Hey Guys! Hope you all had an awesome week and that you enjoyed the first chapter of the 3rd book!

Wiccancharmedguy- I'm glad you are loving the series I can honestly say I will always write the power of three. It's an idea I came up with many many years ago and I promised myself I'd write 10 in the series no matter what. It is sad that I lost 5 of them as I was only 3 away from achieving that target once. However I am now back on the path. Thanks again.

Mirzaisnow- I'm glad you loved Katya I did too. She wasn't my favourite but she was definitely top 5! As far as The Power of Three is concerned some things have remained the same (one example being Philippe's interest in Leo – I actually had them moments away from the altar in my 7th book before I lost it - another being Karlia's workplace POT that was always there) and others have changed (some examples being - Karlia dated a guy from the future who was also a witch, but I dropped that storyline - And that Natalie white-lighter from charmed made an appearance one time, Selena even called her 'Kung Fu Tiger' - but don't worry Natalie and Leo were frozen at the time hehe - this too is no longer).

Ok guys so let's continue on, we pick up at Selena's date…enjoy!

The Power of Three – A Lover's Day/Night.

CHAPTER TWO – Tagging Out.

Selena meanwhile had been waiting for nearly half an hour for Matt to show-up. The restaurant was lovely enough, however he had chosen a fancy place and with what she had chosen to wear she felt very much out of place.

"A 2008 Chateaubriand for the lovely lady?" A kind waiter offered.

"Oh. No-no," Selena replied "Thank you though."

"Mr. Marcons ordered it himself as a peace-offering to being so delayed," the waiter advised.

"Oh. Well in that case," Selena smiled, allowing the man to fill her glass.

"Very good madam," the waiter replied. "Mr. Marcons also advises he will be here shortly he has been held up."

"Thank you for letting me know," Selena smiled, not wanting to be rude.

"But of course madam," the waiter replied before leaving her to the wine.

Selena took a sip rather frustrated. It was one thing for Matt not to be here, another for her to feel uncomfortable sitting in a fancy restaurant receiving looks from patrons as though she prowled the street at night, but quite another altogether considering she really could have been back at the Power Port right now assisting Karlia and Philippe.

She was just about to ask the waiter for a pad and pen on which she would advise Matt she had to go, when an unexpected kiss was planted on her cheek. She didn't need to turn around to know who it was, she could get lost in that cologne for hours.

"Matt," she smiled now swooning.

Unlike herself, Matt had dressed quite appropriately in an Armani Suit and tie.

"Look at you," he smiled. "I love the outfit."

Selena smiled back riley.

"Well if someone had told me we were having our first date at the Proper French ladies society meet-up maybe I would have come dressed appropriately."

"I think you look amazing…sexy if I may say," Matt replied cheekily.

"Says he who fits right in with the ladies society place," Selena spat back.

Matt ignored her last remark and continued on as though nothing had been said.

"I must apologize for the delay," he began smiling. "Sadly with my job, sometimes last minute meetings are called and they are unavoidable."

"Well a little notice wouldn't have hurt," Selena replied. "But don't worry you're not that late."

She smiled at him once more, remembering all the reasons she had fallen for this guy in the first place. He was in short, a gorgeous man. Though you couldn't tell through the suit, what his attire at POT had shown was that he had a chiseled…well everything and his eyes were the deepest brown. His hair was thick, dark brown and parted in the middle. Short but not too short; it hung at a perfect shoulder length. She realized he was smiling back at her and she couldn't help but notice how truly white his teeth were.

Shaking her head as if to come back to reality Selena picked up the menu sitting in front of her.

"Shall we order?" she asked, hoping it came off sounding casual.

"Oh yes," Matt replied. "After the day I've had today, I'm starving!"

"*"

Leo orbed in looking quite pleased with their efforts.

"Done already?" he asked smiling.

"Yep," Philippe beamed, while Karlia gave him a wry smile.

"So what's next Leo," Karlia asked in a rush. "No offence but my time off needs to be in a couple of hours as I have a date this evening."

Philippe gave Karlia an are you freaking kidding me look.

"You too?!" Leo asked.

"Yeah," Karlia replied. "In fact I set this up last week, so it's kind of important to me that I stick to it."

Just then the sound of chimes could be heard.

"What's that?" Karlia asked stunned by the noise.

"They're calling you aren't they?" Philippe asked worried.

"Yeah," Leo replied.

"Go-go," Philippe allowed. "We'll see you when you get back."

