I appreciate all who have read and reviewed, even if the site won't let me respond directly to some. A new character decided to take the spotlight, so there's just the start of Josef's party. Hope you enjoy ~~~~~~~

Chapter 4

The tall, dark-haired vampire walked purposefully through LaGuardia, her green eyes hidden by sunglasses. Dressed in a Chanel suit and Ferragamo heels, she ignored the glances she received from the crowded concourse and concentrated on finding the VIP lounge. She'd already flown half-way around the world and there was still another plane trip to get to Los Angeles. She knew there was a problem and she was the only one who could find out what it was. She grumbled about being dragged from her comfortable home, but she didn't mind so much—the Council paid well for her services.

Following her with her luggage were two young men, the latest acquisitions to her stable. They provided blood and fawning obedience, two things she had to have to survive. Finding the VIP lounge, she brushed past the concierge and entered. She turned to them, "You boys can leave the luggage here, and they'll watch it. Go get something to eat."

One of them said, "But, mistress, won't you be needing us?"

She patted him on the cheek. "How sweet. I'll be fine but you have to be at full strength for the long flight." They both nodded and scurried off to the nearest airport restaurant. She sighed. Such lovely boys, she hoped they would last longer than the previous pair. Oh well, she thought, it's easy enough to find replacements. Now she focused on the lounge, scenting the two vampires she was meeting. She nodded and moved toward them.

"Emmaline, how nice to see you." She said with patent insincerity.

The blond with black eyes smirked at the greeting. "Yes, so nice to see you as well, Natalya. You remember Otto." She indicated the tall, thin vampire next to her.

Natalya glanced at him, and smiled. "Of course." She didn't know how Emmaline put up with him; he was so bland and boring. They moved to a darkened corner, away from the windows and sat in comfortable chairs.

"You know what's going on in Seattle?" Emmaline queried.

"Yes." Natalya sighed. When she wasn't more forthcoming, Emmaline said, "Well? Is it hunters?"

"No, it's not."

Emmaline made a sound of irritation. "Natalya, we needed you here for your remarkable gifts. Please don't make me regret asking you."

"That's it, isn't it? You hate having to be obligated to me. I'm the only vampire that has psychic abilities so you call me when you're desperate; otherwise I'm avoided like the plague."

Otto said quickly, "You know that's not true. We just don't like disturbing you without good reason."

Natalya smiled inwardly. She loved drama and she had these two from the Council disturbed. At least Otto was, Emmaline was a blank wall and Natalya couldn't read her. The blond vamp was several hundred years older, and it annoyed her that Emmaline might be immune to her gifts. She had many clairvoyant talents, most of which the Council was unaware.

"All right," Natalya said reluctantly. "tell me what's been happening."

Emmaline glanced at Otto, who said, "We've heard from vamps in Seattle and Vancouver that their usual blood suppliers have been either bought out or closed down. Some vamps there keep freshies, but most rely on purchased blood. New stores have been opened, but they cost twice the price. Some of the local vampires can't afford it. They've applied to the Council for financial aid, and that's how we heard of the situation. We've been unable to find if this is some kind of attack on us by strangling our blood supply or if it's just a greedy person trying to squeeze money from the vampire population."

Natalya nodded. "I could only get small snatches of vision from home, which is why I needed to come over. I'm going to have to be on the plane, away from the distraction of all these humans. When can we leave?"

Emmaline checked her watch. "We should be able to board any minute. Where are your bags?" Just then, the two young men entered the lounge, coming up to the three vampires.

"Your pardon, mistress." He turned to bow to Emmaline and Otto. Natalya was pleased; she had trained them well. "They have taken your luggage to the jet and are ready for you at your convenience."

They boarded the private Council jet, and were in the air quickly. Natalya enjoyed the luxury after having to fly commercial from London. The two young men attended to her comfort and she sent them away with a smile. No matter what their real names were, she always called them Jekyll and Hyde, as she would call the next two in her service. They stayed for the pleasure she gave them when she took their blood. And this evening she would need it.

