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chapter seven ━ don't blame me

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❝ love made them crazy ❞

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ATHENA REMEMBERED HER first kill like it was yesterday. The blood being drained from the older girl as she drank with no remorse. The day she was sent into an eternal slumber that ended up only lasting a thousand years. It was the thrill of it that kept her going. With each drop she had, she craved more. Being a hybrid, one of the Original hybrids at that, meant that she was cursed to an eternity of killing, torturing, and doing whatever was necessary to protect her family. And thinking about it when she first reunited with her family, it scared her. Because how could she kill again after everything? Yet she did. Athena no longer cared about those things anymore. She would destroy everything in her path if someone laid a hand on her pack, her family.

Thomas never liked to think about his first kill. He had told Athena that before but that was back when they were stuck on the Other Side. It was one of his good friends. Evidently, he was a human that was aware of the wolves that lurked near his village. Thomas went wandering and found the boy, Eli, sitting by a stream. From there the two became best friends and during the days of the full moon, Thomas would tell Eli that he and his family hid just in case a werewolf attacked. It was a lie of course. But then one day, his secret of being a wolf got out. Eli heard and confronted him, angry and disgusted. It got to the point where the redhead could feel the rage building up. So then he punched the boy in the face repeatedly, until it killed him. He regretted that moment every single day.

But follow after his mate as they stormed into the French Quarter made him realize that killing people was now a part of his life. The Mikaelsons were one of the most feared families in the entire world. They were probably the most feared. He realized that in order for him to keep his place in their family and keep their respect, he needed to do what he told himself he'd never do again. Because now he had Athena and he couldn't lose her. Thomas King would have to kill, torture, manipulate, and do whatever was needed to protect his mate and her family.

Klaus and Elijah had beaten them there, already addressing Marcel. It was Fight Night and so there were plenty of people to hurt. Marcel was on high ground while everyone else was on the ground. The second Thomas and Athena entered, the sound of a neck snapping and a strangled scream echoed.

Everyone spun to see the Nyxs standing there with bloody hands. Two dead bodies were beside them, both of them were staring up at Marcel, their hybrid faces full of rage. Athena's violet eyes glared at the supposed king of New Orleans. "Well, that was boring." She let out a sigh, moving over to her brothers and Thomas following. "Where's Hayley?"

"I don't know." Devilishly, she smirked and with one swipe, took off a vampire's head. Athena dropped it on the ground beside the body. Klaus smirked proudly at his sister. Thomas himself was impressed and let her do her thing. Marcel's jaw clenched at the sight.

Athena glided towards another vampire, choking them. "I'm going to ask you again, Marcel and I'm going to ask nicely." She tightened her grip. "Where. Is. Hayley." He denied her again, saying he didn't know. The female knew he was telling the truth but she wanted to make a statement. A statement that threatened anyone who came after her family. She sent her smirk to Thomas who understood and then flashed to two vampires, ripping out their hearts. Athena simply snapped the vampire's neck that she had in her hold. She wiped off her hands on another's jacket to clear of the blood. "Then consider this a warning, Marcel. A warning for everyone here. If anyone hurts my family and I'll torture you in ways you didn't think was possible. Even the devil will cower in fear."

Marcel looked pissed, narrowing his eyes at her. "I think you made your message clear enough so quit killing my guys." She smiled to herself, licking the residue of the blood off her fingers. Thomas growled lowly at her in response, going to her side instantly. Marcel watched the two, trying to remain as calm as he could. "I don't have Hayley. You don't believe me? Fine. Look around. Hell, I'll even help you find her. But the question that I'd ask is: if Hayley isn't here, then where is she?"

She tilted her head to the side to look at Thomas. He intertwined their hands and looked up at Marcel. "Then I suppose you start helping. Because we will kill everyone in here if you don't." He smirked as well. "Clocks ticking. Tick Tock."