Leo smiled. With one witch gone and another looking like she'd be out of commission in just a couple of hours, at least he could still rely on Philippe.

"Thanks Philippe," he replied. "See you in a bit."

And with that Leo orbed out of the attic in a swirl of white and blue lights.

"So…ah I know you're all up to speed with the official Power of Three almanac," Karlia started hands squarely placed on her hips. "But since I'm not would you mind explaining where the hell he went, why and more importantly how this will impact on my date this evening?"

Philippe couldn't help but smile. Amongst all the stress they had to deal with, he appreciated that Karlia looked so cute when she tried to be angry. It just didn't work on her, she was too light.

"Ok," he smiled leading her to the chaise-lounge and guiding her down to sit with him. "One – He went up there. Two – Chime noises are their way of contacting him and Three – I'm sure you'll make your date once Selena comes home and can tag-team with you."

"Oh," Karlia replied, quickly turning her former frown into a beaming smile. "Excellent, because I need some advice on what to wear tonight and you know what they say 'Get a gay to dress you today…'"

"Get a groom to marry you tomorrow?" Philippe questioned.

"Close enough," Karlia chuckled getting up and grabbing Philippe's arm. "Come on!"

"*"

A couple of hours later and Selena was in Matt's car being driven back home. The sun was already starting to set and despite the fact that she hadn't been contacted Selena really felt bad the longer time went on for staying out so late and not helping the others.

She had ended up having a fabulous time and Matt was very close to perfect. The one thing that had disturbed her slightly was the fact that he had ordered a rare steak. It was off-putting for Selena as she tried to eat her well-done one and she couldn't help but think about it on the car ride home.

"Contemplating what you're going to do with your next date?" Matt joked, noticing how deep in thought she was.

"Yeah," Selena replied lightly. "How am I going to prepare for a night time date? Ugh, the stress is killing me."

The pair shared a laugh; it was nice to see that another tick could be added to the plus column. This guy could definitely handle her humor.

"So," Matt began seriously. "I'm sorry about the whole lunch-date thing. Seriously, I work at night and just can't date then. My boss would literally have my head if I showed up late."

"Mmmm," Selena agreed. "I know what you mean, I worked for this boss once and seriously even if you were one minute late he'd send you home without pay."

Matt didn't respond and just kept on driving. Selena disappointed noticed he kept looking at the time and it was really starting to bug her.

"Sorry for keeping you from…whatever I'm keeping you from," she said getting more and more saddened by the minute.

"Whatever do you mean?" Matt asked.

"Well, it's just…" she started.

"Yes?" he asked.

"You keep looking at the time like you've got to rush off somewhere the minute your drop me off." She finished, feeling it was better to be honest this early in the process.

"Oh," Matt replied, shaking his head. "Sorry, that obvious is it?"

"Kind of. Yeah," Selena replied.

"Sorry, it's just I…have to give a motion this evening and I'm really nervous about it," he rushed; making it sound like the words had been strung together.

"Oh!" Selena replied. "Of course! That would do it. I hate motions too, believe me."

All too soon the pair arrived back at the power-port. Matt turned off the ignition and gazed into her eyes.

"But don't get me wrong," he smiled. "I had a fabulous time."

Selena swooned. This guy was just oozing passion. If not for his motion, she would have invited him upstairs, after telling Philippe and Karlia to vamoose of course.

"Me too," she replied.

"We should do this again," Matt said boldly.

"Tomorrow?" Selena asked hopefully.

"Tomorrow it is!" Matt replied leaning in to kiss his date.

"*"

"It's perfect!" Philippe replied as Karlia twirled once more.

She wasn't wrong when she'd said she needed help. Clearly she could help others, but when it came to herself she just had no idea.

He had helped her select a silver sparkling embellished strapless prom dress, which she had accompanied with a silver long sleeved grey laced jacket. She accessorized and completed the look with a Collette Z sterling silver cubic zirconia round necklace and Buy Peora silver dangling earrings. Her hair was up in a tight bun and the whole look screamed elegance.

"It is Philippe!" Karlia screamed happily. "Thank you!"

She wrapped her arms around his waist thrilled with the result.

"Hello!" came Selena's voice from downstairs. "Anyone home?"

"We're up here!" Karlia yelled back.

"Up where?!" Selena asked.

"Karlia's bedroom!" Philippe replied.

"Karlia's bedroom?" Selena questioned. "That's never a good thing."

