Chapter 1
“Can we all cut the crap and get to what’s making you all sweat bullets because you’re making me anxious.” I said.
“Whatever happens just know we care about you a lot.” Steve said.
“Okay?” I said not liking where this was going.
They all looked at each other until finally Tony swallowed his drink in one go and said. “You have seven marks right?”
“Yeah…” I said confused about where they were going with this.
“The six of us bare the same mark.” Thor said removing his arm bracers to show a mark on his arm. It was identical to the pendant on my necklace. Steve lifted his right arm and the same mark was on his bicep. Tony lifted the sleeve of his shirt up and it was on his left arm. Natasha stood up showed me the mark on her hip. Then Clint pulled his shirt up and showed the mark that was on his ribs. I looked to Bruce and he kind of blushed.
“My marks on my…” he said looking uncomfortable.
“I’ll take your word for it.” I said. “Is it too late to have that drink? You know what I’ll just grab it myself.” I said standing up and walking to the bar.
“Hales, you doing alright?” Clint asked.
“uhuh.” I said swallowing my scotch in one go.
“Can you say something?” Steve said.
“How long?” I whispered.
“What?” Thor asked.
“How long did you all know?” I said raising my voice.
“We figured it out the day Fury showed up to tell us the team was moving in. You wore that low cut top that that showed off the necklace. Will said to thank him for that… ow!” Tony yelped as I’m guessing someone kicked him under the table and I glared at him.
“You knew for three months? Will knew for three months!?” I yelled. “I am going to fucking kill him.”
“Way to go Stark.” Natasha said.
“Hayley please just calm down.” Bruce started and I started pacing.
“I need some time to think figure this out.” I said grabbing my clutch and coat. “I’m going to take tomorrow off.” I said. And walked to the elevator as it opened. “Actually I think I’ll take the week, you know mental health.” I said pressing the button over anxiously but the door wouldn’t close.
“Hayley.” Natasha said.
“You know what, I’m just gonna come back when I don’t feel like pulling a hulk and smashing you all.” I said as the door closed and the elevator stopped. “Jarvis get me out of here.”
“Protocols have been halted.” Jarvis said.
“What?” I said.
“Hayley can you please come back so we can talk?” Steve said through the elevator’s speakers.
“Not in the mood.” I said taking my phone out and hacking into the system. Tony had foreseen that and was trying to stop me but he was too slow.
“Hayley please.” Clint said.
“Should have thought of that when you lied.” I said locking Tony out and getting the elevator moving and shutting off the intercoms.
I marched out of the lobby and made my way back to the apartment. I was mad, my best friend lied to my face for months. He was in cahoots with the six if them and didn’t once mention anything. Hell he introduced me to Nate and he even encouraged me to go out with him.
I marched into the apartment and saw that it was empty. I sat on the couch for a few minutes until my phone started going off. It was everyone sending me text messages asking if I was okay. I threw the phone against the wall and shattered it.
I can’t do this I thought rubbing the back of my neck and feeling the three bumps from my scar. I really can’t do this.
They lied to me for months. Will lied to me for months. They didn’t trust me enough to tell me the truth. It doesn’t surprise me, I had over stayed my welcome in New York.
I went over to the chimney and moved the fireplace screen and reached in for my hidden stash. I pulled out the stack of fake ID’s and flipped through them until I found my spare identity.
Elizabeth Forbes
I grabbed the ID, driver’s license and credit cards before going to my room. I grabbed my go bag and checked if I had the right clothes. I changed a few things before I noticed something in there. I hadn’t used this bag since we went to New Orleans for Mardi Gras. It was the black card with the silver crest on it.
New Orleans is safe and you’re always welcome here –M
Who the hell was M? Well, guess New Orleans is a good a place as any to start over or at the very least hide out. I quickly got my spare scrambler phone and started checking flights. I purchased a ticket for a flight that left in a bit over two hours. I quickly changed into a light blue chunky knit sweater and some jeans and white converse before topping it all off with a navy jacket and grabbing a base ball cap and scarf.
I grabbed my laptop bag that I may or may not have borrowed from Will and got ready to go. I walked into the living room and took one last look around. I looked at the framed photo of Will and I at our house warming party when we moved into the apartment. I slammed it face down and put my key on the back of the frame.
I locked up and walked to the curb to call a taxi. One quick ride to the airport and I passed through security just in time to catch my flight.
