Sorry for the delay, too much work and not enough muse. But, here's more about the aftermath of the battle, hope you enjoy~~~~~~

Chapter 16

Simone's eyes snapped open in alarm. She was disoriented, and it took a moment to realize she was in her freezer. She struggled to open the lid, unable to use one of her arms. The lid popped open, and she saw Josef's concerned face bending over her.

"Simone, baby, are you all right?" he asked.

Still not quite awake, Simone murmured, "I think so."

Josef helped her to sit up. "What's all this?" she indicated the IV attached to her arm.

"The doctor wanted you to have some intravenous blood to help you heal," Josef responded.

"Oh—OH," she exclaimed, her memory coming back a little. She'd been fighting with a vampire on the road outside Coraline's house. She knew he'd thrown her and she landed on her arm. After that, her memory became fuzzy. "What happened?"

Josef unhooked the tubing from her arm, and gave her a robe as she sat up. "I'll tell you in a minute. How are you feeling?"

"Just a little tired." Josef helped her out of the freezer and led her to a sofa in their luxurious bedroom next door.

"What do you remember?"

Simone frowned. "We were out by the cars—oh, what happened to Guillermo?" she asked, anxiously.

"He's fine. He was shot, but Mick got the silver out and he got some blood and rest. He went home a few hours ago," Josef replied.

"Good. I remember a vampire ran up and attacked Guillermo, and I jumped on his back."

Josef's eyes flashed a moment. "That was foolish, Simone. Couldn't you tell that vamp was older?"

She knew Josef was angry because he was frightened for her. She shook her head. "I wasn't going to stand by and let him rip up Guillermo. I knew he was stronger, but I had to try."

Josef took her hand. "That was Lance."

Her eyes opened wider. "Really? What was he doing there?"

"Running away, apparently," Josef smirked. "When he heard the commotion at the house, he took off. If you and Guillermo hadn't held him up, he'd have gotten into the car and probably be back in France by now."

"He's dead?" Simone asked.

"Yes."

"Did you kill him?" She had a hazy remembrance of Josef fighting with someone, and then everything went black.

"I took his head partway off, but Beth finished him with silver bullets."

Now Simone smiled. "Good for Beth! I just wish I could have seen it."

Josef hugged her. "I just wish you hadn't gotten hurt."

She hugged him back, and they both spent a few moments feeling their love flow back and forth between them. He kissed her, letting his anger dissipate. "Promise me you won't do anything like that again."

Simone gave him a cat-like smile. "I promise I'll try. But if someone's hurting my friends, then all bets are off."

He sighed, knowing that was the best he could get from her. He looked in approval at her body through her silken robe. She saw his eye glint and she pulled him toward the bed. "I'm feeling so much better I need to thank you for taking such good care of me," she said in a seductive voice.

Josef agreed, and put up no resistance. He thought again what a smart woman he'd married.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Mick watched Beth sleep next to him in their freezer. The light coating of frost paled her eyebrows and lashes to white, and tinted her blond hair silver. He often watched her in slumber, since he needed less sleep than a young vampire did. He had gotten used to her vampire stillness while sleeping, which was so in contrast with the ball of energy she became when awake.

He had been worried that killing Lance would disturb her. Her only concern seemed to be what would happen when Lance's family found out. Mick had assured her that Josef would make sure the Council supported their decision. He told her he didn't think any of the brothers would risk themselves by trying to avenge Lance.

Privately, he wondered about Coraline's reaction to the news of her brother's death. He understood they had their enmity, especially after Lance had staked her and dragged her back to France after she had given him the cure. He knew he had to be the one to tell her, and he wasn't looking forward to it.

Mick looked at Beth again, and felt their connection, even now. He couldn't help placing a kiss on her forehead. In a moment, she woke with her eyes silver and her fangs out.

"Oh, Mick," she said. "Is something wrong?"

He smiled, "No, sweetheart. Just enjoying relaxing here with my wife."

