Always and Forever (The Hybrid and The Wolf - Book 7)

Chapter 4 - Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea

Klaus was back in New Orleans, carrying out his mission to find Nina and was currently talking to Vincent.

"So, what exactly are you implying?" Vincent asked.

"Hope hid her mother with a cloaking spell," Klaus answered. "Someone found her, that requires a witch."

"So that means it was one of mine?" Vincent questioned. He shook his head. "I don't think so."

"You witches always plead virtue, but if history's to be prologued, you're the most rotten of the bunch," Klaus told him.

"As soon as Freya told me that Nina had gone missing, there were a dozen of us witches out there on them streets performing locator spells, trying to find her," Vincent replied. "Because Nina is actually a friend to us, okay? Nina, unlike you, has earned our respect and out of respect to her, I'm gonna say this to you one time, Klaus. We had absolutely nothing to do with her disappearance, I promise you that."

"A witch's promise is as slippery as snake oil and as effective," Klaus said. "You want peace and prosperity? Prove your innocence and find her."

~*~*~

Klaus was now in the Bayou, talking to the Crescents.

"Why would the werewolves take down their own alpha?" Lisina asked.

"It's a valid question," Klaus answered. "Perhaps one of your fellow swamp mates can shed some light."

"We are the victims here," a werewolf named David told him. "A bloodsucker killed Henry just for being a hybrid."

"No, you wolves saw the boy as an abomination as well," Klaus replied. "Who's to say the same disgust didn't extend to Nina? A guilty wolf could just point fingers at vampires to cover their tracks. If you didn't take her, I suggest you find out who did."

~*~*~

Klaus had returned to the French Quarter to talk with Marcel, Josh and Greta.

"You really think my guys would be that stupid?" Marcel asked. "They know that if they even laid a finger on Nina, they'd be answering to me."

"Or was it you who ordered the vampires to antagonize the wolves and string up that hybrid boy?" Klaus replied. Neither Marcel or Josh gave an answer. "No. I didn't think so. Perhaps your royal status has wilted along with your marital prospects."

Marcel glared at him. "Says the guy who left his wife after compelling her."

Klaus glowered at Marcel.

"All right, all right, easy," Josh said. "Vampires like Nina. Everyone does. We didn't touch her."

"Well, I suggest you amp up your efforts to retrieve her then," Klaus told them. What he said next was being addressed to the witches, werewolves and the vampires. "Because if my children are not reunited with their mother by sundown, then your entire faction will face the wrath of my disappointment. Close proximity of just two Mikaelsons turned rain to blood, imagine what would happen if I were to turn to my siblings for help. Our little family reunion would cause hellfire to devour us all."

~*~*~

Klaus was in the compound, looking over the balcony at the humans gathered in the courtyard.

Marcel stood behind him. "Compelling NOLA's finest, I see."

Klaus turned around, walking closer. "If that's the city's finest, then it will wither from its own mediocrity."