Chapter 74

In the Moonlight

Author's note: Sorry for the delay, readers. I'm in the last 6 weeks of work before I retire & it's been a zoo! The good news (for me) is that I'll soon have lots more writing time. Hope life is treating you well. The party continues…

Intro song: Happy, Leona Lewis

"Beth! It's so good to see you!"

Gabrielle Sinclair, painted into a skin-tight, strapless black dress, sauntered across the veranda and leaned over to deposit a kiss on her friend's cheek. She'd hurried over as soon as she spotted the young woman. By now, she knew Beth well enough that she could pick up the tension in her posture. Deliberately ignoring the female vampire standing nearby, she focused on the young woman. "You look incredible. Has Mick gotten a load of that dress yet?! Is he out here yet?"

Her human friend smiled gratefully and gave her a quick hug. "Mick's around here somewhere, saying thank you to people. You look pretty spectacular yourself – how did you wiggle into that dress?" she asked with a laugh.

When she heard the barely-suppressed snort from behind her, Gabby raised one eyebrow at Beth and pivoted around. So," she said casually to Guilia, "what are we discussing so seriously?" She extended her hand to the blond vampire. "I'm Gabrielle Sinclair from New York City. I don't believe we've had the pleasure."

As they shook hands, Guilia blurted, "So you're Gabrielle Sinclair - Josef mentioned you! He said you know Victoria Silver! I've always wanted to meet her - I've heard so many stories about her. Is she here?!" She whipped her head around, searching the crowd for unfamiliar faces.

"No, Victoria isn't here," Gabrielle responded coolly. "She wanted to come - she's one of Mick's biggest fans, in fact. She had a lot of things to take care of in New York and just couldn't get away."

"So you know her?"

"I work with her."

"You work with her? What do you do? I hear she's big in real estate in New York - kind of a female Donald Trump."

Gabrielle snorted. "I think you've been reading too many press releases – and she would definitely not find that a flattering comparison. V is very successful though. And, as for me, it would be more accurate to say that I work for her - a lot like Mick does for Josef. In fact," she amended "exactly like that." Take a hint, lady. You do not want to piss me off.

Beth glanced at the chic vampire out of the corner of her eye. Gabrielle was being uncharacteristically short and cool with this woman. Please, no fights tonight!

Catching the look, Gabrielle winked at her human friend before directing her attention back to Guilia. "So, how is it you know Mick? Or are you a friend of Josef's?"

Guilia laughed, her thick mane of honey-colored hair catching the light from the Chinese lantern hanging over her head. "I'm pretty damn sure Josef would not describe me as a friend. He's never approved of me." Sobering, she continued, "As I was explaining to Beth, Mick and I - well, I was... with... Mick for several years." She looked Gabrielle in the eye, challenging her. When the other vampire refused to rise to the bait, she finished lamely, "But... that was years ago."

"Ah," Gabby purred. "Long before he met Beth then. Josef says he's never seen Mick happier. I can't imagine him with anyone else. "

Crossing her arms, Guilia pouted slightly. "Well, you obviously didn't know him when we were together."

Gabby felt Beth stiffen beside her. She could sense that she wasn't frightened – far from it. This Cleaner, for whatever reason, was doing her level best to provoke the young woman and Beth was fighting hard to keep her temper. Old paramour of Mick's or not, there was no way Gabby was going to let this bitch spoil Beth's evening. Time for this to end.

Narrowing her eyes, Gabrielle deliberately needled the woman. "Guilia, I didn't have to know him when he was with you. Having met you, I still can't imagine Mick with anyone else. And, while we're on the subject of Mick, you are here because...?"

"Not that it's any of your damn business, but I was invited - by Josef - because I helped get the medications your doctor needed for Mick." Guilia snapped. "And I... took care of the drug dealer for Josef." She thought back to her encounter with the terrified human and the look in his eyes when she drained him - after telling him why she was doing it as Josef had instructed. I have at least as much right to be here as you do, you skinny bitch!

