*Happy New Year*

"I cannot believe she is walking." Sarah said shaking her head watching Madelyn wonder around the room using the furniture to keep her balance.

"Tell me about it" Claire said smiling while watching her daughter as well. "She'll be running around in no time." Sarah grins nodding.

"I still cannot believe you live here" Sarah mutters looking around the room. Claire's lived with the Mikaelson's for close to a month and she feels as if she couldn't be happier. She loves living with her mates. She feels safe and protected.

"Yeah, it's been a dream come true" She told Sarah.

"Are you still with Elijah?" Sarah asked hoping to get some details from Claire. The two girls haven't talked in a long time. They never had the type of relationship where they simply hung out or told each other deep details about their lives. The only time they were together is when Sarah is coming to watch Madelyn or leaving from watching the little girl.

There's been a few times the two of them have talked and it didn't matter that they didn't converse on a regular basis, the two of them felt close with one another. They both felt as if they could trust each other. Sarah adores Claire and Madelyn. Sarah always considered Liz family, a sister even, and this meant that Sarah saw Claire and Caroline as her nieces. Claire more so since Sarah simply felt as if she had a closer friendship with the younger twin but still cared for the both of them.

Sarah often remembers how Claire was when she first met her. Then she remembers how much Claire's changed since then, especially after meeting the Mikaelson's.

Now, Mystic Falls is a small town and people talk. Sarah's heard all the rumors about Claire and the Mikaelson brothers. Most of the rumors were extremely rude. Sarah didn't want to believe any of them, she wanted the truth from Claire but wouldn't force the information out of her.

Sarah knew Claire is a good person, a great mother and an amazing sister and that's all that mattered. It truly didn't matter what Claire is doing with the Mikaelson's but Sarah is a curious person by nature.

"Yes I am" Claire told her proudly. Sarah's smile deepens as she watches Claire's face light up as she thinks about Elijah. "He's amazing, as always."

"And you're happy here, with him?" Sarah asked slowly. Claire smiles knowing what Sarah was trying to get at.

She doesn't answer Sarah right away. She felt like Sarah deserves to know more about Claire's life, especially after everything Sarah's done for her. Claire remembers all the times Sarah has literally dropped what she was doing and came to watch Madelyn so Claire could get something done or do something teenagery. Obviously Claire couldn't tell her everything, Sarah didn't deserve the burden of the supernatural world but she deserves more than being left completely in the dark.

"With all of them." Claire replies. Sarah and Claire share a look. Claire can see the desperate want of information in Sarah's eyes. She pleaded the younger twin silently, not wanting to ask the questions out loud. "I am in a polygamous relationship with the five brothers." She tells Sarah.

"Really?" Sarah whispers shocked that the rumors were slightly true.

"Yes and I'm not with them for their money or for the sex, although the sex is amazing." The two of them laugh quietly. "I'm with them because I genuinely care about them, I love them and they love me. They take care of me and Madelyn. They treat us far better than I could ever imagine."

"And you're happy with them?" Sarah asked. "You're safe with them?"

"The term overprotective is an extreme understatement when it comes to them keeping me and Madelyn safe." Claire assures her. "And I can't even imagine being happier than I am now with them." Sarah smiles satisfied with the little bit of information Claire gave her.

"Good, I'm happy for you." Sarah said placing her hand on Claire's back. Claire smiles at her. "I should get going. Did you want me to watch Madelyn on Sunday?" Sarah asked not knowing if Claire was bringing Madelyn to the pageant or not.

"No, I'll be taking her with me to the pageant" Claire said. Sarah nods saying goodbye to her and Madelyn before leaving.

"Claire?" Megan, the hybrid, questions walking into one of the private rooms of the house where she and Madelyn were in. Claire smiles at her and motions for Megan to come in.

"Hey, what can I do for you?" Claire asked giving her most of her attention while keeping an eye on her daughter.

"You asked me to keep an eye on Tyler, see if anything was out of place." Megan said. Claire looks at Megan even more interested.

"I did" Claire nodded. "Did you find something?" Megan nods. She shuts the door and moves more into the room. Claire motions for her to sit, Megan takes a seat besides her. "What did you find?"

"He's been hanging around a woman. Her name is Hayley Marshall." Megan informed Claire. "Apparently she's the girl who helped Tyler break his sire bond to Klaus."

"What is she doing in town?" Claire asked.

"She's been helping others break their sire bonds." Megan said. Claire raises her eyebrows not expecting this. "She and Tyler have been trying to convince us to trust them. Some went with them to break the bond but some of us refused."

"Why?" Claire asked softly. "Without the sire bond you won't feel obligated to do what Klaus tells you. You'll be free. Free to live your own lives."

"Some are scared that Klaus will kill them when he finds out what's happened." Megan told her.

"And the others?" Claire asked.

"The others stay for you." Megan says giving her a smile.