The plane landed pretty late but I managed to find an inn in the French Quarter close to all the places I visited last time. The place was a tourist trap and a new face wouldn’t raise any flags not to mention I was sure one of these places would be hiring.
The cash I had on me would get me by for a few months, would be more if I actually had time to get the money I had in my bank account.
I had been in town a few days before the dreams started again. It was dark and cold and he was there. Except when I fell I didn’t see the gloomy sky behind him. I saw stars and some sort of spaceship exploding.
I woke up in a cold sweat gasping for air. I got out of bed and took a hot shower. Anything to warm up. I don’t think I’ve ever been this cold in my life.
I got dressed in some dressed in some ripped blue jeans, a black and white flannel topped with an olive utility jacked and some flats before heading out for the day. I walked around for the while taking in the sights again. By the time I finally got hungry it was lunch time. I ended up at some bar called Rousseau’s.
It was empty but their lunch menu looked great. I walked in and took a seat by the window. The waitress came by and took my order. I took out my laptop and the black card with the silver logo fell out.
Well I had time to kill. Guess I could look into it. I started looking up family crests from the New Orleans historical preservation society but nothing really stuck out.
“Here you are sweetie, one gumbo and a glass of water.” Debbie said.
“Thank you.” I said. I noticed she kept looking at the card in my hand. “I came here about a year ago with some friends of mine and we went to this club, it was amazing. I don’t remember the name but one of them managed to get a business card do you by chance know where it is?”
“Uh, not really. I’ve seen this symbol on some of the old buildings here in the quarter but I don’t think any of them are clubs.” Debbie said looking around.
“I guess I’ll go have a look around and see if it brings up anything.” I said. “That is after I enjoy this amazing gumbo.” I said making her laugh.
“If you think that’s great, we just pulled some beignets out of the oven.” Debbie said.
“Sounds good with some coffee afterwards.” I said.
“I’ll bring it over when you’re done. Enjoy.” She said.
I sat down and started doing a bit more research on the French quarter nothing out of the ordinary. A rich cultural history. A ton of great food places and music clubs.
As I watched a group of kids pass by wearing avengers t-shirts I couldn’t help but wonder what everyone was doing. No damn it, they lied they aren’t worth me worrying about them. Though Tony does need to take his post op meds… No Jarvis will remind him. Or Bruce. They’ll be fine.
I finished my food before paying the bill and heading out. It was still a few weeks before Mardi gras and the city wasn’t as packed as I remembered it was last time. I walked around for a few minutes and stopped by a group that was playing on the street when I started feeling a bit light headed.
“You’ve grown up since the last time I saw you.” I heard someone say and I saw a man in a suit. Before I could say anything I blacked out.
When I finally regained consciousness I was in a very dimly lit room. There was a chandelier lighting the room and the walls were a dull grey. The place looked very dull and rustic. I stood up and peeked through the window and saw that I was by the street. Tourists were partying and music was playing.
“Morning sunshine. Wow, Elijah was right you did grow up.” A very familiar voice said.
“Kol?” I said looking at the last person I ever expected to see again.
“Aww aren’t you happy to see me?” He said.
“More like shocked.” I said.
“So Liz?” he started
“Not really safe to go by Calliope anymore.” I answered and he frowned before nodding. I don’t remember the last time I had said my real name out loud.
“You should probably come down there are people who want to see you.” Kol said.
“So M is…” I started.
“Is that really so hard to believe? For a genius you can be pretty daft.” Kol said.
“Oh shove it you ass.” I said making him smirk.
“Rebekah picked up your things from that hole in the wall you were staying at.” Kol said. “If you want to freshen up.”
“You’ve been watching me?” I said.
“We have people everywhere, you should know better by now.” Kol said. “I’ll be downstairs.”
I don’t know if this is a good thing or a bad thing. At least I know I don’t have to worry about him finding me of course now I need to worry about why they brought me here.
I walked into the bathroom and freshened up before going downstairs to face everyone.
I walked into the courtyard and there was a table set. I heard them all whisper until Kol saw me come down.
“Callie!” Rebekah exclaimed before hugging me taking me by surprise.
“Oh hi beks.” I said hugging her back.
“My you grew up.” Nik said.
“Well that’s what happens as you get older.” I retorted.
“And as witty as always.” Nik said smirking.
