Disclaimer: I do not own Moonlight. I want the show back or a movie, until then, I write.
Thank you for the warm reception this story has gotten. I am grateful.
Chapter 2
"Josef!" Mick called out as he entered his friend's home. He was interested in what was bothering the older vampire enough to initiate this abrupt summons. He glanced around expecting to find Josef impatiently awaiting his arrival.
"Hello Mick," Marissa said coming from the kitchen area with a glass of lemonade in her hand. She was wearing a sexy one piece swimsuit with a colorful scarf tied around her hips. "I believe that Josef had a conference call that he had to take. He should be finished soon," she added with a smile.
"Thanks Marissa," Mick answered.
"I would imagine that Beth is getting excited with the commitment coming up so soon. I can tell you that Rayna is in seventh heaven that it is being held here," she commented as they headed into the living room.
"Yes, Beth is enjoying the planning. She said something about vases……she'll be calling you," Mick said looking embarrassed.
"Oh Mick, I think I know what she is concerned about," Marissa chuckled in sympathy. "We women will make sure everything goes smoothly. Just make sure you show up on Valentine's Day night and Beth will be happy." With a nod and a smile, Marissa went out to the pool to join two other girls in the late afternoon sun.
Mick watched her go, wondering if she missed having a normal human life and perhaps planning a wedding of her own. It dawned on him that he had very little idea what a freshie's personal life was like. He was aware that Marissa had stayed tied to the vampire world far longer than many of the women involved.
"Better make sure that Beth doesn't catch you staring like that," Josef said from behind him. "I know her; she'll stake you without a second's thought."
Mick turned and grinned at his friend.
"Beth trusts me. I just can't help wondering if Marissa has given up any social life of her own. Working for a vampire does not exactly let her lead a normal life."
"I'll have you know that she gets three nights a week off and is seeing a very nice accountant. He is on my payroll of course," Josef said smugly.
Mick shook his head as his grin got wider.
"Josef Kostan, matchmaker. Who knew?"
"You wound me Mick," Josef said holding his hand over his heart. "I value Marissa and her happiness means a lot to me. And Rayna suggested the introduction."
"Now that makes more sense," Mick chuckled and seated himself on one of the couches. Josef took a seat opposite him. "Beth is getting very excited about the commitment and very touched that you are letting us hold it here. She is concerned that Granny might be insulted that she asked Philippe to conduct the ceremony."
"I am thrilled to have you hold it here. And Moriah is fine with Philippe officiating," Josef assured him getting up to pour two glasses of scotch. He handed one to Mick and reseated himself, taking a sip of his drink. "She even mentioned to Rayna that it would hold a special significance if Beth asked him. Moriah has always favored bloodline connections," he added. Josef took as second swallow of scotch and then looked reluctant to continue. After a pause, he plunged in. "Are you aware that Coraline is in LA with Dimitri? He is lecturing at UCLA."
Mick stiffened and stared at Josef speechlessly for a moment.
"Is that what you called me about?" he finally said tersely. "No, I wasn't aware she was in town. I can't believe it's a coincidence that she is here now."
"I'm sure she is fully aware of your plans," Josef agreed. "We will not allow her to ruin your celebration." His expression hardened and Mick noticed the change immediately. "There is another matter that needs your special skills," the older vampire said gravely.
"What's wrong Josef?" Mick asked, not liking the tingling feeling crawling down his spine. Something serious had Josef upset.
"Rayna has received two strange deliveries recently. They've come with no name and no message. The delivery services have no idea where they originated, they were cash transactions," Josef said grimly.
"What kind of deliveries?"
"A beaded, feathered Native American type thing and a wood carving that looks remarkably like Rayna," Josef replied tightly.
"When did you get them?" Mick enquired, his detective interest piqued.
"Over the last three days. I didn't think anything of the first one but when the carving showed up I got curious. I have the wrapping from the second "gift". Mick, I don't think it's going to stop with these two." Josef's anger began to rise again, viewing these deliveries as threats to his lady made his vampire surface.
