𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬

𝟷𝟺

The couple entered the study, hearing Nik rummaging through everything, making them amused a little.

"Can I help you find something?" Elijah cocked an eyebrow.

"Yes, in fact, I believe you can. I'm looking for a book, about yea big, filled with our mother's most powerful spells. It appears to have been misplaced."

Aeliana laughed a little. "How very mysterious."

"Indeed. At first, I feared the witches had succeeded in their efforts to obtain it, but considering their last attempt ended with me relieving a rather large, tattooed gentleman of his hands, I began to wonder if the thief wasn't a bit closer to home." He looked over at Elijah nonchalantly scribbling in a notebook. "Don't make this harder than it needs to be, brother."

"Well, admittedly, I did have a theory that your sudden interest in mother's grimoire was in some way related to whatever foolishness you've been conducting with the Crescent wolves. Therefore, I took it upon myself to carefully place it where naughty little fingers could not pry. And before you try to compel her, Aeliana does not know where it is."

"And here I thought you, of all people, would understand. I am simply trying to help those wolves! Play Samaritan to the abused. Champion to the underdog, so to speak."

Elijah smiled sarcastically. "How splendidly noble of you."

"Have you ever considered that, like you, I am trying to keep Hayley safe? Using our mother's magic to empower her people so they are capable of protecting her?"

Elijah got up and moved closer to the hybrid. "Yes, unless, of course, they decide to seek retribution for decades held in exile, and Hayley will find herself in the middle of an uprising. One that will only provoke further violence. You see, you risk turning New Orleans into a war zone, brother. I won't let that happen."

"The drums of war were beating long before we returned. I suggest you use a little less of this," he made a talking gesture with his hand, "and a little more of these," he pointed to his ears, giving Elijah a sarcastic smile back and sat down on the couch.

"Well, as wonderful as it is to watch you two bicker, I'm headed over to the Bayou. I'd like to at least them out. And no, Elijah, you will not come with me. I will call you if I need you."

Aeliana appeared at the doorway of Eve's hut, where her and Hayley were talking about motherhood.

"I hope so. As fun as it is to image Klaus changing dirty diapers, I'm pretty sure that I'll be doing this alone," Hayley sighed.

"I somehow doubt that," Eve smiled at the vampire in the doorway.

"Hayley Ann, I don't care where you give birth. I will always be there to help you and my perfect little niece."

Hayley got up and embraced Aeliana with a huge grin on her face. "I have a feeling you are here to discuss something else."

"Unfortunately, as one of the supposed leaders, I must have a conversation with all of you about these moonlight rings you want from Nik."