Disclaimer: I do not own Moonlight. And after all this time it seems silly to say that since I feel like I own it.
Again I thank all who have reviewed or put me on alert. If you haven't reviewed…..don't be shy, I love to know what you think.
Chapter 7
"I certainly hope that does not mean our ladies do not trust us," Robert said with a twinkle in his eye. He knew that Cynthia had been teasing when she mentioned the contacts she had in the city.
"You we trust, it is the French women we're not so sure of," Beth said sweetly.
"Enough teasing," Moriah spoke up. "I have no intention of worrying about the men. I wish to concentrate on checking out the latest fashions and improving my wardrobe."
"I agree," Rayna grinned.
"Will it just be us four?" Robert asked Philippe. His curiosity towards this family was still aroused. "Will any of your brothers be joining us?"
"Marius suggested he might join us. I do not think we will see any of the others. Christophe is still in Prague and will be here in time for tomorrow's party. We have planned a formal family gathering for tomorrow night. I believe Lance, Raoul and Coraline will be there also," Philippe explained. "Andre's invitation has been revoked."
"He made it quite clear that he did not approve of our commitment," Cynthia said quietly.
"We do not require his approval," Philippe responded as he held her hand and placed a light kiss on her forehead. "Would any of you like some refreshment or would you prefer to rest after your long flight?" he asked his guests.
After a brief discussion, the six newcomers decided to go up and unpack and rest. Philippe showed them to their rooms on the upper level. Mick and Beth disappeared into their room first with Beth making a beeline for the bed. Kicking off her shoes, she stretched out on the silken bedspread. She sent a small smile at Mick through half closed eyes as he explored the room. He found the freezer hidden behind a sliding door and smiled back at Beth.
"You do know that I trust you, don't you?" she asked hesitantly.
Mick nodded as he moved over to her and sat on the edge of the bed.
"I know that," he assured her as he stroked his fingers across her cheek. "But I know that you are worried that Coraline will be out tonight, correct?"
"You know me too well," Beth admitted.
"I have wondered that myself," Mick confessed. "I am sure that Philippe has not divulged his plans to his sister but I would not put it past her to show up. But it does not matter because I am past caring what she wants." He leaned over to kiss her gently. "I have the woman I desire."
"Oh I do love the sound of that," Beth sighed as her arms encircled his neck. "I know we can't avoid her, I just wished to provide a united front when we see her."
"We are always united," Mick promised as he kissed her again.
*M*M*
In the suite next door Rayna was hanging dresses in the closet when Josef came up behind her and slipped his arms around her waist.
"Maybe you should get some freezer time Beauty. You only took a short nap on the jet." He nuzzled her neck, his lips lightly caressing her skin.
"I'm fine Josef," she assured him. "I was so excited with Anthony and Charity's news that I couldn't sleep."
"All the more reason for you to sleep now," he urged. "The time change will catch up to you and you won't be able to concentrate on your shopping. Please….come rest with me." He drew her firmly towards the freezer alcove, fingers working on her blouse buttons.
"You have no intention of taking no for an answer, do you?" Rayna laughed lightly.
"Not this time," Josef said as he continued to undo her clothing. "Humor me my sweet; I want you to be fully rested."
Rayna turned in his arms and started to unbutton his shirt, a small smile playing on her lips.
"I would love to rest in your arms," she purred.
"And I would love to grant your wish," Josef growled as he lowered his head to kiss her.
*M*M*
Across the hall, Moriah sat at the vanity, brushing her hair. Robert relaxed on the bed, leaning against the headboard, watching her movements in appreciation.
"So does it feel strange to be back in Europe?" he enquired. "I know you do not have pleasant memories of this continent."
"So very much time has passed that the sting is gone," she answered seriously. "I do not have many painful memories of Paris. My sire turned me in Greece and my life there and in Rome was bitter. Once I came to the United States, those wounds began to heal," she added. Her smile was brave but Robert could still see the pain that lingered in her dark eyes. He did not know all of her past but he was aware that for many, many decades Moriah had been little more than a slave to her sire.