The vampire calling herself Natalya Ivanovich was not Russian, but born in a Germanic fiefdom some 450 years ago. Tall for a woman, she had green eyes and dark hair, not usually seen in that land. When her gift of second sight had been discovered, the only thing that saved her from being burned as a witch was her aristocratic family. None of the surrounding nobles wanted a witch for a bride, so she languished in her father's citadel. Her gifts told her she was destined for a special life, so she left her lands and unerringly found the woman who would be her sire. At twenty-three she was turned, never looking back.

Now, Natalya settled in comfortably and her eyes changed, but remained unfocused. "I see a viper, large and powerful with his coils around the city." Natalya said in a monotone. "He's squeezing them, playing with the vampires and has no care what happens to them. He is using them for money, and has gained power from his wealth. He is focused elsewhere; there is rage and revenge in his mind."

Emmaline leaned forward. "A name, do you have a name." She said softly.

"No, I cannot see him, he is moving, twisting out of my reach . . ." Natalya said fretfully. She sat up, eyes unseeing. "There could be slaughter, the vampires cannot stop themselves, they need blood . . . ."

She shook herself; her eyes still crystal but now focused. She gasped, "Hyde," and a wrist was presented to her. She sank her fangs in, drinking deeply. After a minute she was able to stop and gain control. "Thank you, dear boy." She said as she licked the wounds closed. Natalya seemed to regain her composure after her meal but still looked rather shaken.

"It is a vampire, then." Emmaline said decidedly.

"Yes," Natalya replied, "not too old, about 500 years. He is taking all the money he can out of Seattle and Vancouver with no regard for those of us there. All he cares about is revenge—he's been planning this for many years. To find him I will need to be closer to where is now." For all her affectations, she wanted to keep the vampire community safe and this villain needed to be stopped.

Otto leaned forward. "Do you know where he is going?"

"Yes, south. Los Angeles." Natalya responded.

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The Kostan mansion was lighted and ready for the hordes to descend. Hale was in his element, directing caterers, florists, lighting and supervising the arrival of the evening's freshies, especially hired for the occasion. Valets were ready to park the numerous cars, and space was provided for the limos that would transport the vampire elite of LA.

Josef adjusted his cuffs and looked at the bathroom door where Simone had been holed up for the last hour. "Simone, I'm going downstairs." He called out to her.

"All right, I'll be down in a few." Her voice floated through the door.

Josef rolled his eyes. Really, how long did it take to put on a dress and some jewelry? "Don't forget everyone's coming early for a drink."

"I know, I'll be ready."

He shook head smiling as he made his way down the formal staircase. The party was set to start at 10 pm, but Josef had asked a few people to come early for a celebratory drink and to announce their engagement. He could see Hale in the front hall, talking to his security people. Even at a party, Josef was taking no chances on any problems with most of the vampire community at his house.

The representatives from the Councils would be attending the party, and then meet the following night. Josef was annoyed they were staying over and had to be invited. He had hoped they would be able to take care of their business before the festivities, but the New York contingent was delayed, waiting for a visitor from abroad. Josef grumbled to himself and went to find one of the freshies for a pre-party snack. No doubt her blood would be spiced with excitement about the upcoming event.

Mick and Beth left the loft and drove to Josef's house in the hills. They decided not to discuss the situation with the blood suppliers until after the party. Beth kept stealing glances at Mick, who was in his shirtsleeves, keeping his tuxedo jacket from getting wrinkled. He looked so sexy, she was having a hard time keeping her hands in her lap.

Mick saw her appraisal and said roughly, "You keep looking at me like that and we'll have to stop before we get to Josef's." Mick had also noted how beautiful Beth looked in a white, backless, iridescent gown. Now that she was a vampire, she didn't need a wrap to keep out the cold and her bare skin tantalized him.

"Hmmm, promises, promises." She purred. "I happy we managed to make it to the car; I'd better not press my luck."

"I'll give you a rain check on those naughty thoughts, baby." Mick said, his eyes flashing crystal.

Beth smiled to herself, knowing there would be payback later. Mick pulled up to the mansion and let the valet take the keys. He helped Beth out of the car and they were directed to the lounge. Josef was near the bar and greeted them.

