Disclaimer: I don't own Moonlight. I am just a fan unable to let it go.

Somebody To Love - Chapter 1

Josef had been buried in paperwork when a hesitant knock came on his office door. It opened slowly and Josef's new receptionist, a small, middle aged woman, poked her head around the corner looking nervous and timid.

"Excuse me Mr Kostan, there's a ..."

"I said NO interruptions Elise!" His tone was cold and concise leaving no doubt that she had more than likely just lost her job within the first week.

"Yes sir, I'm sorry sir", bidding a hasty retreat back to her desk.

"I'm sorry Miss Turner, Mr Kostan's not available. Perhaps you'd like to make an appointment for another time?"

Beth sighed, obviously disappointed she wasn't going to get to see her friend.

"That's fine. I'll try call him later. You're new aren't you?"

"Yes, just started this week".

"How has it been?" asked Beth, knowing just how difficult and demanding Josef could be.

"Ask me tomorrow, if I'm still here. Now, would you like to make that appointment?"

"Miss Turner never needs an appointment, understood?" came a voice so filled with contempt that even Beth felt a little unnerved. Josef stood in the doorway of his office looking intimidating, fists in his pockets and eyes narrowed on his employee.

"Yes Mr. Kostan" she nodded.

Josef's face softened as he turned to Beth and gestured for her to come through. As she passed he couldn't help but inhale, taking in her soft scent and instantly felt the tension of his day ease.

"You know, you could go a little easier on her. I imagine you're not the easiest... man... to work for." Beth whispered softly, knowing that Josef would hear her quite well as she took a seat.

"No can do I'm afraid. It's always best to push them early on, see if there up to task. Now, as much as I would love to assume you're here to see me, I suspect there is another reason for your visit?"

"I was wondering if you had any news on Mick?" enquired Beth softly.

It had been 3 weeks since Mick had been forced to take an extended vacation out of the country. His name had come up during the investigation into the Monahan disappearance, and authorities were eager to talk to him. Contact was to be kept to an absolute minimum, and only then through a third party.

Josef had Logan in the process of fabricating a paper trail, which would provide Mick with an alibi and proof of his innocence if needed, but it was taking longer than expected. The case was still too fresh and the DA's office was still feeling the backlash from the media on losing a prime murder suspect.

Since he had left town, Beth made a point of touching base with Josef to check on any updates or new information on his possible return.

"My contact informed me today stating all was well. He is growing a little impatient but still staying true to himself and acting like the anti-vampire vampire. I have Logan working around the clock. Now, enough of that, what can I offer you to drink, red or white?"

"I'll take the red thanks" flashing him a smile knowing he would appreciate her choice.

Josef grins, understanding her tease as he pours a glass of his finest merlot and handing it to Beth with a bow.

"What about you?

"Why, are you offering?, letting his eyes flash for a split second.

He couldn't help but notice the spike in her heartbeat which only made her scent even more alluring. He detected no fear and if he wasn't mistaken, curiosity. He wasn't really surprised. Beth was a reporter with a natural thirst for knowledge and if he knew Mick as well as he thought he did, Beth was not privy to some of the more sensual aspects of being with a vampire.

"You know, I wouldn't want to spoil you, '81 was an exceptional year for AO negative" trying not to smile. The joke was not lost on Josef who could only grin. "So I've heard", remembering back to a conversation he had with Mick after their little day trip to the desert.

They talked for almost an hour. Beth about her latest stories and leads she was following. Little did she know that Josef was already well informed on what she had been up to. He had taken the liberty of keeping an eye on her in Mick's absence and received daily updates to ensure her safety.

"Well, I'd best be off. Josef rose to see her out as she handed him her empty glass.

As they made their way to the door, they were greeted by a tall busty brunette who Beth surmised couldn't have been a day over 20. She was smiling seductively at Josef and seemed oblivious to the fact Beth was even in the room.

"Looks like your dinners arrived. Goodnight Josef."

"Goodnight Beth".

As Beth passed the young woman in the doorway, she couldn't help but notice how eager she was to make her way to Josef. Walking away, she heard the door softly close as she stepped into the elevator.

Thank you for taking the time to read.