"Ah," she moved against him. The freezer's cold felt delightful to her, and she stretched out, putting her arm around Mick. "Is it time to get up?"

"Not quite. Close your eyes and we'll get a few more minutes."

"Okay," she mumbled, already sinking into sleep.

This time Mick joined her, happy she was safe and in his arms.

Later, Beth dressed in a tank top and jeans, and Mick in a dark Henley. He'd taken to wearing them frequently since Beth told him how sexy he looked in them. They had a glass of blood, then went to check their respective email. Mick was putting off the inevitable when he heard her downstairs again.

She came into his office. "Anything interesting?"

He closed his laptop. "Nothing that can't wait."

"Good, because I want to go over and visit Simone."

Mick nodded. "Guillermo texted, saying he was fine and would be working at the clinic tonight."

"I'm glad he was out there with Simone. Lance might have killed her if she'd been alone," Beth said. "Who would have thought he'd be such a coward?"

Mick stretched out his long legs and leaned back in his office chair. "That's probably why he's stayed alive all these years. I'm sure he has more enemies than Josef."

Beth snorted, "Yeah, like me."

"Like all of us," Mick frowned. "Are you feeling all right about what happened?"

Beth smiled sweetly and walked over to settle herself on Mick's lap. "I'm fine. I'm not going to feel guilty for doing what had to be done."

He started to speak, and she stopped him with her finger over his lips. "I know you would have done it, or Josef. Finishing Lance was something I had to do for myself. I don't feel bad about it. It was like the time I killed the human in the basement the night I was turned. It was him or us."

Mick hugged her to him. Their connection was still strong and he felt her determination to live.

"Lance was there to kill Josef and all of us. He wouldn't have given us any mercy. He tried in New York, but you stopped him. It was my turn," Beth said. She pushed back a little to look into his eyes. "I'll always do anything to protect us, Mick."

He knew she was being honest, and he knew he would do the same. It was just that he wanted to spare her the guilt of killing. Then he realized she didn't look at it like that. What she did was for both of them. It was just his male ego that demanded he be the one to take on the unpleasant jobs to save her from feeling responsible. He had to concede that he had a partner in his life who was willing to risk herself for him and their love.

"I love you more than anything," he said, finally.

"And I love you more than that," she replied, kissing him with all she had.

After a few minutes, Mick pulled away. "I have to do something."

"What?" Beth asked, her eyes crystal, thinking of their bed upstairs.

"I have to call Coraline and tell her about Lance."

All the lust Beth felt was dissipated. "Now?"

"Yes, I need to get it over with. I don't want her to hear it from the Council or random gossip."

Beth took in a ragged breath. "Do you want me to stay?"

He shook his head. "I imagine she'll go ballistic and you don't need to hear that."

She looked at him, a little hurt.

"I know you want to help, sweetheart." How could he explain that he didn't want Coraline's viciousness and dramatics to cause Beth worry. "I'll tell you what, if she gets too bad I'll just hang up. Then we'll go over to Josef's, okay?"

Beth felt his need to protect her, and finally agreed. She hated to admit it, but Mick knew his ex-wife better than anyone and she didn't know if she could keep silent if Coraline tore into Mick. She got off his lap, giving him a quick kiss.

"I'll be upstairs whenever you're done." Without a look, she moved out of the room at vampire speed and was up the stairs in a heartbeat.

Mick sighed. There was no alternative, he had to call Coraline. Bracing himself, he took out his phone and pushed the button, hearing it ring.

"Hello?"

"Coraline, it's Mick."

"Mick," she said delightedly, "I'm so glad you called."

"Are you in LA?" he asked.

"Uh, no I'm in Las Vegas. I'm working with an agent here for my photography," she replied. She had, in fact, been working, keeping busy and out of the way until Lance's scheme was finished. "Are you still in San Francisco?"

"No, we came back the other night."

"Oh," she said. There was a pause, and Coraline didn't know what to make of it. "Is there anything wrong?" She hoped he'd called to say Beth was dead, but he didn't sound that upset.