Gabby raised one eyebrow and responded acidly, "How very... noble... of you. I'm sure Josef is in your debt. Mick too, for that matter. You have talked to Mick now, haven't you? I'm sure he was anxious to talk to you - since you were so close and all..."

Guilia glared at her new nemesis. "Do you have a problem with me, Gabrielle?! Is there something you need to get off that flat chest of yours?!"

"Nothing that setting you down on your fat ass wouldn't take care of!" Gabby leaned in close, hissing the words with real venom in her voice.

"Gabby, please!" Beth desperately tugged on the vampire's arm. "Let's go find Dr. Spector. I should talk to him." Under her breath, she whispered, "It doesn't matter what she says. Please don't fight with her. Not tonight."

Gabby relented and allowed Beth to drag her away. As they moved off, Guilia called out after her.

"Catch you later, Gabrielle."

The small Asian woman looked back over her shoulder, her long black hair swirling on her bare shoulders. Whore! "Yeah you will." A flash of fang and hint of icy blue eyes accompanied the comment. For Beth's and Mick's sake, she kept herself under control. But just barely.

Mick, who had caught that part of the interplay, intercepted them halfway across the broad veranda and led both women back to Logan, as far from Guilia and her group as possible. "Stay here," he commanded sternly and strode back toward the corner where Guilia was ensconced, watching him.

"Well, well. If it isn't Mick the Dick!" Her green eyes glittered as the vampires around her broke into laughter.

"Wow, that's kinda mean," one of the younger Cleaners protested.

"Oh honey," Guilia responded, never taking her eyes off the P.I., "it's actually a compliment. We're not talking attitude, we're talking anatomy! Aren't we, Mick?"

"Why are you here, Guilia?" Mick crossed his arms, ignoring the reference to an old and greatly disliked nickname. His eyes were cold and hard.

"Why am I here?! I was invited, that's why. I helped when you were hurt, Mick. I wanted to help!" Guilia's voice rose on the last word. She was cut to the quick by her former lover's anger.

"Yes, she did, Mick." Josef's quiet voice inserted itself into the conversation. He had seen Mick heading toward the Cleaner and, guessing his friend's intent, decided to help diffuse the situation. "Guilia went out of her way to be of assistance - she got the meds Spector needed to operate on you." When his friend turned to look at him, the billionaire added, "No drugs, no surgery. Pretty significant contribution, don't you think?"

Mick was immediately remorseful. "I'm sorry, Guilia. I should be thanking you then." His silvery eyes were once again warm and friendly.

Guilia looked toward Josef gratefully. "Thank you," she mouthed. Glancing up at Mick, she smiled tentatively. "I was happy to do it, you know I was." She laid a hand affectionately on his arm. "I'm just glad you're alright now." The feel of him under her hand stirred memories of Mick St. John naked, lounging next to her after a wild night of sex. She shook her head. Don't go there. They had both agreed it was for the best when they had ended their relationship. Mick had been withdrawn and increasingly obsessed with humans and their affairs after some case he was involved in that had, in her opinion, messed with his head. She had just wanted to have fun, a few laughs... It wasn't a good match.

They'd stayed on friendly terms on those rare occasions when their paths had crossed over the years since. Don't fuck that up, Guilia. "I didn't mean to have words with that Sinclair woman - and certainly not with Beth. Josef tells me you're happy with her and I'm glad for you." She straightened at the skeptical look the tall vampire threw her. "I am! Beth asked me how we met and I told her - that's all."

Mick folded his arms across his broad chest, wincing as the movement pulled at his healing incision, hidden under the soft sweater. It was a continual reminder of just how close he'd come to dying - as if he needed one. And without the help of everyone there, including Guilia, he would have. "I am happy with Beth. Very happy. And I do appreciate what you did for me. I mean that. But you need to leave Beth alone, Guilia. That's not negotiable. Okay?"

