Chapter Two: The Meeting

Having watched his only true friend go through so much pain in the last 12 months, Josef is finally able to get Mick to meet him at his favorite club. This club caters to both human and vampire, though distinct and enforced rules are in place regarding socialization. There is to be no feeding on the humans by vampires and no killing of vampires by humans. The consequences are severe if that rule is broken. The two rooms upstairs are for vampires only, as is the one large room on the first floor for humans only. The main dance area is for both, as long as all abide by the main rule. Less important rules also exist but the main one must be followed with no exceptions.

Run by a human who is quite familiar with vampire lifestyles, Ravyn Sinclair looks to be in her late thirties. Along with this exclusive club, she also owns several high-end restaurants up and down the California coast. Not much is known about her personally, but Josef seems to know her well. He meets Mick at the club and escorts him into the VIP area set aside specifically for 'special' clients. This clientele is very exclusive and chosen by Ravyn herself. Most are well over 300 years old but look in their 30's to 40's. The human clientele is also hand chosen, though not as exclusive. They are mostly selected to compliment the vampire patrons. Ravyn knows how to cater to her 'special' clientele. She has the uncanny ability to know what each of those patrons desires and has it ready before they even ask for it.

Josef and Mick take a seat at his regular table. Mick looks around, taking in the ambience and feeling relaxed and comfortable. Ravyn approaches them, a server, off to the side, waiting to be summoned.

"Hello, G-Pa," her smile captivating Mick.

"Good evening, BB," Josef stands, giving her a kiss on the cheek. Mick stands also, nodding to her.

"Whom do you have with you tonight?" She returns Mick's nod. Josef sits back down, grinning.

"An old friend of mine. He needed a night out, so I thought your establishment would be perfect." He smiles, nodding toward the server. As the server approaches, Ravyn lifts the two ornate glasses from the tray he is carrying. She hands one to Josef. "Your favorite," is all she says as she releases the glass. "O+ positive?" Josef raises an eyebrow. "Of course, G-Pa," her smile infects Mick and he almost feels human again. The feeling disappears almost as quickly as it appeared when she hands him the other glass. "A+ positive." She states. He graciously accepts the glass, impressed. "Josef told you?"

"No. I had no idea he was bringing anyone with him tonight." Mick sits back down as she dismisses the server. She perches on the arm of Josef's chair, arranging her dress around her.

"Then how did you know?" He holds up the glass before taking a drink. It is fresh and, surprisingly, warm. He was not expecting that.

"A special talent she has. It's part of why her business is so successful." Josef is almost beaming, if a vampire could beam.

"I think I've only been wrong twice in all these years," she confides. Smiling again, Mick feels as though he could become lost in that smile. He takes another drink, admiring her behind half-closed eyes. 'She's absolutely stunning,' he thinks to himself. Her name suits her, as her hair is jet black. Her face is oval-shaped, with high cheekbones, full lips and sapphire-blue eyes. It's difficult for him to take his eyes off her.

"This is Mick St. John," Josef introduces. "Mick, this is Ravyn Sinclair, the fair owner of this establishment." Again, they nod at each other. Josef can't help but notice Mick's gaze, his eyes moving up and down her body, but always returning to her face. He was right. He knew introducing Mick to Ravyn would be good for Mick. Josef drains his glass, settling back in his chair, not even realizing the slightly protective arm placed at Ravyn's waist.

"So, Mick St. John, what do you do for a living?" She smiles, again. It takes him a moment to answer, and when he does, it's as if he's startled.

"Oh, I'm a private investigator." He smiles back. Her smile is so contagious. She lifts her eyebrows at him. "Really? That's interesting. I must hear more about that." Her gaze shifts to the other side of the room. "But it will have to be another time." She nods toward another table. "I must excuse myself. Work to do." She leans over, giving Josef a kiss on the cheek. "It was VERY nice to meet you, Mick St. John. Please do come back." She pulls a card out of her pocket, handing it to him. Her hand lingers a bit as their fingers touch and then she is gone. Mick looks at the plastic card. It simply reads "Valentina's" on the front with a thin magnetic strip across the back.

"Wow, you really impressed her," Josef grins, "She usually doesn't hand those out after a first meeting." He nods at the card. Mick looks at it again. "What is it?"

"It's access to this VIP room. There is another room for your every day vamps and then there is here," he sweeps his arm in front of him, "for exclusive guests and friends. You must have one of those cards to get in here. She gives them only to those she considers "proper" enough to be included." He grins. If Ravyn is already giving Mick a card, his instincts were more on point than he imagined. He was hoping they would hit it off, but this is moving faster than even he thought it would. Mick glances one more time at the card and slips in into his inside jacket pocket.

"So, how do you know her, Josef? You've never mentioned her before. How long have you been coming here?" Mick sinks back into the comfortable chair and takes another drink. It is still warm, surprising him. It must have shown on his face as Josef deftly avoids his questions. "The glasses are special made to keep the blood warmer, longer. She met someone many years ago who has a talent for these and immediately set up a business arrangement. She knew it could only help. She's crafty that way. It's an exclusive agreement." Josef is, again, beaming with pride. He nods toward the server for another glass.

"Don't avoid my questions, Josef. What's the deal?" Mick pushes. Josef interlocks his fingers in front of him and stares at Mick, an amused look on his face. 'It's good he's taking such an interest.' he thinks to himself, 'He needs something to take his mind off Beth.' The two stare at each other until the server comes with another glass for Josef. "Another for you, sir?" he asks of Mick. Mick shakes his head, his eyes never leaving Josef's. "No, thank you." He states, simply. Josef settles back in the chair, again, realizing that Mick is not going to let this go.