"I'm afraid I have some bad news."

Her heart soared. Could the blond bitch be gone after all? "What's happened?"

"Lance is dead."

Coraline went still, unable to comprehend the words. "What—what do you mean?"

"He came to Los Angeles with a bunch of men to kill Josef. Did you know he was here?"

Coraline was in shock, but not enough to tell the truth. "No," she said, convincingly.

"He was staying up at your house in the hills."

"Oh." After another moment of silence, she asked again, "What happened?"

"Josef knew he was planning a coup and stopped him."

"Were you there?"

Coraline's quiet tone bothered him. He'd expected hysterics and cursing. "Yes. We took out his enforcers."

"Who killed him?" Her voice was oddly calm.

"It was Josef. They both had blades, and Lance lost." He wasn't about to tell her Beth's part in it.

There was more silence on the line. "Coraline? are you all right?"

She wanted to scream at him of course she wasn't all right. Her brother was dead. She couldn't believe that after all the centuries, Lance was gone. He'd been cruel to her, but knew down deep he loved and understood her. Lance had always watched out for her and supported her, until he found she'd turned and married someone of non-royal blood. She didn't mind that until Mick, too, turned against her. It was all that blond bitch's fault. Mick would have been hers again. Now that Mick was older, she saw him accept his vampirism. She didn't consider it was Josef and finally Beth that made Mick change and quit hating himself.

Finally, she responded, "Yes, I'll be fine." She shook herself. "Where is his body? I want to take him home to France."

This took Mick by surprise. "Um, I believe the Cleaners have him." He could feel Coraline's unspoken criticism over the phone. "I couldn't stay long at the house, we had injuries and had to get them help."

"I understand. Would you call the Cleaners and ask them not to do anything until I can make arrangements?"

"Uh, yes, of course," Mick replied.

"Thank you. I have to talk to my brothers," Coraline said, in that same toneless voice.

Mick felt a bit of sympathy for his ex-wife, but he couldn't say he was sorry Lance was dead, not after what happened to Josef and Beth. Lance deserved his end, but he could tell Coraline was hurting. "I'm sorry it had to turn out this way."

"Thank you. I have to make some calls now. I'll let the Cleaner know what I need," and she hung up.

Mick looked at the phone. Coraline's reaction was not what he expected, but he was glad to have escaped her dramatics. He shrugged to himself and dialed a number, "Bella?"

"Yes, Mick," the Cleaner answered. "I heard you had a good night at the house. Are you calling about those thugs we rounded up?"

"No, it's about Lance. Coraline wants to take his body back to France."

"Hmmph," Bella snorted. "Fine with me. I thought maybe we'd chop him up in little pieces and use them for target practice."

In spite of himself, Mick smiled. "Sorry to spoil your fun. Could you get in touch with one of the vamp-friendly funeral homes and get him ready for international transport?"

"Yeah, we know what paperwork is needed," she said. "At least this gets Coraline out of town."

And that's a good thing, Mick thought. "Coraline said she call you to make the arrangements."

"Okay, Mick. I'll be talking to Josef about the other guys. They're all here staked until he decides what to do with them."

"I'm sure once Simone is healed up you'll be hearing from him," Mick said.

"See ya," Bella said and rang off.

Mick shoved his phone in his pocket and went upstairs in search of his wife. She was at her computer, and looked up as he entered her home office and sat in a chair.

Beth raised an eyebrow. "Did she go nuts?"

"No, she was very calm."

"Really?"

"Yeah," he replied. "I don't know if that's good or bad. She said she wanted to take the body back to France for burial."

"I can understand that," Beth said. "At least she won't be around here anymore." She smiled and stood up. "Let's go to see Simone. I want to make sure she's okay."

"Sure, sweetheart." Mick gave her a quick kiss, and they went downstairs.

Simone was in the lounge with Josef, and they both heard the distinctive rumble of Mick's Benz in the driveway. Soon, Mick and Beth were shown into the room by Hale.

