Disclaimer: I do not own Moonlight or any of its characters. And it appears that I may be able to quit complaining about the writer's strike. Yay!

Thanks for the reviews. You are all so helpful. Still waiting to see where the story wants to go. So this direction is where my pen has taken me.

Chapter 9

Mick looked at the other two and headed for the door. The security screen revealed it was indeed Philippe and his shadow, Demont. Mick opened the door and motioned for the two to come in. Demont stopped just inside the door making it clear that he was only here to backup Philippe. He positioned himself so he could keep everyone in sight.

Philippe came around the pillars into the living room. He headed straight to Beth. Mick was beside her in a flash. A low growl issued from deep in his throat. Ignoring Mick, Philippe bent to raise Beth's hand to his lips and bestowed an old world kiss to the back of her hand.

"Good evening Ms Turner," he said and then paused to inhale slightly. He smiled at her and straightened, locking gazes with Mick. Mick could have sworn that there was a glint of grudging humor in Philippe's eyes. Beth caught the exchange and felt a flush creep up her neck to her face. She knew exactly what Philippe had scented.

"St. John, it is time we talked," Philippe announced. He glanced at Josef, sitting on the couch. "I see you couldn't stay away."

"You knew I'd be here Philippe. I made it very clear last night that you would not meet with Mick alone."

Philippe nodded and chose a chair that allowed him to face the other three. Demont stayed at his post watching everyone.

"I have spoken to Lance. He wishes to make it clear to Mick that Coraline no longer has access to the compound. She will never have access to it again. He stresses that you must forget the cure," Philippe said staring directly at Mick.

Beth looked up at Mick standing next to her. She saw him clench his jaw but otherwise stand there stiffly.

Philippe noted his response and smiled in satisfaction.

"Shall I elaborate?" he asked. "Coraline has been ordered to remain in Europe. Darius, our sire has commanded her to remain with him. She will be forced to stay with Darius until he feels she has learned her lesson," he said angrily. The thought of his sister being kept a virtual prisoner ate at Philippe. He hated seeing her broken. He knew he was not strong enough to oppose his sire. And he turned his anger with himself on St. John. "You will be pleased St. John, Darius has declared that your marriage to Coraline is dissolved." He noted the brief smile that crossed Mick's face. "He did not do this to please you. He was punishing Coraline. He has taken away what she cared most about. Darius cares nothing for your feelings."

"I don't care why," Mick said. "I'm just glad I'm free."

Philippe surged to his feet with a snarl. His eyes glazed and with fangs exposed he stepped toward Mick. Demont came to attention but did not leave his place at the door. Mick let loose his own vampire in response.

"My sister loves you," Philippe hissed.

"She destroyed everything between us," Mick growled angrily. "She played with me and stole my life."

Beth cringed in her chair. Josef relaxed on the couch watching the two younger vampires go through their hissing and spitting routine. He knew these two had to get Coraline out from between them.

"You picked this human over your wife. You promised her forever," Philippe said bitterly.

Mick advanced on Philippe. His desire to attack increased with each accusation.

"Mick," Beth said softly. She was afraid it would get out of hand. Mick hesitated hearing her voice.

"I made that promise to someone I thought was human. I didn't know what she was. Beth knows what I am. She chooses to be with me," Mick said heatedly. He was almost face to face with Philippe. Anger crackled between the two vampires.

Beth looked at Josef in concern. She was not sure she could calm Mick at this point. The two appeared to be bordering on violence.

"My sister gave up her freedom to save you," Philippe spat out. "She surrendered to Lance without a fight."

"She knew she'd survive. Coraline never does anything that doesn't work to her favor," Mick said dismissively.

"You know nothing," Philippe said, ready to launch himself at Mick.

"Gentlemen!" Josef's voice cut through the snarls. "You are scaring Blondie. Put away the fangs and grow up." Josef stared at the two. "Mick, you're free. Let it go. Philippe, by now you should know that Coraline is crazy. Yes, she's your favorite but she has never played with a full deck."

Philippe snarled at Josef but backed off. Mick tilted his head but did return to Beth's side. She reached up and took his hand. He calmed at her touch.

"Good," Josef approved. "You two will never agree on Coraline. Get over it."

"Why should I listen to you?" Philippe demanded.

"Because I'm older and I'm right," Josef snapped. He stared down Philippe. A low growl rumbled in Josef's chest and his eyes turned frosty.

Philippe's eyes returned to brown and his fangs disappeared.

"You only had to ask nicely," Philippe said with a smile.

"And why are you still here Philippe?" Josef asked mildly. "This could all have been settled the other night."

"Discovering Ms Turner's blood type has kept me here. I wish to learn more. Coralline has the same type. It occurs in our family every hundred years or so. I am curious. Ms Turner, do you know your family heritage? Do you have any French bloodlines?"

Beth shook her head.

"I don't know. I don't think so," she said. Beth was positive she didn't want to be related to this family.

"Perhaps we can research your family history," Philippe said smiling at her. That sent a chill running through Beth. She gripped Mick's hand tighter. He looked down at her and smiled reassuringly. He squeezed her hand lightly in response.

"I don't think Beth is eager for a family connection," Mick told Philippe.

"Perhaps not, but there is a chance she is related."

"I'd rather not be," Beth spoke up.

"Do not judge the family by Coraline." Philippe gave her his most charming smile. It crossed Beth's mind that under different circumstances she would have found Philippe very attractive. He was handsome and that old-world charm was very appealing. She was sure he had no trouble finding women willing to give their blood to him. She shook herself mentally, bringing herself back to the present conversation.

"It's not just Coraline. Lance almost killed Mick, you kidnapped me and just hearing about Darius scares me," Beth said. "I'm sorry Philippe I'd rather remain ignorant of my roots."

"And if she is related, just what would that mean?" Josef asked.

"Perhaps nothing," Philippe admitted. "It is of interest to me. Lance and Darius might find the connection interesting. I have always found our bloodline's history to be a special fascination of mine."

"You have no plans of bringing her into the fold, do you?" Josef asked pointedly.

Beth paled at the thought and Mick growled in Philippe's direction. He placed himself squarely between Beth and Philippe.

"Unlike my sister, I do not turn anyone against their wishes," Philippe said, clearly offended.

"So then you are finished here? Are you ready to return to Europe?" Mick asked.

Philippe studied the younger vampire in front of him. He hated to agree with Josef but there was more to St. John than he first wanted to admit. Lance said he still had attacked him even though he was human. He had tried to protect Coraline although he clearly no longer loved her. There was a chance he could be useful. Darius and Lance did not realize that Philippe had an agenda of his own. And it wasn't just checking out his sister's ex-husband.

"There is one other thing you could assist me with. Something suited to your skills St. John," Philippe said, enjoying the look of confusion on Mick's face.

End chapter.

Again thanks for the reviews and advice. Philippe has started me on this storyline and I've decided to let him lead for now. I hate when I lose control of my story but so far it hasn't let me down. Is it still thumbs up or is it down?