When the Cleaner nodded, he felt a sense of relief. Whatever her flaws, Guilia had always been true to her word. Another potential catastrophe averted. Now, if he could just keep her away from Gabby... "Thank you - and thanks for your help." He pulled the smaller vampire close to hug her, grunting from the slight discomfort it caused.

Guilia closed her eyes for a brief moment, inhaling his scent, envying Beth in spite of herself. She hadn't meant to be bitchy. Thrilled to receive an invitation to the exclusive party, she'd had every intention of just enjoying the evening and celebrating Mick's recovery with the others. It had hit her hard when she'd first heard how badly he'd been hurt and she had desperately wanted to help when Ryder had called her and explained what Josef needed. Even now, feeling him wince as he hugged her, seeing the swirls of silver still in his eyes... it made her want to go kill that fucking drug dealer all over again. Her fault lay in underestimating the impact of seeing him after his near-death experience - and her nature, when hurt or in pain, was to strike out. Beth and Gabrielle had just been convenient targets.

Carefully, she hugged him back, not wanting to cause him more pain. "I'm sorry too. I really didn't mean to be a bitch but you know how I can get. And I am happy for you, if that's what you want. To be with a human, I mean," she hastened to add.

"It is what I want – and you're forgiven... on one condition." He released her and stepped back.

"What's that?"

"You can never repeat that nickname to Beth."

Guilia threw back her head again in great peals of laughter. Sputtering, she managed to get out, "I- I don't know if I can promise that... but I'll try."

Mick threw a threatening glare at Josef, who was standing next to Guilia, smirking. "That goes for you too, Kostan. Not. One. Word."

Josef threw up his hands in defense. "Did I say I would tell?"

"You don't have to," Mick replied shortly. "I know you."

Kostan turned to the female vampire. "Guilia, my dear, I know how it feels to be unfairly maligned. May I get you a drink?"

"Josef that would be lovely." Guilia smiled up at both men in her sultry fashion. "And Mick, would you allow me to apologize to the lovely Beth?"

Before Mick could respond, Josef diplomatically chimed in. "I'm hurt, Guilia. I thought we were going to get a drink!" He caught the almost pathetic look of relief on his friend's face and smiled to himself. Mick never had been any good at handling outrageous women. The man always ended up in the deep end of the pool, drowning. Whereas I would be doing a backstroke…

Josef's smile widened and his eyes glistened with mischief as he addressed Mick's former lover.

"There is a particularly delicious liquor blend we'd better snap up while there's still a little left. It's almost as good as that Dalmore '62 Single Highland Malt Scotch Whiskey I bought at auction. Remember that, Mick?"

The P.I. shook his head at the memory. "How could I forget?" Turning to Guilia, Mick recounted, "Mr. Moneybags here buys this bottle at auction - one of only twelve bottles known to exist, created from single malts that dated back to between 1868 and 1939, if I recall correctly. And, what does this guy do?" He inclined his head toward the billionaire. "He buys this bottle after a pretty heated bidding war, takes it across the street to a little park, opens it... and drinks it all right then and there."

"Well, as I recall, I had a little help... from some P.I., save-the-world, vampire crusader."

Both men grinned broadly at the recollection. "What the hell were we celebrating anyway?" Mick asked.

Josef shrugged. "I think the fact that I won the damn thing at auction!" They all laughed at that.

Guilia interjected, "You know, I hate to interrupt this trip down memory lane, but I'm getting thirsty just hearing about it. Josef, if you are going to get me a drink, it's now or never."

"Now, of course, my dear. Besides, Mr. Dick here still has guests he needs to speak with." With a nod to Mick and a 'you owe me, I'll collect later' smile, he linked arms with Guilia. "Let me tell you about this Chivas Regal Royal Salute. It's almost as expensive as Hardy Perfection - about ten grand a bottle..."

Kostan's lecture on rare whiskeys trailed off as the two vampires walked away, arm-in arm.

