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CHAPTER 20: HAUNTING ENOLA

❝ i saw mikael. ❞

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ENOLA HAD BOUNDARIES. They had nothing to do with whether or not she loved someone. They are not judgements, punishments, or betrayals. They are a purely peaceable thing; the basic principles she identifies for herself that define those behaviors that she will tolerate from others, as well as the responses she will have to said behaviors. Boundaries taught people how to treat her and they taught her how to respect herself.

Francesca Correa had crossed multiple boundaries when bombing the bayou. It wasn't that hard to figure out. She ran the very casino that the suicide bomber owed money to. That begged the question why. What did she get out of bombing the bayou other than a severed alliance?

Francesca returned home to find Enola seated on the porch. She wasn't all too concerned. She had a bodyguard to ensure that nothing bad would happen to her. Though she was unaware of just how dangerous an angry hormonal pregnant woman could get. She had spent a lifetime underestimating those around her. Tonight was no different. Tonight her enemy was human. A weak and fragile human. It nearly made her laugh as she turned to face her adversary with a wide smile.

"Enola," Francesca greeted. "To what do I owe the pleasure? I'm guessing you're not here because you want to make a new friend."

"I don't count terrorists as friends," Enola shot back, slowly rising to her feet.

"Wow. I've been accused of everything from grand larceny to blackmail." Francesca chuckled in faux amusement. "But terrorist, that's new."

"A human pulled up to our home in the bayou on a motorcycle and blew himself up," Enola informed.

"I heard. Awful." Francesca drawled. "Good night."

Francesca held a hand out and the bodyguard dropped the keys to her house in her palm. She proceeded to walk around Enola who was quick to follow. She stuck the key into the hole as the bodyguard blocked Enola from getting closer. However, the moment the bodyguard touched Enola, he was on the ground with a knot the size of a golf ball on the side of his head.

"I would get an upgrade in security if I were you," Enola noted before getting back on track. "Word on the street is the suicide bomber owed one hundred grand to the Palace Royale Casino and then after he died, the debt was erased. Just like magic."

"Jeff was a fixture at my Roulette table. Sometimes he was up. Sometimes he was down. I absolved his family of the debt he owed out of the goodness of my heart. Feel free to sniff around. My hands are clean." Francesca answered, eyes flickering to the unconscious bodyguard. "And I'd advise you to mind your manners."

"Or what?" Enola scoffed. "You gonna send a suicide bomber to find me?"

"Look," Francesca sighed irritably. "You are the one the wolves whisper about like royalty. If I was interested in hurting the wolves, I'd aim for you. And when I go after someone, I don't miss."

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Enola sauntered into Rousseau's beside Hayley just as Cami stormed out. The life of Father Kieran was being celebrated today. His untimely death had shocked the city of New Orleans to its very core. His wake began with afternoon drinks and would soon shift into a cheerful parade. Though today certainly was anything but cheerful.

Enola and Hayley spotted Elijah and Klaus from across the room. They shared a look before heading over to the brothers who looked absolutely miserable. They hadn't seen them in a few days. The bayou had needed them after tragedy struck. They had spent all their time tending to the Crescent wolves and making sure they were okay. Eve had been there to make sure their people were okay. But she was dead and Jackson was grieving. Someone had to step up. Hayley slid into the booth beside Elijah while Enola took the seat next to Klaus.

"I must warn you," Elijah began. "Niklaus is in a spectacularly foul mood today."

"Sod off," Klaus grumbled.

"What's the deal with these moonlight rings?" Hayley demanded. "Oliver is trying to start a revolution every five seconds. People are scared and angry. And frankly, I'm tired of stalling."

"It's a day of peace, Hayley. Try and enjoy it." Klaus sighed before turning to Enola. "In the meantime—with all manner of unknown enemies conspiring against our family—you will not be continuing with your little trips to the bayou until I know you will be safe."

"Awesome. Then we can do that thing where you lock me in the tower, I escape, there is unnecessary drama, and then you realize that I'm very capable of looking after myself. The end." Enola ranted before swiftly changing the subject. "Now about those rings . . . "

"The rings are a work in progress. I will live up to my word. We will find and punish whoever launched the attack on the bayou and you will stay at the compound for your own safety." Klaus decided, pouring himself another glass of scotch. "But right now, I'm going to finish this bottle—and the next—in hopes of drowning the demon that has chosen today to haunt me. Cheers, Mikael. Impeccable Freudian timing."

"Elaborate," Elijah demanded. "Have you dreamt of our father?"

"Go ahead. Have a good laugh." Klaus chuckled humorlessly.

"I can assure you there isn't a piece of this that I find even remotely amusing, Niklaus." Elijah said. "Especially considering I've been dreaming of him too."

"What?" Klaus asked in confusion.

"If you are also seeing him, perhaps our elusive enemy is orchestrating a further attack." Elijah muttered.