"For me?" Claire whispers not understanding. "Why would they stay for me?"

"We may not have a choice but to be loyal to Klaus but you've earned out loyalty. You're a good person. You've looked out for us. You've protected us from Klaus's wrath and his more extreme ideas. You care about us as people. We stay to look after you and Madelyn. Being the mate to Originals is dangerous, we know that, and we want to help keep you safe."

"I just don't understand why" Claire said. "So what I'm a nice person and I've shown you kindness."

"Werewolves are loyal. We travel in packs and follow our Alpha. We crave leadership, a pack to belong in. Klaus is our alpha by the sire bond, we have to follow him but we choose to follow you. Klaus looks up to you, he listens to you and he loves you. You're our Luna, our alpha female, and to werewolves that's very sacred."

"Firstly, I want you and the others to know that I will protect you from Klaus should you wish to break the sire bond." Claire said. She knew how important these hybrids are to Klaus but their humans and they deserve their own lives. She hopes that if they choose to break their sire bond and continue to be loyal to her and Klaus then her stubborn mate would value and appreciate them more.

"I'll let them know" Megan tells her. Claire smiles and nods.

"Did you happen to find out anything else about Hayley and Tyler?" Claire asked.

"Nothing for sure.." Megan mutters.

"But..."

"But.." Megan shifts in her seat slightly. "They seem very comfortable around each other, very close with each other." Megan hints. "It's just what I've noticed but I can't say for sure." Claire nods giving her a kind smile.

"Thank you, Megan."

"Of course" Megan smiles at her. "If you need anything else, just ask."

"I will. Do you mind keeping me updated on the the whole breaking the sire bond ordeal?" Claire asks.

"I will" Megan nods standing up. Claire thanks her again before the hybrid leaves. Claire sighs and looks back to Madelyn.

"What is that mangy mutt up too?" Claire mutters to herself thinking about Megan's hints to Tyler and Hayley.

A knock on the door brings Claire from her thoughts. She notices Madelyn is no longer walking around but sitting in the middle of the floor playing with some blocks. She didn't realize she had been sitting, lost in her thoughts, for as long as she has been.

"Brought you some lunch, Princess." Claire turns her head towards the door watching Finn enter the room. She offers him a small smile and shifts to the side allowing him to sit beside her. She graciously takes the plate and returns her gaze to her daughter.

Finn keeps his eyes on Claire. He can feel her mind racing with thoughts but can't specifically hear what she's saying. His eyes glance at Madelyn, a small smile on his face as he watches her do her own thing.

"I want to talk to Tyler" Claire suddenly spoke up. Finn instantly looks at her. His eyebrow frowns not knowing why she would want to go anywhere near him.

"Why?" He asks when she doesn't explain further. She presses her lips together.

"I just want to talk to him." She says meeting his gaze. He wishes she would confide in him but knew she has her reasons.

"When?" He questions.

"As soon as possible" She tells him. She quickly finishes the sandwich Finn had given her before standing up. Finn takes the plate while she picks Madelyn up. The two leave the room. She gives Finn a small kiss before separating from him. 

She makes her way to Klaus's paint room. She smiles as she watches him concentrate on his painting. She doesn't know if he's aware of their presence but knew they were exposed when Madelyn cooed and whined reaching for him.

"Hello, love" Klaus greets. He sets his paint and brush down before moving towards her. She smiles at him. She hands Madelyn over none of them caring about the drying paint on his hands.

"I wanted to talk to you about something" Claire told him. He tilts his head and nods giving her his attention. "I want to go talk to Tyler."

"And why would you want to do that?"

"That's between me and him." Claire responds. "I just thought I'd let you know before I do go and talk to him. Don't want you throwing a tantrum." She teases.

"I don't want you talking to him alone."

"I figured as much." Claire said. "I want to take Finn."

"Why?" Klaus asks slightly offended she didn't want him to go. She smiles and caresses his face slightly.

"I love you but you don't know how to keep your mouth shut." Claire says. He pouts. "I trust Finn to keep quiet and let me handle the situation all the while keeping me protected should things get out of hand."

"So you're expecting things to get out of hand?" Klaus tenses slightly but forces himself to relax as Madelyn squirms obviously sensing his discomfort.

"It's Tyler. He's never had a handle on his temper and his temper brings out mine." Claire responds. Klaus presses his lips together not feeling comfortable about not going with her. "You're more than welcome to watch from a distance but as far as coming with me and being in the same room, I don't think so."

"Will you take someone else with you and Finn?" Klaus asks.

"I'll go" Kol smirks leaning in the doorway. Claire spins around and looks at him.

"Your temper rivals Klaus's, I don't think so." Claire shakes her head. Kol pouts and puts his hand over his chest.

"You wound me, darling" Claire smiles and rolls her eyes before looking at Klaus.

"Finn is more than capable of looking after me. Besides, it's just Tyler, me and Finn can handle him." Klaus sighs knowing a losing battle when presented with one.

