I completely blame this story idea on

the song Devil On My Shoulder by Faith Marie.

Go give her some love on YouTube. Amazing voice and lyrics.

-1-

Louisiana sunshine bared down on Hope's skin as she ducked into Jardin Gris Voodoo Emporium. The door jangled with hanging bells and bones, the musky scent of incense burning from the front desk. It took a moment for her eyes to adjust to the dim room. Thick drapes in various dark colors hung on all the walls, giving off a theatrical feel.

"How can I-" the girl employee stuttered to a silence when she recognized Hope Mikaelson.

Hope stepped over an extension cord that ran under a faded Kashan rug, her eyes trailing the length to the bubbling aquariums that lined a wall with aquatic plants and creatures. She pulled the folded list from her back pocket once she reached the counter. Usually her Aunt Freya was in charge of restocking their herbs, but she was busy making another strong dose of potion for Hayley's return tomorrow.

"I need these," Hope stated, sliding the list towards the girl. It was cooler in here than outside but still musty enough to warrant the use of the two box fans that were pointed towards the register.

With trembling hands, the girl began to wordlessly read over the list and gather the items. Hope stared at a portrait hanging behind the employee's head as the cash register keys clanked noisily. The painting of the late witch Genevieve was a gift from the artist, her father, Klaus Mikaelson. Hope knew it was there to make a statement. He named it Who's next? He had also modified the red haired beauty's pale neck with a crimson streak; blood spatters for good effect. The king of New Orleans would not be letting the French Quarter witches continue breathing without remembering what happened to the last witch who tried to harm his daughter.

"So…what's your name?" Hope asked with what she assumed was a friendly tone.

A small smile appeared on the girl's face and Hope thought she looked like a flower child from the sixties or something with that long blond hair and fringed maxi dress.

"I'm Veda. Did you want the dried chamomile flowers or the tea?"

"Pretty name. The flowers please."

Veda's hands still trembled as she stuffed the last pouch in a paper bag. Hope noticed a smeared stamp on Veda's hand and recognized it immediately. Hope showed her her own and they both grinned knowingly. It was from last night's concert at Blue Vial, which was one of the few music venues that had open mic nights that was close enough to home so that she was allowed to attend. Vampire detail still followed her everywhere she went, but they were easy to lose when she didn't want to be found for a while. She paid off their silence with her allowance, which she accumulated through each of her caretakers, Uncle Elijah being her largest contributor.

"Do you want this charged to the Mikaelson account?"

"Yeah, do that. Great talent last night, right?" Hope chatted, trying to get a feel for if Veda would be too nervous to fulfill a side order.

Veda nodded enthusiastically, her long turquoise earrings clanking. "Hell yeah, did you catch the last band? My best friend is the lead singer."

Hope's eyes widened, "actually yeah, I thought they were really good. It's not very often people in our generation can play that many instruments."

"Agreed. He's pretty amazing." Veda had lost the nervous demeanor and Hope found her energy captivating. The vibration of Hope's cell phone reminded her that she needed to get back to her family. She didn't have time for distractions.

"Say, Veda," Hope began, checking behind her for a sec, "could you throw in some wormwood and blue calamus root?"

Hope was prepared for her reaction and it did not disappoint.

"Oh-erm…well-" Veda's mossy colored eyes darted around.

Hope slid a wad of cash and stared expectantly. Veda's eyes couldn't get any bigger.

The blonde tugged nervously at a hemp choker around her neck. "Miss Mikaelson, I really can't sell you prohibited items."

Hope gasped, "Good god. My family is ancient, not me. Just call me Hope."

This at least caused them both to chuckle before Veda sighed, "right, sorry. But still…I value my life and all so…"

Hope twisted her lips in determination and went for 'plan b'. She pulled out the simple wooden box with her family's seal etched on the top. She slid it noisily across the counter top and opened it to reveal the contents to Veda. Hope rarely stole from her family, but when she did, it usually involved money and their box of shared party favors. Her Aunt Beks had about tore her ass for indulging one night, but then she had joined in because that's what the fun aunts do.

"His name is Drug Box, and his offerings never end. The best weed NOLA has to offer and a variety of prime pharmaceuticals. You can keep the cash too." Hope chewed on her lower lip, waiting for Veda to pick up her jaw.

After what seemed like an eternity, Veda finally agreed and gathered the restricted supplies from the back. Hope took the opportunity to scroll through her phone. Four missed calls from her father, one from Uncle Elijah, and a stream of texts asking where she was. A bullfrog from the aquariums started croaking; Hope felt her stomach growl. Maybe Uncle Elijah would cook for her tonight. His chicken Parmesan was killer.

"Hey, not to rush you along, but I've got to go. What would you like out of Drug Box?" Hope called, texting her father hurriedly with both thumbs that she would be eating at Elijah's after she dropped off the supplies for Aunt Freya's potion.

Veda returned and picked out a rolled joint, sticking it behind her ear. She flashed a genuine smile and Hope found herself smiling back as she stuffed everything into her canvas book bag. Just as Hope turned to walk away, Veda stopped her.

"Hey Mikaelson." She was holding the joint under her nose, smelling the quality. "My best friend that I mentioned, his band is practicing after hours at Blue Vial next week and a bunch of us like to hang out. You should come."

Hope couldn't stop the huge smile from erupting on her face if her life depended on it. She didn't like to get too hopeful because she ended up feeling hopeless when people disappointed her. Veda could easily report the purchase and claim Hope forced her into it for all she knew. If her father found out what she bought he would want to know why and then she would never get her mother back.

Reviews are appreciated and I love to chat if you have any questions or thoughts.

If you are hopping over from my other story My Blood, Your Blood fret not, I will continue to update at about the same pace. I just need to switch gears sometimes or I get burnt out. This story will be updated based on interest and reviews and the chapters are definitely much smaller than the other story.

Thanks for stopping by!