His Muse (Klaus Mikaelson/The Vampire Diaries)

Chapter Eighteen

As Klaus had done at the mechanic shop, he had sent Bethany into the bar first, to see if Ray Sutton was in there.

Seeing as Ray was an alpha himself, he would be able to sniff out a chosen mate like honey to a bee...and seeing as Bethany was unclaimed, his interest in the blonde artist would be piqued. Klaus needed to be careful.

Bethany had been wearing a pair of high waisted denim shorts and a crop top, and Klaus demanded that she change into something a little less revealing.

"It's so hot, Nik!" She complained.

They discussed the issue of the heat, and the issue of the unclaimed mate meeting another alpha. They compromised, and Bethany was allowed to remain in her short shorts, as long as she covered up her exposed midriff.

Klaus listened as his artist entered Southern Comfort, and made her way up to the bar - immediately, his inner alpha reacted. He could sense that Ray was inside, and he could feel him making eyes at his mate.

"I haven't seen you around here before, darlin'."

"I'm just passing through." Bethany replied, Klaus would recognise her melodic voice from over a mile away. "Got a little hot in the car."

"Let me buy you a drink. Red? Get the hot lady a cold glass would you?"

"Oh, thank you."

"No worries, darlin'." Klaus could hear a heartbeat quickening, and he instantly knew that it was Bethany's. "The name's Ray."

"Beth."

"A beautiful name for a beautiful girl. You smell great, by the way."

Klaus had had enough, and he quickly stepped inside the bar and almost snarled at the sight before him. His sweet artist was sitting so innocently at the bar and Ray had his hand draped over the back of her chair, threading his fingers through her long blonde ponytail, his other hand on her thigh; as if he owned her.

"Ah, there you are sweetheart!" He made his way over to the blonde, and instantly staked some form of claim on her by leaning against the bar beside her and sliding his arm around her waist to pull her towards him - and out of Ray's reach. "Did you find him?"

He could hear her heart rate returning to normal, and he felt satisfied that she found his presence reassuring.

Bethany rolled her eyes, "As if you weren't eavesdropping, Nik."

He grinned towards her, before turning his sharp gaze onto the other alpha, "Ray Sutton. I've been looking everywhere for you. Had a little help along the way, though. Tracked you to Pensacola; met with your old boss - who is not happy, by the way! He directed us to Memphis, where we found ourselves at a lovely little house in the woods. Your mother and aunt were very hospitable. They told me that we could find you here...and here you are."

Ray stood up, "I think I'll be going."

Klaus forcefully shoved him back down in his seat, and stood between him and the artist. "Not so fast mate. We've only just got here, and I'd like a little chat. Your type are very hard to come by."

Klaus heard Stefan arrive, which was when Ray growled, "Vampire!"

Klaus couldn't help but chuckle, "You're swifty swift Ray! Yes! My friend here is a vampire. And if he's done his job right, he's compelled everybody in the bar so don't look to them for any help."

"Your friend? But you're a wolf! I can smell the alpha on you."

"I'm something else," Klaus began with a grin, glad that little Ray Sutton knew he was an alpha too. "I've got some vampire, I've got some wolf."