Elijah caught sight of Genevieve in the distance. They all followed his gaze to the red haired witch who was staring solely at Klaus who simply pulled Enola closer in an attempt to show her he was already spoken for. And it worked. For now.

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Enola harshly coughed into her sleeve. She had been feeling under the weather since last night. She didn't want to say anything and risk worrying everyone. She knew how protective they could all get. And while it was sweet, it was definitely not fun to have everyone huddling around her as if she was a child that needed to be taken care of. As she marched down the streets of New Orleans with Elijah and Hayley on either side she decided that this must be some pregnancy symptoms. However, the second Klaus heard the cough slip past her lips he was by her side.

"Are you alright?" Klaus questioned softly. "You look—"

"A hundred months pregnant and pissed off at the world?" Enola finished.

"I was going to say that you look absolutely ravishing," Klaus grinned.

"You're in a better mood," Enola noted. "What happened?"

"I saw you," Klaus grinned cheekily.

"Charming," Enola scoffed before a sudden thought entered her head. "Do you think that I was the intended target of the bombing?"

Enola could not stop thinking about what Francesca had said the night prior. She was certain that she had something to do with it. She just couldn't prove it which bothered her to no end. She wondered if perhaps she was the one that the suicide bomber was after. It made her feel guilty for integrating herself within the wolves. She would hate to cause them a bunch of unnecessary drama.

"Obviously," Klaus said. "You are carrying a supernatural miracle baby and have strange ties to those werewolves through an unknown ancestor. Were I to wage war on the wolves, you would be my first kill. I would string you up for all your worshipers to see."

"I believe that is my brother's way of telling you he would like for you to return home with us." Elijah warned, joining the pair with a knowing look. "Perhaps try a different approach, Niklaus, with fewer references to murder."

"As much as I would hate to throw you over my shoulder and drag you kicking and screaming to the compound, we both know I will for the sake of you and for the sake of my child." Klaus promised with an unusually bright smile.

"One bad dream and suddenly you want to be a responsible daddy," Enola teased.

"Let me put this in perspective," Klaus began, pulling Enola closer by the waist. "My father lived to torment me. It is not my intention to become him. This cycle of misery ends with my child."

"You forgot one thing in your attempt to plead your case," Enola informed, a mocking smile spread across her soft pink lips. "She is not your child. She is ours."

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Enola found Hayley amongst the crowd and explained the current dilemma. Francesca was a potential enemy. One they had to be prepared for. That was when they spotted Cami through the crowd. They share a look before weaving around the throng of people that blocked their way. They had questions that needed answers. Answers that Cami just might have.

"Funerals are the worst," Enola hummed.

"Tell me about it," Cami sighed, sparing them a quick glance.

"Yeah," Hayley breathed. "Sorry about your uncle."

"Thank you," Cami nodded. She paused. "You want something, don't you?"

"Sorry about the timing," Enola apologized sympathetically.

"Before your uncle died, did he say anything weird about Francesca Correa? We think she may have been involved in an attack on the bayou." Hayley explained shortly. "If you hear anything—"

"Look, Hayley, I'm trying—mostly failing—to stay out of all this stuff, but Francesca is a real bitch." Cami deadpanned. "So, yeah, if I hear anything, I'll let you know."

"Thank you," Enola smiled softly. "And you are doing a good job so far. Steering clear of all this stuff. Sometimes I wish I would have done the same."

"And other times?" Cami inquired.

"And other times, I'm glad because I wouldn't have met so many amazing people." Enola shrugged.

"There are a lot of amazing people I have met since then," Cami agreed. "You included."

"I'm truly touched," Enola grinned. "I'll see you around?"

Cami gave Enola a slight nod before disappearing into the crowd. Enola went to speak to Hayley only to be hit with a wave of nausea. She halted completely in the middle of the street as a horrible feeling settled at the bottom of her stomach like a shipwreck. Something was wrong.

"Are you okay?" Hayley panicked.

"Y—Yeah," Enola stuttered. "I just need to sit for a second."

Enola fought through the crowd with Hayley following close behind in concern. She broke through the crowd just in time for her legs to give out completely. Her shakily hands reached out for the lamp post that stood nearby as a violent cough ripped through her throat, marring the sidewalk and her lips with blood. Hayley gasped, catching the attention of Genevieve who stood nearby. The werewolf and the witch rushed to her side, immediately looking over her to find just how sickly she seemed.

"Klaus!" Genevieve called out, voice riddled with worry.

Klaus was there in an instant with Elijah close behind. They wore matching worried looks as they rushed towards Enola who was having trouble standing straight. This made no sense. She was fine just a moment ago.

"Something's wrong," Hayley noted.

Enola could taste the blood that stained her plump lips moments before her world was spinning off its axis. The last thing she remembers is staring into the worried cerulean blue eyes that belonged to her lover.

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Enola suddenly gasped to life. Her stiff body was sprawled across a wooden table in the courtyard of the compound. She slowly sat up to take in her surroundings. She was alone with nothing but her own self deprecating thoughts. Her mind raced when the sound of footsteps met her ears. She immediately slid off the table when Mikael stepped out of the shadows with a haunting smirk.

