*Hey ya'll after you're doing reading this chapter you should go check out Her name is Alondra by lolurnotklaus*

"Rebekah Mikaelson. Come to teach me another lesson? Last time I saw you, Royal Street was burning and you all were fleeing from the city from your daddy" Marcel walks up to Rebekah as she stands on a balcony.

"I thought you were dead" Rebekah whispers looking at him.

"You never looked back to find out. Why are you here?" Marcel asked trying to remain strong as nostalgia warms his body.

"Family," Rebekah told him with a small smile. "For once, I don't want to avoid them."

"Does this have anything to do with Claire?" He asked. She looks away from him. "She seems to be pretty important to your family."

"She's carrying a miracle child in her stomach, of course, she's important." Rebekah turns to him. "I like her, she's done a lot of good for my family," She tells him.

"If you're worried I or any of my vampires are going to hurt her, you're wrong," Marcel tells her. She smirks slightly. 

"Is your vow to not harm her out of the goodness of your heart or because you've grown smarter over the years?" Rebekah asked. "Do you truly understand the importance of keeping her alive?" She questioned walking closer to him. "Let me tell you a story"

"I don't have time for your stories" Marcel turns away from her.

"You'll want to hear this one" Rebekah told him. He sights and grabs the railing. He gives her a slight nod letting her know he's listening. "About four years ago, my brother Kol was murdered right in front of Claire" Marcel turns towards her and leans his back against the railing.

"I remember," Marcel said. "A lot of vampires wiped out within hours" Rebekah nodded.

"Imagine a piece of your soul being ripped from you. Watching the love of your life, the true love of your life burning to death. Imagine their screams as you watch helplessly, unable to save them. Can you imagine that pain?"

"Can you?" Marcel asks standing up, moving toward her. "I remember a time when you loved me and yet you ran, left me for dead" Marcel growled.

"You weren't my true love" Rebekah whispers softly. Marcel's face drops. "This isn't about you and me, this is about an 18-year-old who killed a girl who was once her best friend because she killed her mate"

"Claire? That sweet girl, killed someone?" Marcel asks doubtfully. 

"Not just anyone, Elena Gilbert." Marcel frowns his eyebrows. "The doppelganger. The girl Claire had known since birth. Claire drove a stake through her heart but not before drenching it in vervain and dragging it across her skin."

"What's your point?" Marcel asks. Rebekah grins and takes a step closer to him.

"A sweet, kind girl took a life without hesitation and made it as painful as possible because she took the love of her life away. She's just one person and Elena just took one mate. Can you imagine the chaos, the death that would occur if anything happens to Claire Forbes?" Rebekah tilts her head. "The mate to all five Original brothers?" Rebekah laughs and shakes her head. "New Orleans will only exist in memory if that happens," Rebekah warns.

"I like Claire," Marcel tells Rebekah. "Nothing will happen to her from me nor any of my vampires."

"Good because I quite like this city. I would hate to watch it burn to the ground and have nothing left but rubble and memories should anything happen to that sweet girl." Rebekah smiles at him.

"Is that all?" Marcel raises his eyebrows at her.

"If anything happens to her, whether by your hand or your vampires, you won't just have my brothers to worry about."Rebekah gives him another warning. "Claire is a very popular person, she has very strong allies. I don't think I need to remind you of the hybrid army she has at her beck and call, all loyal to her and willing to die for her. Or should I remind you that Klaus is the only one with the cure to a werewolves bite." Rebekah shakes her head slowly. "I'd hate to see what would happen should you piss her off or if she dies, either one of those things happen, I can guarantee you, it won't be good"

Marcel nods and goes to leave but stops. He thinks about their conversation. He never would have expected Claire to have killed someone. Though he should have known better than to underestimate the mate to Originals.

"Have you found them?" Marcel asked, his back turned to her.

"Who?" She questions.

"You're true love," He says, his head turning to her slightly. He turns towards her, even more, when she doesn't answer. She simply smiles at him. He nods slightly and jumps off the balcony.

"So that's the infamous Marcel Gerard," Asher says revealing himself. Rebekah nods watching her former lover walk down the street. "He still loves you" 

"You jealous?" Rebekah smiles playfully at him. Asher walks up to her. He presses her against the balcony railing, his hands gripping her hips. She smiles and wraps her arms around his neck. He bends down slightly, pressing his lips on hers. She holds him close, her body molding into his.

"Not in the slightest" He whispers against her lips.

"Good" She mutters. "Because I love you" He smiles caressing her cheek lightly.

"Now, you've given him your warning, let's have some fun" He grins. She grins back at him. She grabs his hands. They leave the building and walk down the street.

Their not the only two enjoying New Orleans. Claire, Elijah, and Finn were walking around. Madelyn is in school, Kol is with Klaus while Henrik is discussing plans with Claire's coven. In his opinion, Claire needed to be more careful. Have a backup plan in case things go south. Claire trusts her mates to do what the witches want, at least until the link is undone.