“You look good too Nik. What’s it been eight, nine years?” I said.
“Just about.” He said pulling out my chair.
“Would have been sooner if we knew where you were.” Another voice said.
“Marcel. Looks like the entire family’s here.” I said.
“We are.” Elijah said as everyone sat down.
“So not that I’m not happy to see you because you know I am, you guys are great but what’s with the drugging and kidnapping?” I said.
“We’re trying to keep up appearances and you asking questions draws attention to us.” Elijah answered.
“Sorry, didn’t even know you were all here. Last I heard you were all in Chicago.” I said.
“We’ve moved around a lot the past few years. Had some complications and you know how it goes.” Nik said.
“Yeah I do.” I said.
“God you’re so grown up.” Marcel said. “Where have you been all this time?”
“That is… a really long story.” I said. “Don’t even know where to start.”
“What happened after…” Elijah asked and everyone tensed.
“Mom got married. They both got the charges dismissed and we moved. Laid low for a while, before they got back to it. Didn’t last long like always. They got into some trouble again, Triad. Hadrian framed him. Killed him and we disappeared again. They eventually figured out who the mole was and I ended up spending some time with the Triad.” I started.
“You were the mole?” Nik exclaimed.
“What do you mean spent time with the triad?” Marcel exclaimed after him.
“I laundered the money, knew where all the skeletons were buried so I sent an anonymous tip to try and get mom out of the business. Didn’t work. She was mad, Hadrian was mad so they sold my services to the triad and I stayed with them for a few months. Learned Chinese and how to cook peking duck.” I said.
“She sold you?!” Marcel exclaimed.
“Fucking bitch.” Rebekah snarled.
“It was a few months. Did some accounting and hacking and they sent me back in one piece.” I said. “Moved around for a few more years. Hadrian married Delilah Roman. Mom married Javi Roman divorced six months later. Deal with the Yakuza went sideways. Mom almost died and she decided to retire.”
“Retire?” Kol asked.
“She was pretty serious. Liquidated the business, had one last huge deal that would have set us up for life but at the last minute a buyer backed out Hadrian found a new one but he was looking for a long term commitment. She was on her way to close the deal when she got into her accident and that was that.” I said.
“We heard the news. Wished there was more we could have done for you.” Elijah said.
“It was a messy situation. You were all safer as far away from it as possible.” I said.
“What about you?” Marcel asked. “Were you safe?”
Loaded question.
“I was after I left. Staying with Hadrian wasn’t an option. He made that very clear.” I said subconsciously rubbing my scar. I was pretty sure none of them missed that. “Been running from him since the funeral. Had a few close calls. Caught up with me a few times but I’m still alive so that’s something.”
“When was the last time you saw him?” Nik asked.
“About two, three years ago, he found me in Flagstaff.” I said. “Went to Colorado for a while then New York. Been there since. Got into Columbia.”
“My alma mater.” Elijah said smiling.
“That’s on hold for a now though. Going back now is not an option for me.” I said.
“He found you again.” Kol said.
“Not yet but it was only a matter of time. Stayed in one place for too long.” I said.
“Well like I said before, you’re always welcome here.” Marcel said. “We have more that enough rooms.”
“Plus it’ll be nice to have another girl around.” Rebekah said.
“Thank you but I don’t think that’s a good idea.” I said.
“Cal, we couldn’t do anything to help you last time you had to leave. Let us help you now. You’re not even eighteen yet, at least stay until your birthday and think things through.” Marcel said.
“You’re not going to take no for an answer are you?” I asked.
“You’re family.” Nik said.
“I guess I’m staying.” I said.
“That’s good and that also means you’re coming out with us tonight.” Rebekah said. “We have so much to catch up on and I have the perfect dress.”
“Oh boy.” I said.
“As you can tell you were missed dearly.” Elijah said.
“The feeling’s mutual.”
Later that night-
“I got us some shots!” Kol cheered.
“Yes!” Rebekah cheered.
“So Cal, last time you were here there was a guy with you…” Josh started.
“Will.” I said.
“yeah. How is he?” Josh started.
“Fine why are you…” I started before I notice the blush on his cheeks. “Oh shit you were the best sex he ever had!”
Kol and Rebekah almost spat out their drinks in hysterical laughter when I said that.
“Uh It was a great night.” Josh said shyly.