Beth came over to Simone and bent down to hug her. "Are you all right?"

Simone smile, "Yes, I'm fine now."

"Would you guys like a drink?" Josef asked, getting up.

"Sure, half and half," Mick responded, and Beth nodded agreement.

Josef went to the bar and soon came back with glasses of blood and scotch for them both.

"I'm glad you're okay," Mick said to Simone, taking a sip of his drink.

"How's your arm?" Beth asked.

Simone waved nimbly, "It's fine now. I love that about being a vampire—rapid healing."

Josef grimaced. "Don't encourage her. I'm trying to get her to realize that even though she's immortal, she can still get hurt."

Simone patted him on the shoulder. "I know, I know. I shouldn't have jumped on Lance, but he was trying to kill Guillermo. And I didn't know it was Lance."

"I would have done the same," Beth said stoutly.

Mick rolled his eyes, "Yeah, I know you would have," he said under his breath.

"I heard that, mister!" Beth gave him a mock growl.

"At least we don't have to worry about Lance anymore." Simone changed the subject. "What's going to happen to his men?"

Josef sat back, savoring his scotch and blood. "Bella's going to take them under guard on my jet to New York and make sure they're on a plane back to France. They can let the Duvall's know that any further attempts on my territory and they'll wind up like their boss."

Beth saw Simone nod in satisfaction. None of them wanted the hired guns killed, and they would take a warning to the Duvall family.

Mick was pleased. In the old days, Josef would have thrown the lot into the tar pits. "Have you talked to the Council yet?" he asked Josef.

"Yes, I told Emmaline what happened and she's sending a strongly worded message to the Paris Council. Since Lance violated their directive not to come to the US without permission, his life was forfeit. Em said there shouldn't be any trouble, as the Paris Council was aware of the edict."

"Good," Mick said. He told them of Coraline's reaction and she would be leaving for France to take Lance home.

"More good news," Josef said and got them all another drink. He held up his glass. "Let's drink to peaceful times without the Duvalls."

xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Coraline hung up from talking to her brother Henri. He was the next oldest to Lance, and now was the head of the family with their sire and Lance gone. Henri was shocked at their brother's death, and told her to come back with Lance to see him entombed in the family vault. He wanted to know more about what happened, but Coraline could only tell him that Kostan was responsible. Henri snarled, and said he would try to find out more from his contacts with the Paris Council. Henri was as dangerous as Lance, but without his elder brother's impetuous nature.

She wandered around her hotel suite, unable to stay still. Finally, she cracked, and her emotions took over. She grabbed a small pillow from the sofa and buried her face in it, screaming her anger, fangs raking the fabric.

She thought about all the years past when she'd been content with her life. She'd lived as a wealthy aristocrat, taking lovers, doing whatever she pleased. Knowing she was immortal gave her carte blanche to do as she pleased, but then she met Mick.

Everything changed when she fell in love with a human. She taunted and teased him until she knew he wanted her above everything else. She went through the human marriage ceremony and then turned him, truly thinking he would be happy to be with her forever. How wrong she was. He hated her for it, and hated himself. He tried to starve himself, but the bloodlust forced him to feed and sometimes kill in the process, and he hated her even more.

Coraline lay on the sofa in her hotel, thinking of her relationship with Mick. She taught him how to be a vampire, but his loathing for what he was cast a darkness over him and he was never the same. He would leave her, only to be forced back because she was his sire.

Then she made the grave mistake of taking the child, thinking she could entice him by offering a family. He attacked her instead, once again rejecting her gift. Now the child was grown, and a vampire herself. Mick had betrayed her so many times when all she wanted was his love.

She sat up, wiping the tears away. She would take Lance back to her family, and then she would finish it. Mick had shown her too many times that he no longer loved her, so now it was time for him to pay.

TBC

It looks like Coraline is on the warpath, so I hope our vampires look out. Thanks to all of you who keep reading, and I appreciate each of your reviews.