AUTHOR'S NOTE: This fanfic is hugely inspired by Dark Shadows, a gothic television soap opera that originally aired weekdays on the ABC television network, from June 27, 1966 to April 2, 1971 and was produced by Dan Curtis. Just so you know, I don't own ABC or Dark Shadows and I won't be receiving any payment whatsoever for this story.

This is the story of Barnabas and his beloved Josette with Quentin and Angelique thrown into the mix. I hope you do not mind some 'other' pairings in this and the next chapters. Be patient. All things will become as it should be in time...

~V~V~

Josette was distraught when she heard of Melanie's absence. "Where is she?" she asked urgently. "Where is Melanie?"

"She went to see Dr. Longworth at his practice. She hasn't been feeling well... ever since the attack-," explained Bramwell.

"What attack?" Barnabas questioned in alarm.

"Something... bit her on the neck," Bramwell replied. "Whatever it was, it made her feel very peculiar."

Josette and Barnabas shared glances. "I'm sure she'll be fine," Bramwell said as he put his arm around Catherine and pulled her closer.

"Someone must go and check on her," Josette spoke.

"I sent a servant over to bring her home, but the servant returned without her," Bramwell stated.

"I don't like the sound of this," Josette fretted.

"I will rescue Samantha," Barnabas said to Josette. "While I am away, you should go to Melanie and check on her condition."

"I will help you find Samantha, Father," Bramwell spoke up. "She told me that she is my sister."

"No, Son. I need you to stay here and protect your mother. She may need you. Melanie may need you," Barnabas said to Bramwell. "And do not forget Catherine. She's expecting your child."

"Alright, Father. I will stay," Bramwell replied reluctantly. "Just find Samantha as soon as possible. Morgan has lost his mind... and I fear he may have hurt her."

Barnabas took Josette in his arms and gently kissed her lips. "See to our daughter," he whispered softly so only she could hear.

She nodded as she held him close. "Be careful, Barnabas," she whispered.

Barnabas was just about to leave for his search when Angelique and Quentin both appeared in the parlor. "What are the two of you doing here?" Barnabas asked in disgust.

"I am going with you, Barnabas," Angelique insisted. "I am going with you to find Samantha."

"And why are you here?" Barnabs demanded of Quentin.

"You may need my help," Quentin stated. "It's going to take the combined powers of the three of us to defeat the Curse of Brutus Collins and save Samantha."

"Let us go then," Barnabas said with a heavy sigh. "We have already wasted enough time."

Josette, Bramwell, and Catherine watched as Barnabas, Angelique, and Quentin disappeared into the night. "Do you think they will find her?" Bramwell asked his mother.

"Your father would do anything to save one his children," she stated.

She hugged her son and tenderly kissed his cheek. "I must go to Melanie. She needs me."

"Alright, Mother. I will summon a carriage," Bramwell agreed.