Mick shook his head. Some things about Josef would never change - a thought that gave him a good deal of comfort.

Breathing a sigh of relief that another potential scene had been averted, he hurried back toward Beth and Gabrielle, both now perched on the long, low stone wall separating the terrace from the lawn and vineyard beyond, talking and laughing with John Spector. Along the way, he was intercepted several times by guests, all happy to see him upright.

As Mick finally reached the trio, Gabrielle grinned and nudged Beth, who, on cue, exclaimed, "Well, if it isn't Mick the Dick! So glad you could join us!"

The vampire groaned out loud. "Who told you?" He looked around for his prime suspect, but their host was just disappearing into the house with Simone. Probably gonna get a quickie, he thought jealously.

"You aren't the only person here with vampire hearing you know. I can keep a secret - I just chose not to in this case." Gabby smiled wickedly at her friend.

Mick tried to ignore her. Turning to Dr. Spector, he reached out and shook the physician's hand. "Are you enjoying yourself, John?"

"Wonderful party!" It was true - and unexpected. On the flight from New York, Spector had confessed to his travel companion his unease over being at a gathering with a large number of vampires he didn't know - and who didn't know him. Gabby had done her best to reassure him.

"John, it will be like any other party you've been to, except for the blood, of course. And I understand that any soiree Josef Kostan throws is first class all the way."

She had been right about that. And he needn't have worried about mingling with strange vampires. Most of them in attendance had gone out of their way to introduce themselves to him and thank him for his help. Surprisingly, their respect and gratitude seemed genuine. It occurred to the physician that this could have something to do with their leader. He liked and respected Victoria, but the attitude of these vampires toward him was in marked contrast to the disdain and suspicion he had often experienced in New York.

"I'm really glad I came, Mick," Spector added truthfully. "Everyone has been very welcoming - and you have a lot of friends here. They seem genuinely grateful that you're recovering."

"Not as grateful as I am!" Beth caught Mick's eye and blew him a kiss. Her lovely face was flushed a delicate pink and her hair was hanging sexily down over one eye.

Suddenly, he had to be alone with her. Why had he waited so long? He'd wanted to spirit her away the moment she'd walked out onto the veranda, her face glowing, looking so sexy in the short, brightly-colored dress. Mick shook his head. He needed to talk to Gabby, and it was rude to walk away from Dr. Spector... but he had to have Beth to himself, at least for a few minutes.

"Gabby, John, would you excuse us for a moment? I need to talk to Beth about something. We'll be right back."

Beth looked at Mick quizzically as he gripped her around the waist to help her off the wall. Catching her hand and tugging gently, he pulled her down the steps and onto the walkway leading out to the nearest rows of vines.

"Mick, what is it? What's wrong?" Beth stumbled slightly in the darkness, spilling the champagne in her glass. He turned back, encircling her with one arm, and ushering her down the path.

"What's wrong?! You look gorgeous tonight - and I haven't had a minute alone with you. That's what's wrong - and I intend to fix it right now." His eyes, with their strange silver threads, caught the moonlight, glistening as he looked down at her.

Beth acquiesced willingly, tucking her warm hand into his. "Okay then. Lead on."

The couple made their way into the vineyard, the earthy smells from rich loam, damp grass, and ripening grapes, combining to create an inviting, intimate atmosphere. Now that they were out from under the shade trees that had lined the path, the full moon was so bright, it was almost as if the grounds had a spotlight trained on them.

Beth paused for a moment, balancing with one hand on Mick's arm as she removed first one high-heeled shoe, then the other. "I don't think I'll need these out there," she joked, nodding toward the fields as she deposited her shoes on the path where it ended in front of the tidy rows of grapevines. Walking in front of Mick, Beth giggled as her bare feet sank into the soft soil. Wiggling her toes to dig even deeper, she threw a challenging look over her shoulder. "What are you waiting for, stud - or should I say, 'Dick'? Get those shoes off." With a brilliant smile, she started off down the row of grapes, the champagne flute catching the moonlight as it dangled loosely from one hand.

