Okay, okay," Diana took another deep breath and tried to change the subject. "I know that he wasn't actually invited to the wedding, but I bet he's the plus one of someone around here." She looked at her grandmother imploringly. "Grandma Sarah…a little help, please?"
Sarah let out a sigh, her dark eyes full of rage. "Ordinarily I would, my dear," she said, shaking her head apologetically. "But I won't let anything this man does slide. Not even a little bit. I'm sorry."
"Why not?" Diana asked. "What has he done?"
She turned to face John. "Did you do something to them? Did you kill someone or something?"
John groaned and looked away. "I don't think that's a question you want to know the answer to, my dear." He heaved a big sigh.
"Enough of this!" Sean spat in his biological father's face. "Go away, John! No one wants you here!"
"What a shame," John tried to tease. "The champagne was really very good." He buried his hands in the pockets of his trousers, gently bouncing on his heels.
"Can this stop?" Diana crossed her arms and glared at Sean. "You're being rude, Grandpa!"
"I'm not!" Sean cried and stabbed his finger in John's direction. "That man is lying to you, Diana!" Then glared at John. "What kind of game are you playing with her?"
"I'm not playing a game with her," John shook his head. "My meeting with this delightful young lady was purely coincidental."
"I don't understand," Diana said, her breath picking up.
"Tell her the truth," Sean demanded. "If you're such good friends, I mean. Or are you too much of a coward to tell her all you've done out loud."
"I would say the same thing to you," John told him slyly. "You're just working yourself up and making Diana nervous."
Sean laughed bitterly. "Don't act like you give a damn about her. You don't care about anyone but yourself."
A crowd was gathering now, having heard the argument going on. Some with glasses of champagne in hands, using the argument as entertainment until the wedding started, some of whom were much closer in terms of family.
"Well, this wedding's suddenly getting interesting, thank goodness," Klaus remarked with a grin that deepened his dimples
"Who's that man that's causing all the fuss?" Julian asked curiously.
"My grandfather," Eleanor told him. "But by blood only." She approached the men with Angelica on her heels. "He tried to kill me when I was a baby so needless to say, between that and my…" she paused and looked at Angelica. "my marriage, he was never really a part of my life."
"That makes him my great grandfather," Angelica added, placing herself beside Klaus.
"So…" Julian looked confused for a second. "If that man is your great-grandfather," he kept his eyes on Angelica. Then he's also…"
"Ding ding ding!" Klaus grinned. "That makes him your daughter's great-grandfather too! We're all one big happy family!"
"Klaus, behave," Angelica warned, narrowing her eyes at him.
"Yes, ma'am!" Klaus raised his glass, then looked down into his glass and smirked.
"Who are you?" Diana asked John, point blank. "Why is everyone so upset we're talking? Are you here to threaten me, harm me, what?"
"No!" John shook his head insistently. "I'd never do that to you, Diana."
"John Wade is my biological father," Sean admitted. "That means he's related by blood to you." His voice was full of rage.
Diana stood speechless by their side.
"Was that really necessary?" John asked him. "You could have taken her away from me if you thought I was such a big threat. But I'm not, am I?"
"It was necessary!" Sean insisted as he breathed deeply and tried to stay calm as Sarah had taught him to do to keep himself calm. "So she can avoid you like a plague in the future!"
"It's true?" Diana asked, sadness in her eyes. She couldn't explain it, she didn't understand it, but she'd really enjoyed her time with John Wade.
"I'm…I'm sorry, my dear," John nodded, repentant.
"Come on, Diana," Eleanor told her daughter and grabbed her arm to pull her away. "Let's take a walk with your sister."
"Always nice to see you, Eleanor," John smiled. "You've become a strong woman!"
"Oh, well, it's no thanks to you," Eleanor shot back. "I couldn't care less what you think of me or don't think of me. None of us do! Even if your blood is running through my veins, it doesn't make you part of my family. I don't have anything more to say to you!"
"I do though!" Angelica cried, chin raised.
