Claudia Lockwood-Mikaelson

Chapter 42 - [smut] Elijah's keen eye

"It's wonderful to be here," Maeve sighs as she takes in our surroundings. "I'm so pleased we're able to do this now that Claudia is better."

Nik, Elijah and I nod our agreement. I'm almost in disbelief that this is really happening but it is happening and I'm so relieved. Thank God I'm able to eat real food again, I can't imagine how this dinner out would have gone if I was still refusing it. I certainly wouldn't have consumed any of the steak I've demolished in the last half an hour or so.

We continue to chat and I allow myself to zone out while I enjoy my meal. It's been so long since I've eaten a steak and I forgot how delicious it is. And how nice dressing up with Maeve to go out to a fancy restaurant is too. The boys are just here for eye candy and to pay the bill as far as Maeve and I are concerned because they stay fairly quiet as we talk.

About half way through our meal, I notice Elijah's eyes on me, assessing, judging. I have to force a laugh when Nik says something and I brush off the uneasy feeling stirring within me. Why is Elijah watching my every move like that? His eyes barely leave me as we eat and I feel very uncomfortable. He doesn't seem to notice my shift in mood or if he does, he doesn't stop staring.

By the end of the night we have shared plenty of rich, flavoursome platters with different cuts of steak, not stopping until we're all completely full. We've also managed to consume plenty of wine leaving me, as well as Maeve, fairly drunk. I can't tell if Nik and Elijah are drunk too. Somehow I doubt it.

When we stand up to make our exit I wobble and steady myself using the back of the chair. Maeve laughs at my lack of coordination and I link arms with her as we begin the slow stroll down the street back to the compound.

"Elijah was looking at me funny all night," I mumble. My words are slightly slurred due to the alcohol but Maeve hears me well enough. I think Elijah is listening and watching us out of the corner of his eye but he doesn't try to explain his odd behaviour.

"Maybe he's not used to you eating normally. It's still a shock to see you finish your food and dig into seconds with the rest of us."

"You're right," I realise. "Or maybe he is just expecting me to throw something at him again, did he tell you I spat blood onto his squeaky clean shoes?"

We share a laugh over Elijah's apparent reluctance to inform her that I did so. I tell her the story in full and Elijah and Nik both frown on reflection. Although it's a sad reminder of how sick I was, I think it's funny even if they don't. You have to laugh about these things. Now that I'm supposedly healthy.

"It's weird for me now that I'm okay again," I tell her honestly. "I sometimes forget that I'm meant to be better."

"I'm so happy you are, I've missed my sassy best friend so much. You were miserable when you were poorly," she answers and we stop and hug each other tightly. Klaus and Elijah end up having to take us each by the hand as we keep stopping to giggle every few steps under the strong influence of the wine.

When we finally reach the compound Maeve loses her footing up the steps and nearly topples over which sets us off again in fits of giggles. After she leaves, I send Nik off upstairs too as I realise I need to pour myself a glass of water to sober up a bit. If I want to have sex with my mate tonight I want to remember it. Although I shouldn't be worried, he always makes it memorable.

I drain the glass and turn back towards the door but Elijah's tall frame stands in my way.

"Does Niklaus know?" Elijah's assessing gaze holds me in place and I stop to face him.

"Does he know what?" I ask in confusion.

"That you're not feeding."

My entire body flushes with heat as dread swells in the pit of my stomach. Stay calm, I have to stay calm. This is just a test to see how I react. I will my body to relax and plaster a soft smile on my face.