The Balance

Chapter 33

I don't remember the last time I came to New Orleans however I can see why Klaus loves the city so much. The music, the people, the food all of it just makes the streets seem so alive here.

I walk down the street, not really sure where to go. Elijah hasn't been returning my calls and I don't want to risk reaching out Niklaus. The last time we talked he said he didn't want me to come to New Orleans. If this situation is as serious as Elijah says it is, I can't imagine it would be good for others to know that I am Klaus's weakness.

I pump into some, "I'm so sorry," I stumbled and the stranger catches me. I look up at him slowly and see a handsome and very attractive man. He has dark skin, brown eyes, shaven hair and appears to physically be in his late 20s. He is wearing form fitting black with blue jeans with a leather jacket.

"I should be the one to appologies," He grins at me. "I didn't see you which is unusual for me since I also notice a beautiful girl."

I blush and quickly pull away from him, "uh, do you happen to know where Rousseau's is?" I ask the hot stranger, "I'm supposed to be meeting a friend there."

He nods, " better yet I can take you there myself as it seems I'm headed that way."

"Oh no," I shake my head, "I don't want to impose."

"Nonsense," He grins again, "the quarter is my home and it's only right I give the proper introduction to the new girl." He waves his hands around, emphasize the buildings around us.  A ring on his finger catches some sunlight and I see it's glare.

I hesitate for a moment, trying to see if that was a day light ring or if I was hallucinating. "Um, yeah okay I'd really appreciate that..." I pause, "sorry, what was your name again?"

He grins, "Marcel."

•••
Marcel offered to keep me company while I waited for Elijah. He has been telling me about the French Quarter and all the wonderful places I need to go while I'm in town.

"So how long time do you think you'll be in town?" He asks me.

"I'm not really sure," I sigh, and run my fingers through my hair, "my friend said it was an emergency and he needs my help. Typically that could be one day to ride the problem or a lifetime." I laugh. 

"Who is this friend you are waiting for? Maybe I know them?" Marcel asks.

I look down at my phone, still waiting for Elijah to text me back. "Um just an old friend, I doubt you do. He just moved back to town, he said he needs help with his brother with the problem I mentioned."

Marcel perks up, as I reach for the new drink the bartender, Cami places in front of me, "Really? Does this friend to wear suits?"

I freeze, "How do you know Elijah?"

"As I said before," Marcel takes the drink out of my hand, "I know everything, Allison."

I turn to leave but when I do I am greeted by two other men, they're blocking the exit.

"Now alison, there's no need to rush away," Marcel stands and circles in front of me,  "I'm simply just curious on why elijah has asked you to come and what relationship you have with him. Since you are a human after all."

I swallow harshly, "I don't know what you want but.."

He cuts me off, "that's not what I ask now is it Allison." He steps forward, and stares into my eyes, "How do you know Elijah?"

He's trying to compel me, but he doesn't know I'm wearing vervain. "We met back in my hometown. He is a friend and I give him moral support when he has family issues."