*Chapter Twelve*

"White?" Claire asks her fingers reaching out for the dress hanging on the hanger. She feels the material, examining the style.

"I figured we'd try something different" Caroline smiles. "Do you not like it?" She asks.

"It's a beautiful dress" Claire takes a step back. "But it's just... white is thought to be a very pure color"

"A pure color for a pure heart," Caroline says. Claire gives her a look. "You have a pure heart, despite what you may believe" 

"It is a beautiful dress" Claire mumbles taking the fabric back into her fingers.

"You'll look beautiful in it" A voice sounds from behind them. Claire smiles softly as Caroline turns. "If my opinion means anything," He says teasingly. Caroline leaves her sister's side to go to her mate.

"You think I could pull off white?" Claire asks looking at him. Caroline pinches Enzo's side before he can answer, giving him a stern look.

"I think you would look beautiful in anything" Enzo plays it safe.

"Careful," Claire warns teasingly. "With those kinds of compliments, my mates might think the wrong thing" Enzo smirks and shrugs.

"I think I can take them," Enzo says flexing slightly. Claire smiles and looks back at the dress. She grabs the hanger and nods slightly. Caroline grins and shoves Enzo out of the room so Claire can change in peace. 

"Will you be joining us tonight?" Claire asks her sister as Caroline zips up her dress.

"You're not the only one feeling cooped up in this house," Caroline tells her. "Enzo and I will come with you. Bonnie's staying back with Jamie. Her, Penelope and Madelyn are having a slumber party tonight. Jamie is the DJ/Movie changer/Food getter" Claire laughs to herself.

"Be careful, tonight isn't going to be all fun and games" Claire warns her.

"Is it ever with you Mikaelson's?" Caroline grins. Claire's smile falters as she looks down at her engagement ring. Everything's been so busy that they haven't had the time to even start planning the wedding. "It'll happen" Caroline grabs Claire's hand. "When the time is right"

"I wish the right time would come a little quicker" Claire mutters. Caroline smiles and hugs her sister.

"You're going to have the biggest and grandest wedding" Caroline whispers. The two of them pull away. "Now, let's get you looking perfect" Caroline winks at her.

"Mommy?... Mommy?" Madelyn asks walking down the hall. 

"She's in here," Caroline says poking her head out into the hallway. Madelyn grins and follows her aunt into the room.

"Mommy, you look pretty," Madelyn says. Claire's heart swells looking at her daughter.

"Thank you Mad Cat" Madelyn grins and walks over to her mother. 

"Where are you going?" Madelyn asks.

"To a boring, adult party" Claire rolls her eyes playfully. She kneels in front of her daughter. "I hear you're having a slumber party with Aunt Bonnie and Aunt Penny"

"I am we're gonna watch movies and bake cookies and draw pictures" Madelyn explains excitedly. "Papa Klaus gave me some ideas" Claire resists the urge to facepalm. She wonders what her mates are doing to her innocent daughter.

"That sounds so much more fun than what I'm going to be doing" Claire playfully falls asleep making Madelyn giggle. Claire smiles at her and kisses her forehead before standing up.

"Maddie" Caroline calls. "Come help me pick out some shoes" Madelyn grins and walks to her aunt.

"These ones" Madelyn picks out.

"That's exactly what I was thinking" Caroline grins and high fives Madelyn. "Put these on" Caroline hands her the heels. "I'm gonna go put on my dress" She walks out of the room.

"Do you like it here Maddie?" Claire asks. From what it looks like Madelyn seems to be having fun. She can go on and on about school and she almost never has a frown on her face. However, Claire hasn't really asked Madelyn how she feels. Madelyn shrugs slightly.

"It's fun," She tells her honestly. "It would be funner with a cat" She hints mischievously.

"Oh, really?" Claire asks smiling. Madelyn nods enthusiastically.

"Papa Kol says they'll chase the mice out of the barn," Madelyn says.

"Is that what he said?" Claire tilts her head.

"Yep," Madelyn nods. "So, you can see we need a cat," Madelyn tells her shrugging nonchalantly. 

"Oh, we do, do we?" Claire grins as Madelyn twists in her spot.

"It's essential" Madelyn tries the big word Kol had taught her. Claire laughs kissing her forehead.

"We'll see" Claire whispers. "Now go get ready for your party" Madelyn nods and dashes off. "Kol, I could strangle you" She mutters putting on her white heels.

"And what has my brother done... now?" Elijah says walking into the room. He slowly stops talking as he takes her image in. Claire looks up and smiles.

"Trouble with your cufflinks, love?" Claire smirks standing up. Elijah snaps out of his thoughts as she walks towards him.