As she positioned herself near her mother and sister, she hadn't noticed her father staring at them from a spot behind a nearby big plant.
"Angelica," John grinned at his great-granddaughter. "You're looking as beautiful as ever."
Lucifer rolled his eyes at this remark.
"Don't try," Angelica snapped. "You really don't give a damn how I look."
"What is she doing now?" Klaus muttered, shaking his head.
"I thought you would know how she interacts to things?" Julian asked.
Klaus burst out laughing. "Are you kidding? No! Most of the time, I don't know shit about what she's going to do next, but that's the best part about being with her!"
"I don't know how you do it, Klaus," Julian shook his head.
"Isn't that what Eleanor is doing to you too?" Klaus asked, grinning at the bearded man. "Surprising you every chance she gets? Eleanor seems like a woman who is full of surprises!"
"Oh, yes, definitely," Julian nodded. "Like that she was married to the devil and has more than a handful of kids with him, and that her husband is murderous and all that. Those surprises of hers got me turned into a vampire!"
"Good point," Klaus smirked. "I know I probably shouldn't be saying 'You're welcome' since this hasn't exactly been a happy time for you, but…"
Meanwhile, John kept talking to Angelica. "You're right! I like to see something other than beauty when someone is standing in front of me," he told her, unwavering. "And you, my dear, are much more than beauty. You have this determination in your gaze that means nothing but power! Probably the same power that made your foolish father and his relatives so afraid of you that they turned you into a servant, even though you're much too good for that. Something I say with great respect, of course."
Angelica blushed, surprised. What was she supposed to say to that?
Sean placed himself in front of his father.
"Come on," Eleanor said again. "Let's go on a walk with Diana, Angie." She grabbed her arm and they walked away.
The three women left as Julian and Klaus watched, and Lucifer nearly screamed as he was pulled away from his hiding spot.
"I just complimented an amazing woman, Sean," John heaved a sigh. "I don't see why everyone is making such a big fuss about this.
"What are you up to?" Sean asked. "What are you plotting? We were perfectly happy not knowing anything about where you were. Why are you trying to stir up trouble now?"
"Were you really?" John asked, eyes locked on his son's. "Happy, I mean?"
John stepped back, wincing at the question. "I don't know what you mean by that?"
"I mean, if you're truly happy, why would you bother arguing with a man that you clearly don't give a damn about?"
Then everyone went silent as they just stared at one another.
As the fight broke out under the tent, Elise Mikaelson was standing, arms crossed, in front of a window of the large farm house, watching the fight and everyone taking part.
Him again!
So apparently, trouble had found him. She recognized several people in the fight, even though she had no idea what it was about. Not that that was of any interest to her. She shrugged and looked away for a moment.
Why would it be? He was pretentious, arrogant, and not even charming! As for handsome…no, not really!
Yeah…who was she kidding? Not even charming? She rolled her eyes at her own foolishness.
He knew how to conduct himself and his smile was damn maddening!
"Oh, Elise," her mother's voice interrupted her thoughts. "You're here." Selina smiled at her.
"Yep," Elise gave a brief smile. "I am." She turned back to look out the window. "Everything under control?"
Selina nodded. "There was a little problem with the caterer, but we fixed it and managed to avoid a calamity." Then she wiped her hands on her designer dress.
Elise turned and glanced at her mother, smiling. "You look beautiful, Mom."
"Thank you sweetie," Selina blushed. "You do too."
"Thank you, but," Elise looked down. "I hope that I never have to wear a dress like this again for as long as I live!" She squirmed uncomfortably.
Selina smiled sympathetically as she thought of all the uncomfortable dresses she'd worn over the years. "I get it," she said and patted her daughter on the shoulder. "But sometime in the near future, you might want to look good for a young man, you'll probably wear another one."
"Ewww!" Elise made a face. "If you would have said someone older, like, oh, I don't know…Jason Isaacs, Maybe I would make an effort then."
"I'm surprised he's the one who caught your eye," Selina replied, biting her lip and trying not to laugh. "Don't you think he's a bit old for you?"