“I’ll say, you still come up in conversations sometimes.” I said.
“He talks about me?” Josh said.
“You gave him a lasting impression. Also he couldn’t remember your name which is why he refers to you as the best night of his life.” I said. “Trust me when I say he means that in the best way possible.”
“He was pretty great too. I don’t mean that because it was he was just great, I mean amazing, awesome… I’m gonna shut up now.” Josh said.
“Uhuh.” I said nodding along. “Why are you asking?”
“No reason.” Josh said.
“Is Will the guy you looked for the morning after but he had already left?” Kol asked.
“No, I got up to go get coffee and breakfast and when I came back all I found was a note saying thanks and the way he initialed it looked identical to…” Josh said rubbing his wrist.
“Did you ever watch friends?” I asked interrupting him.
“I love Friends. I own the entire series on bluray. My favorite episode is the prom video where Rachel falls for Ross. It why I call my soulmate my…” He started.
“Lobster.” I finished before I started laughing.
“Cal?” Kol asked confused.
“I’m okay just, you have no idea how… uh.” I said laughing a bit before composing myself. “Did you uh by chance see Will’s mark that night? It’s on his left calf.”
“Not really, I was busy with other parts.” Josh said.
“You two are made for each other.” I mumbled.
“What was that?” Rebekah asked.
“Okay, pass me your phone.” I asked josh.
“Are you going to call him right now?” Josh said defensively.
“Course not. When I leave I don’t look back.” I said taking his phone. I put in Will’s contact info and address. “If you’re ever in New York, go to MacLaren’s pub in the upper west side. Wednesday’s are trivia night. Will never misses them. Or you could text him. Balls in your court.”
“Thanks.” Josh said.
“Also you don’t know me or ever saw me.” I said.
“Okay?” Josh said confused.
“So shots.” I said.
“Shots!” Rebekah and Kol cheered.
The Next Morning-
I woke up in a dog pile tangled in bed with Kol, Rebekah and Josh. My head was pounding. I managed to get out of bed and went to my room for a quick shower before getting dressed in some jeans, a white tee and a grey cardigan with brown suede elbow patches.
Once I was presentable I headed downstairs to look for coffee.
Marcel, Nik and Elijah were sitting down for breakfast already when I got there.
“Cal you’re up early.” Marcel said.
“I wasn’t expecting any of you up until at least noon.” Nik said.
“Bed was crowded.” I said.
“Sit down, breakfast will be brought out.” Elijah said.
“Thanks.” I said.
“Did you have fun?” Marcel asked.
“Yeah, it was nice to unwind a bit.” I said. “Been a while. My job and school kept me really busy.”
“Where did you work?” Elijah asked.
“I was a PA at Stark industries.” I said. No point in lying about that. “Started off as an internship ended up with a paid position.”
“Are you going to look for a similar job here?” He asked.
“Not really sure yet. I applied at a few places in the quarter, all part time, retail.” I said.
“You could always come work with us.” Nik said.
“On the legitimate side of the business of course.” Elijah added.
“Are you guys hiring?” I asked.
“We’ll find you something.” Marcel said.
“I’d appreciate that.” I said.
It was about a week before Elijah and Marcel found me something, all on the semi legitimate safe side of the business of course. When I wasn’t doing that I was running errands for everyone or taking over Josh’s job running Rousseau’s which was apparently owned by the family after he finally decided to go after his lobster.
It was great. I forgot what it was like to have people I could be honest with. To come home to a family dinner where everyone talked about their day without being careful about saying the wrong thing or someone getting killed and to actually fit in. To be able to live without looking over your shoulder because someone was always watching your back. For the first time in a really long time I was home.
Should have known it wasn’t going to last.
April 13th, 2013-
I woke up the morning of my eighteenth birthday to a beautiful sunny day and a feeling of unexplained dread.
“Happy Birthday!!!” Rebekah and Kol shouted as they ran into my room and jumped onto my bed.
“No!!!” I exclaimed pulling the covers over my head.
“Yes!!!” they cheered pulling the covers off the bed.
“Can’t I just hide here until the day’s over?” I asked.
“Why would you want to do that?” Kol said.
“Because nothing good ever happens on April thirteenth.” I said.
“Well not this year because there is no way we are going to let anything ruin your birthday.” Rebekah said. “Besides it’s a big one. You’re finally eighteen.”