"Bloody things just don't want to cooperate" He grins slyly. Claire hums and takes his hands in hers.

"Allow me to assist you" She mutters her eyes zeroing in on his wrists. He smiles and kisses her forehead.

"You look radiant, Elskan" He whispers to her. She smiles up at him when she finishes his cufflinks. She then reaches up and readjusts his tie. "Are you sure you wish to attend?" He asks her softly.

"You'll keep me safe, right?" She asks in the same tone.

"Of course," He says instantly. She smiles and caresses his cheeks.

"Then yes, I want to attend" She brings his lips to his. His body relaxes as she kisses him. She pulls away a moment later but stays within his embrace, their heads leaning on each other. "Nothing will happen to me" She promises him. He sighs softly wishing they could just stay in this spot, in this moment for a little while longer.

"Alright, Elijah, you've hogged her long enough," Kol says coming into the room. Elijah rolls his eyes but releases Claire.

"What are you doing getting Madelyn all wired up about some cat?" Claire asks tilting her head.

"Umm, she mentioned she wanted a cat but I knew we shouldn't get one without you knowing," Kol says hoping he wouldn't get on her bad side. "Come on, Angel, she wants a cat. What's one more animal?" He tilts his head.

"It starts with one more animal and next thing you know we're gonna have more animals than Noah's Arc," Claire tells him.

"It's not like we can't take care of them" Kol shrugs. "Look at it this way, a cat will keep her occupied and something to play with until this little one is born," He says grabbing her hips, his fingers grazing over her stomach. "She loves cats, she always has"

"I'll think about it" Claire whispers. "Let's just get through tonight, alright?" Kol nods kissing her forehead. 

"Come on, everyone's about ready to leave" He leads her out of the room and down to the main floor.

"Perfect, you look absolutely perfect" Klaus compliments instantly. She smiles at him leaving Kol's arms for his. She can feel the tenseness in his body and knows it's because he's nervous about tonight.

"Everything's going to go perfect" She whispers kissing his lips lightly. "It's gonna be fun" She grins.

"That it will be, darling" He nods.

"Is everyone ready?" Claire asks looking around. She couldn't help but bite her lip seeing all her mates dressed so finely. 

Once Caroline and Enzo along with Rebekah and Asher joined them the lot of them left the plantation. Bonnie, Jamie, Penelope, and Madelyn would have their slumber party while the rest of the coven and hybrids kept their eyes out for any trouble. With all the Mikaelson's out of the house, there were suspicions that someone might try to attack. Claire didn't think Marcel would be that stupid but there's still someone in town that they don't know about, someone that's been trying to make their lives harder.

They arrived at the Abattoir quicker than Claire realized. They could hear the music before they even pulled up to the building. When they all exited, Klaus and Kol each took one of Claire's arms, leading her into the party.

Claire couldn't help but be impressed by the scene. She's never been to a party with exotic animals and acrobats. Everything seemed amazing and she found it hard to look away.

"Well, this certainly is a fitting backdrop for tonight's events, I must say" Klaus nods as Rebekah and Asher stop beside them. 

"Now this is a party" Enzo smirks excitingly. "Come on, beautiful" Enzo winks at Caroline before pulling her into the crowd.

"What's she doing here?" Klaus asks. Claire looks at him and follows his gaze seeing Cami, the bartender.

"What better way to distract Marcel than to put his very human new girl in a room chock full of vampires?" Rebekah smirks before pulling Asher towards the bartender. Claire sighs hoping nothing would happen to Cami. She likes Cami from the few conversations she's had with her.

"You and your sister have fun being diabolical, I'm going to try and enjoy myself" Claire grins kissing Klaus's neck before pulling Kol off to the side. Henrik slips past his brothers following Claire and Kol.

"Thirsty, Angel?" Kol asks leading her to the bar. She nods and Kol orders her water.

"I wasn't sure if you were going to show" Claire turns and smiles at Marcel. "You look beautiful" He compliments walking towards her to either give her a friendly kiss on the cheek or a small hug. Either way, Kol doesn't let him get within a foot of her.

"Admire from afar, friend" Kol smirks. Marcel smirks back with a clenched jaw.

"Boys" Claire presses a hand on Kol's chest calming him down. "You sure know how to throw a party," She tells him. "Puts the ones back home to shame"

"We aim to please" Marcel nods his head to her. "If you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask." Claire nods her head and he slips back into the crowd.

"I cannot wait until we end him" Kol growls. Claire kisses him which successfully silences him.