"What was New Orleans like when you first came?" Claire asks Elijah. The three of them were simply taking a stroll. Claire wanted to see the city, experience it without an agenda. Elijah takes Claire's arm and wraps it around his.

Claire gasps softly as she sees New Orleans change before her eyes. Elijah grins as he shows her what it looked like when they first arrived. Her head whips around as she sees dramatic differences.

"When we arrived, it was nothing more than a small town. We practically built it from the ground up. Back then, everything was different. The witches were a force to be reckoned with. Their strength, their dark magic, they didn't bow to us as they do now with Marcel." Elijah tells her. "The humans weren't as ignorant as they are now. We ruled over them while giving them the illusion that they had power."

Slowly, Elijah drops the illusion he held over her mind and the city returns to her. She could feel how much the city meant to him as he showed her what he remembered. He cares for the city, he considers it one of his greatest accomplishments.

"Thank you" She whispers leaning up to kiss his cheek. He smiles down at her. She then turns to Finn who's patiently waiting for them to finish their moment. Claire smiles and lets go of Elijah. "Tell me boys, when was the last time you've gone dancing?" She asked grabbing Finn's hand.

"Dancing?" Finn raises his eyebrows at her. She grins widely and nods.

"I know it's not dark yet so the real parties haven't started but there's still music" She grips his hand. "Come on, Finn, have some fun. Elijah will bear witness that you're not as dull as they say you are" She teases kissing his cheek.

"I wonder if there will ever come a day where I can tell you 'no'." He mutters before kissing her. She smiles leaning into him before pulling away.

"I'd rather not find out" She whispers to him before pulling him towards the music. Elijah grins and follows them closely behind. Soon, Claire comes across some saxophone and trumpet players. "Come on boys, is that all you got?" Claire questions them with a bright smile. She winks at them and the musicians take her challenge.

Claire turns to Finn as the music becomes even more upbeat. Finn can't help but smile. He loves seeing her so happy. He would do anything to keep it on her face and if that means dancing in front of everybody, even though he has no clue what to do, then he would do it.

Claire grins and laughs gleefully as she dances in the street. They weren't the only ones dancing. Soon other people joined in. Claire didn't pay them any attention as she danced with not only Finn but Elijah as well.

When the song is over, she danced for another one and another one until fatigue took over. When she had her fill, they went to Rousseau's. She gets into a booth with Finn while Elijah sits across from them.

"See, dancing is fun" Claire smiles at Finn.

"Of course, Princess" Finn grins and kisses the top of her head. "Have some water?" He said passing the glass Camille gave him while he had Scotch and Elijah had a bourbon.

"We have to get Madelyn soon," Claire says checking the time. Elijah assures her that they have some more time. Finn glances at the clock on the wall when something catches his attention. He sees a woman but only for a moment. She seemed familiar but she was out the door before Finn could figure it out.

"You alright, brother?" Elijah asks noticing the concentrated look on his face. Claire looks at him curiously but Finn just smiles at her.

"I'm fine" He smiles and kisses her head. "Let's get going, don't want to keep Madelyn waiting." Claire watches as he climbs out of the booth. He holds his hand out for her. "I'm fine, Princess, I just thought I saw someone, that's all"

"Anybody important?" She asked taking his hand.

"Didn't get a good look" He tells her. Elijah pays for the drinks and they walk out of the bar. Soon they reach the school and Madelyn comes running right up to them.

"Mommy! Look at what I drew!" Madelyn shoves a paper in her face. Claire laughs and takes it from her while kneeling beside Madelyn. "I tried to draw everyone but I ran out of room," She said.

"That's alright, baby, it's beautiful," Claire told her. Madelyn then proceeds to name all of the figures. Claire, all of the Mikaelson's, some of the South's and Caroline made the paper.

"I'll draw the rest tomorrow, I don't want to leave anyone out" Madelyn whispers her plan to herself. Claire smiles and kisses the side of her head.

"Come on," Claire said standing up. "Show Papa 'Lijah and Papa Finn what you drew" Madelyn's face lights up when she notices them. She practically throws herself at Elijah. He grins catching her in the air and spending her around. Madelyn giggles as Elijah rests her on his hip.

"Look at what I drew" Madelyn shoves the paper in Elijah's face. Claire laughs and holds onto Finn's hand.

"Very beautiful, love, perhaps I might be able to see it better if it was a little further from my eyes" Elijah suggests. Madelyn giggles and pulls it back. "A perfect masterpiece but may I make a few suggestions," Elijah says before telling her 'innocent' ways to make his brothers look 'better'. Claire giggles as Madelyn hangs onto every word.

