Moonlight in California
Moonlight: Dreams & Demons pt5

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"Alright everything is ready, come and get it." James called from the other room. "C'mon Cailin." Molly giggled and ran around the corner into the kitchen. The smells of the food wafted out to Caitlin and when she went inside there were three bowls of soup and several sandwichs waiting on the table. James had the sliding door out into the backyard open and she could hear the sounds from outside around the house came to her ears. "Glad to see Molly didn't run you off from the tour." James said with a grin pulling out her chair.

Caitlin smiles softly. "No she didn't run me off. This smells good." She says sitting down but gliding the chair under the table. She was telling the truth, it did smell good though there wasn't much meat... and by not much she meant there was no meat at all. She would have to make dinner again at home. After Molly went to sleep probably. But Caitlin would need the protein to keep herself in check. She was having a very good time though.

Molly was enjoying dinner with Caitlin and Daddy, even though she didn't understand all of the conversation. "So, what time would you like me to come get her in the morning?" James asked. He knew that Molly would love spending the night at Caitlin's house. And after everything he and Caitlin had done together he felt she was trustworthy enough to let Molly stay with her. Although without his little girl, he was at a loss what he would do with his night.

"Well I have the day off tomorrow from the diner so, Around noon would be good. That would give us time to get breakfast and play at the park a little and then get lunch together." Caitlin said with a smile as she ate her food. It was good but different. She was used to mexican and indian food and of course her 'aunts' food. She was enjoying the cozy atsophomere though, she usually ate alone most days. Or at least alone in the diner.

"Ok, how about me and Mike join you two for lunch, barring any crimes. Then after lunch we can drop her off at Mike's until shift is over." James offered before taking a bite of sandwhich. Molly was dipping her triangle quarter into her tomato soup and listening. She was going to get to have breakfast and go play at the park with Caitlin then have lunch with them both. James smiled at Molly, "I won't pack too much extra stuff then since you plan on taking her to the park tomorrow."

"Sounds like a good plan to me.. besides I think you need some time to relax a little on your own. Maybe clean up your house. Watch some football?" Caitlin asked. It was what she heard men liked doing anyways. At least other men... none that she had ever met or anything but still she heard that men liked those things. She didn't have television channels herself but she would go buy a video for Molly or something so the little girl wouldn't be too bored.

"Check on the cleaning, haven't really sat down for a football game in awhile." James said. "Dad, can I take my book to Cailin's?" Molly piped up with a smile. "Feel like reading with her a little? More than likely she'll nod off easier." James said with a smile. He picked up his last half sandwhich and took a bite and smiled at her. Caitlin was something special, he thought that the first time they hooked up, and even if they could be nothing but friends it was something.

"Of course I don't have many good books at my home so any books you want to bring is fine Molly." Caitlin smiled brightly. She didn't want to eat too much because she needed to eat meat. Plenty of meat, that and she hoped she could call James a couple of times and keep checking on him over the night and morning on pretense about Molly. That should keep them both out of enough trouble... Give enough time for the team to find the demon and get rid of it.

After dinner James put the dishes in the sink with some hot water and took them to Molly's room and got out her bag. "Alright, one pink night shirt several goodnights, just in case. And clothes for tomorrow, two books and of course wolfie, anything I missed?" Molly shook her head and smiled at Caitlin taking the stuffed wolf cub and squeezing him tightly. James stood and zipped the bag up and ushered the ladies out of the room.

"Thank you for the day James... it was a lot of fun... I don't remember going to a zoo and deffinetly not with a family." Caitlin says taking the bag from him and holding on to it. She was smiling at how motherish he was being of Molly. Getting everything ready and fussing a little over the little girl. It was cute and reaffirmed what she already knew to be true about him. Which in turn also made her a little more wary of him just because she was thinking fondly of him and he was a man who didn't know her secrets.

He ushered them out into the car and drove them back to Caitlin's apartment, "Molly, you need to be good and listen to Caitlin you understand." Molly for her part giggled, "OoKay Dada, I be good!" and smiled at Caitlin. The ride back was rather quick and when they got there Molly kept trying to look out the windows to see where Caitlin lived. "Last chance to back out, she can be a heck of a handful when she wants to be." He unstrapped Molly and pulled her out of the car and they followed behind Caitlin.