"A little quieter, love" She whispers. "We are surrounded by his loyalists" Kol rolls his eyes but doesn't say anything.

"Parties have changed since the 10th century" Henrik notes sipping on his bourbon.

"Well the dancing isn't that complicated," Claire says setting her drink down. "Wanna give it a whirl?" She grins grabbing Henrik's hand. Kol pouts dramatically. 

"Don't mind if I do" He smirks letting her lead him to the dance floor. He twirls her into his arms and the two of them sway. "Everything seems to be calm," He says looking around. Claire takes in her surroundings as well. 

Finn has joined Kol at the bar, both of the brothers watching her closely. Klaus is talking to Cami, keeping the bartender interested in Marcel. Elijah lingers by the Original Hybrid but doesn't engage in the discussion. His eyes are watchful, protective. Rebekah and Asher speak with Marcel. Marcel still couldn't believe she's found her mate, he didn't want to believe it. Asher seems to be enjoying his ability to dangle Rebekah in front of her ex all too much but Rebekah doesn't seem to mind.

"Do you ever miss the 10th century?" Claire asks him. He frowns his eyebrows at the question. "Miss the simplicity of everyone being human. No supernatural war-"

"Just hiding in fear of the werewolves that would one day rip me to shreds?" Henrik jokes lightly.

"You know that's not what I mean" She mutters.

"I know" He kisses her forehead. She rests her head on his shoulder as they continue to sway. "Life back then was much more boring than now. We fought for survival and not just day-to-day survival but the survival of our angry father. No, I don't miss the 10th century. I would much rather be here, in the middle of the Abattoir, dancing with you than back then wondering if I would survive to see the end of the day."

"I love you" She whispers to him.

"I love you more, Angel" He kisses her lips lightly. When he pulls away he twirls her into another pair of arms.

"So, about that cat" Kol smirks. Claire grins giggling quietly.

"She can have a cat" She nods. Kol grins victoriously. He picks Claire up by the waist and spins her into the air. She squeals and giggles. He grins and sets her back on her feet.

"And just like that, I'm her favorite Papa" Claire wraps her arms around his neck, hugging him as they swayed. 

By the time the plan is being put into place, Claire is dancing with Elijah. They were having a peaceful conversation when his attention was pulled elsewhere. She follows his gaze and notices Marcel walking away from Cami and up to Thierry.

"Perhaps we should take our leave before something gets out of hand," Elijah says. Claire goes to argue but Elijah doesn't let her. "You came to the party, you exchanged pleasantries with Marcel and danced with 4/5's of your mates. Now things are starting to get risky, please, let's go home and let them handle it."

"Fine" Claire gives in. Elijah relaxes and kisses her forehead. He then makes eye contact with Klaus. His younger brother gives him a nod, knowing that Elijah was taking Claire home. Wanting to see the action Kol decides to stick around with Klaus. "Caroline" Claire says seeing her from across the courtyard. Her twin turns and looks at Claire. Claire nods to Marcel and Caroline realizes what's happening. 

"Come, the car it upfront," Finn says approaching Elijah and Claire. 

"Such a pity" Claire whispers to herself not wanting to leave the party but knowing it was for the best. "I used to love wearing heels" Claire mutters while slowly pulling them off.

Elijah smiles softly, feeling much more relaxed with Claire away from possible danger. He grabs her legs and pulls them onto his lap. She sighs softly as he massages her foot. She leans against Finn, who kisses the top of her head.

"We might be able to get the ending of the slumber party" Caroline shrugs.

"Madelyn's probably dead asleep by now" Claire mumbles almost falling asleep herself.

"Bonnie and Penny probably already broke into your wine cellar" Caroline assumes. Claire grins softly at the thought.

"Well, I guess we'll find out," Enzo says as they pull into the plantation. Finn pulls Claire into his arms and walks her into the plantation.

"Hey, you guys are home early," Bonnie says with a glass of rose wine in her hands.

"That looks so good right now," Caroline says pulling Enzo into the room. Finn gently sets Claire down.

"Madelyn?"

"Already in bed," Penelope says. Claire frowns her eyebrows not seeing her sister anywhere. She walks into the room and sees her laying on the floor.

"What are you doing down there?" Claire asks tilting her head.

"I fell off the couch and have yet to find the motivation to get back up" Penelope shrugs. Bonnie snickers and tosses a peanut into Penelope's mouth.

"Don't worry, we've been keeping her well fed" Bonnie says before drunkenly laughing. Penelope soon joins her.

"How long have you been drinking?" Claire asks laughing herself.

"They've gone through two bottles," Jamie said pinching his nose. Claire shakes her head as Archie comes stumbling in from the bathroom.

