A Moonlight New Years Eve

Disclaimer: I do not own Moonlight. The powers that be could give it to me for 2014 and I wouldn't complain.

Hi there. This is a special short story that has been unfinished in my notebook for quite a while. I decided that I should finish it. So here is the first of two chapters that fits the season. I have returned to my other Moonlight universe since I miss it. I promise I have not finished my other story and will return to it in the New Year, I just felt this needed to be posted. Thank you.

Chapter 1

The human population of Los Angeles made their plans to welcome in the New Year and was blissfully unaware that there was another society among them who viewed the change in the calendar from a different perspective. The vampires of the city did not see the change of 365 days as more than a blink of the eye but they couldn't resist a reason to party. And Josef Kostan was one vampire who enjoyed showing off his wealth and found the change of the year to be the perfect way to celebrate with his lovely lady Rayna as well.

Standing now at the landing half way down the grand staircase in the Hotel Nocturne, tucked away in the hills outside of the city, Josef smiled in satisfaction as he watched the crowd below mingle. Anyone who was anyone in the vampire nation on the west coast as well as select guests from elsewhere was gathered below him to welcome in 2016. There were a few special humans on the guest list along with a group of freshies for the guests who preferred "fresh from the vein" for their refreshments.

He had no trouble spotting his Beauty among the guests; she was wearing a gorgeous cobalt blue gown that she had purchased in Paris. Rayna was deep in conversation with Beth St. John who wore a flame red dress and Savannah Lowe wearing emerald green. The three women seemed to glitter more brightly than some of the others around them, but Josef knew he was probably prejudiced in his assessment. He spotted Tyson Leggett hovering nearby, not completely relaxed enough to be too far from his fledgling in a large crowd of unfamiliar vampires. Josef chuckled; Tyson should know that his police detective newbie was very capable of taking care of herself.

Letting his gaze stray further, he noticed that Moriah and Robert were conversing with the French couple; Philippe and Cynthia Duvall. Moriah looked spectacular as usual in her customary black and gold while Cynthia was dressed in a gown more rose than red. As he watched, another Duvall brother joined the foursome, Marius was escorting his new flame Giselle Beaumont who sparkled in a silver sheath.

Checking out the dance floor, he then found a human couple who were out moving among the crowd with ease. Anthony Yale held his new wife Charity close, enjoying the music. It made Josef happy to see that Rayna and Tyson's close human friends did not feel uncomfortable with all the vampires around them.

"You are looking incredibly smug," Mick observed as he joined Josef and handed him a glass of champagne. Josef smirked at his best friend as he accepted the flute.

"Do I know how to throw a party or what?" he gloated, waving his free hand out over the crowd.

"You do indeed," Mick agreed with an amused twinkle in his eye. "And it sure doesn't hurt that Rayna, Beth and especially Marissa did most of the planning."

"They were only implementing my ideas," Josef answered defensively, acting offended.

"Of course they were," Mick agreed. He quickly spotted Marissa and her boyfriend Jordan Billings who worked as an accountant for Josef. Mick had always had a fondness for Marissa; who had begun as one of Josef's freshies and had now risen to the position of overseeing all Josef and Rayna's freshies and household. Since Jordan was in the loop as to his employer's true nature, he had been included in the guest list.

"I'm thinking of promoting Jordan, he's doing good work," Josef commented.

Mick laughed and slapped Josef on the back.

"You, my friend, have a huge soft spot for the human element."

"Watch your mouth," Josef scolded but the smile on his face belied his words.

The old vamp paused as the scent of age entered the room and he turned to look at the doorway just above them. Two new arrivals stood just behind him on the staircase, observing the scene below.

The woman was tall….at least 5'9" and looked regal in a metallic bronze dress that showed off her hour glass curves. She had rich, chocolate brown hair that hung loose around her bare shoulders, green eyes sparkling in delight as she focused on Josef. Gliding down the stairs she held her arms out wide for a hug. Within minutes Josef was crushed in the beauty's strong grip.

"Josef…..my darling, how wonderful to see you again after so many decades," a throaty laugh rumbled in his ears. Cool lips brushed his cheek as she released him.

"Well Antoinette, I certainly didn't expect to see you in Los Angeles," Josef responded as she smiled at the French-accented vampiress.

"I decided to surprise you. I have been looking for a reason to visit your fascinating city and this party was it," Antoinette announced. She looked over the crowd below. "I was told that you finally convinced dear Rayna to settle down," she stated. She then shifted her attention to Mick who still stood beside Josef. "Ah…..I do believe this is the intriguing Mick St. John that our lovely Coraline brought into the fold in the 50s."

"I am but I am no longer part of Coraline's life," Mick said stiffly.

"Mick, let me introduce Antoinette LaCrosse, one of the most beautiful women in the cosmetic business. And the only one who does not need the products she sells," Josef said trying to smooth over the awkward moment.

Mick accepted Antoinette's outstretched hand and kissed the back of her fingers.

"You've taught this boy manners Josef," Antoinette approved.