"Somehow I think I can keep up with her. Besides getting a chance to be alone in the house and relax will be good for you. Just don't worry about anything and just relax at home." Caitlin said with a smile as she lead the way into the small apartment, her temporary home until she could afford the building she was going to start up her business in. Caitlin unlocked the door and lead the way inside, it was clean and it didn't really smell like anything other then cleaning supplies. "Welcome to my house." Caitlin said with a soft smile.

James immediatley remembered the last time he was here and smiled reflexively. Molly letting go ove her father's hand walked around the furniture and peeked into the bedroom, before taking off her jacket. "Well, if things get a little hectic call my cell. And I'll see you guys in the morning. Come here baby girl so I can give you a hug and kiss goodnight." Molly ran to her father, who scooped her up and gave her a hug and kiss on the cheek.

"I will call if we need anything. I promise." Cait said with a grin, he was acting very protective and she wondered how often Molly stayed over with anyone. Or if she even did stay with anyone at all. But hopefully this would give James time to relax and not do anything. Especially not investigate the demons attacks. If only she could speed up getting it taken care of... but she was only one werewolf and against a demon what was she really going to do.

James set Molly down who screwed up her face looking at them together, "Dada, giv Cailin hug and kiss nite-nite tooo." Looking down at his daughter James couldn't help but think he had just walked into a trap. When did my baby learn to be so devious? he wondered, and turned to Caitlin. "I don't know Molly, she is a big girl and they don't always need a hug and kiss night." Reaching out he wrapped his arms about Caitlin and leaned to her cheek and pressed his lips against her.

"Sometimes big girls like hugs and kisses too you know." Caitlin teases giving him a hug and kiss on the cheek in return. It felt good to hug someone... to be close. To connect. But she let go after a few seconds. She didn't want to get in his way and she certainly didn't want to delay this too much. She wanted to let him rest easy and she wanted to have a fun night with Molly. She just hoped she would do okay because she didn't really know much about little girls... or children at all in fact.

James left and Molly sat down on the floor and tugged at her shoes, in vain and finally looked at Caitlin. "I need help Cailin." she said pursing her little lips and letting out a small sigh. Then to add a little dramatic flair to the seen she fell back onto the floor and lifted her feet. Daddy used to laugh and help with the laces, something she had tried several times to tie on her own. Now laing looking at Caitlin's ceiling she could see a slight crack in the corner and smiled, it was white the ceiling at her house.

"Let me show you a little trick sweety." Caitlin said after a small chuckle at the little girls antics. Sitting on her knees and leaning over she helped Molly into sitting up again and then once she was sure she had the little girls attention she picked one of the loose laces and pulled slowly. Letting the little bow come undone. "Then loosen the laces like this." Caitlin says gently showing the little girl how to do it slowly. " Now you give it a try!" Caitlin says hoping Molly understood what Caitlin had just showed her. Hopefully tonight would go really well... for some reason Caitlin felt it was very important for Molly to like her and get along with her well and respect her even.

Molly watched what Caitlin did and picked up both loose ends, trying to decide which to pull. She let the other go and pulled watching the bow come undone like Caitlin had done with her other one. "I DID IT!" she cried and hopped up to hug Caitlin. Once she let go she grabbed Wolfie and went to the couch and sat down. "We read now, Cailin or we play?" she asked peeking over the arm, so all Caitlin could see were her little blue eyes.

"We can do whichever one you want to sweety, We can play or we can read. It's up to you." Caitlin said with a soft smile at little Molly. Cuddling with her little wolf toy made Caitlin smile brightly. Maybe this was why she wanted to feel so close to the little girl and her father. She was very protective and she hoped it was a good sign not a bad one. Also with all this going on she was very hopeful only good things were going to happen in the future for her.

"We play then an read before bed." she said popping back upright. Molly was willing to play any game Caitlin could come up with until it was time to get her cleaned up and ready for bed. Once in her pajamas Wolfie under one arm and her story book in the other sitting on Caitlin's bed. She was having so much fun spending the night at Caitlin's house and looking forward to a story. "We go to bed after tha story Cailin?" she asked trying to stifle a small yawn.