“I don’t think it changes anything. My ID says I’m 21 already.” I said.
“Don’t be a brat.” Rebekah said getting up and going to grab clothes from my closet. “Get dressed come down for breakfast, we have a lot to do today!”
“I have work.” I reminded them.
“Pretty sure your boss will be fine with you taking the day off.” Kol said with a smirk before leaving with Rebekah.
I sighed before getting up and getting ready. Rebekah always picked out skirts or dresses for me to wear. At least it wasn’t pink and flowery this time. I took a quick shower before slipping on the olive paper bag skirt and the white and black striped shirt with suede elbow patches. I put on a sparkly flower statement necklace and some brown booties to finish the look.
When I headed downstairs I noticed that there were people everywhere setting up flower arrangements and tables.
“What the…” I started.
“The decorators are early.” Elijah said.
“Decorators?” I said.
“Happy Birthday.” Elijah said.
“Thanks.” I said uncomfortably. “I’m guessing this is Rebekah’s idea?”
“And Kol’s. And we all agreed. It’s just a family dinner, but it is a special occasion.” Elijah said.
“A special occasion with an ice sculpture and chocolate fountain?” I asked.
“That may be a bit much.” Elijah said. “I’ll go…”
“Yeah.” I said before heading down to the dining room.
I walked in and there was a spread of all of my favorite breakfast foods. French Toast, eggs, beignets, Bacon and coffee.
“Happy Birthday.” Marcel said hugging me.
“Thanks Dad but you didn’t have to do all of this.” I said.
“Of course I did. It’s a big one.” He said pulling out a chair for me. “And No birthday is complete without presents.”
“Dad.” I said.
“No take backs.” He said putting the small gift in front of me.
I picked it up and opened it to see a set of car keys.
“Dad I can’t.” I said.
“Yes you can. You work hard and I promise that it’s not some outrageous European sports car.” He said.
“But it is a sports car.” I said
“You’re young you should enjoy yourself. That includes taking vacations when you can so maybe you and Rebekah can go on a Shopping trip trip to New York.” Dad said.
“Not a good idea.” I said.
“You could visit Josh and Will?” He said.
“That’s not an option.” I said.
“Come on Cal, it’s been months, you miss him and I’m sure he misses you.” Dad said.
“Dad, I’m not going back to New York.” I said.
“New York? We do need to update your wardrobe.” Rebekah said.
“What’s wrong with my clothes?” I asked.
“Nothing but they could be better, more chic.” She said.
“You bought me new clothes last week and the week before, actually I don’t think I’ve repeated an outfit since I moved in.” I said.
“I believe the words you’re looking for are thank you.” She said.
“Well thank you but no thank you, my wardrobe is fine as it is.” I said taking a bite of my waffles.
“Then how about taking a vacation instead. Going to Miami for a weekend or since you’re finally eighteen we could go to Milan, Paris, London…” She started.
“Ibiza, Amsterdam.” Kol said. “Where everything’s legal.”
“As if the law’s ever stopped you before.” Nik said.
“Come on Cal live a little.” He said.
“I’ll think about it.” I said.
“A passport can be arranged.” Nik offered.
“I’ll think on it.” I said ending the discussion.
“Well then I’ve arranged a spa day for us, then some shopping,” Rebekah said.
“Then a stop at a gas station so you can buy some lotto tickets and cigarettes.” Kol said.
“I think I’ll take a rain check on that guys. I have work to do.” I said. “Inventory.”
“I’m sure someone else can take over for today.” Marcel said.
“I have to sign off on the delivery too.” I said.
“Then take a half day.” Elijah said.
“You’re not spending all day at the bar unless we’re there to celebrate and get hammered.” Kol said.
“I think you mean drink responsibly.” Marcel said.
“Sure.” Kol said hiding his smirk behind his coffee mug.
“Well breakfast was great thank you, and I’ll be taking a few of these for everyone at the bar.” I said picking up the huge plate of beignets.
“Cal, I’ll be by for lunch. There’s something I want to talk to you about.” Marcel said.
“Okay.” I said before hugging him. “Thanks for the car.”
“Car does that mean that price limits are void?” Rebekah said.
“No.” I said.
“Uh, Fine, but if you’re working today I’m going with you to help you finish faster.” Rebekah said.
“And by help you mean sit in the office whining until I call it an early day.” I said.