"And why does that bother you?" Elise replied. "Dad's like what? Twice your age? I'm not interested in chaining myself to a man, Mom. But if I was, it would be an older, sensible mature man! Not some man baby who spends all day playing video games!"
"Of course that's your plan," Selina chuckled. "But what if you want children some day?"
This made Elise choke and start coughing. Selina whacked her on the back until she could talk again. "No," she said at last. "That's something you want, not me! I don't like diapers, period!"
"This isn't the day to debate something like this," Selina grinned and heaved a sigh. "I just hope your brother appreciates all the effort I've put into his wedding." She was nervous.
Elise smirked. "You mean my half-brother Arthur, who I never see?"
"Well, that's not my fault!" Selina spat. "It's your father's fault!"
"Speaking of him, where's Pop, anyway?" Elise chuckled.
"He went to the parking area to see if everyone got a place to park," Selina rolled her eyes.
"That is so him!" Elise smiled. "If there aren't any spaces left, people will park on the lawn and that's that!""
"Right?" Selina nodded. "What other choice is there? That's why you remind me so much of myself." She kissed her daughter's cheek.
"Thanks, Mama," Elise rested her head on her mother's shoulder.
"What are you looking at?" Selina questioned. "Looks like guests are starting to arrive."
"Yep," Elise said, her voice full of glee. "And now some of them are fighting!"
"What?" Selina exclaimed, pushing the curtains aside to stare out the window, her eyes wide with shock. "What's he doing here?"
"What are you talking about?" Elise glanced at her mother, almost certain about who her mother was talking about.
"John Wade, that's who!" Selina growled unhappily. "I have no idea what he's doing at my son's wedding, but I know damn well he wasn't invited!"
Elise stared at her mother in shock. "You mean to tell me that man is John Wade? The John Wade? The most powerful warlock in history?"
"Most powerful?" Selina snorted. "You're exaggerating, Elise."
"I'm not exaggerating!" Elise replied, hands on either side of her waist. "We studied him in Journalism! He's on the lost to be interviewed by students and I'm in that class! He's such an interesting subject to study!"
"Oh, no, no, no! Elise Florence Mikaelson, you are doing no such thing! You stay away from him, do you hear me? If you're gonna stare at him through the window, I guess that's fine, but…no more!"
"Fine!" Elise rolled her eyes and crossed her fingers behind her back. "Why are you afraid of me talking to that man?"
"Because," Selina said, uncharacteristically snappy. "I see the way he looks at me, and you look a lot like me…so I don't want him anywhere near you." She was firm and that was that.
"I don't know what that means," Elise replied, wide eyed. "Care to explain?"
"No," Selina shook her head. "I'm not a violent person, but there's only one way to deal with that John Wade. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go look for your father's shotgun. I'd use my pistol but the shotgun would make my point better, don't you think?"
She didn't wait for an answer though, heading out of the room.
"I'll save you the trouble!" Elise called after her. "Its in the big wooden box on his bookshelf. You would think he'd have a better hiding place than that."
"Thank you," Selina called back, waving a hand over her shoulder.
Elise turned back to the window to stare at John Wade. Well, at least she knew who he was now.
She turned to stare at her sister, Mackenzie, who was passing by, all in black. "What an outfit! Who died? You know this is a wedding, not a funeral, right?"
"Well, of course," Mackenzie rubbed her hands nervously. "It's just that I caught a virus, and I don't want to spread it around. My throat is sore."
Elise leaned forward, arms crossed over her chest. "We don't get viruses, Mackenzie."
"Oh, whatever, Elise!" Mackenzie snapped, then turned on her heel and walked away.
Once she was gone, Elise rolled her eyes before continuing her new favorite activity of staring at John Wade from the window.
It didn't take long for Victoria to notice her grandfather loitering nearby, watching the fight. Since no one else seemed to notice, she did what only she could. She grabbed him by the ear and dragged him away from the group, pushing him against one of the walls of the house behind some bushes.
"There was no need to do that!" Lucifer whined, rubbing his ear. "There was no need for you to pull that hard, Victoria! You could have just told me to come with you and I would have!"