"Yes we are going to bed after the story, In the morning I will mae breakfast and then We're going to go to the park and meet up with your daddy. Now then let's see what book we have to read tonight." Caitlin smiled brightly snuggling close with the little girl. Making sure to scoot close so they were touching each others sides and Molly could rest her head on Cait's chest if she wanted to and still be able to see the pictures from the book. Caitlin was only mildly surprised that it was a book not about a wolf but about a disney princess instead. Not that Caitlin ever remembered the stories or watching the movies. she vaguely knew she hd seen them, probably had a book once too but her life had been such that she didn't remember too much of her life before she was turned.

Molly snuggled close and wrapped her arm around Caitlin and wolfie between them and laid her head down. She liked the stories daddy always picked for her, the words were so she could start reading on her own as well. Beaming up at Caitlin, even as she stifled a yawn she felt so happy. Breakfast and going to the park sounded like so much fun. Caitlin did not have to read very long before Molly was completely relaxed and asleep.

Caitlin finished the book anyways just to see what the ending was in case it wasn't happily ever after. You never knew. then she put the book down and after checing the windows and doors she checked the apartment one more time before laying down with Molly in her bed and pulling the covers over them.

In the morning Caitlin was already dressed and her hair was in it's usual pony tail and she was cooking bacon and sausage. She hadn't done any eggs yet because she wasn't sure how molly liked her eggs. Whereas Caitlin could make the bacon and sausage nd eat it while waiting for the little girl to wake up. It was pretty early though the sun had risen an hour ago or so and Caitlin wondered how long 3 year olds usually slept.

A little after eight, Molly opened her eyes and looked around before deciding what to do. "Cailin?" she called before sitting up, she had been there when Molly fell asleep. Wolfie was laying under her arm and she pulled him into a hug. Slipping out from under the covers she looked about the bedroom before walking out into the living room. "Calin, I gotta go potty." she called when she saw her in the kitchen.

"Okay sweety." Cait said turning things off and taking them off the burner, she quickly came over and opened the bathroom door. "Here it is sweety, do you need anything else?" Cait asked not sure how this usually went. She was after all not used to children and the way things worked with them. So she thought it best if she asked, because that would only make sense right? Anyways she stood there a little nervously as she waited for Molly to tell her if she needed anything else or if she could go on her own. Besides Cait had breakfast done so after this they could brush their teeth and eat then dress and go to the park.

Going to the potty was an adventure for both of them, and after washing up and brushing their teeth they went to have breakfast. "Can I have scrambly eggs Cailin?" Molly asked stifling another yawn. Cailin was taking very good care of her & she hoped next time Caitlin could stay at her house. Caitlin's cell began to ring and Molly perked up, "Is it my dadaa?" The caller ID on the phone said it was Anthony, he more than likely had something to report.

"No sweety it's a friend of mine." Cait said with a smile before getting everything back on the stove. "Anthony! It's about time! Can you tell me anything?" Caitlin asks as she turns the stove back on and put's the pan on it. Putting the stuff that was done on the plate for Molly and starting to get the scrambled eggs ready. Then she could cook them quickly and easily. She hoped Anthony had good news for her she didn't know how long she could keep James occuied and stop him from investigating the demon. She herself had work to go to and do so she couldn't do too much for too long.

"My team may have a bead on where it is hiding, are you available tonight to watch and have limited help to take it down. And perhaps after we can discuss your police man's problem over dinner." Molly sat quietly at the table and was watching Caitlin cook. She knew that when daddy was on the phone to not make a lot of noise. "Tonight, if you are coming at my office before twilight, we will be on the street before eight p.m."

"I'll be there! I'm a little busy right now but I will be there for sure... I'll help as much as I am able... I have to go right now but I'll see you later Tony." Caitlin said with a smile. She was very releived, if they could take it down tonight she wouldn't have to worry any more and then Molly would be safe. So would James, once Cait huing up the phone she finished cooking and put a pretty loaded plate down in front of Molly and she sat down with one piled twice as high. "Eat as much as you like! Then we go to the park!" Cait says excitedly, she was really happy this was finally coming to an end.

Molly picked up a fork and began to eat, pausing to take a sip or eat some bacon. "Cailin, are you commin to my birthday party?" she asked setting the fork down and looking directly at her. She had heard daddy tell uncle Mike that he invited Caitlin and she hoped she'd come. "You don' have ta bring me a present." she piped up taking another bite of egg. Most birthday's Aunt Brenda never stayed very long or spent more time arguing with daddy, it'd be nice to have someone there who didn't do either.