Mick shook his head at the reference and bent to untie his shoes. I'll never live that down. When he raised his head, she had disappeared into the night, like a wraith. "Beth! Wait up!" he called after her, quickly stripping off his own shoes and socks and rushing into the vine rows. He caught a flash of blue out of the corner of his eye and made a quick grab.

With a laugh, Beth dodged his outstretched arm, ducking quickly into the next row. She was congratulating herself on her quick reflexes when the vampire abruptly appeared in front of her, startling her. She let out a small shriek of surprise which was quickly smothered by his lips on hers.

Mick pressed his mouth down unapologetically, groaning as she responded, opening her mouth to him. God, she tasted so good...

"You can't do this," she mumbled against his mouth, hating to break the contact even for a moment.

"Do what?" he asked hoarsely, thrusting his hand under her short dress. He ran his fingers up her thigh, pressing them against the small patch of fabric that passed for her underwear tonight, teasing her... teasing himself. "You mean this?"

Her sudden intake of breath was his answer.

Beth reluctantly stepped back. "You can't do this right now, Mick."

"Not can't. Shouldn't. Big difference." He reached out to caress her cheek, then cupped his hand around the back of her neck. He could feel the delicate bones there shift as she tilted her head. So fragile. It frightened him suddenly. If anything happened to Beth...

"Semantics," she retorted, bringing him back to the present.

Mick snorted. "Not to a guy, it's not! And now that I think about it, I'm not sure Spector meant no sex entirely. I'm thinking it was more of a 'take it easy' kinda message..." He looked hopefully down at her to see if his argument was meeting a receptive audience.

Beth shook her head. Damn men! Why is it that when one head was out of commission, both heads became dysfunctional! "Uh-uh. Not happening. I spent way too much time in that freezer room to take any chance of putting you back there. You are just going to have to wait." Leaning forward, she whispered a promise. "I'll make the wait worth your while... Dick." Laughing out loud at the chagrined look on his face, she whirled and took off down the row, the moonlight shining on her vivid blue dress, making her easy to track.

The predatory vampire in Mick awakened and he leapt after her. Catching up to her in two bounds, he jumped in front of the fleeing woman.

"Oh!" Beth blurted, skidding to a stop in the soft soil. She put out her hands to stop herself, accidentally colliding hard with Mick and hitting him squarely mid-line, exactly where his incision was still healing.

The injured man started to groan but caught himself. He did his best to hide his reaction, not wanting her to realize what she'd done. Instead, he scooped her into his arms, pulling her closer.

Beth wriggled free, laughing. "You scared me!"

Mick cocked one eyebrow at her, ignoring the pulsing pain in his chest. "I thought you liked that sexy, vampire jumping thing. At least, that's what you used to tell me..."

"Oh, I do," Beth assured him, leaning in flirtatiously to deposit a quick kiss on his lips. "I love it." In a flash, she was gone again, squeezing through the vines and wiggling deeper and deeper into the vineyard, the strains of music from the terrace fading away behind her.

With a growl, Mick was after her, loving the game of stalking her, loving her for playing it. Flexing his legs, he easily vaulted over the closest row of vines, their shoulder-high stakes no obstacle for his physical abilities, even diminished as they were. See Spector, I'm fine! Landing lightly in the dirt, he reached out to grab her. At the last possible moment, she darted away, his fingers closing on empty air. Damn, she was quick when she wanted to be! Maybe his injuries were taking a toll – otherwise, she'd have never gotten away like that...

"Missed me."

The flirty whisper came from behind him. He stood stock-still for a moment, pinpointing her location, then whirled and leapt again, all in one fluid motion. Beth squealed, dropping her glass as he encircled her with his arms.

"Not this time, I didn't," he murmured into her fragrant hair.