Elijah planted little ideas in her mind the entire way back home. Claire could see the master plan forming in her little 5-year-old's mind. Madelyn may not be born a Mikaelson but after being with them almost her entire life, her mind works just like theirs. Claire didn't know if she should be proud or nervous, perhaps a little bit of both.

"Mommy, why is Papa Nik always gone?" Madelyn asked as Claire tucked her into bed later that night.

"He's a busy man," Claire told her softly. "He works a lot" While all of her mates are busy, Klaus is always gone the most. Elijah tends to work from home. Finn assists Elijah as Elijah is the brother Finn can tolerate the most, him and Henrik. Kol is usually gone a lot as well but he can only handle so much of Marcel at a time. Once he reaches that amount, he spends at least a week at home.

"I miss him" Madelyn whispers. Claire smiles and moves some of Madelyn's hair out of her face.

"So do I, baby" Claire whispers. "But what he's doing is important."

"What is he doing?" Madelyn asked tilting her head.

"Keeping us safe" Claire whispers.

"Are we in danger?" Madelyn asked. Claire doesn't answer right away. She simply takes a moment to look at her beautiful daughter. The dim lamplight glowed on her face. Her struggle to keep her eyes open, wanting to know what her mother had to say.

"No, sweetheart, we're not in danger" Claire reassures. "Your Papas keep us safe. You have nothing to worry about but I'll try and convince him to take a day off just for you."

"I don't want to be a bother" Madelyn whispers. Claire frowns her eyebrows.

"You are not a bother," Claire said sternly. "You want to know what the first think Papa Nik asks me when he comes home after you've gone to bed?"

"What?" Madelyn asks curiously.

"He wants to know all about your day and how you're doing. He misses you even more than you miss him" Madelyn smiles at the thought.

"Maybe I can stay up later, so I can see him" Madelyn bargains. Claire smiles and shakes her head.

"Nice try," Claire said poking her nose. Madelyn giggles to herself.

"But I want to show him my drawing" Madelyn pouts.

"And you can show him in the morning before you go off to bed," Claire tells her. "You need your sleep, Papa Nik will be there in the morning.

"It was worth a try" Madelyn shrugs. Claire laughs and shakes her head.

"Get some sleep, I'll make sure Papa Nik is at breakfast" Claire promises. She leans over and kisses her daughter's forehead. "I love you."

"Will you sing to me, mommy?" Madelyn whispers just before yawning. Claire smiles and caresses her cheek lightly.

"Baby mine, don't you cry. Baby mine, dry your eyes. Rest our head close to my heart, never to part. Baby of mine" Claire sings in a low tone. She smiles watching Madelyn yawn and roll onto her side towards her mother. "Little one, when you play. Don't you mind what they say. Let those eyes sparkle and shine. Never a tear. Baby of mine" Claire whispers. "I love you" Claire whispers kissing her head again before turning off the lamp and walking towards the door.

Claire smiles at Elijah, who's leaning on the door. She presses her hand on his chest, pushing him back slightly. She turns around. She smiles at Madelyn before closing the door. She turns back to Elijah.

"I'm not sure how I feel about you corrupting my daughter" Claire teases.

"Oh, I'm the one that's corrupting her?" Elijah whispers with a grin. His hands grab her waist and walks her backwards down the hall. "I was just giving her some innocent suggestions" He mutters lifting her off the ground. She kicks her shoes off and wraps her legs around his waist.

"Uh-huh," she mutters, her arms wrap around his neck. "You're not as innocent with her as you'll have people believe" He smirks and captures her lips with his. She moans softly against his lips.

"Angel!... Claire!" Kol's voice shouts from the main floor.

"If he wakes Madelyn, I'll snap his neck" Claire mutters and Elijah grins though disappointed that his brother interrupted them.

"Claire?!" Kol speeds to her location as Elijah sets her on her feet. Kol instantly slams her into his chest in a tight hug nearly knocking the wind out of her.

"Easy, Kol" Elijah snapped but Kol didn't listen. He simply nuzzles his head into Claire's neck.

"What's wrong?" Claire whispers running her hand through his hair. Her eyes look down the hall seeing Klaus walking towards them, relief in his eyes.

"What's going on?" Elijah asks softly.

"Come downstairs, love" Klaus whispers standing beside Madelyn's door. Kol releases Claire and she goes to Klaus. He pulls her to his side and leads her downstairs. 

"What's wrong?" Claire asked as she follows him outside. "Who are those men?" Claire asked.

"They were asking for you, trying to find you. They knew you were a witch" Rebekah told her.

"What?" Claire asked. 

"Rebekah and I were in the city when we heard them talking. They were talking about you and how you're a Siphoner" Asher explained.

"How did they know?" Henrik asked. "We kept that to ourselves, only the witches know and they know better than to tell that secret"

"Oh, who bloody cares who told who?" Klaus snapped. "In the end, the wrong people know."