"I hope I can sweety but I don't know." Caitlin said with a soft smile, she didn't know if it would be awekward or not going to a little girls party. After all it really was a little awekward for her, after all she didn't have family... not really anymore Joe was the only one and Raven... they were the only two. James was... well cait really didn't know what he was to her but it was confusing and strange in any way you put it.

Molly nodded and finished her eggs then got up to wait for Caitlin to finish. Sitting on the couch with Wolfie in a hug she watched out the window the cars going up and down the street. She looked forward to going to the park and having fun with Cailtin then spending time with Daddy until he'd have to go to work. "Cailin, My Aun Brenda said that I was gonna go live with her soon. Does that mean my dada is too?" The idea confused Molly since Daddy and Brenda didn't like each other much.

Caitlin didn't get much of a chance to reply to what she had learned from Molly before they had to leave for the park to meet James. The park wasn't very busy and they could easily see James sitting on a bench waiting for them to arrive, he was in jeans and dress shirt under his coat. Molly looked up at Caitlin and smiled brightly, "We get Daddy to go swing with us?" A scent floated through the wind and Caitlin saw the social worker again, she was watching for a distance and taking photographs of Molly and Caitlin. After a couple pictures she noted something on her clip board then proceded to watching the three of them closely.

"Sounds like a plan to me sweety." Caitlin said with a smile at the little girl, she waved at James and fought down the urge to growl. The hairs on her neck were already standing up. Pictures of her were not a good thing... in fact she should probably go take care of that. Now. "You go to your daddy sweet heart I have something I need to do realy quick, I promise I'll go down the slides with you once I'm done." Caitlin said softly urging Molly to go to her father, She would follow until she was sure Molly was safe and then she'd go have yet another word with the social worker.

Mplly giggled and ran towards her approaching father who had already started walking their way. The social worker suddenly set her camera on a pinic table so she could answer a phone call. The park wasn't very busy and even somewhere in the background of people she caught the smell of one of Anthony's people. More than likely he was having Caitlin or James followed in case the demon put in an appearance. Molly and James met about the halfway point and he swept her up into his arms and they both laughed while he hugged her close.

Cailtin quickened her pace and snatched the camera from the table while the woman's back was turned. She was grateful for Anthony's scent though. It helped keep her on track. She wanted to destroy the camera, she knew it would be better to simply confront the woman. Releived at hearing the happy laughter from daughter and father Caitlin waited for the caseworker to turn around. Camera in her hands. Cait sort of knew how to use one kind of. So she went to the menu screen and began looking through the photographs already taken. If there were many of them this woman would be in trouble. Caitlin couldn't have her picture floating around anywhere. It wasn't safe.

She could make out three with her in them, mostly she was interested in Molly and James. She turned and recognized Caitlin, "Miss what are you doing that is my camera. I would apperciate you hand it over now." she said reaching out for it. In her other hand she still held the cell phone and looked a little cross that someone had picked up her camera without asking even. "All the photos on there are part of an ongoing Jobs & Family services investigation and not for public viewing." she was getting a little aggitated.

"then explain to me why you are spying. If there is an ivestigation going on should it not be conducted in the open or with the consent of those who might find it questionable?" Caitlin asked taking a few steps back out of the reach of the woman. "I would appreciate you hanging up the phone now miss." Caitlin said softly, this was a conversation she didn't want someone else to overhear. while she didn't know the details of things being done this was certainly an invasion of her privacy regarding her own person. If James was in question it was up to him to prove his loyalty. It had nothing to do with Molly or Caitlin.

Hanging up the call she looked at Caitlin and shook her head. "My investigation is into his fitness to raise his daughter, and that includes anything or any person that has interaction with her. If you wish I can tell you that everything I am doing is both legal and approved by my boss. I am not stupid, nor out to ruin a family; just to make sure that little girl is reciving the best care to grow up." Her scent was tinged with a modicorum of anger that her motives were being questioned.

"then why do it secretly? He knows you are around. I know you are around. But unlike him I do not like my pictures taken by any persons. Delete them. Or I will find fault in something and end all of this. He has been a better father then any other man I have seen with a child. He is a man with means to take care of a family and protect it. If you need verification fine. But stay away from me and my house." Caitlin said her tone deepening though she kept a tight leash on her own anger at the woman. "I have a right to my own privacy and this is an invasion of it." She said looking at the woman who was angry but... a little nervous as well by the scent of her.

