Lover Be | The Originals

Chapter Twenty-Seven | Shadows of the Past

"St. Louis Blues" by Johnny Lytle

The soulful melodies echoed through the jazz club as Malia's fingers danced across the keys. She was playing a soft tribute to her friends' lost loved one. Everything had gotten so crazy, and the piano helped her ground herself.

After her performance, there was a warm applause from the club. She bid the regulars, manager, and bartenders goodnight before heading home. 

The winter had shifted into spring. Large raindrops fell from the sky, dampening her hair. She hadn't expected rain and hadn't brought an umbrella, so she let the water fall on her.

As she walked through the streets, the hairs on the back of her neck began to prickle. Her heart quickened its pace and she couldn't shake the feeling that she was being followed. 

She cast a quick glance over the shoulder but saw no one. She continued for a while longer, but the feeling wouldn't leave. Finally, she turned around.

"Klaus?" she called out. "Is that you?"

A figure emerged from the shadows, but it wasn't the shape of either of the Mikaelson brothers. She backed up, getting nervous. 

The figure was tall and imposing, with a brooding intensity in his form. He pulled back the hood of his raincoat, and Malia took a step back in surprise.

"Donnie?"

"Malia," his voice was a mixture of longing and desperation.

"What are you doing here?" Her heart was pounding. "How did you find me?"

Of all the things that had been happening, the last thing she expected was to see her ex-boyfriend. 

He stepped closer, his gaze fixed on her with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine. 

"I couldn't let you go, Lia. Not like that. I had to find you."

"Don't call me that," Malia snapped. "You shouldn't have come here."

"I love you, Lia. I can't let you go. Is there somewhere we can talk?"

Before she could respond, another voice cut through the tension. 

"Is there a problem here?"

Klaus was standing beside her, his presence commanding and protective. His eyes bore into Donnie with an unspoken warning.

Malia couldn't help but feel a sense of relief at Klaus's unexpected arrival. She knew he was dangerous, but he offered a sense of security.

Donnie's jaw clenched as he looked between the two. 

"Who the hell is this?" His tone was laced with hostility.

"I could ask you the same," Klaus shifted his shoulders back.

"I'm Malia's boyfriend."

"Ex," Malia interjected. "Ex-boyfriend. Donnie, you need to leave."

"I won't let you go again, Lia. I'm here to fight for you."

Klaus took a threatening step closer to the ex.

"I suggest you heed the lady's request," he warned.

Donnie looked at Klaus with fire in his eyes, and for a moment, it seemed as though he might push the issue further. But with a final, lingering glare at Klaus, he turned and vanished just as abruptly as he had arrived.

Malia let out a shaky breath, her shoulders slumping in relief. She allowed herself a moment to appreciate what Klaus had done before finally turning to him. He smiled down at her, expecting her thanks.

"Were you following me?" she accused.

His smile dropped.

"On the contrary, love. I happened to be in the area when I sensed your distress."

Malia crossed her arms, irritation growing.

"Don't play games with me, Klaus. It's a little too convenient that you show up just when trouble arises."

A wry smile tugged the corner of his lips.

"Perhaps I have a talent for being in the right place at the right time."

Malia's frustration deepened.

"Or perhaps you have a habit of keeping tabs on me. I left for a reason, Klaus. I don't want anything to do with you or your brother."

His smile fell. Silence reigned for a moment as the weight of her words settled between them. Finally, he spoke.

"I know. But I won't stand by and let you face danger alone. Elijah and I promised you that we would keep you safe."

Malia's face softened for a second. She sighed.

"Go home, Klaus."