"There certainly was a need!" Victoria chided, shaking her finger at him. "Why are you here? Why were you spying on all the guests? I know you couldn't have been invited!"
Lucifer just smirked and rolled his eyes, shaking his head. "You are so much like your mother!"
"Oh?" Victoria raised her chin and an eyebrow. "So, I'm not like my father anymore?"
Lucifer winced. "Don't talk about him. Don't remind me."
"I won't have to," Victoria replied. "Because we aren't talking about my father. We're talking about you!" She paused. "And if you think I'm like my mom, I'll take it as a compliment! Someone has to be because she can't right now!"
Lucifer then reached out and took her hand as he looked her over, ignoring when she pulled her hand away. "You know, my dear, you look absolutely beautiful in that dress. Truly."
Victoria just scoffed. "Don't! Don't try and butter me up just so I won't be mad at you. I won't be tricked or manipulated." She paused. "Stop making fun of me!"
"I'm not!" Lucifer looked up at her in surprise at the vehemence of her words. "I'm not making fun of you. I truly mean that you look beautiful!"
"Oh, fine," Victoria stepped back, blushing. "I look presentable. Whatever!"
Her grandfather grinned. "Your mother would act just like that when I reminded her that she was royalty."
"I'm not!" Victoria shook her head, crossing her arms in front of her chest. "And even if I was, I wouldn't care about that. And neither does Mom!"
This made Lucifer burst out laughing. "You think your mother doesn't care about that? Who runs your house like a tight ship? What do you think your mother would be like if someone told her she was wrong or that she had to do something another way that wasn't to her liking? She acts like a princess in all but name, even if she prefers titles like CEO or Lady of the Manor instead. In fact, I used to punish people in hell who really annoyed me by having them play games with your mother." He chuckled at the memory. "Cards, Monopoly…they thought they were getting off easy. Until they realized how much your mother doesn't like to lose." He paused, his voice becoming more intense. "It's because you're part of my line…just like your mother. And my father forbid, even if I can't stand the man, your father is royal in his own way as one of the first vampires! No matter how you look at it, you're royalty my dear."
"Okay, but let me repeat," Victoria replied, "I don't care about any of it!" She raised her chin.
"And that's where you're lying to yourself!" Lucifer said. "A mix of bloodlines stronger than anything else runs through your veins and you know it, even if you don't think about it or you don't care."
"Whatever," Victoria shook her head. "Now, answer my question: What are you doing here, since you don't belong?"
"Oh, if you insist," he sighed. "I just want to see your mother. Talk to her a little bit."
"Well, why come all the way here?" Victoria wanted to know. "There's something called a cell phone. You could call her."
"No, I couldn't," Lucifer growled. "She wouldn't answer my call!"
"You don't know that!" Victoria cried passionately. "She might be curious about why you're calling! Or you could text her! As long as whatever you want to say doesn't involve leaving Dad, I'm sure she'd answer you."
Lucifer sighed. "If only that were true," he said. "But it's doubtful."
"What do you want to talk to her?" Victoria asked curiously.
Lucifer put up a hand. "It's between your mother and me, my dear. It's nothing you need to be concerned about." He looked away.
They stood in silence for a few seconds and then she reached out and put a hand on his arm, startling him as the realization hit her hard. "You miss Mom, don't you?"
Lucifer cleared his throat, blushing and pulling away. "Like I said, it's none of your concern. Now, as you pointed out, I have no reason to be here, so…I'll go on my way. Have a lovely time." He gave her a gentle kiss on the cheek, ignoring her little squirm, then turned and started to walk away.
"Oh, no you don't!" Victoria reached out and grabbed her grandfather's forearm. "You're not gonna interrupt. You won't ruin this lovely day for my mother. She gets so little time away from work that whatever she gets can't be ruined!" She paused and took a deep breath, looking resolute. "I know what I'm gonna do! I'll get Dexter and tell him to take you away."
"What?" Lucifer stopped fighting and just stared at her. "Dexter's here?"