She raced up the flight of stairs and bolted in Karlia's room as quickly as her boots would let her.

"Oh," she said, noticing the reason why. "Karlia…you look…amazing!"

"Thanks sweetie," Karlia smiled.

"Your turn?" Selena questioned.

"Yep," Philippe replied. "Time to tag out. You have five minutes to get changed if you need to and then two minutes to meet me in the attic. It's go time!"

"Wow!" Selena replied. "Apparently. Well Karlia, enjoy and have fun."

She quickly hugged the blonde.

"I will," Karlia replied. "And I want to hear all about lover boy when I return ok?"

"Count on it," Selena replied eyes widening as though she had much to share.

Then, taking Philippe's instructions, fled to her room to change.

Just then white and blue lights could be seen and moments later their white-lighter appeared.

"Leo! You're back!" Philippe couldn't help but smile.

"Sorry if I took to-" he paused and frowned when he noticed the blonde. "Karlia? Um so about your date…"

"No, no, no, no, no!" Karlia whined. "She got to date, why not me?!"

"I'm not saying no," Leo replied.

"Oh," Karlia said, closing her mouth rather quickly.

"I'm saying we need you home by eleven if that's possible," he finished.

"Eleven?" Philippe questioned. "Oh-k, odd timing Leo."

"It's because there is a full moon tonight and so it's the best time to get to Katya.

"So home by 11 or ready to go by 11?" Karlia asked.

"If possible ready to go," Leo replied.

"No problems," Karlia confirmed grabbing a silver embroided clutch on her way out. "I'll see you too then."

"Have fun!" Philippe yelled out as she started down the stairs.

"I will!" Karlia yelled back up. "And you boys don't do anything I wouldn't do!"

The next thing they heard was the front door close. Philippe and Leo just looked at each other, both going a deep shade of red.

"I'm rea…dy!" Selena stop-started noticing the looks both boys were giving each other. "Ah, ok guys I'm all cool with…this…but um shouldn't we be preparing for Katya?"

"This?" Leo questioned.

"Yes," Philippe replied a nano-second later. "Attic Selena, now."

And placing his arms on her shoulders he turned her around and almost pushed her towards the attic door.

"*"

At 8pm on the dot Karlia stepped into Luminare, she had been reading about this place ever since Alec her date had asked her out here. Looking around she positively beamed. The black and white paintings that bordered the room were a definite compliment to the dark blue couch and glass table atmosphere. And there seated in what looked indeed like a VIP section was her date. Dashing as always Alec, noticing Karlia walked up to her.

"Good evening," he said smiling warmly.

"Evening," Karlia replied politely.

"May I take your coat?" he offered.

"Why yes," Karlia replied. "Yes you may."

The evening went as well as she had pictured it would. Alec was an absolute gentleman the whole night, just like on the evening they had met. Alec had actually stopped by POT in clear need of some alcohol. He'd said he had a tough day with his family and needed some time to clear his head. Immediately Karlia had been attracted to him and the pair had gotten to talking.

It hadn't taken her long to learn that Alec had been born in Massachusetts and had only recently moved to Melbourne. His family were apparently very well known in their city, but his parents had wanted a more sheltered life for their children and therefore had decided to move. She had also discovered that he was one of 3 children having one older sister and one younger brother. Other than that she'd learned he was a skilled chess player and had done some modeling on the side to pay for his bachelor's degree in culinary arts which he had only just completed.

"You know," Karlia started, reminiscing on this fact. "One day you'll have to cook for me. I'd love to taste something from you."

"It would be my pleasure," Alec replied. "Maybe next time you can come to the house and I'll make us a dining experience to remember."

"Oh how charming that sounds," Karlia replied, before instantly wondering where these words had come from.

Had she said them? They certainly didn't sound like words she used.

"By the way," Alec continued not really noticing Karlia's momentary lapse. "I need to apologize but I won't be able to see you tomorrow."

This was disappointing news for Karlia as she was very much looking forward to seeing Alec the following day.

"Sadly I have a family emergency and there's just no way of getting out of it."

"Believe me," Karlia smiled. "I know how that feels. I actually have one of my own later on tonight and if we don't finish it we'll be at it again all day and night tomorrow. Got to love families am I right?"

"Indeed," Alec replied. "Can't live with them-"

"Can't live without 'em. I know urgh, so draining," Karlia replied.

Then she noticed the time and amazingly it was already 9:30pm.

"Urgh, probably only have time for a quick desert," she said sadly. "I need to be home by ten thirty."

