Disclaimer: I do not own Moonlight. I never have and never will but I do like playing with it.

Thank you for your continued support. This story is almost over but I have to include some finishing scenes. I hope you enjoy it.

Chapter 25

"Nicely done Josef," Robert said stepping up and slapping him on the back.

"Thanks," Josef grinned. "It was rather satisfying to join those two kids."

"You did a lovely job boy," Moriah said as she joined them and handed a glass of champagne to Robert. "And I'm very proud of how you handled Andre."

"Well…..Rayna and Mick helped me to see reason otherwise we would have had a bloody commitment," Josef said, his eyes going cold. "Andre deserves to be punished."

"I can't wait to leave France," Rayna sighed, hugging him.

"I have to agree. I wanted to come here so much but I think I will be happy to head home," Beth said softly.

"Well New Orleans is our next stop," Mick reminded them. Both Rayna and Beth brightened up considerably at those words.

"Oh yes…..and Anthony and Charity's wedding. A celebration with less stress," Rayna laughed.

"Right, as if any wedding is stress free," Josef quipped, his mood becoming lighter.

"Do not be a cynic," Rayna scolded and took his hand. "I want to dance, come with me."

With a laugh, Josef allowed her to pull him out onto the dance floor. They moved smoothly over the floor, Rayna's skirts billowing around them.

"We need to practice," Beth told Mick.

"Then let's dance my lady," Mick suggested and led her out to join the dancers.

"Ah…the young know how to have fun," Robert commented.

"You have not forgotten my dear man," Moriah assured him. She handed their glasses to a passing servant and held out her hand. Accepting her gesture, Robert went with her to waltz.

Two dances later, Raoul stalked over to Lance after Paul LaSalle and Coraline left him alone. The couple went out to the gardens and Lance sipped a glass of brandy and blood. With Claudine following, Raoul stopped before his brother.

"How could you take Josef's side against your own brother?" he demanded angrily.

"I did not take Josef's side in anything. I prevented Andre from being shot in the heart with a silver bullet. Did you not see that St. John was about to fire when I stepped in? Andre should never have attacked Josef, not with LaSalle and Giselle Beaumont present as witnesses. I had warned him and I am the head of this family," Lance said sternly. "Do you question that Raoul?"

There was an awkward pause as Raoul considered answering but found he was unable to speak in the face of Lance's ire. Claudine slipped a hand into one of his and squeezed his fingers.

"Lance, Raoul still feels the loss of Darius acutely. It was easy to be swayed by Andre's passion for revenge," she spoke up bravely. "Raoul would never question your leadership of this family."

Shock was written over Raoul's face, seeing his wife in a whole new light. Lance also looked at her boldness with grudging respect.

"Your wife is a smart woman brother. Let us forget this disagreement and enjoy Philippe's celebration. The Duvalls must present a united front for the outsiders here," Lance commented and walked away.

"I apologize for speaking out of turn my love but Lance is right. This would have reflected badly on the family if Andre's plan had been successful," Claudine said softly.

"You surprise me Claudine. You should consider becoming a diplomat," Raoul said slowly. A small smile crossed his lips. "Come, let us get some champagne. I need to become reacquainted with my wife." He took her hand and led her towards a quiet corner.

"I would have loved to have heard that conversation," Josef commented to Marius from the opposite side of the room. "Raoul sure backed down in a hurry."

"He's hot-headed but he has always been afraid of Lance. Claudine is the one who surprises me. She's never stood up to Lance or Raoul before," Marius chuckled.

"Never underestimate a woman," Josef counseled.

Marius followed his gaze to where Rayna, Beth and Giselle were gathered around Cynthia, laughing.

"I will be careful not to," he promised.

Near the garden doors, Mick paused to glance around the room then stepped out into the night air, a glass of blood in his hand. Beth was with Rayna and he needed a moment away from the press of the Duvall family. He had seen Coraline and LaSalle return to the ballroom so he walked out into the starlight, sipping his drink. Like Beth had said earlier, he was ready to leave Europe.

