Claudia Lockwood-Mikaelson

Chapter 55 - The Mikaelson family

"My love, not right now," Nik insists firmly. "I love you but we don't have time."

For the last fifteen minutes as we've been getting ready for dinner, I've been hounding him for sex. Being pregnant has made me need him more than usual, a change that we've both been loving recently.

"I think we do have enough time," my eyes light up as I try to persuade him. "If I wasn't pregnant you would."

That causes him to pause.

"If you weren't pregnant I would bend you over and take you right here on this dresser for all our family to hear. But you are pregnant. I have to be careful and certainly not in a rush, I don't want to hurt you or the baby."

I sigh but come to the conclusion that his mind is made up. Maybe later. He zips up the back of my dress and leaves kisses on my neck trailing downwards. When he pulls away I hear voices downstairs.

"They're here," I inform him even though I know he can hear our family's arrival as well as I can.

"Are you ready my love?"

"Yes," I reply and we walk down to meet them.

Maeve and Elijah are already greeting Rebekah, Davina and Kol. We invited Rebekah's mate too but without spoiling the surprise we didn't want to insist everyone's attendance.

We are going to be announcing our pregnancy. Although most of our family already know.

When we gather around the dining table I start to feel anxious and Kol picks up on it.

"Claudia are you feeling okay?"

"Uh huh," I nod but my mouth goes dry. Kol and Davina are the only ones who don't know. I'm terrified for how they are going to react.

"Are you anxious about the food?" Kol smiles in understanding thinking that's the reason my heart is beating so fast. Luckily it covers the tiny sound of the baby in my womb.

"Maeve and Freya actually resolved that. I'm free from the hex!" I tell him happily.

"You are? Oh that's wonderful news darling," he hugs me tightly. "Davina and I were so close but I'm glad you don't need to wait any longer. This calls for celebration."

He holds up a glass of champagne and offers me one as he calls Maeve over and teases her for not telling her she's solved the riddle of my hex.

I politely decline the alcohol and Maeve takes the glass instead, covering up my refusal. Kol doesn't seem to notice.

I talk to Davina and she is such a lovely girl. She tells me all about the coven she is founding abroad and I listen with great interest. I know nothing about witch politics and traditions. I'm just glad she's happy, her face lights up when I ask her more. She even extends an invite to me if I ever want a girly holiday alone. I never figure out why she dislikes my mate so much and I'm nervous to ask. He probably did something awful.

I dodge Rebekah for as long as I can before she grabs my arm and drags me to the side. I'm ashamed and feel awkward about my phone call to her. She saw me in so much pain as my life was falling apart like an explosion. I hate being vulnerable and she saw it all.

"I'm happy you're okay honey," she starts and gives me a hug dissipating that awful awkward moment between us. "How's the little one?"

"Shhh," I cover her mouth. "Davina and Kol don't know yet, we're going to announce it at dinner."

She nods in acceptance.

"I'm sorry for calling you like that," I start to apologise but she stops me halfway.