"Well, I'm glad someone decided to show up." he said coming toward them. He looked at Beth appreciatively and kissed her cheek. "You are a vision, my dear." Beth smiled as Mick made a face. He went over to the bar and pour drinks for them and Beth said, "You guys look great in your tuxes." Beth had finally persuaded Mick to go to Josef's tailor for a custom-made tuxedo.

"Of course we do." Josef smirked. "At least you got Mr. Miami Vice out of the 80's and into something decent."

"Just because I went to a party once in a white suit . . ." Mick replied good naturedly.

Beth came up and ran her finger over the lapel of Mick's jacket. "I think Mick looks good in anything." She sniffed him appreciatively and he made a biting motion in return.

"All right, I'm getting nauseous over here." Josef commented.

Simone suddenly appeared at the door, smiling. "Sorry I'm a little late." She was breathtaking in a green gown, with an emerald and diamond necklace, and matching earrings. Josef had given her an emerald copy of her sapphire engagement ring so it would match her dress of the evening.

Simone hugged Beth and complimented her gown, then moved to Josef, kissing him softly. Josef looked at the door, scenting Ewan and Sofia. They came in greeting everyone, with Megan following.

Sofia smiled shyly at the group, and Ewan put his arm around her shoulders. Megan said, "Ben will be here later, he had to finish a brief for a case on Monday."

Josef made sure everyone had their choice of drink and said to the gathering. "I wanted you to come early so I could officially announce that Simone and I are engaged." He took Simone's hand and kissed it. Even with his friends, Josef wasn't going to go overboard with emotions. Simone beamed at him and the group responded with everyone congratulating and offering best wishes to the couple.

The women then gravitated to a window, and the men congregated around the bar. Josef poured more of his expensive single malt, ready to accept harassment from Mick and Ewan.

"I guess I'm the one who should be telling you not to get involved with a human?" Mick said jokingly.

"Yes, and when did you ever listen to me?" Josef snarked, taking a swallow.

"Humans are just fine Josef, as we both know." Ewan with mock severity.

"Hmmf." Snorted Josef. "Spoken by a vampire who is totally unprejudiced."

Both Mick and Ewan laughed and Josef tried to look insulted. "Well, I guess we were all human once—not that I want to go back there." He said glancing at Mick sharply.

Mick and Ewan were still smiling when the door opened and Ben Talbot came in, also impressive in a tux. Megan hurried to him, and he gave her a swift kiss on the cheek. "I'm so glad you got here early." They joined Josef, Mick and Ewan at the bar. Ben held out his hand to Josef. "Thanks for inviting me."

"You're welcome, Ben." Josef gave him a firm handshake, waiting to see if the human would back down. When he didn't budge, Josef let go with a grudging smile. "We just got together early for Simone and I to announce our engagement."

Ben hid his surprise. "Oh, then congratulations." He was still unsure of his place in the vampire community, and slightly uncomfortable with Josef. "I wanted to thank you for your help in the surveillance for Wilson. I know it's not your problem, but at least he won't be hurting anyone without us knowing."

Mick perked up at this. "What's going on?"

"Just keeping an eye on a scumbag for Ben." Josef responded. "We'll need your help, but right now the Cleaners have it covered."

"Who's the guy?" Mick asked.

Josef sipped his drink. "No business tonight. I'll fill you in later."

Ben realized he'd made a faux pas. "Sorry, I didn't mean to disrupt anything. I just wanted to say thanks." Megan looked at him and smiled encouragingly.

Hale slipped in the door and spoke quietly to Josef then left. "It appears the guests are starting to arrive." Josef said as he looked over at the ladies who were still talking. "I have to break up that gab-fest over there and Simone and I have to get on with the host duties." His eyes lingered on Simone, and she glanced over at him as he started for her.

"Come on gorgeous, time to sparkle for the guests." He turned to the others. "You're welcome to stay here until the crush is over." Josef prided himself on his parties, and was well-satisfied that this would be a good one.

TBC

Next, there will be lots going on at the party, so stay tuned ~~~~~~~~~