"Actually Beth gets credit for that," Josef smirked as he pointed to Beth and Rayna, who were heading up the stairs. As he finished speaking, he looked up closely at the man standing attentively one step above Antoinette, a pleased smile on his face. "Toni, aren't you going to introduce your escort?"

"I didn't think that introductions were necessary Josef," Antoinette said with an innocent smile. "I do believe you are acquainted with Lancelot Duvall."

"Of course I know Lance, as you are well aware," Josef said smoothly. "I was under the impression you parted on bad terms with our buddy Lance, a long time ago."

"I never part on bad terms with an excellent lover, you know that Josef," the beauty protested. She held out her hand to Lance who immediately took it as he moved beside her.

"Good evening Josef…..St. John," Lance said smugly. "Netti said you would be surprised to see me. She was right as usual."

"It is always a pleasure to entertain one of France's first families," Josef answered with a smirk of his own.

"When Netti suggested that we attend your party, I could not resist an invitation so graciously given," Lance informed them. He nodded towards Beth and Rayna who had now joined them. "I was looking forward to seeing how my niece was doing in her home element."

"Hello Uncle Lance," Beth said with a warm smile as she linked her arm through Mick's. "And who is your friend, she looks familiar?"

"Beth….St. John," Lance said stumbling over her last name. "This is Antoinette LaCrosse."

"The cosmetic executive?" Beth said in surprise. She could smell the age on the woman. "So you truly do have the answer to eternal beauty," she said lightly.

"Yes, Antoinette founded the company," Rayna spoke up. "Toni has always had great business sense. It is a pleasure to see you again," she added to Antoinette.

"You haven't changed a bit Rayna. So you finally decided to settle in one place and convince Josef to commit to you," Antoinette said sweetly. "Well done."

"No one makes Josef do anything as you well know Toni," Rayna said pleasantly but with a slight edge to her voice. She had never feuded openly with the French woman but had always found her to be too arrogant for Rayna's taste. Rayna had always been a bit suspicious of Antoinette's close ties to the Duvalls.

"Of course," Antoinette agreed, ignoring the tone of Rayna's voice. "It is lovely to see you two together again."

"And we are pleased you decided to accept our invitation to the party. As you can see Lance, you aren't the only Duvall present this evening. Your brothers will be happy to see you. And I am sure that Granny will be happy as well," Rayna said indicating where the six vampires stood looking up at them.

"I was aware that Marius and Philippe were going to be in attendance tonight. And I have something to discuss with Madam Fortuna," Lance said stiffly.

"Come on Lance, no need to be so formal with Moriah," Josef chuckled. "Please, come join us and help celebrate a new year's dawning. I think 2016 show great promise for the tribe and old grudges should be forgotten," he added generously. "I wouldn't be surprised if Moriah knew you were coming, she does have that way about her." He enjoyed the look of confusion that crossed Lance's face before the Frenchman was able to control it.

"Thank you Josef, I'm positive that Lancelot and I will enjoy ourselves. Come my darling, I see some old friends I wish to speak to. And we must say hello to your brothers first, I have always thought Marius and Philippe were delightful men," Antoinette declared, holding out her hand to Lance.

He took her hand in his and escorted her down to the main floor. The four left behind watched them move into the crowd.

"You never told me you knew Antoinette LaCrosse," Beth said turning to Rayna. "Is she a friend?"

"Let's just say she's a friendly acquaintance," Rayna replied with a wry smile. "She and Josef go way back to his time in Europe and she has been pleasant to me but she is not what I would consider a friend. I always found her connection to the Duvalls to be questionable."

"How long have she and Lance been involved?" Mick asked as he watched the couple move across the floor towards Lance's brothers.

"Off and on for decades although I thought it was off for at least a hundred years. Back in the 1800s they were pretty hot and heavy," Josef answered as he too observed the pair's movements. "I was under the impression that Toni would never forgive him after their last connection. She swore she would stake him if they ever crossed paths again."

"And when was that?" Mick enquired.

"Oh…1915 I believe," Josef grinned, loving the surprised look on Beth's face.

"A lot can happen in that time frame Josef," Mick reminded him.

"Screwing Antoinette's maid was a pretty big no no with her highness. And in Antoinette's own bed no less. I had it on the best authority that she would never forgive him," Josef chuckled.

Beth looked at Rayna for confirmation.

"That fits with what Toni told me in 1918," she confirmed. "I thought she was much too smart to take him back."

"And how does Lance feel about her?" Beth asked curiously.

"That my dear is the million dollar question," Josef said dryly. "Is he with her to get to us or does he actually care for Toni once more?"

"He calls her Netti," Mick said thoughtfully. "That does indicate a very special connection. Lance is normally very formal and stiff."

"And she calls him Lancelot," Beth giggled. "I really don't want to know what goes on in their freezer."

"I am sure that Granny will be able to give us some insight after she speaks with them," Rayna said confidently. "We just need to keep our eyes open and be prepared for surprises."

End chapter.

So, Happy New Year my friends. The party will conclude with the next chapter and this is more a fluff piece than a drama but it may lead to more at a later date. Thank you so much for reading.