His Tribid Mate || The Originals/Twilight crossover || Klaus Mikaelson

11

Esmeralda's heart raced with a mix of anticipation and nerves as she sat at the kitchen table, the morning light casting a warm glow over the familiar space. Her dad, Charlie, moved around the kitchen, a look of concentration on his face as he flipped pancakes on the griddle.

"Happy birthday, Esme," Charlie said, his voice gruff with emotion. "Seventeen, huh? Feels like just yesterday you were starting kindergarten."

Esmeralda smiled, her excitement for the day bubbling up. "Thanks, Dad. It's going to be a great year, I can feel it."

Charlie plated the pancakes and sat across from her, his eyes searching hers. "You've been tossing and turning a lot lately. Nightmares?"

She hesitated, the shadow of her dreams creeping into the edges of her mind. "Yeah, they're nothing, though. Just... weird dreams."

Charlie reached over, covering her hand with his. "You know you can talk to me about anything, right?"

Esmeralda nodded, squeezing his hand. "I know, Dad. I think it's just the new school year jitters. Plus, the date with Klaus was... intense."

Charlie raised an eyebrow. "Intense good or intense bad?"

"Good, mostly. He's just... Klaus is different. But in a good way, I think." Esmeralda's thoughts drifted to the enigmatic Klaus, his piercing gaze, and the way the air seemed to crackle around him.

"Well, as long as he treats you right and makes you happy, that's all that matters." Charlie's voice was firm, protective.

Esmeralda nodded, her mind still a whirlwind of emotions. "He does. And I'll be careful, I promise."

They finished breakfast in a comfortable silence, the weight of the upcoming day settling over them. Esmeralda knew that despite the nightmares, she had a lot to look forward to. A new school year, a fresh start, and the mystery of Klaus lingering in her heart. But for now, she was content to enjoy the quiet moments with her dad, knowing that no matter what, he was always there for her.

Charlie's gaze lingered on Esmeralda, his expression a mix of concern and understanding. "Esme, I know this world... the supernatural world, it's a lot to take in. And Klaus, being what he is—a hybrid—it's not something we can ignore."

Esmeralda nodded, her eyes reflecting a maturity beyond her years. "I know, Dad. And I'm not taking it lightly. Klaus being a hybrid, it's part of who he is. And he's your best friend, which means you trust him."

Charlie sighed, the lines on his face deepening. "I do trust him. He's saved my life more times than I can count. But he's also dangerous, Esme. You know that, right?"

"I do," she replied softly. "But he's also my mate. The bond we share... it's something profound, something that goes beyond the normal constraints of our world."

Charlie stood up, pacing the room with a thoughtful frown. "Just remember, Esme, the supernatural world is unpredictable. You need to be prepared for anything. Klaus may be your mate, but that doesn't mean you can let your guard down."

Esmeralda watched her father, seeing the weight of years spent navigating a world filled with creatures of the night. "I won't, Dad. I promise. And I'm not alone. I have you, Klaus, and his pack. We look out for each other."

Charlie stopped pacing and looked at her, his eyes softening. "That's my girl. Strong and brave. Just be careful, okay? And happy birthday. No matter what, today is a day to celebrate you."

Esmeralda smiled, feeling a surge of love for her father. "Thanks, Dad. I'll be careful. And I'm ready for whatever this year brings."

As they embraced, Esmeralda felt a sense of determination settle within her. She was part of two worlds now, and she would navigate them both with courage. With her father's wisdom and Klaus's strength by her side, she was ready to face the future, come what may.

Esmeralda's eyes widened in surprise as Charlie handed her the official-looking document. "They're placing me in the 12th grade?" she asked, her voice a mixture of disbelief and excitement.

Charlie nodded, a proud smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Your grades and GPA from Salvatore Boarding School were impressive. They didn't hesitate to bump you up."

She scanned the paper, her heart racing at the thought of skipping a grade. "This is... this is amazing, Dad!"

"And that's not all," Charlie added, his tone teasing. "There's something waiting for you at Forks Lake. A surprise."

Esmeralda's brows furrowed, curiosity piqued. "A surprise? What kind of surprise?"

"You'll have to go and find out for yourself," he said, handing her another piece of paper with an address scribbled on it.

Without hesitation, Esmeralda leaned over and planted a quick kiss on Charlie's cheek. "Thank you, Dad. For everything."

She grabbed her keys, the metallic jingle mixing with the flutter of excitement in her chest. The 2018 Frontiart Sophiart Lykan Fenyr, with its purple holographic sheen, waited for her in the driveway, a symbol of the new chapter she was about to embark on.

As she slid into the driver's seat, the leather hugging her form, she couldn't help but wonder about the surprise. With a turn of the key, the engine roared to life, a thrilling promise of the adventures that lay ahead. Esmeralda pulled out of the driveway, her mind abuzz with possibilities. Whatever awaited her at Forks Lake, she was ready for it.

The Lykan Fenyr's engine growled as Esmeralda pressed down on the accelerator, the landscape blurring past her. She felt the rush of wind through the slightly open window, a tangible reminder of the freedom and power at her fingertips. The road to Forks Lake was familiar, yet it seemed different today, as if it were leading her not just to a place, but towards a destiny waiting to unfold.

As she approached the lake, the trees parted to reveal the water, shimmering under the afternoon sun. Esmeralda's heart skipped a beat when she saw what awaited her: a small gathering of people she recognized—members of Klaus's pack, all with knowing smiles on their faces.

She parked the car and stepped out, her boots crunching on the gravel. "What's all this?" she asked, her voice betraying her curiosity.

One of the pack members, a tall figure with sharp eyes, stepped forward. "Klaus wanted to surprise you for your birthday. He's arranged a little celebration."

Esmeralda's eyes searched the area and found Klaus emerging from the shadows of the trees. His presence was commanding, yet there was a softness in his eyes reserved only for her.

"Happy birthday, Esme," Klaus said, closing the distance between them. "I thought we'd start the year with a bit of a celebration—your kind of celebration."

Around them, the pack members began to unveil the surprise: a picnic setup with all of her favorite foods, a small bonfire ready to be lit as the evening approached, and in the center of it all, a single, beautifully wrapped gift.

Esmeralda was touched by the gesture, the thoughtfulness of it all. "You did all this for me?" she asked, her voice laced with emotion.

Klaus nodded, a rare vulnerability showing through his usually stoic demeanor. "For you, anything."

As they joined the others by the lake, Esmeralda felt a sense of belonging. Here, with her mate and her newfound family, she was home. And as the laughter and conversation filled the air, she knew that no matter what challenges the supernatural world might throw her way, she had a pack that would stand by her side. Today was not just a celebration of her birth; it was a celebration of the life she was building, one filled with love, loyalty, and the promise of many adventures to come.