Claudia Lockwood-Mikaelson

Chapter 11- A New City, New Orleans

Three weeks have nearly passed since I came back to New Orleans. My friendship with Maeve has gone nowhere since our chat. We've hardly seen each other. I am still hurt by her hiding everything from me. I've seen Elijah in passing and he's been surprisingly kind to me. I'm sure Maeve told him everything I said.

Apparently my presence in the compound has affected everyone recently as Nik's behaviour has been exemplary not only to me, but to everyone. What can I say? He's really trying to get in my good books after threatening me twice. It's quite nice to have someone around I can chat to and get on with. Our conversations flow more easily than I expected.

I have also made a new friend. Jannah has been showing me around the city and we've grown a lot closer these past few weeks. It's been really fascinating to pick her brains about witches after she revealed she was one, and she knows I am a wolf and it doesn't bother her. Each day she's taken me somewhere new for lunch, we've had burgers, spaghetti, paella, burritos... You name it, she's shown me the best place for it in New Orleans. I'm so grateful to have met her, she's really made me feel more at home in the new city. She's not Maeve though, but for the moment I'm happy to sulk some more before we inevitably make up.

Today Jannah and I are ending our afternoon earlier than usual as Nik asked me to spend some time with him. He has been incredibly busy lately working but we have been out a couple of times each week for some food and a walk around the city. Although I prefer when we stay in and paint together. We get lost for hours absorbed in the canvas and paints. Jannah has been teasing me constantly about him, wanting to know all the details. I keep having to remind her that Nik and I aren't together and he will probably get bored of me soon. I'll enjoy his company while it lasts though. And his borderline flirty comments.

She helps me pick out a pink sundress and new sandals insisting I must look nice for my date.

"It's not a date Jannah, he's just helping me settle into being a wolf," I tell her but she denies it.

"It most certainly is a date honey. Klaus doesn't take women out. Ever. We've been over this," she rolls her eyes at me having already made up her mind.

I'm not sure what is going on between Nik and I. I enjoy the time we spend together but we haven't kissed since the first time in my room and I wonder if he thinks it was a mistake. I don't voice my concerns to Jannah though, as I pay for my new dress and shoes at the till.

We slowly walk back together to the compound and Jannah leaves allowing me to get changed and put some light makeup on. I want to look nice but I don't want him to see I've put in a lot of effort. He said he fancies me which gives me a lot more confidence but I still want to look my best. I curl my hair and then make my way down to the entrance of the compound as I see Nik waiting for me.

"You look stunning my love," Nik extends a hand towards mine. I take it with a smile and we walk down the street together. We begin chatting away about our days in the familiar routine I've grown accustomed to over the last few weeks.

"It is nearly time for me to go home," I tell him as we round a corner onto the next street. The full moon is approaching and I need to go home to be with Dad. While Nik has been amazing in clarifying all my misunderstandings and lack of knowledge, home is where I need to be for my first transformation. After speaking with Dad on the phone every few days, reassuring him I am alright and still staying with Maeve, Dad and I made up and are no longer arguing. Provided I come home for the full moon that is, which I was planning on doing anyway even if Dad had not demanded so.

"Yes, the full moon is approaching. When are you planning on leaving?" Nik asks me.

"Probably a couple of days before the full moon, I want time to see Dad first. I need to apologise to him again for running off."