Her scent floated out to him and he could not help tensing up as she approached. Anger coursed through him as he realized he had allowed himself to be caught alone.

"What do you want Coraline?" he asked, turning toward her with cold eyes.

"I wished to speak to you, to tell you how handsome you look tonight. You would have made a wonderful gentleman of the court," she answered, continuing to walk towards him.

"Thank you. You are lovely as always," Mick said shortly and attempted to move past her, towards the house.

"Mick," Coraline pleaded as she stepped before him to block his way. "Please…..let me finish."

"What more can we say to each other?" he asked and tried to continue around her. She moved in and took hold of his forearm, her eyes begging him to stay.

"Please…..let me speak."

"There is nothing more to say," he responded stiffly but didn't pull away.

"I do have more to say," she began slowly. "Mick, I love you…I always will. I know that my love is not returned, I would have to be blind not to see how you adore Beth." She paused to control her quivering voice. "I am jealous of that. I want you to know that I want to care for Paul and that I will not bother you and Beth again."

"How can I believe you?" he asked suspiciously.

"Because I want to be happy," Coraline replied sharply. "I do not want to be treated like some pathetic loser. I am tired of the pity in my brothers' eyes. I want to be desired and Paul does desire me," she said passionately and proudly.

Mick's stern look softened.

"I hope you get what you want Coraline," he said kindly. "I do not hate you and I just want this to end peacefully."

Coraline blinked back a few tears, his words hurt even though she was not surprised by them.

"Just remember I am your sire. We will always have that bond. No matter how much you wish to deny it, it is the truth," she stated.

"I won't deny it but it does not make me love you. Be happy with Paul, he deserves your whole heart," Mick advised as he gently removed her hand from his arm.

Coraline bit her lower lip and nodded with wet eyes.

"Be happy," she echoed and turned to go to the house. At the doorway she encountered Beth and for one moment she almost spoke to the younger woman. Then with a shake of her head she blinked back her tears and regally swept past her into the house, her head held high.

Beth went to Mick, concern written across her lovely face.

"How much did you hear?" he asked.

"Most of it. I saw her follow you out and came to listen," Beth answered with a small grin. She looked back at the house, her eyes shining with compassion. "I hope Paul can make her happy."

"I think he could if she would let him," Mick said reaching out for her. He caught her hands and drew her close. "I don't want to talk about her. I have you in the starlight and there is no one else I wish to share it with."

Beth giggled as she went up on her toes to receive a kiss from Mick. Any thoughts of where they were or who else was with them was meaningless, they had each other.

"Aren't they cute?" Josef said to Rayna as they stood in the doorway.

"Sometimes my love, you are like a little boy," Rayna sighed. She gazed up at him with loving indulgence. "I want my little sister happy and maybe now she can be. Finally Coraline knows she has lost." She found her attention drawn to where Coraline was dancing with Paul. The dark haired woman's attention was firmly centered on her handsome partner.

"I hope you are right Beauty. Mick deserves to be happy with Beth. And you and I will make sure that they have that chance."

"You say the sweetest things my love," Rayna answered happily.

"Children…leave the young ones alone," Moriah commanded from behind them. "We all deserve to conclude this night with some fun. Josef, you owe me a dance. Come boy; let us celebrate a beautiful commitment."

"As you wish Moriah," Josef laughed and taking her hand, he bowed deeply. "It would be my pleasure…..let's show these French how dance."

A small giggle escaped Rayna as Josef and Moriah swirled out onto the floor. She smiled up at Robert.

"Shall we see if we can keep up?" she invited, holding out her hand. He took it and brought her fingers to his lips, kissing them lightly.

"My lovely young woman, I would love to dance with you," Robert said gallantly. "It is time to celebrate."

He drew her into his arms and they moved out onto the dance floor, enjoying the music.

End chapter.

You knew that I could not let things rest with Coraline. She is cooperating with me for now but then we know that often doesn't last. For now Mick and Beth have some peace. Thank you for reading.