"Even if it helps his case? One of the charges leveed against Mr. Banner was that Molly had no positive female prescence in her life. With all due respect to Mrs. Shultz a woman more her fathers age is needed to help her. No one sees the pictures except myself and my boss unless it is needed for court. If I delete these then all they have to go on is my report and I;ve seen enough families be torn apart without a picture to trump a thousnad words." She cycled through and waited for Caitlin to tell her to delete them or save them to help James.

"none of my face. As for Miss Shultz is she being investigated for having such accusations? If not then I would like to request one. Molly is a dear girl. She deserves happiness and family." Caitlin said getting a harder look on her face, she did not like flashing herself to people and making impressions that would make her stand out but if that was what was needed she could always change herself and move. She was used to that. "I have to go they'll get curious. Give me your name." Caitlin was not requesting it she was demanding it. and she would stay until the photo's with her face in it were deleted.

"I will crop your face out since you two were far enough away from me. Miss Shultz isn't the one who filed the report, it was the girl's godmother and there is nothing saying she would go to her either. Here is my card, and my cell number on back; believe me miss I only want to do right by the little girl, however that may happen." It was the best she could offer Caitlin and if the woman truly cared then it would do. She turned the camera off and gathered her clip board before turning to leave.

Caitlin put the card in her pocket before jogging to meet back up with Molly and her father she only had so long before she needed to meet up with tony and get redy for the night. "Sorry had something to do... By the way James... if you need someone to watch Molly every now and then I can help out. " Caitlin said not wanting Molly to be taen away from James. it would be the worst mistake of her life probably. But Caitlin was happy to help if she could, she just needed to be careful of how much of her scent she left around them just in case.

"Thanks, I know it goes a long way to make JFS back off of us, I can pay you to help with your dream too." James had known the social worker had been there and hopefully there would be no fall out from Molly showing up with her. Molly was watching them and grew kinda tried of the conversation, "Caitlin come on we go slide now?" James laughed a little and turned to escort them to the play area which was teaming with kids. OUt of the corner of her eye Caitlin saw one of the guy's from the diner that Anthony had sent to keep an eye out.

"no... it wouldn't be much of a dream if I couldn't fulfill it myself would it? Just... stay my friend James." Caitlin said before grabbing Molly and tossing her in the air and catching her. slinging her onto Cait's back she then runs off to the biggest slide in the park. Caitlin wasn't much of a girl type so she liked the rough and tumble stuff kids loved too. She especially loved rough housing rolling around in the grass and being active.

Molly loved playing like this with Caitlin, daddy played with her like this too, but Caitlin was different. She squealed in delight as they hurtled down the slide then jumped up to run around to ride again. The next time down James was there to catch them, and swung Molly up into the air and help Caitliin up. Around noon they went to the hot dog cart and waited in line, "So, next week we are going to the observatory right?" Molly started getting giddy, she loved going there even though she never stayed awake the whole time.

"Yes, we are deffiently on." Caitlin laughed before tickling Molly some, Caitlin was having a great time running around and teasing people and being joined in the fun. It was better then being with the pack, Of course she'd have to be careful about things and how she was doing it or how often she did anyways. But for now she was having a great time bonding and playing. It was a wolves preclivity how they bonded was through play most of the time.

Not to be left out James reached over and tickled at Caitlin's sides and Molly turned trying to help daddy make Caitlin laugh. He wished they had more time to play like this, but Molly would need to get a bath and dinner before he left for work and Caitlin said she had things to do today. People walked by and smiled at the trio being very happy and smiled watching them together. Caitlin did hear one older woman remark to her friend, "See that is how a real family should be; too many people are afraid to make marriage and the like work nowadays." James looked over at Caitlin and smiled, Molly was happy and that relieved so much stress that he had been feeling lately.

Caitlin giggled and rolled around in the grass before scooping up Molly and laying on top of James. "So daddy you better make tonight fun for our little girl." She laughs playing along with the idea that the older women had spoken of. She'd never teased anyone like this before... it was fun and made her feel a little giddy to have a real friend to bond with. Her and Dallas would wrestle and play sometimes but they would never laugh or tickle. That was never allowed in the pack.

