Welcome again everyone to the newest installment of my saga. This will take place just after where The Return left off. Sorry for the extended delay between them but things are crazy and honestly I have to relearn my time management, but enough talking. Here is the first chapter of Shades of Gray.

Chapter 1: Forewarning

Josef paced anxiously before what had grown to be a rather large family as he waited for Candice and David to arrive. He had spent a restless night making calls and making sure everyone would show up first thing. Jean had been a balm to his soul and hadn't asked any questions knowing instead he just wanted a brief moment of peace.

Everyone was nervous and on edge. Josef knew he should remain calm and collected and set a good example. Taking a deep breath his eyes sought out Jean. She was moving around the room handing everyone a drink trying to calm everyone down.

Candice and David arrived and quickly joined the others. "Sorry we only just got your messages," Candice added quickly. They had spent the whole night in bed and had rushed over as soon as they had checked their messages. Candice cringed as she realized all the vampires would be able to smell the sex rolling off of them.

Josef looked over to Jean then to everyone else. Mick, Beth, Candice, David, Coop, Danielle, Seth, Allie, Ashton, Kimberly, and even Ryan was there keeping to the back. "We're all here now Josef. What's this about?" Mick asked anxiously.

"Lance called last night. He got word that Coraline was spotted in LA. I had the unpleasant job of telling him she is dead. He's on his way to LA."

"What does he want?" Mick demanded. "Why did you even tell him?"

"Because lying to a family as powerful as the Duval's is not something I'd advise. They will uncover the truth one way or another eventually and lying will only make matters worse. As for what he wants, I can only assume he is coming to handle the situation."

"What do you mean by handle," Candice asked looking over at Beth. "You don't think he'll do anything in retaliation do you?"

"At the moment Lance has no idea what really happened. He simply knows that Coraline came back to LA and met her end. I assume he'll wish to speak with each of you who were involved."

Coop looked around, "So he won't be interested in us?"

Josef looked their way, "You did help. You located her hide out, even if it was trap you played a part in her end game. Danielle you had no contact with her this time but you worked closely with her before she disappeared last time. He may wish to speak to you as well."

Ashton looked over their assembled group as he stroked Kimberly's lower back, "I take it only Kimberly, Seth, and your Jean will be exempt from meeting with him."

"That would be my best guess."

Seth raised his hand slightly, "So I know I'm kind of new to this who situation but who is Lance and why are we so worried about him?" Some of the others nodded agreeing they didn't understand the severity of the situation.

"Lance Duvall is Coraline's brother. They come from a long and powerful line of royalty. They practically run Europe, France in particular where my sources say they live. They hardly ever leave Europe."

David held Candice in a protective embrace in front of him. He didn't like the idea of her having to talk to Lance, to relive what she'd gone through. "So what do we do? Sit down and have a drink with him?"

"Yes that is exactually what you need to do. Be honest but don't offer up too many details unless he asks directly." Turning his attention to Beth he continues, "For example….Coraline showed up. you two fought and you killed her defending your own life and that of your child. I'd leave it at that. I highly recommend you don't offer up that she was staked and defenseless when you beheaded her."

"What if he asks?" Beth squeezed Mick's arm.

"Then the truth is still your best bet. You were acting on instinct. She has tormented you for years and she was threatening your child. That will work for you. The Duval's may not be a normal or even loving family but they do take family ties seriously. But let's hope it doesn't come to that. We all understand your actions but Lance may not."

"I won't let Beth take the blame for ending this." Mick stood straighter and his chest heaved outward in a stance of determination. "She was obsessed with me. I brought her into Beth's life and I won't let anything happen to Beth for finally ending what I couldn't."

Beth turned in Mick's arms and stroked his jaw softly, "It'll be okay Mick. I'm okay. I did this and I won't hide from it."

"Mick I understand your concern. I want to assure you, all of you," he looked around at everyone to see them looking to him for answers. "I might not be as powerful as their family in Europe but I have some power of my own here. I will do everything within my power to ensure you are all safe."

Jean moved over to Josef's side and took his hand in hers lending him her own strength. He was the one they all came to for answers, he'd been around the longest and had the most power. He was the shepherd to their flock. She knew he would do anything to keep them safe just as everyone else already knew that deep down but still hearing it spoke with his easy way and complete confidence seemed to make everyone breathe out a little bit easier.

"Are we all in understanding of what is to happen?" Everyone nodded their heads yes. "Okay then I'll let you get back to your day. I will send you all a message when he arrives in LA. It shouldn't be any earlier than tomorrow morning. I'll try and set up most of the meetings myself."

Mick was the first to set his glass down and start to leave with Beth. "Thank you Josef."

Slowly everyone followed their lead and headed out. Everyone was a little on edge but they were united and that they knew would help them.

To Be Continued…

Evilous

Okay so there you have it the first chapter for my new story in the saga. I am sorry it's taken so long but starting a new story is kinda difficult for me, I have to make sure I have everything lined up for what I want to happen later on and I over analyze everything. Plus there is the fun task of title which I admit has been illusive. Anyways this is just the start, I hope you stick around and buckle up for another giant thrill ride in Shades of Gray.