"It's alright," Claire told him. "So, what?" She asked. "They can't do anything to me if I don't use magic," She told him.

"It does matter," Elijah told her. "These men were coming after you whether you used magic or not. They obviously believed you to be a threat."

"Well, I know Marcel didn't send them" Rebekah spoke up. "I talked with him earlier, he likes Claire. He knows better than to go after her which means someone else sent them but who could control his vampires?" She asked no one in particular.

"This is why I didn't want you leaving the house" Klaus snapped walking away from her.

"We are not having this conversation again" Claire growled. "I am not your prisoner, Klaus, I'm your mate, your fiancé, your equal" She reminded him.

"If you had stayed here as I had suggested, then they wouldn't know about your abilities and who knows, maybe these men are just the beginning?" Klaus growled.

"Don't get on her about this, this isn't her fault!" Rebekah snapped moving closer to Klaus. "Don't blame her for wanting a life outside of these walls."She growled. "You were with Marcel the majority of the day, drinking away, tell me, did he spill any secrets, any hints on who could have sent them? Or are you two just too busy partying and having a grand old time?" 

"I have done everything" Klaus snapped. Claire sighs rubbing her face. Finn pulls her against his chest, resting his head on top of hers as Klaus argues with Rebekah. "Let me spell it out for you, shall I? From the day we arrived, Marcel hasn't trusted us. From day one, he's had his vampires ingest toxic vervain, which, as you know, little sister, protects them from our mind control." He snapped. "We needed a spy, someone on the inside with us who Marcel would never suspect. So, I created a day zero and got there first. Marcel had just lost six vampires, thanks to your little murder spree, and he needed new recruits. So, I made the new one's mine, before he'd had even a drop of vervain. But we all know the real way to a man is through his heart, so.." 

Claire sighs as he tells them about how he compelled the bartender, Camille, to basically get involved with Marcel. She didn't like the idea of using Camille, she liked the bartender but Claire could see the use of having her on their side.

"And this one" Klaus said grabbing the vampire that's still alive. "I'm gonna drain him of vervain, compel him to believe his mates found religion and moved to Utah so that he can explain to Marcel why he lost three vampires tonight." He tells them dragging the body inside the house. "Does anyone have any more questions? No? Good, because I have one" He turns to Claire as everyone else enters the house behind him. "What were you doing in the French Quarter today? Did you do magic?"

"I'm not a fucking idiot, Klaus" Claire snapped. "I know better than to do magic here"

"Then how the bloody hell did they know?" Klaus snapped stepping towards her. Elijah flashes in front of him and places a firm hand on his shoulder.

"Finn and I were with her all day. She didn't do magic, she didn't even mention the word" Elijah said. "Now calm down" He growled. Klaus growls but steps back.

"You're not leaving this house again, not until we know who's spilling secrets," Klaus told Claire.

"I thought you learned by now that ordering me around doesn't work" Claire snapped before walking up the stairs.

"Claire! Get back here, we're not done talking about this!" Klaus shouted.

"If you wake up Madelyn, finding the person who's spilling our secrets will be the least of your worries" Claire shouted in a whisper marching back towards him. "I don't know who told them I'm a Siphoner, I don't know who sent them" She stands toe to toe with him. "I understand you're frustrated, you're angry, hell you might even be scared," She said in a low but angry tone. "Ordering me around, forbidding me from leaving is not how we're going to solve this situation. All it's going to do is piss me off. We don't see that much of each other anymore, Klaus, do you want the little time we're together spent pissed off at each other?"

"I want you safe" Klaus tells her. "In the city, you're out in the open and vulnerable. Here, you're safe." He tells her.

"I will be fine. I'm not a helpless damsel, Klaus. I've agreed to have two of you with me if I go anywhere and I'll even have six hybrids keep an eye on Madelyn at school. Marcel knows better than to come after me and he has control over the majority of the city. I am as safe as I can be. We will find who sent them, we'll find them and we'll stop them. But I will not have you ordering me around and forbidding me from doing anything. That doesn't solve shit." Claire told him.

"You're the definition of stubborn" Klaus mumbles and reaches out for her but Claire steps back still pissed. He frowns. Claire just gives him an angry look.

"Put him somewhere where Madelyn won't find him by accident. Do what you have to do. We'll go about life normally but more cautious. Klaus, you are going to be at breakfast tomorrow because Madelyn misses you. You're going to put on a big smile, tell her everything is fine and send her off to school with a nice hug, a kiss on the forehead and a giant smile. Am I clear?"

"Of course, sweetheart" Klaus nods feeling anxious because Claire refused to be in his arms.

"Why is he still here?" Claire snapped. "Get him somewhere else!" She snapped in a loud but hushed tone.

"Well, I'm happy to see you have everything under control."

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