The night, the scotch he'd consumed, Beth's playfulness, his relief just to be alive and - mostly - out of pain, all combined to excite him. She half-heartedly struggled against him, the movement against his body only serving to arouse him further. He wanted to make love to her, taste her, drink from her...Fuck it! Spector and his restrictions be damned! He'd waited way too long for this woman and he was not going to be denied now. Mick bent to kiss Beth, pushing his hand up under the sexy dress again, feeling for her diminutive underwear. With a quick jerk, it was gone, a casualty of his lust, dropped into a lacy puddle at their feet. He slipped his fingers between her legs, feeling her wetness against his hand.

Beth responded despite her best efforts to resist, and gave in to the luxury of just enjoying the sensations... the moon shining against her eyelids when she closed them, Mick's sensuous lips on hers, her bare feet digging into the rich soil, his hand between her legs, massaging her exactly the way she liked to be touched...

"I want you," he whispered, his lips brushing hers as he spoke. "I want you." His voice took on a tone of urgency. "I'll be fine, Beth..." He dropped his mouth to her neck, teasing himself with the closeness of her artery, throbbing beneath his lips. The sensory memory of the taste of her blood, more delicious than any of the expensive scotch he'd drunk tonight, flooded his mouth.

She could feel her resolve growing weaker with every stroke of his deft fingers. "Mick," she whimpered, pushing her hands into his hair, holding him against her neck. "I love you." She was panting now, rotating her hips against his hand.

"I love you too. More than you'll ever know." His mouth traveled down to her bare shoulder, her skin like silk against his face. "Have sex with me, Beth."

"We shouldn't," she said miserably. "Not yet." Why does the girl always have to be the responsible one?! Putting both hands flat against his broad chest, she pushed unthinkingly, trying to put some space between them. When she heard his sudden hiss of pain, Beth pulled her hands away as quickly as if they'd been burned. He almost doubled over from the burning pain, fighting it for her sake.

"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you!" she blurted out, appalled at her carelessness. "But see?!" she challenged, stabbing a finger at him. "You aren't well yet, Mick St. John!" She was angry now, her eyes flashing at him. "How dare you risk your health, after all we've been through!"

Mick lifted his head in supplication. "Okay, okay, I give up! I'll behave. Promise." He reached out and snagged her wrist, tugging her closer. "You win. I can wait. I won't like it... but I'll do it. All right?" His gaze was repentant.

Beth allowed herself to be mollified. "All right." She moved back into the protective circle of his arms and wrapped her own around his waist, careful not to lean against his chest. The couple stood like that for several minutes, swaying gently, occasional notes of music or bursts of laughter reaching them from the party.

Finally, Beth reluctantly said, "I don't want to, but we should probably go back. It is your party and we told Gabby and John we'd only be a few minutes."

"In a minute," Mick murmured into her hair, where he had buried his face. He stroked her back, starting at her bare shoulder and sliding his hand down her spine to rest on her rump.

"Mick..." she said warningly, raising her head.

"Relax, Turner! I'm behaving, I promise. There's no law against just touching you. Not even Spector's law... thank goodness." After another long silence, he added, the hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth, "Sorry about your underwear."

Beth laughed, tilting her head up to look at him. "Collateral damage. Besides, I'm getting used to you destroying my underwear."

He sobered and moved his hands up to her face, cupping her cheeks. "Beth, I want you to listen to me. All these people..." He jerked his head toward the house, where the party was growing more boisterous. "All these people, they helped me, and I'm grateful to every one of them. But you are the one who saved me. Just you. Don't ever let there be any confusion about that. It was your voice I heard when I was lost in all that pain. It was your blood that brought me back when I was dying. It's always been you."

Beth smiled up at him, her eyes shining in the white light from the moon, now high overhead. "I love you, Mick," she whispered.

"I love you too, Sunshine."

The rest of the world faded away as they kissed, leaving just the two of them.

End Song: Just a Kiss In The Moonlight, Lady A