"No exceptions?" Alec enquired.

"No exceptions," Karlia confirmed. "My, ah…father is very strict."

By father Karlia clearly meant Leo and she knew indeed that he would have her head if she wasn't ready to go at eleven on the dot.

"That's ok," Alec said. "There's something I may need to do tonight also. The family is meeting an old friend and I said I'd put in an appearance if the time warranted."

"Well, I guess it all works out then huh?" Karlia asked.

"Indeed," Alec replied smiling. "So then…desert?"

He handed Karlia the menu. This was a good idea as it had taken her no less than ten minutes to opt for an entrée and then another 5 for a Main. As beautiful as this place was they were limited on meals and none of them had actually screamed out to her.

Not too much later Karlia and Alec had finished their deserts and were headed out the door when a lady called out to him.

"Alec!" she screamed, walking rather quickly over.

"Sorry about this," Alec quickly whispered as the woman got nearer. "Chessie!"

"Didn't think you were leaving without a hello or even a goodbye now did you?" she asked overly bubbly.

"Of course not," Alec replied hugging the woman.

"Oooh and you brought a date! Who is this gorgeous woman?" she asked.

"Chessie I'd like you to meet Karlia," Alec said pointing to her. "Karlia this is Chessie, she owns the place and is a family friend."

"Oh..Ooooh!" Karlia said stumbling all over her words. "Oh hi! I love your place it's so-"

"Well sweetie it's not exactly my place, I don't live here," she said bursting into laughter, which Alec politely joined in.

Karlia immediately wished he hadn't.

"Sorry, that's not what I-"

"Oh I know sweetie, I was just having a laugh," Chessie interrupted for the second time.

"Well you are one gorgeous girl!" she summed up before turning to Alec. "Don't let this one get away, she's lovely!"

"Th…Thank you," Karlia stammered, still questioning if Chessie was being genuine or not.

"*"

Selena was pacing in the hall-way it was 10:50pm and there was no sign at all of Karlia.

"Where is she? Where is she?" Selena mumbled to herself.

It turned out that Katya was going to be trying to steal the jewel tonight, under the guise of the full-moon apparently it would be easier and Leo had advised them that Katya had found what he had called reinforcements and so all three needed to be properly prepared.

Though at this rate Karlia would barely have time to change let alone get this info fed to her before they were to be magically transported by Leo to their destination.

Just then Selena heard the unmistakable sound of kissing from behind the front door.

"You have got to be kidding me!" She fumed as she raced over and pulled the door open with quite a bit of force.

As expected, Karlia and Alec were indeed standing there making out for all the world to see. Selena cleared her throat, but neither took any notice.

"Um, Hello?!" she screamed.

"Oh," Alec started, startled. "Ah hi, I'm-"

"Yeah that's great," Selena cut him off. "It's now 10:52pm missy!"

"Oh crap," Karlia replied. "Ah Alec, sorry I have to…"

"Duty calls," Alec replied understanding. "It was nice to meet you um-"

As they hadn't been formally introduced Alec didn't know this huffy woman's name.

"Gate keeper," Selena replied snappily. "And its curfew, so if you don't mind."

"Selena!" Karlia growled.

"It's ok Kay," Alec said. "I'll see you soon."

With that he quickly raced down the stone steps as Selena yanked Karlia inside.

"*"

Wow, she was cutting it pretty close there wasn't she?

I hope you liked the chapter. What did you think of Matt? How about Alec? Definitely wanted to start setting the members up with loved ones hope you enjoyed it. Please leave a review and let me know.

Next time on The Power of Three: Just when everyone seems to be finding someone to love.

(Selena): "Tomorrow?"

(Matt): "Tomorrow it is!"

(Alec): "May I take your coat?"

(Karlia): "Why yes…yes you may."

Beat, Beat, Beat, Beat…What-makes-Philippe-snap?!

(Leo, concerned): "Are you ok?"

(Philippe, snapping): "I'm fine! I can take care of myself you know!"

What is it that has everyone on edge?

(Karlia, snapping): "I don't know Selena! If I did I would tell you!"

(Selena, pissed-off) "Seriously! You know what? I am so *done* with this crap!"

(Philippe sarcastically): "Um…ah, sorry your majesty…gotta run...?! I think not!"

But it's what happens at the end of the chapter that will change the fight for good.

(Leo, panicked) "I tell you what! Those people, in there, with her, are….."

(Selena, screams): "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

All new Power of Three next week.