His mate crossed over to one of the tables and sat down in the chair, kicking her feet up. The vampires dispersed, some leaving and some stay. Klaus and Elijah joined her as they watched a few vampires go over to Marcel who was making his way down the stairs. Thomas brought over a bottle of bourbon which he stole from one of the vamps, carrying glasses as well. He sat beside Athena and poured them all a drink.

"You really like your bourbon," Athena observed, smiling. She started making circular motions on his shoulder with her finger. Klaus didn't quite appreciate their affection, scowling behind his glass.

Klaus clutched the glass next. "I have to agree. Might have to be careful, sister. You never know-"

"I wouldn't lay a hand on her," Thomas butted in with a serious expression. "And I'm responsible enough to know when I've had too much to drink." Even the thought of him ever hurting her made him feel angry. Never would he do something she didn't consent to. Never would he harm her in any way. "I understand that you don't trust me, Klaus. But I care about Athena and I have for a thousand years. I'm not leaving now."

He set down his glass and leaned towards Thomas in reply. "Considering how my baby sister has no memory of her time with you, I'm afraid that your points hold no value. Not until she confirms it, of course."

Athena rolled her eyes. "I trust him, Nik. Do you think that I would let him live if I didn't?" He kept his mouth shut and decided not to argue further. Elijah was a bit worried about her as well, not because he had never met Thomas before, but because she had never been in a relationship before. And that was obviously where the two were heading though neither made a move except for holding hands and Thomas occasionally giving her a kiss on the cheek or top of her head. Elijah could see how much his sister trusted the redhead and so he put his faith in him as well. Besides, even a blind man could see the devotion Thomas held for Athena Mikaelson.

Marcel finally walked over to them, a witch trailing behind him. He smiled at Klaus. "Klaus, my sire, I owe you the world, and I always show respect to my elders. If your special lady friend is missing, you could benefit from the help of a witch. And, since I control all the witches in this town, I'll grant you one little locator spell. Sabine's the best guide in the Quarter. Need to find someone? I guarantee, she's your girl."

He left quickly after that, no longer wanting to be in the presence of the Nyxs anymore. The witch, Sabine, looked at them all with slight hesitation. Elijah stood up, fixing his suit. "Can you find her?"

"I can try."

Sabine had gotten ready, bringing out a map of the whole city. Klaus gave her a bit of his blood to track Hayley down and so all they did was stand there and wait. They watched intently as she chanted, the blood moving across the map and stopping someplace in the Bayou. "She's in the backcountry. Way up past Houma, deep in the Bayou."

Elijah sighed, putting his hand on the map and staring. "I don't suppose you could be more precise?"

"What's the matter, Elijah? You're worried a bit of splashing about in the bog might ruin your expensive shoes?" Klaus teased. Both Athena and Thomas snickered, trying to contain their smiles but failing miserably

Their noble brother didn't take it to heart and instead turned to them with a small smile. "As a matter of fact, after my recent confinement, I could use a decent stroll through the countryside."

Athena nodded in agreement. "I could use one as well. All we do nowadays is protect Hayley and the baby. Plus I'm beginning to loathe this place." Her nose scrunched up as she surveyed her surroundings. "It smells of pathetic vampires."

One of Marcel's guys who was nearby hissed at her, his fangs baring out. Athena didn't bother going to kill him but Thomas did, ripping out his heart and casually tossing him to the side. Elijah offered him a handkerchief which he accepted and cleaned his hand. Sabine looked frightened. The male Nyx then went over and kissed his mate's cheek, making her blush.

Sabine cleared her throat, gaining the group's attention again. "There are stories of exiled werewolves, encampments. If Hayley went out that far, chances are she went to find them."

Klaus attempted to provide some humor but it did no good. "Clearly, she hopes to make the acquaintance of more like herself. I suppose our company wasn't good enough for her."

They all knew that it was a lie. No way would Hayley just up and leave without telling them. Something had happened to her and they were determined to find out what it was. Athena put a hand on Klaus's shoulder to help ease his worries. "Don't worry. The wolves wouldn't hurt Hayley and they won't hurt us as long as Thomas and I are with you. We'll save Hayley and give whoever has her a run for their money."