"I got.. fucked... too... quickly" Archie mumbles falling onto the ground beside his sister. "Has the world always turned this quickly?" He mumbles.

"They also got into the tequila" Jamie mutters. Claire laughs and leaves them. Caroline and Enzo quickly make preparations to get caught up with them.

Wanting to get some fresh air, Claire slips out the back. She grabs a shawl before she leaves and wraps it around her shoulders as she walks to the barn barefoot. She smiles at the various horses. Some of the dozing off, some munching on leftover hay and other's simply standing there.

"You really are beautiful" Claire whirls around seeing someone standing behind her. She takes a step back bumping into the stall door. 

"Who are you?" Claire asks cautiously.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you" The girl inches closer to Claire. "I'm Sabine, I'm one of Sophie's friends."

"Sophie and I aren't really on good terms at the moment, so excuse me if I don't exactly trust you," Claire says.

"If I'm friends with Sophie then I don't want to harm her which means I won't harm you" Sabine points out. It eases Claire slightly but the siphoner still felt on edge.

"What are you doing here?" She asks.

"Just wanted to meet the girl that's been so popular lately" Sabine shrugs. "Are you excited about the pregnancy?"

"I'm not angry about it if that's what you're asking," Claire says.

"You know, I can find out if it's a boy or girl" Sabine suggests.

"I thought you couldn't do witchy stuff around here" Claire narrows her eyebrows at Sabine.

"It's not magic, just an old trick my grandmother taught me. Come on, you have to be a little curious" Sabine encourages.

"What is it?" She asks curiously.

"Lay on the hay" Sabine orders. Claire slowly does as told.  Sabine pulls out a crystal and holds it over Claire's stomach. "I think it's a girl" Sabine grins.

"A girl" Claire whispers holding her stomach.

"No... wait" Sabine whisper as the crystal moves again.

"What? Is it a boy?" Claire asks tilting her head. Suddenly the light within the crystal glows so brightly it causes her to drop it. "Sabine?" Claire sits up. She gasps as Sabine's eyes roll backwards and she starts chanting something she doesn't understand.

"Claire?" Elijah calls out walking towards the barn. Claire moves towards the exit.

"I'm in here" Claire calls out taking her eyes off of Sabine for a moment. Elijah appears beside her.

"What's going on?" Elijah asks. Claire goes to answer but when she turns back, Sabine is gone.

"I don't know" She whispers. Elijah smells the faint scent of an intruder and tenses. 

"Let's get back inside, alright?" Elijah suggests lightly. Claire nods and allows him to lead her back inside. Once she's safe and with one of his brothers he goes to the packhouse to up the patrol.

It wasn't until another hour before Rebekah, Asher, Kol and Klaus return. Klaus seemed rather pleased with himself while Rebekah and Asher seemed disappointed. Claire frowns her eyebrows waiting for an explanation.

"Well, tonight was an epic failure" Rebekah complains.

"On the contrary, sister... Tonight was a masterpiece" Klaus smirks.

"Are you mad? Katie died before Sophie could complete the spell." Claire frowns her eyebrows wondering what had happened.

"Oh, I'm well away, I killed Katie" Klaus smirks.

"You what?" Rebekah snapped.

"There's no way our little suicide witch wasn't gonna try and take Marcel with her. I saved his life, and in doing so, I now have him exactly where I want him. By protecting Marcel, I've cemented his trust. And when the time is right, when he has everything I need to know about Davina, I will have her for myself" Klaus smirks.

"Davina is a 16-year-old girl, not a piece of meat up for sale," Claire says. "Marcel has her for some reason, she's loyal to Marcel for some reason. Why don't we find her, get her side of the story and understand this situation better before doing something drastic like sacrificing someone else" Claire suggests. 

"What about the witches?" Rebekah asks. "They'll want Davina's head."

"Davina is in the middle of a war. Something had to make her hate her own kind so much that she'd side with vampires. I want to know why. Don't forget that even though we're working with the witches now, we're on our own side in this war" Claire reminds Rebekah. "I will not willingly ally myself nor my family with someone who will so willingly threaten my child's life."

"What are you thinking, love?" Klaus tilts his head.

"You want to be King. We have to take down Marcel but Marcel is too deeply connected with the city to get rid of completely. The witches want to destroy the vampires. They're gonna come after us sooner or later. We figure out Davina's side, get her to trust and work with us, not for us. We bring magic back to the Quarter and give the witches some more freedom. Everyone wins."

"As long as we get to kill Sophie in the end, I'm up for anything" Kol smirks excitedly.

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