"This isn't real," Enola muttered under her breath. "I'm just dreaming."

"On the contrary, my darling. This is very real." Mikael purred, circling Enola slowly. "Welcome to my hell. Stuck in an eternity of watching over that hideous creature my children call brother."

"You're dead. How can I be here?" Enola panicked as the realization sunk in. Her hands automatically fell to her swollen stomach. "Oh my god! The baby!"

"That baby?" Mikael scoffed. He used enhanced speed to rush forward and wrap a large hand around her throat. "That kid never had a chance! And as if your bloodline isn't filth enough, you poison it by merging with Klaus? The deathless vermin fancying himself a daddy."

"He'll make a better father than you!" Enola spat, headbutting Mikael. Her actions caused him to loosen his grip enough for her to slip out. Her eyes swept around the room before locating a wooden coat rack. She reached for it, slamming it against his face when he got too close. Her erratic thoughts keep her from losing her mind completely. "My daughter is not dead. I am not dead. You are dead, Mikael. Your son already beat you."

"He is not my son! He's a scourge, a walking symbol of weakness!" Mikael growled, taking a dangerous step forward and Enola took a large step back to put some much needed space between them. "There is no saving that atrocity festering in your womb. Klaus will destroy it one way or another. Better he dies now and you along with it."

"Her," Enola corrected, thrusting the wooden coat rack into Mikael. Her breathing calmed when she impaled his heart, forcing him to his knees. "My daughter has an advantage Nik never had; she'll never know you."

Enola lurched forward. Her out of body experience seems to have come to an end as she woke to find herself sprawled across the same wooden table in the courtyard of the compound. Before a single word could escape her mouth, she was being pulled into a tight hug that made her melt immediately. Klaus.

"I saw him," Enola whispered. "I saw Mikael."

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Enola could now be found in the study. She had showered and changed into something much more comfortable. She had been in the bayou for days and had almost forgotten the feeling of an air conditioned home. She relaxed into the armchair with a sketchpad sitting snugly in her lap. Her eyes only flickered away from the masterpiece before her when someone entered the room.

"There my resilient little monster is," Klaus smiled softly. "How are you doing?"

"I'm okay," Enola shrugged, setting the sketchpad aside. "Just a little tired."

"That is understandable after a run in with the devil himself," Klaus nodded.

"How are you doing?" Enola questioned sincerely.

"Better now that you're here," Klaus grinned teasingly.

"And here I will stay for a while," Enola sighed. "Hayley and I decided to stay out of the bayou for a while. At least until our littlest monster is born."

"Good. I was beginning to worry that I would have to drag you out of there kicking and screaming." Klaus teased before holding a hand out. "Come. I want to show you something."

Enola quirked a curious brow at Klaus. She set her hand in his, allowing him to pull her up. Their fingers stayed interlocked as he led her down the hallway and into the room they shared. She immediately spotted the difference. On the far left side of the room stood a door that hadn't been there before. It looked as if it had just been installed recently. He gave her a soft smile as he ushered her towards the door. He reached out and turned the doorknob before slowly pushing the door open to reveal the room on the other side.

Klaus smiled at the look of surprise and awe Enola now wore. She felt her heart swell at the sight of a nursery on the other side. A handmade crib was pushed against the far wall with constellations painted across the ceiling. In the corner of the room sat a comfortable rocking chair that would help lull their baby to sleep when the time came. She couldn't stop her eyes from watering at the thought. This was really happening. And she couldn't be more happy.

"When—What—How?" Enola stuttered, unable to find the right words.

"I started working on this a month and a half ago," Klaus confessed.

"When Rebekah left," Enola realized.

"Our daughter should be raised by her parents in her family home," Klaus smiled softly.

"You, me, Hayley, Elijah, and the miracle baby all under one roof." Enola chuckled in amusement. "Sounds like a bad reality show."

Klaus was a busy man. His brother had spent an awful lot of time scolding him about neglecting the kingdom he had worked so hard for. He soon realized that this kingdom was the very reason that things had been so tense between himself and the woman he loves. He needed to take a step back and realize what mattered most to him. Even if that meant stepping down as king. He spent that time preparing for their child and their life together. But he needed to know one thing first.

"You said you saw my father," Klaus began nervously.

"Why do you call him that?" Enola wondered. "He isn't your real dad."

"He has done damage only a father could do," Klaus muttered, eyes anxiously flickering around the room. "What did he say to you?"

"Nothing true," Enola reassured with a small shake of the head.

Klaus took a few steps towards Enola. They soon stood chest to chest, their forehead meeting in the middle. This was all they needed to know that they weren't alone. They would never be alone. Not when they had each other.

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AUTHORS NOTE.
mikael is always showing up at the most inopportune times. like why can't this man just stay dead? until next time, my loves!!!