Now Klaus would've laughed at the irony of her comment if they both knew who they were dealing with. Unbeknownst to them, they were dealing with one of their old acquaintances. So they made their way to the car where they then drove to the Bayou.

Elijah parked and they all got out. "We should head south towards the water." He led the group onward and Klaus grinned mockingly.

"You seem quite determined to find the little wolf."

Athena gave him a look. "Oh give him a break, Nik. She's carrying your child. Whether you like it or not, she's a part of this family." Thomas smiled, intertwining their hands because he missed the warmth it gave him. Her point was valid and Klaus knew it but wanted to tease Elijah in the matter of Hayley.

"If I'm moving too fast for you, Niklaus, you're welcome to wait in the car. Do be certain to leave the windows down," Elijah replied.

Both of the Nyxs laughed and Athena removed her hand from Thomas's to clap for her brother. "What a Queen. We stan. Go, Elijah!" Thomas laughed harder and Elijah smiled at her. Klaus, however, did not appreciate it though there was a smug look on his face from Elijah's reply.

"You've begun to admire this girl," Klaus mused. "Perhaps that's why you've been barking orders since your return, hoping to impress Hayley by assuming the role of family patriarch."

Thomas rolled his eyes that time, replying and backing Elijah up. "Aw, what's wrong Klaus? You jealous that you aren't striving to impress someone like me and Elijah? What? Did Caroline reject you again?"

Athena burst out laughing, holding onto his arm for support. "Holy shit." Elijah chuckled, seeing Klaus's cross expression. Thomas himself smirked, pressing a kiss to her head to avoid Klaus. "Thomas you are such a savage."

Suddenly, all of their laughter and smiles ceased. A scent filled the werewolves noses and while it was unfamiliar to the male Nyx, the other two knew exactly who they were dealing with now as they hurried over to an SUV parked in the grass. Klaus started combing through the contents and Elijah raised an eyebrow. "Have you found her scent?"

"No, but we found someone else's." He groaned in disbelief, turning to see Athena's jaw set. She knew who it was. "This vehicle reeks of someone I thought I was rid of... Tyler Lockwood." Athena looked around them to see if she could find any signs of where they could've gone. But now they had a scent and were aware of who took Hayley.

While Thomas was a bit confused, he understood a bit when Elijah questioned Klaus. "And why would your little hybrid-sidekick from Mystic Falls have any interest in Hayley?"

Athena scoffed. "Because Tyler Lockwood wants revenge."

Elijah looked at Klaus. "Why do I suspect this is the least of your offenses?"

He continued to move things around in the truck. "Back when I had the means to sire hybrids, he was my first, Although, I didn't give him much choice in the matter." He pulled out a blanket and sniffed it, handing it to Athena. "He was loyal in the beginning, but he grew insubordinate, turned my other hybrids against me. I couldn't have that, so I massacred the lot of them. Tyler ran like a coward before I could finish him off."

Their sister handed the blanket to Thomas so he could memorize the scent as well. "And he killed his mom."

Both Thomas and Elijah looked over at Klaus with an incredulous look on their faces. The redhead then said, "You killed his mother? Well, aren't you man of the year." He stuffed the blanket back inside the truck and then closed it.

"He needed to be taught a lesson!" Klaus exclaimed.

Elijah wasn't too happy with the news. "And what lesson will you be taught, Niklaus, if he retaliates by harming Hayley?"

Klaus got closer to him, smirking. "So you do care about her. Well, go on, then. Have at it, brother. Save her. Claim what spoils you can. I've sampled what she has to offer and let me tell you, she is exquisite—"

"Nik!" Athena scolded, pushing him back. "Honestly what is wrong with you? If we keep bickering back and forth we will never find Hayley and Tyler will kill her."

Her brother got close to her face, holding up one finger to silence her. "Enough. I'll kill Tyler Lockwood myself." He vamp-sped off, leaving the three alone. Athena turned to them and shook her head.

