The Hybrid's Ex

Chapter 26

The next morning, the air in the Mikaelson mansion was still thick with unresolved tension.

The family members scattered about the house, trying to pretend everything was normal, but the weight of the revelation hung heavily over them.

Klaus paced the length of his study, unable to sit still.

Every thought that crossed his mind led back to Issy and Jace.

His children—his blood—were out there, unaware of who their real father was. Or did they know? His mind raced with possibilities, fueling his growing impatience.

Downstairs, Rebekah and Hope sat in the living room.

Rebekah was tapping her fingers on the armrest, clearly unsettled, while Hope was curled up on the couch, looking far too cheerful for the somber mood in the house.

"You're awfully chipper today," Rebekah noted, her eyes narrowing at her niece.

Hope shrugged with a smile. "I can’t help it. I have siblings now! Issy and Jace are my family. It’s not just me anymore."

Rebekah sighed. "Yes, but don’t forget the mess that comes with it. Klaus is furious, and Sofia... well, this won’t be an easy conversation."

Hope waved her hand dismissively. "Dad’s always furious about something. He’ll deal with it."

Rebekah raised an eyebrow, knowing Hope’s optimism was misplaced.
Klaus’s temper wasn’t something that would simply “be dealt with.”

Meanwhile, Elijah was in the kitchen, pouring himself a cup of coffee, his usual serene expression marred by a slight furrow of his brow.

Freya joined him, leaning against the counter with her arms crossed.

"How do you think this will play out?" Freya asked, keeping her voice low, though no one was around to overhear.

Elijah took a slow sip of his coffee before answering. "It depends on how calm Niklaus can remain. He’s already on edge, but if Sofia denies it, things could escalate."

Freya nodded thoughtfully, glancing toward the stairs where Klaus had disappeared earlier. "I hope you can stop him from doing something reckless. He’s too focused on his emotions right now to think clearly."

"I’ll do my best," Elijah said, though he didn’t sound entirely confident.

As the Mikaelsons tried to process the news in their own ways, Hayley had retreated to the courtyard, sitting by the fountain with her thoughts.

She had been feeling out of place ever since the dinner.

Watching the attention shift to Sofia had been difficult, but now knowing Klaus had two more children, it stirred up complicated emotions she wasn’t ready to face.

Hayley picked at the edge of her sleeve, lost in thought, when Rebekah joined her.

"Brooding, I see," Rebekah commented lightly as she sat beside her.

Hayley let out a humorless laugh. "Guess I’m not the only one who feels out of place right now."

Rebekah tilted her head, watching her. "You’ve been quiet since last night. Something on your mind?"

Hayley hesitated before speaking. "It’s just... I thought this place was already complicated with Hope, but now..." She trailed off, her words hanging in the air.

Rebekah understood. "Sofia has a way of doing that—complicating things."

Hayley nodded, appreciating Rebekah’s candidness. "I guess I didn’t expect to feel... this jealous."

"Jealous of Sofia?" Rebekah asked, her voice carefully neutral.

Hayley’s shoulders slumped as she nodded. "I know it’s not rational. But it’s like everything shifted. Even Elijah seemed more... distant last night."

Rebekah glanced toward the house. "Elijah and Sofia were close. And now that this secret is out, I’m sure he’s feeling the strain of being left out. But you know Elijah—he’s committed to you. This won’t change that."

Hayley didn’t respond, her mind still swimming with uncertainty.

"You know when I first met you, I thought you were a complete bitch." Hayley said suddenly.

Rebekah who was leaving turned back, "So, what changed?"

"I still think you are a bitch but I have grown to like that about you." She had a subtle smile on her face. "Thank you for everything." Hayley said indicating the conversation they just had.

Not knowing what to say Rebekah just nodded before leaving.

Kol, meanwhile, was standing on the balcony overlooking the courtyard, casually flipping through his phone as he eavesdropped on Hayley and Rebekah’s conversation.

His smirk grew as he overheard their insecurities.

"Complicated, indeed," Kol muttered under his breath, his tone dripping with amusement.

He had no intention of meddling further—for now, at least.

He was enjoying watching the drama unfold naturally.
But if things got dull, he wasn’t opposed to stirring the pot a bit more.

After all, chaos was what the Mikaelsons did best.