BLONDIE • the mikaelsons

chapter twenty two

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO

True to my expectations, my homecoming had not been the warmest of welcomes, especially after news spread of my engagement to a certain hybrid. I should have known that Jeremy wouldn't be able to keep his mouth shut.

After a quick phone call with Jenna, who was still staying on campus, I learnt the reason she had remained quiet about the engagement. My aunt was still overwhelmed with guilt about the unwilling role she had played in Klaus' scheme. She knew the complexity of the situation and thought it best that I decided when and who to tell.

Jenna was my rock and I was so grateful to have her in my life. I didn't blame her for my engagement; I was too busy thanking my lucky stars that she was still alive.

Now that I was back in Mystic Falls, I had taken Lauren up on her job offer. It was the best option I had to keep dancing and the children I taught were quickly becoming my favourite people in town. Teaching at the studio with Lauren was also a great way to avoid drama.

From prior experience, I knew that staying out of drama in Mystic Falls was nearly impossible. Given that I was stuck here for the foreseeable future, I had compiled a step-by-step guide to keep myself out of trouble.

EMILIA'S MYSTIC FALLS SURVIVAL GUIDE:

1. When you see a member of the Scooby Gang, run.

2. Keep a water pistol full of vervain on your person at all times.

3. Seek asylum in Elijah's house when you need to hide.

4. Remove the engagement ring to avoid questions.

5. Stop sleeping with Mikaelsons.

The first three were fairly easy to follow but unfortunately, number four was proving to be rather difficult. As much as I hated Klaus, I also had lingering feelings for him that I was yet to banish. Every time I looked down at the ring, it caused a jolt of happiness within me.

I hated Klaus but at least he made me feel loved.

Number five on the list had so far been successful, but that was probably due to the fact that the only Mikaelson currently in Mystic Falls was Rebekah. Even if I was interested in bedding the blonde vampire, which I certainly was not, she absolutely despised me.

"Emilia!" The vampire in question called as I heard her enter Elijah's house.

"Oh, God!" I murmured to myself in horror, "The wicked witch has found me!"

Rebekah walked into the living room and took in the sight of me sprawled on the sofa with the television remote in one hand and a slice of pizza in the other. She let out a disapproving huff as she looked around the room, eyeing the empty crisp packets I had left on the side table.

"My brother is probably rolling in the coffin." She announced as she perched on the edge of the couch with a grimace.

Ignoring the comment, I asked, "How did you find me?"

"Well, since you've been avoiding me," She gave me a pointed look, "I had to get creative and look through some records. I saw that Elijah had purchased this house and, given your history with him, I assumed that you were hiding out here."

"That seems like a lot of work," I said around a mouthful of pizza, causing Rebekah to send me a truly horrified look, "Why didn't you just get a witch to do a locator spell?"

"I didn't have anything of yours."

"You're literally wearing one of my dresses!" I pointed out and the blonde smirked at me.

"Actually, it's my dress." She corrected me, "I thought it looked nice on you so I went out and bought my own. I think it looks much better on me, don't you think?"

"You are unbelievably petty!" I said in disbelief, "Why don't you go and find someone else to bother?"

"But you're so fun to bother!" She replied, leaning forward and tugging on a blonde curl that had fallen from my bun, "When you're annoyed, you have the most adorable scowl."

"Which case, you will find me absolutely adorable on my wedding day." I said, pushing her hand away from my hair and standing up. I brushed the crumbs off my jeans before walking into the kitchen and depositing the empty pizza box on the island.

"If it makes you feel better, I don't think Nik will go through with it." Rebekah said casually as she followed me, "His emotions are strong but they are fleeting. Maybe once he's done with you, I can have you all to myself?"

I watched her cautiously, my heart beating at her words.

"What do you mean?"

I gasped when she used her vampire speed to appear directly in from of me. She tilted her head as she watched me, her hand reaching up to grip my neck. My mind flashed back to when Elijah had done the exact same thing. Rebekah's grip, however, wasn't as gentle as her brothers had been. Her hand was firm, whilst still ensuring that I could breath.

I felt like prey but I couldn't prevent the pulse of need the action sent throughout me. I wasn't blind, I knew that Rebekah was beautiful. Unfortunately her personality was extremely off putting, not that my body seemed to care at the moment.

My breathing hitched as Rebekah's thumb began to stroke the pulse point. Her eyes were fixed on my neck as she spoke, "Have either of my brothers tasted you?"

"I..." I began but was unable to continue, my mind drowsy with the mixture of fear and desire.

"Some say that doppelgänger blood is quite the delicacy." She hummed before releasing my throat and pulling away from me. I would have fallen to the floor if not for the kitchen counter. I gripped the marble to steady myself as I watched Rebekah with wide eyes. The vampire frowned at me, an expression falling over her face that I had not seen before.

Silence fell over the room as I managed to compose myself. I watched Rebekah casually smooth her dress, her eyes narrowing at me.

"You doppelgängers are all the same, aren't you?" She said with disdain, "My brother's weren't enough so now you have to attempt to seduce me?"

"With all due respect, Rebekah, you were the one with the hand around my throat." I said with a laugh of disbelief, "And for the record, I'd rather fuck a rusty spoon."

Rebekah blinked at me for a second before her face settled into a scowl, "By the time my family is finished with you, a rusty spoon is all you'll have." She turned and stomped out of the kitchen. I jolted when I heard the front door slam moments later.

I stood in the kitchen for a while longer, confusion filling me. The Mikaelsons were all complex creatures, but Rebekah had just presented herself as a unique sort of challenge. I had no idea what was going through her head but I knew one thing for certain.

Rule number five was in danger of being broken.

A/N: In case anyone hasn't seen yet, I have published a new Mikaelson book called Reckoning!

Originally published: August 1st 2024