Victoria let him go with a gentle push, raising her chin just a little. "I think so. Or at least he was. We bumped into each other and said a few words. Since I'm not his keeper, I don't know what happened after that. He's probably somewhere looking for you to make sure you don't cause trouble! Or any more than you already have."
Lucifer snorted and burst out laughing, speaking again once he'd caught his breath. "You…you think he's here for me? Victoria, my dear one, that's not so."
"Well, why else would he come?" She shrugged, blushing.
Lucifer cleared his throat. "To put it in simple, crass terms that you've undoubtedly been exposed to by your father, he's here because he wants a piece of your ass!" He leaned forward, hands on his waist. "He hasn't given a damn about my whereabouts for years now. Then you appear and suddenly he's always following you around and telling you that he's here for me."
"It's just because Aunt Valerie was his girlfriend before that you think he feels the same way about me," Victoria protested vehemently, rubbing her hands out of nervousness. "He can't want me in his bed! We've only seen each other once or twice!" She was lying through her teeth, but it wasn't like she could tell her grandfather the truth.
"That's exactly why he wants you in his bed!" Lucifer confirmed. "I've known him long enough to notice the sparkle in his eyes when he talks about you." He paused. "And from the looks of things, you'' end up between his sheets because you like him too and you can't look me directly in the eye when I talk about him.
"What…what…what…this…this…" She stammered and poked him in the chest.
"Yes? Yes? Yes?" Lucifer grinned.
"Oh, go back to hell, Grandpa!" Victoria spat, turning on her heel and walking away.
"Be careful!" He called after her. "If you bump into him again, or keep seeing him, he'll have his way with you sooner rather than later!"
Elijah made his way to the parking area to make sure all the guests were able to park with ease. To his relief, it seemed like this was the case. And for the people who were still to come, there was plenty of space available on the lawn.
He was about to head back into the house when a large, luxurious limousine caught his eye, followed by a BMW, which parked nearby. He heaved a sigh, knowing who had just arrived. It was the moment he'd been dreading all day.
It was just his luck that just when he came to check out the parking situation, Dorian Gray and his son would arrive together.
He buried his hands in his pants pockets, taking a deep breath, straightening up, and waiting for the inevitable.
The door of the limo opened, and it wasn't long before Arthur Gray got out of it, Dorian emerging from the BMW soon after.
They approached Elijah slowly and gave him brief, polite nods.
"Arthur," Elijah shook the young man's hand.
Arthur looked around and smiled. "The place looks fantastic. Thank you."
"It's not me you need to thank," Elijah told him. "It's your…Selina, your mother. It was all her doing. She wanted it to be a memorable day for you."
"I'll make sure to do that," Arthur replied tonelessly
"Elijah," Dorian managed to get out, even though he didn't really want to say a word to the other man.
"Dorian," Elijah replied briefly. Then he turned to the younger man. "By the way, Arthur, a complication has arisen."
"What sort of complication?" Arthur asked after looking at his father helplessly. "It's not anything to do with Gabrielle is it? She's all right?" He tried not to sound too panicky but it was difficult.
"No, no," Elijah shook his head. "It's nothing to do with Gabrielle. She's safe inside getting ready with Astrid and Sybil. But the pastor couldn't make it."
"Well, no worry there," Dorian quickly pulled out his phone. "I know someone who could be here in half an hour."
"No need for you to do that, Dorian," Elijah mumbled between clenched teeth. "I've accepted the position of officiant for this wedding. I'll be the one who will marry your son and Gabrielle."
Arthur looked him over. "No offense, but…are you do you have some sort of license that makes you able to do such things? I know you're convenient, but I want someone who knows what they're doing."
"Yes, I promise," Elijah nodded and tried not to be irritated with the young man because he knew he would asked the same thing in his place. "It's not my first rodeo."
"On behalf of Gabrielle and myself, thank you for doing your part to save the ceremony. It means a lot." He reached out and shook his hand. "Now If you don't mind, I'll try and find my mother." Arthur gave his father and Elijah a nod before heading in the direction of the farmhouse.