“You know me so well.” Rebekah said.
“I’ll see you all later.” I said as we headed out.
Work went as expected. Somehow everyone knew it was my birthday and asked if they wanted them to cover for me. I gave them a beignet and continued working
When the delivery came Colin the distributer stopped by.
“Cal.” He said.
“Hey, beignet?” I offered.
“Uh thanks.” He said taking one. “You look great.” He said and I looked at him confused. “Not that you don’t always look great just you look really nice.”
Rebekah coughed to cover up a laugh. “Well the birthday girl has to look good on her big day.”
I groaned. “It’s your birthday? Happy birthday!” Colin said.
“Thank you.” I said.
“Any big plans for today?” He said.
“Nope, it’s just a regular day. Nothing special about it.” I said.
“Oh, then could you… would you maybe want to go out for dinner and a movie? With me?” Colin said.
“Uh That’s really nice of you but I have plans, Rebekah planned a huge dinner for the family.” I said.
“Oh some other time then.” Colin said.
“Yeah maybe.” I said.
“Well I hope you have a great day.” He said.
“Thank Colin.” I said handing him back his clip board.
Once he was out Rebekah gave me a look. “So he’s totally into you.”
“What?” I said.
“Colin, the handsome distributer, always comes all the way in to say hi to you and makes this delivery first. Just asked you out?” Rebekah said.
“He’s not into me.” I said.
“Oh really?” She said as one of the waitresses walked in. “Laura, Is Colin into Cal?”
“Oh he has it bad for her.” Laura said. “Did he finally ask you out?”
“He’s just a co-worker.” I said.
“Who totally wants to get into your pants.” Rebekah said.
“Bekah!” I said.
“It’s so obvious. He’s cute, you should give him a chance.” She said. “When was the last time you went on a date? Wait have you ever been on a date?”
“I’ve been on a date before. Didn’t work out.” I said rubbing my wrists.
“Was it one of them?” Rebekah asked.
“No.” I said. “I’m fine on my own. Better that way.”
“Hey, Just saw Colin leave, you ready?” Marcel asked.
“Yeah, just need to finish up inventory.” I said.
“Which I will do.” Rebekah said standing up. “Shoot me a text when you’re heading back.”
“Will do.” I said heading out with Dad. We walked down the block to a small little bistro and took a seat in the back corner. “What’s up?”
“I uh… You know that even if we’re not related you’re a part of this family, you’re my daughter and I love you.” Marcel said.
“I know.” I said.
“That being said.” Dad said pulling out an envelope. “I had Elijah draw these up years ago before everything. They’re adoption papers. It probably doesn’t mean much now you’re eighteen but we could still make it official.”
“You want to adopt me?” I asked.
“A piece of paper doesn’t mean anything but if you want to take my name…” He started.
“This would leave a paper trail. Easy to trace for anyone.” I said making dad frown. “But I do need a new Fake ID, Callie Gerard has a nice ring to it.”
“No Calliope?” Dad said smirking.
“Nothing could ever make me go back to that horrible name. I’m pretty sure mom was stoned when she filled out my Birth Certificate.” I said.
“That might be true.” Dad said chuckling. “She did love her martinis.”
“frozen glass and gin, swirl the vermouth in the glass, dump it, pour the gin two thirds of the way, cut a wide twist of lemon fold the peel facing out, squeeze it onto the top, dab around the rim and whatever you do…” I started.
“Don’t murder it by adding Ice ever.” We said at the same time before laughing.
“So specific.” Marcel said.
“Only thing she ever drank.” I said.
“Practically bit the head off any bartender that tried to give her anything but.” Marcel said.
“She was a real piece of work.” I said.
“That she was.” He said as his phone started ringing. “Work.”
“It’s okay, I have to go get Beks anyway.” I said. “See you at dinner.”
“Remember your sister is doing all of this because she loves you.” Marcel said.
“I know. I’ll let her spoil me.” I said.
Two hours later-
“Beks…” I said.
“Don’t say it.” She said.
“I won’t but it’s true.” I said.
“Cal, it’s going to be okay.” Rebekah said.
“Okay? We got kidnapped in broad daylight, we’re tied up and being held ransom by trigger happy gunmen. What part of this is okay?” I said.
“Rebekah Mikaelson and… I don’t believe we’ve met?” A woman said. “Do you prefer Liz or Cal as everyone seems to call you?”