"Hey Josef, they sound harmless, ease up. What does Rayna think about this?"
"She is puzzled but not concerned. You know Rayna; mysteries are just exciting accents to her life. The woman does not worry about things," Josef said, his eyes softening. He adored Rayna's free spirit and Mick knew his friend was deeply concerned by these gifts. "I don't like that they're anonymous."
"So Rayna has no clue who may have sent them? There is no significance to these items?" Mick continued to probe. Josef shook his head. "What name did the deliveries come addressed to?"
"Rayna Kostan."
"That's interesting," Mick reflected. "She has just started to use your last name. Whoever this is has been keeping up with her life."
"And I don't like it," Josef growled. He swallowed the last of his drink and set the glass on a side table. "I don't like the thought of someone out there watching my lady so closely."
Mick smiled at the possessive tone in Josef's voice. His friend didn't like anyone posing even the slightest threat to Rayna. He was sure that once again there was a bodyguard assigned to her and he was pretty sure who had the duty.
"So how did Rayna take to having Sam shadowing her again?" he asked not even trying to hide his grin.
"We fought. Then Moriah called and said she had a strange reading of the cards and Rayna agreed to have Sam watch over her. I want this settled quickly Mick. I know you have the commitment coming up…."
"Don't worry about it," Mick cut him off. "We don't want anything to interrupt that so I want this cleared up too. Besides, this will keep Beth from assigning me extra duties with the planning," he admitted sheepishly.
"Glad to be of service," Josef said finally relaxing. "I gave Rayna free rein on ours, just as long as I didn't have to do anything, it's safer that way."
"I will be happy with anything Beth and Rayna plan, as long as it doesn't require me going to stores to pick things out," Mick said with a shudder. "I'd rather chase Rayna's secret admirer."
"I'm in favor of that," Josef agreed. He got to his feet. "Come on, I'll show you the gifts and the packaging."
"Sounds good," Mick answered, getting up also and following him out of the room.
*******
With the department meetings finished, Beth filed away her paperwork and got ready to leave for the night. She was very pleased with the way things were falling in place for the launch of the magazine's new look. There was no doubt in her mind that Granny would be pleased with her changes. When she finished filing, she grabbed her bag and headed out for her car bumping into Rayna and Sam on the way out.
"Sam, are you on the payroll now?" she asked the security vamp. "Or don't tell me Josef demoted you to a chauffeur." She grinned at Rayna who gave her a pained look. Beth went on alert.
"No, Josef thinks I need a bodyguard again," Rayna sighed.
"Why?" Beth asked in concern. "What's going on Rayna?"
"I've received two little anonymous gifts and Josef goes ballistic. I think he's over reacting but I have Sam tagging along to humor him," she explained. Sam smiled weakly.
"What kind of gifts? Why does this worry Josef? Is that why he called Mick earlier?" Beth peppered her with questions.
"I'm sure he called Mick," Rayna confirmed. "They're just little gifts; a Native American dream catcher and a wood carving that looks like me. Josef is getting worried over nothing."
"But you have no idea who sent them," Beth stated gripping her friend's arm. "Rayna this could be serious."
"They are harmless Beth," Rayna protested.
Beth shook her head, worried that Rayna didn't see the potential for danger.
"Rayna, people don't send gifts without a card unless they have ulterior motives. Josef is right to be concerned." She looked at Sam for support. "Have you noticed anyone hanging around?"
"No, but I just started accompanying Rayna yesterday," he replied.
"You have to take this seriously," Beth insisted.
"Okay, okay," Rayna agreed. "I'll take it seriously, Josef won't accept anything less. But Beth, I have faith Mick will solve this mystery and it will turn out to be harmless."
End chapter.
There you go; we have some of our twists. Come on, you knew Coraline couldn't stay away from this event, right? Please let me know what you think, push the button and review. Thanks.