Kol smirks and laughs to himself. In all his years of life, specifically as a vampire, he has never seen, that he can remember, Klaus submitting to someone else. He always had to be in charge, things always had to go his way or do what he wanted to do. 

Now here is this little girl, barely 5'3", just turned 18 about a month ago standing in front of the thousand something year old Big Bad Hybrid getting her way with a bat of an eyelash. It was truly a sight Kol loves to see.

"Do you mind watching Madelyn while I take care of the mutt?" Klaus smirks and nods shifting the almost year old baby to his other hip. Claire gives him a small kiss, same for Kol before finding Finn.

"Ready?" Finn asks having heard the conversation she had with Kol and Klaus. He had to admit, he felt slightly smug for her trusting him over his brothers.

"As I'll ever be" She smiles. He offers her his arm, she takes it. They go to the car and she drives them to the Lockwood mansion.

When they arrive they walk up to the door. Finn walks slightly behind her willing to let her take control but also having her back should she need him.

"Claire" Carol says in surprise as she opens the door. Claire gives her a forced smile.

"Hey, Carol" Claire greets. "Mind inviting us in?" Carol looks at Finn uncertainly. "Or have Tyler come out. I need to talk to him." Claire said keeping her voice calm.

"Mom? Who's at the door?" Tyler asks coming into view. Claire and Tyler give each other a look. Claire raises her eyebrow at him. "I'll be back mom" 

"Tyler" Carol said worriedly.

"It's fine" Tyler give her a smile. He walks out of the house. Claire leads him further away into the garden. She gives Finn a small smile. He kisses her forehead before creating some distance between him and them but stayed within hearing range. "What can I do for you?" Tyler asked feeling slightly nervous.

"Who's Hayley Marshall?" She asks right off the bat. Tyler tenses slightly not knowing how Claire knew about Hayley. 

"A friend" Tyler said.

"Let me make is simple for you" Claire said facing him more. "If you promise not to lie to me then I won't tell Klaus about you and her helping the hybrids break the sire bond." Claire said.

Claire wouldn't let Klaus hurt the hybrids that broke the bond but Tyler didn't know that. She believed they had a right to free will and a life of their own. If they wanted to break the bond, so be it, as long as they didn't turn on Klaus and try to harm him or her family.

"How do you know?" Tyler asked.

"You're not as clever as you think" Claire snorts shaking her head. "So, why don't you tell me who Hayley is"

"Why don't you ask her yourself?" Claire turns around seeing a dark haired female walking towards her. Finn steps in front of her preventing her from moving closer. Hayley glares at Finn with a low growl but he's not even slightly intimidated.

"Alright" Claire nods moving closer to her but stops when Finn gives her a look. Hayley watches the interaction and the dots connect. "Who are you?"

"Hayley Marshall" She smirks. Claire gives her an unimpressed look.

"What's your relation to Tyler?" Claire asks.

"Why do you care?"

"I don't give a fuck about Tyler or you for that matter." Claire shrugs. "But you see, Tyler is involved with my twin sister who I do love very much. So now I play the role of protective sister because I know just how much of a backstabbing, cheating, good-for-nothing coward he is."

"I'm nothing but a friend to Tyler" Hayley shrugs. "Just a friend helping a friend out." Claire stares into Hayley's smug smile. She didn't like her. She didn't like the cockiness. 

Claire looks away from her and turns to Tyler slowly. He looks nervous. His eyes are bouncing from Claire to Hayley to Finn to Claire and so forth. She didn't need to be a vampire to know his heart is pounding. Claire smirks and moves closer to Tyler.

"When Caroline finds out that you cheated on her with Hayley, I will take pleasure in ending your pathetic waste of space." Claire whispers to him.

"I didn't cheat" Tyler says strongly. Claire shakes her head.

"If I were you, I'd come clean to Caroline. I'd beg for her forgiveness and then I'd get the fuck out of town and pray that I don't find you." She whispers. "I'm giving you your only warning and your only head start." She tells him. "I personally may not be very resourceful but my mates have people all over the world, remember that."

Tyler and Claire stare at each other for a few moments before turning back around. She walks over to Hayley ignoring the uncomfortable look Finn gave her when Claire got too close to the werewolf. Hayley and Claire look at one another.

"Be careful." Claire warns. Hayley narrows her eyes at Claire. "I've said everything I wanted to say, lets get going." Claire said wrapping her arm around Finn's.

"I didn't cheat on Caroline" Tyler snapped marching towards her. Claire turns to him, still holding onto Finn. "I messed up when it came to you and I know you'll never forgive me but I love Caroline, I truly do. I would never go behind her back like that. I'm just friends with Hayley, all we're trying to do is help a few of our friends out. So why don't you make sure your facts are right before you come on my property and start threatening me" Tyler snapped.

"Tell her or I will" Claire said simply before leaving with Finn.