“Who the hell are you?” I asked.
“I’m surprised they haven’t told you about me.” She said tucking my hair behind my ear. “You’ve been living under their roof for so long, I’d have thought you’d know by now.”
“Guess it never came up.” I said.
“Francesca let her go, she doesn’t have anything to do with us.” Rebekah said.
“Of course she does, Marcel loves her. You’re trying to protect her. She’s leverage.” Francesca answered before looking down at my necklace. “Pretty.” She said before yanking it off of me. “Let’s see how much your family really cares about you.”
She walked out and closed the door behind her.
“What a bitch.” I said.
“You have no idea.” Rebekah said.
“Guerrera Cartel?” I asked.
“Yes.” Rebekah said.
“You know I have to say it.” I said.
“No you don’t but you’re still going to say it.” Rebekah said.
“I freaking told you so.” I said.
“It could have happened any other day.” Rebekah said.
“But it didn’t, it’s always today. This day is cursed.” I said.
“It’s a slight hiccup we’ll be back home in an hour or so, have dinner, you’ll blow out the candles on your cake and open presents. And we’ll do it again next year, maybe without the kidnapping.” She said.
“Maybe?” I said skeptically.
“You never know.” Rebekah said struggling against her restraints.
“Yeah, next year it could be The Bratva or Satan’s spawn.” I said.
“Yeah but until then…” Rebekah said freeing herself. “Let’s get the hell out of here.”
“How did you do that?” I asked.
“Nail file.” Rebekah said quickly getting me loose.
“Maybe spas aren’t so bad.” I said.
“Maybe next time we’ll actually make it inside.” She said. “Until then, we have a dinner to get to.”
We were almost out of the warehouse when we got caught. Of course by then all of Nik and Elijah’s guards had already swarmed the place and taken almost everyone out. We walked out of there and went home.
We walked into the courtyard where Everyone was waiting for us.
“Cal!” Marcel said rushing to check on me. “Are you okay?”
“We’re fine.” I said.
“A few scratches.” Rebekah said.
“So dinner?” I asked.
“Are you sure you’re alright?” Elijah said.
“I’ve been through worse.” I said walking into the dining room and sitting down.
“The day isn’t over and there’s still time to turn it around.” Rebekah said sitting down. It was about a minute before everyone joined in. We ate and they sang happy birthday before cutting the cake.
“Time for presents.” Kol said.
“Actually you got one in the mail.” Nik said bringing it over.
“Probably from Josh.” Rebekah said.
“You told him it was my birthday?” I asked.
“Will mentioned something about it to him. Said you probably wouldn’t want to celebrate it.” Kol said.
“Smart man.” I said taking the box from Nik. I looked at it and noticed there was no return address or even a label from the delivery company.
I slowly cut the tape and lifted the top off. I saw what was inside dropped the box to the floor.
“Woah.” Kol said.
“Uh, Is that a dead bird?!” Rebekah said.
“Bird with a broken neck.” I said.
“Cal?” Marcel said.
I bent down and pulled out the card that was always included.
Happy Birthday Calliope, Enjoy It’ll be your last.
“Nothing good ever happens April thirteenth.” I said. “He knows I’m here.”
“Shit.” Kol said.
“It doesn’t matter, he won’t get near you.” Marcel said.
“Dad.” I said.
“We can get guards to secure the perimeter, keep an eye to see if he comes into the city. And escort…” Elijah started.
“No.” I said.
“Cal he wants you dead.”Kol said.
“I know that and I also know that it doesn’t matter who stands in his way he will find a way to get to me. You put up a fight it will only be a matter of time before the dead bodies start piling up on our doorsteps.” I said.
“Then what are we supposed to do?!” Marcel shouted.
“We don’t do anything.” I said. “The target is on my back, this is on me.”
“Are you insane?!” Rebekah shouted.
“Beks, it’s the only way.” I said.
“The last time you disappeared we didn’t see you for almost ten years!” She exclaimed.
“I stay and he’ll go after all of you. If I leave it stays between the two of us.” I said.
“And where would you go where he won’t find you?” Elijah said.
“I’ll figure something out. I’ll go North or maybe I’ll leave the country. The less you know the better.” I said.
“He found you before.” Rebekah said. “He’ll do it again.”
“Then I better move fast.” I said