Moving off the bed he went to her and stood behind her, his hands lightly resting on her shoulders. With a gentle touch he slowly kneaded the tension out of her muscles and then bent to kiss her cheek.
"You are the strongest person I know and you are that way because of your many life experiences. They have helped create the woman I love," he said softly.
"And you are the dearest man I have ever known and I love you deeply," she replied as she reached up to cover his hands with hers.
"We should rest a bit," he reminded her.
"Neither of us needs any freezer time," Moriah said with a teasing smile. She rose to her feet and turned to take his face in her hands. Leaning in to kiss him, she chuckled softly. "I think we can make much better use of our time."
"I would never dream of arguing with the woman I love," Robert chuckled as he led her to the bed.
*M*M*
Much later, the men took their seats at a table in the club that Philippe had chosen to kick off the night. It was not vampire exclusive but the female performers definitely appealed to the men. Drinks had been ordered and the conversation was revolving around the lovely dancers on the stage when a man approached the table from behind Josef. Mick glanced up at the scent of age coming from the vampire and could immediately tell this was another Duvall. The only different feature was the dark blue eyes that twinkled in the handsome man's face.
"I see your guest have arrived safely, my brother," the new arrival announced.
Josef twisted in his seat and looked at the man in delighted surprise.
"Marius, you haven't changed a bit. Always sneaking up on people," he said as he got to his feet and moved towards the newcomer.
"Josef…you old dog, it is good to see you," Marius responded as he pulled him into an embrace and kissed both of his cheeks in the old European style. "You are a sight to see old friend."
"As you are," Josef said pulling away. "I am relieved you do not carry a grudge."
"For Darius?" Marius asked in surprise. "Josef, I am happy to be out from under my sire's influence, I hold no grudges."
"I am glad to hear that," Josef laughed. "Let me introduce my friends….."
"No need," Marius replied. He nodded towards Robert. "This is Robert DeClare, from New Orleans, a very close friend of the fascinating Moriah who we met in Rome so long ago." He looked at Mick who had risen from his chair. "And this is Mick St. John; I cannot help knowing him from Coraline's description. Welcome brother," he added holding out his hand.
"You are aware that I no longer consider Coraline my wife?" Mick said hesitantly but he accepted Marius' outstretched hand.
"Yes…..I realize that. Perhaps I should have said welcome nephew, since you have committed to the lovely Beth that Philippe cannot stop talking about. I cannot wait to meet her as he is so pleased with his "petite Beth". He is a proud Grandpere," Marius laughed in delight. "And I do understand how my dear sister made a mess of things…..she is impulsive is she not?"
"She is," Mick said shortly, not wishing to talk further about Coraline. He stepped back and motioned for Marius to join them at the table.
"It appears you were destined to become part of our family," Marius said in amusement as he sat down. "Has Philippe filled you in on his plans for this commitment?"
"He has indeed," Josef grinned. "It will be an interesting step back in time. I seem to remember you had quite the taste in fashion, did you save anything?"
"No…." Marius laughed. "I am not that nostalgic."
Mick watched the exchange between Josef and Marius with interest. He felt great relief that one more Duvall had proved to be friendly. The tight feeling in his chest loosened a bit with the knowledge.
"See, we are not all untrustworthy," Philippe said quietly from beside him. "The whole family is not like Lance."
"Of course not…..Lance is an old grouch," Marius commented. "Truly it is only Andre who is a pain in the ass. Raoul thinks he is tough but he is only a shadow of Lance. And I know you have managed to deal with Lance. He got the point the last time you met," he chuckled as he saw the pained look cross Mick's face.
"I would rather forget that event," Mick mumbled under his breath, remembering how he had staked the older vampire.
"Don't worry Mick, we Duvall's are really much more bark than bite," Marius said snapping his teeth together and grinning in delight.
End chapter.
So there you go, one brother added to the mix. What do you think of Marius? Thank you for reading. Reviews help make the muse happy.
