Claudia Lockwood-Mikaelson

Chapter 2 - The Wedding

Looking around the large room I try to spot Maeve. It's been at least an hour since everyone arrived and I'm feeling a little claustrophobic. The wedding ceremony was beautiful, now far more people have turned up for the reception to congratulate the happy couple.

I see Rebekah and Davina chatting to a group of girls and make my way towards them. Elijah had also introduced me to Jannah as I was the only person Maeve had invited and didn't know anyone. I'd spent most of the evening chatting with her but she'd disappeared to speak with someone and told me she'd be right back.

A stunningly attractive man approaches me, "you must be Maeve's friend Claudia." He takes my hand in his and a jolt of electricity flows down it. His eyes widen and he freezes slightly before lifting my arm and placing a kiss on my hand. "I am Klaus, one of Elijah's brothers."

"Nice to meet you," I answer him cautiously. I suddenly feel very nervous although I'm not sure why. He stands a few inches taller than me and I admire his gorgeous eyes and strong jawline.

"So love, do you know Maeve from Stanford?" He asks me leaning in close. My heart jumps to my throat. I chastise myself for wanting to back away slightly, how old am I? I keep my feet planted making no moves backwards. I'm being silly getting tense around a man who I know is Elijah's brother, and now part of Maeve's family. He can be trusted.

"Yes, we've been living together for the last few years. She's my best friend," I say smoothly as an attempt to hide my anxiety.

"I see, you must be very close then," he says. "And what do you make of Elijah?" He smiles at me, instantly putting me at ease.

"He's a good man. He loves her and treats her well. I'm really happy for them. They are a wonderful couple."

He nods at my vague answer digesting it before changing tact. "And you? Why are you standing here alone? Shouldn't you be with your date Claudia?" He gestures to the ballroom floor with an unreadable expression on his face and he makes a show of looking around us as if a man will spring out of nowhere for me. I hold back my scoff, I wish.

"I could say same thing to you, Klaus." I laugh not wanting to admit I came alone.

"Please, call me Nik," he insists. "Truthfully I saw you arrive without anyone on your arm, would you care to join me for a dance?"

Maybe Maeve will finally be off my case about the lack of men in my life if she sees me dancing with Nik. She's been complaining that I'm not giving anyone a second glance or gone on a date for ages. Even if it is her brother in law, she might leave me in peace for a few months if she sees me conversing with a member of the opposite sex.

He holds a hand out and I look down at it, then back at his face. I place my hand gently in his and the same electric shock I received when he touched my hand the first time returns. I furrow my brow, what are the chances of that? Although it seems unlikely based on the expensive suit he was wearing I conclude he must have rubber soled shoes to be continually giving me electric shocks. Who knows, maybe they were the comfiest in his wardrobe.

He leads me to the middle of the ballroom floor and softly places his free hand on my waist. More sparks flood my body originating from where he holds me.

"What...?" I begin to ask as my eyes drop to his hand on my waist. I stop myself. What a way to make yourself seem crazy in front of the most attractive man you've ever seen Claudia, I think. But he looks at me knowingly with a glint in his eye, saying nothing as we continue to dance.