"Come on, let's save Hayley and leave him to deal with Lockwood." They nodded in agreement and they began walking in the direction of Tyler's scent. It was quiet as they all listen to any noises that could indicate as to where the two were. And like a flash, Tyler's scent vanished off to somewhere else and the two Nyxs assumed Klaus was following after him.

They snapped their heads in a direction when they heard heavy breathing and a rapid heartbeat. Hayley had been running through the woods at that very moment. She heard someone approaching her and got out the knife she stole, holding it to her chest and getting ready to fight for her unborn child. Hayley spun to attack when an arm outstretched to stop her. Athena was there, flanked by Thomas and Elijah. She gave her wolf friend a smile. "Hey, Hayley."

In one motion, she wrapped her arms around the Queen. Her heart rate slowed down and she breathed in the welcoming scent of lavender. Athena hugged her back and then pulled away. Hayley lunged at Thomas next before going to Elijah and hugging him as well. Their little moment made Athena feel giddy, grinning like an idiot.

Hayley pulled back with a sigh of relief, looking at them. "You guys will not believe the crap day I'm having."

"Oh we can believe it," Thomas nodded. "Come on, let's get you back to the house."

They all went to move but then the wolf stopped them. "There's something you guys need to know about the baby."

When she finished explaining what happened with Tyler, the baby, and the hybrid her blood had magically created, the three were left standing in shock. Athena pursed her lip looking over at Thomas who seemed to be tired already, rubbing his forehead. He just wanted to go back to his apartment and curl up next to his mate. Was that really so much to ask?

Athena smiled softly at him, moving behind him to rub his back and rest her chin on his shoulder. She realized that this entire time, it was always him giving her the affection such as kisses. Perhaps it was because she was too afraid to start anything.

Hayley sighed, looking up at Elijah who was pacing. "Klaus must have known, that's the only explanation! He could care less about the baby. He just wants her to be born so he can use her to make more sired hybrids. Although... the way that Dwayne was acting... it was more like he was sired to me."

The female Nyx shook her head. "No. Nik may do horrible things but he would never harm or use a child especially his own after what he went through in his own childhood. He doesn't know. He cares about his child."

Elijah looked over at her and she removed her head, standing up straight and looking back at him. "Athena..."

"You really think Niklaus would stoop so low?" she exclaimed, suddenly getting upset over the fact that Elijah would think their brother could do such an evil thing. "Elijah. He wouldn't, I know it."

Hayley stood up. "Well then maybe you don't know him." She got up from where she had been sitting against a tree and walked off. Elijah sighed and followed. Athena scoffed in disbelief. Thomas rubbed her arm gently.

"Athena don't listen to them. If you know that Klaus wouldn't do that to his unborn child then they should believe you."

She turned to him and wrapped her arms around his neck, looking at him. "I get that my brother isn't all sunshine and happiness, but he wants this child. I don't get how Elijah could think that." However, she did know. She just didn't want to admit it to herself. "We better catch up with the others."

When she went to turn away and walk off, he grabbed her arm with a frown. "Hey. Don't beat yourself up over this or any of this, okay? There's only so much you can do. But just know that I believe you. Klaus doesn't seem like the type of person to think such a thing."

Despite his kind words Athena still did as they followed after Elijah and Hayley. The Bayou was nearly quiet and almost peaceful even though the sound the buzzing flies and the crickets chirping did become a bit annoying after a while. Klaus was waiting for them at the shack Hayley was being held captive in which led them to believe that Tyler was taken care of.

He shoved Dwayne's body in front of them. "There you are! I see you've found our wandering stray. Perhaps you could shed some light on the situation. This—" He kicked the body over. "—appears to be a hybrid."

"His name was Dwayne," Hayley pointed out bitterly.

Athena bit her lip, giving Elijah a silent pleading look. She knew for a fact that Klaus didn't know. And now Hayley was going to treat him as if he did. It wasn't right. Her brother did not notice the wolf's hostility. "Well, whoever it was, I didn't sire him. Any idea how that's possible?"