"Thank you for offering to save the ceremony," Dorian said, pulling out his phone. "But I wouldn't want this to be more awkward for you than it needs to be. I know someone who can do the wedding and relieve you of such a burden." He paused and punched some numbers. "He could be here soon."
Instead of feeling assured, Elijah just scoffed and pushed the phone out of the other man's hand onto the ground, cursing in his head when it didn't break. "Count on you to think you can tell me what I can and cannot do in my own home!" He spat. "To want to make a fool out of me!"
"Oh, I don't think I said any such thing, but please keep talking because I feel like you can make a fool of yourself without my help," Dorian replied slyly.
Elijah's eyes narrowed. "You should just be grateful I'm allowing you anywhere near my house for Selina's sake! If it weren't for the fact that throwing out the man who had a son with my wife might jeopardize my marriage…"
"Are you serious?" Dorian asked, surprised. "Are you really still thinking I'll fight with you about Selina? She's a wonderful woman, as you should know, Elijah, but I think you've lost your mind! It's been ages since she and I ended things, for fuck's sake!"
"That's the vibe I'm always going to have!" Elijah lashed out. "Selina is never herself when you're around! She has this uncontrollable need to prove herself to you and your son!"
Dorian chuckled and shook his head. "You're unbelievable! Do you want me to leave? Is that what you want?"
"You have no idea how much I want that!" Elijah snapped. "But it would break Selina's heart, and you know that's the last thing I want to do."
"When will you let go of this ridiculous vendetta you have against me?" Dorian asked. "What do you think I'm gonna do? Steal Selina from you again? Or go after one of your daughters?"
"Don't you ever approach my daughters!" Elijah said, poking the other man in the chest.
"Will you calm down?" Dorian snapped and pushed him away. "I would do no such thing! I was making a joke because I forgot that you have no sense of humor. Selina and I have made peace. We're just old friends who share a son."
Elijah scoffed. "So having your dick in my wife makes you her old friend?" He was shouting, heedless of who was nearby.
"Now you've done too far!" Dorian growled and gave Elijah another push. Then Elijah pushed back.
But before the fight could get worse, Klaus ran over and interrupted, Julian on his heel. "All right, gentleman… gentlemen! Let's just step back and take some deep breaths, okay?" He then pulled his brother away. "Julian, could you take Mr. Gray, the father of the groom, to the tent so he can take part in the festivities? I'm sure he wouldn't refuse a drink."
"Get your act together!" Dorian shouted at Elijah as Julian pulled him away toward the tent.
"What were you thinking?" Klaus asked his brother when the other men had gone.
"I can't stand the man!" Elijah cried, pacing back and forth. "You know that!"
"Who fucking cares about Dorian Gray?" Klaus exclaimed. "Is something going on between you and Selina? I thought you two were solid!"
"Of course we are," Elijah shot back.
"Well, then why are you so worried?" Klaus wanted to know.
"No idea," Elijah shrugged. "He just does!"
"I know you don't need to be reminded about this, but I slept with your wife repeatedly and you never threw a childish tantrum about that!"
"It's not the same!" Elijah told him, waving Klaus' point away. "You and Selina are the past! Gray just stole her from my arms!"
"Well, could you blame Selina for looking elsewhere at that point?" Klaus asked. "You weren't exactly on your best behavior."
"I suppose you're right?" Elijah admitted with a sigh.
"Don't be an idiot. Don't give Selina another reason to pull away from you. I know you have a record for how many times the two of you have gotten married and divorced, but do you really want to do it again now that you've built such a wonderful life together?"
Elijah looked at his brother in surprise. "When did you get so mature?"
Klaus shrugged and grinned. "A certain brunette, I guess."
"Remind me to thank Angelica when I see her," Elijah replied, grabbing his brother by the shoulders for a moment before making his way back to the farmhouse.
"You know it would be best if you apologized to Dorian Gray, right?" Klaus smirked.
"Oh fuck," Elijah rolled his eyes. "I know, but…you don't have to remind me."