James looked quizzically at her for a long second before mirth lit up his eyes. Reaching over while tickling Molly he lifted Caitlin's shirt to expose her abs then blew a raspberry on her stomach. Molly squealed hearing the sound and trying to come to Caitlin's rescue, "Dadda no play fair!" She had been on the recieving end of this and laughed until she was red in the face. However try as she might, everyone was tickling her too much to do anything.

Caitlin laughed as well and rolled away taking Molly with her. "Fair play is no play!" Caitlin said setting Molly down to catch her breath before pouncing on James and grabbing his shirt returning the raspberry on his stomach. Rolling around roughhousing she was having a blst, she had even forgotten for the moment her plans for the night. Her fce lightly pink, her eyes bright and laughter coming to her easily for once in her life.

He laughed as well and called for Molly, "Sweetie help! Come get Caitlin!" She ran over and again tried tickling Caitlin to help her daddy, but she wasn't as good as they were at this. "Wai..wa..wait Ca.C-Caitlin truce! How-how about we-we g, get the shor-short one!" Molly perked up and started backing away, "Noooo, Cailin keeping getting Dadda!" She turned and headed off as fast as her little legs could carry her. At the weird angle he and Caitlin were at James playfully bit her calf, hoping to break the raspberry of doom, at least before he pissed himself.

Caitlin growled and nipped him back playfully on his stomach before running and grabbing Molly in a roll and tickling her even and they rolled in the grass more. Coming to a stop Caitlin was pretending to eat Molly and making the snarling noises softly like an animal as she played. She was keeping the real beast noises to a very minumum but she was having a blast. She was having so much fun she found her senses getting sharper a little bit more and more. So she kept a tight reign on herself lest her eyes give her away.

"AH! DADDA, Cailin's eatsin me up, HELP!" she cried out between laughs and giggles. James tugged his shirt down and followed suit catching up to them quickly, "Hey, that's not fair Caitlin. Eating up Molly without me!" Pushing his head beside hers they played as Molly laughed worse. "AH! not you too DADDA!!" she had never had so much fun and this was great. Being together with the both of them really made him begin to hope that Jobs & Family Services would leave them alone soon, Molly deserved more than them poking around.

Caitlin had to stop she was laughing so hard. Laying on the ground beside Molly laughing like this, playing with them it felt wonderful. Gulping in airfulls though Caitlin smiled looking at them both, what would it be lie to be human and ignorant... to have a family like this of her own? But she couldn't, she was too dangerous which was why she'd have to leave eventually. she couldn't stay with them like this. She was aaware of what was really in the world and she couldn't drag someone as sweet as Molly into her world.

James let Molly up and she wiggled over to Caitlin and hugged her tightly. All three of them were trying to catch their breath laid watching the sky. James acting on impulse slipped his hand into Caitlins and squeezed his thanks. His baby was happy and laughed more today than the last month and it was thanks to staying the night and playing with Caitlin, he could never repay that to her. People passing by couldn't help but smile at what appeared to be a loving family laying in a heap after frolicking and laughing together, it seemed so normal even for Los Angeles.

Caitlin recovered quickly and squeezed his hand in return before disentangling her hand from his. "I should probably get going... I have to get ready to meet my friend tonight." Caitlin said leaning up on her elbows looking from the little girl to her father. Sometimes Caitlin was completely comfertable with what she was right now was not one of those times. If she could she would be exactly what he wanted, she would do her all to be there. As she was now she could only keep them both as safe as she could.

Molly pouted a little that the fun was ending, but understood adults had things to do. She hugged Caitlin again and kissed her cheek before sitting down on James's chest. "Uhh, what has Caitlin been feeding you?" James joked as she landed on his stomach. He looked at Caitlin, "Thanks for letting her stay with you last night and staying to play with us." He really wanted to say more, but anything else would just make things more awkward.

"It was a pleasure James. I had a lot of fun with Molly I really did. I'm sorry I have to go now. I'll see you again next week. Until then take care." Caitlin said rolling to her feet quickly and brushing the grass off of her clothing. A quick kiss to Molly's head and a chaste kiss to James's lips and then Cait turned to leave. She would be late if she didn't jog now.

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Moonlight: Dreams & Demons pt7