Disclaimer: I do not own Moonlight. That so upsets me that I forgot to put a disclaimer in the last chapter.

My thanks to the history buffs who pointed out the Josef is too old to be one of the brothers. I never did the math, just thought the idea was interesting. My story has begun to head in a different direction. Sometimes I feel I'm not controlling it, it controls me. Oh well, I go with the flow.

Chapter 3

Beth looked around the car. She thought about throwing herself out of the vehicle, but she really didn't want to become a splat on the LA freeway. And most likely the car doors were locked from up front. Left with no other choices, she turned slightly and studied the vampire next to her.

He bore a strong resemblance to Coraline. Almost pretty, but definitely masculine, he could be a runway model if he wanted. Beth smiled at the odd turn her imagination took when she was stressed. Philippe would not be one to lower himself to do anything that human. He had not spoken to her since they got in the car. He stared out the window, taking in the passing looks of LA. Beth felt her curiosity grow. It helped to calm her fears.

"Where are we going?"

Philippe looked at her silently. His expression was impossible to read. Beth shivered a bit.

"What do you want with me?" she tried again.

"Ms Turner, I do not wish to explain myself to you. Please be quiet. All questions will be answered when we meet with St. John," he said coldly.

"Did Coraline send you?" Beth pressed on.

"My sister is none of your concern. Now please be quiet, I'm trying to enjoy my visit to LA."

Beth decided not to push her luck and was quiet. She felt some relief to know that Mick would be coming once they arrived where ever they were going. It had been a long day and she fought the relaxing motion of the car. In spite of her best efforts she did close her eyes and rest.

When she felt the car come to a stop, her eyes flew open and she immediately felt her blood run cold. They were parked in front of Coraline's beautiful, expensive mansion. She did not want to be here. This place held nothing but terrible memories from her childhood. This was the last place she wanted to be.

"My sister's home. I believe it's familiar to you," Philippe said with an interested look at her. "I am aware that she took you as a child." He watched her closely.

"She kidnapped me to get Mick back," Beth said bitterly. "He saved me. She's sick."

Philippe laughed a genuine laugh.

"Yes, Coraline would do that. She has never taken being told no easily."

"I am glad my trauma is so amusing to you," Beth snapped. She glared at him.

"I am sorry if you think I am laughing at you. You do not know my sister as I do. She has always been headstrong. I find her solution to her problem to be so typical of her. Do not worry, she has been punished. We must go in now."

"I can't go in there," Beth said, panic tingeing her voice.

"We will be going inside," Philippe growled.

Beth knew she shouldn't argue further. As she moved to exit the car, Philippe took her purse.

"Hey!" she protested.

His eyes glazed and a snarl stopped her cold. He rummaged through her purse and extracted her cell phone. Without a word he thrust the purse back into her hands and slid the phone into his pocket.

Beth was ushered into the house by the stocky man, who had appeared by her side again. He took her arm and wouldn't let go. Inside the dimly lit room she was escorted to a chair in the beautiful living room.

"Let her go Demont," Philippe ordered. "Ms Turner, I am going to trust that we will not have to tie you up. There is no need for us to behave boorishly. If you cannot bring yourself to be cooperative, there is a room down stairs where you can wait for St. John."

Beth paled. She did not want to be locked in that room again.

"I thought you would see it my way," Philippe said noting her reaction. He smiled in satisfaction. "Make yourself comfortable, we may have a wait."

Beth followed his suggestion and sat down. There was no place she could run without being caught. She was curious to see what Philippe intended. The immediate fear for her life had eased and her main concern was for what they intended to do to Mick. She knew what had happened after Mick received the cure from Coraline. Mick had told her everything; she knew that Coraline had sacrificed her freedom to save Mick from Lance. But was she behind this visit in some way?

Philippe brought out her phone and scanned the information screen. He made his selection and placed the call.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Mick jumped when the phone finally rang. The screen showed that it was Beth's phone calling. For one wild moment he thought it could be her and she was fine. He knew better and snatched it off the desk.

"St. John" he said curtly.

"Yes, hello Mick. You know why I'm calling?"

"Yea, where's Beth?"

"Your pet is safe," the voice laughed. Mick could hear in the background Beth express her indignation at his labeling her a pet. She sounded very much okay. Mick smiled.

"Beth hasn't done anything to you. What do you want?"

"Why to meet you of course. Ms Turner will be fine as long as she follows the rules. Come quickly, the night grows short."

"Where?" Mick asked.

"I believe you are familiar with Coraline's house. We are waiting for you."

"I'm on my way," Mick said and hung up. He shoved it in his pocket and looked grimly at Josef.

"I should have thought to have checked there," Josef said. He had heard every word.

Mick started out of the room.

"Mick," Josef called. "I'm going with you."

"Maybe you shouldn't. I don't know if that will set him off. I don't want to risk Beth's safety."

"He won't hurt her. I care about her too. I'm going."

Mick was beyond arguing. He needed get to her. If Josef felt the need to come along he wasn't going to stand here wasting time.

Mick drove as fast as he could without attracting the attention of LA's finest. Josef sat silent, watching Mick as he drove. He didn't like how tightly strung his friend was becoming.

"Hey buddy, keep your head," he advised.

"Not funny Josef," Mick snapped.

"I'm serious. Keep your mind on who you're dealing with. Don't let your emotions rule you."

"Enough Josef. I understand. If you're going to play Jiminy Cricket, I can let you off here," Mick said, but he did give Josef a grateful smile.

"I'm not sure I appreciate being compared to a green bug. Just trying to make sure we get out of this in one piece. All of us."

"Okay. I'm sorry. It's just Beth……."

"You love her."

Mick threw him a quick glance, and then looked back at the road.

"You think I'm blind?" Josef laughed. "Ever since Valentine's Day; you two have been exchanging looks that are hard to miss. Hey since Sara, I recognize the emotions. I'm not warning you off anymore. I happen to think she's good for you."

"So we have your blessing?"

"Don't push it Mick. I'm still not sure about human/ vampire working for any length of time. I'm still trying to get you to embrace your vampirism. But I will try not to make waves, ah here we are," he said nodding to the driveway.

Mick started the Benz up the long drive to the front door. The house glowed with a dim light. Even with the large windows it was hard to see in.

"Time to get to know the family," Josef quipped as he got out.

"Drop it Josef," Mick said as he got out also. He headed for the door, his eyes searching for a glimpse of Beth inside. Josef was right behind him.

End chapter.

There's the set up. I hope you like where this is taking me. Your reviews give me such encouragement. I love checking my e-mail. Thumbs up or thumbs down?