She stomped toward him. "As if you didn't know!" Elijah held her back and then went in front of Hayley in a manner of protecting her. Athena clenched her jaw, suppressing a scoff. How could he believe Hayley's word over her's? Yes, it might have sounded like she was being a brat but this was an unborn child. Klaus cared and as soon as Hayley said he did, Elijah believed her.

"Ahhh, well, aren't you two fast friends?" His tone displayed that he wasn't amused. "Oh, come on, then. What kind of horrible accusation have you conspired to levy against me?"

Elijah stepped forward and began to explain. "Tyler Lockwood brought Hayley here to test a theory. That the blood of her child could be used to sire hybrids. He claims that you knew that. Furthermore, that you intended to use this knowledge to build an army."

Klaus looked hurt and angry. "And, of course, you assume it's true. I mean, why else would I show interest in my own flesh and blood? A heartbroken little crybaby points his finger at me, and my own siblings fall in line, eager to believe it! How quickly you believe the worst, especially when it comes from them."

Athena moved in front of Elijah, holding her hand up. "To be fair, Nik, I believe you wouldn't do that. Thomas doesn't think you'd do that either." When Elijah went to interrupt she butted in. "No! Nik, everything has been a mess. Let's just go home and talk this out. No blood has to be spilled."

"My little sister," Klaus sighed, looking sad still. He didn't believe her. "You don't have to lie to me. But, I have to say I'm surprised, standing next to our brother, the noble Elijah, how can I be anything but the lesser brother? A liar, a manipulator, a bastard."

She shook her head. "Nik, no. I love you all the same and you most certainly aren't those things. So what? You aren't flawless no one is. Just calm down, please. Let's talk about this."

"That's all I am to you and Elijah, isn't it?" he replied, ignoring everything she said. "And Rebekah. And, judging by the way Hayley hangs on Elijah's every word and how Thomas hangs onto yours, it's clear they feel the same way!" He looked even more upset. "No doubt my child will as well."

Elijah saw that Athena had been right. Klaus hadn't known. The guilt began to creep up his spine and he walked forward, trying to sound more kind and apologetic. "Brother, if—"

"The two of you have said all that needs to be said." Klaus took a few steps back, extending his arms out in defeat. "I'll play the role I've been given." Athena frowned at him and went to go to when suddenly he vamp-sped past her and to Elijah, bitting into his neck savagely.

Athena and Hayley cried out, running over to him. Klaus let him go and stepped back, wiping his mouth with his hand. Thomas caught Elijah as the Original fell to the ground. "You four enjoy each other's company. You'll have much to bond over, once the hallucinations and dementia set in. Consider that bite to be my parting gift to you all."

Klaus walked away and they all looked at each other. Athena took a deep breath once he was gone. "The bite won't kill him. But we should get him inside." Thomas nodded and picked him up, taking him back to the shack. Hayley followed him but then stopped and turned to Athena who had stood up, her hands rubbing her temple with concern.

"Look Athena I'm—"

"Save it," she snapped, looking back up at her. "You should've known Klaus wouldn't do such a thing. Harm his own child? Use his own child? My brother has done evil things. But that, that is next level evil." She turned her back, feeling the hot white tears stinging her eyes. "Go."

Hayley nodded guilty and went into the shack. Thomas appeared not long after and went over to her. He turned her around and hugged her to his chest. She took a sharp intake of breath. Everything was going downhill. And to think that she could move to New Orleans and have a semi-normal life. Thomas didn't say anything, just held her. Because somehow he knew that she didn't want to think. He seemed to know just how to make her feel safe, loved, and human despite everything. And Athena couldn't have been more grateful for him being in her life.

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Ugh, I'm trash for them guys. And I'm the author? Thomas is just so nice to her and never forces anything on her and it really makes me smile writing their moments together. And can I just say that the fact he's taking things slow while still being affectionate is just adorable? He literally knows her like the back of his hand. I hope you guys have a great day/night and don't forget to vote on this chapter, comment your thoughts, and follow me for updates!