Disclaimer: I do not own Moonlight. But I am back in their world and loving every minute of it.

Hello again. I told you I would return to my other Moonlight world since I owe Mick and Beth a commitment ceremony. I have missed this group and I am happy to be back with them. Once again remember that this is in the future, 2014.

Be But Sworn My Love

Chapter 1

Beth Turner awoke alone in the freezer, curled on her side, her head cradled on one arm. With a happy sigh she rolled onto her back and stared up through the clear lid with frosted edges. She always appreciated the ability to see out of the box, it made it less confining.

Lying there thinking, it struck her that today was February 1st. A quiver of happiness ran through her as she realized that her commitment to Mick was only two weeks away. On February 14th, Valentine's Day, it would be six years since Mick had confessed his love for her and gave her the guardian angel pendant. Now they were preparing for their vampire union and she was ready to commit to Mick for eternity. Beth stretched happily, a rush of pleasure flowing through her at the thought of joining with her love.

Getting up, Beth hurriedly showered and then dressed for work. She made a habit of getting to the magazine by mid-afternoon so as not to draw too much attention to the fact that she wasn't a day person. Heading downstairs to feed, she heard Mick's voice coming from his office. With a happy smile, she poked her head in the room.

"Okay, I'll be right over," Mick said and hung up. He leaned back in his chair and smiled back at Beth when he saw her. "Hey babe."

"Hey Mick," she answered and came in the room. She rounded the desk and perched on the edge.

"You look particularly beautiful today," Mick commented as his eyes travelled over her. "Special day?"

"Department meetings," Beth said brightly. She warmed with pleasure at his compliment. "I think everything is in order for the launch of our new look but if not I may have to show a little fang," she added as her canines dropped.

"Tough boss," Mick chuckled and reached out to pull her from the desk and onto his lap. "Try and be nice. Remember that most of your staff doesn't know your secret."

"I'm a wonderful boss," Beth giggled. "My staff adores me, just ask them."

"Rayna is not an unbiased reference," Mick replied with a quick kiss.

"You are so bad," Beth scolded lightly. "Do you have a case? I heard the end of your phone call."

"Josef. He is being his usual vague self. I've got to go over there," Mick told her.

"Oh good, while you are there would you check with Marissa if they have enough vases for the flowers? I need at least 12 large ones and 10 smaller ones," Beth said smiling sweetly.

"You can't call her about that?" Mick groaned, rolling his eyes.

"I thought you wanted to help?" she laughed and kissed him.

"I do," Mick assured her quickly. "But counting vases?" He winced. "Beth honey, that's not my area of expertise."

"You are hopeless," Beth sighed fondly. She snuggled into his embrace, head on his shoulder. "Okay, I'll deal with it, don't worry about it."

Mick hugged her close and stroked her hair. He always felt that having Beth in his arms calmed his soul. There was no doubt in his mind that he was ready to commit to Beth.

"Thanks baby. I want this to be everything you dream it will be," he murmured against her hair.

"It will be Mick," Beth assured him. "I'm happy. Six years ago I never thought I could be happy again. Josh had died and I felt guilty because I was falling for you. That Valentine's Day you reached out to me and I knew we belonged together. I would never have guessed how closely I was linked to the vampire nation…." She grinned up at him. Her fingers played with his shirt collar. "Seems I was destined to be a vampire and be with you."

"I agree, we belong together and in two weeks it will be official," Mick nodded.

Beth's eyes glowed serenely.

"When I was little I loved playing wedding with my dolls. By high school I figured I'd never find the right guy and in college I was too caught up in my career to care. But I like the idea of a commitment. It suits us," she said seriously.

"It does," Mick nodded. "Just don't make me count vases," he added with a pained look.

"Okay, I'll handle the dirty details," Beth grinned and kissed his nose.

"You are too good to me," Mick laughed.

Beth slid off Mick's lap and then leaned down to kiss him more slowly.

"I do try love. And I had better grab some blood before I face the troops. I have to have everything ready for when Granny gets here. I'm hoping she likes my changes."

"Go be a good managing editor," Mick said with a pat to her behind. "I'm sure Granny will be pleased."

"Do you think she is hurt that I asked Philippe to officiate?" Beth asked frowning in concern. "I didn't want to hurt her feelings."

"I think she will be fine with it," Mick said reassuringly. "Granny doesn't strike me as having that big an ego. She knows how much Philippe means to you."

"And you are okay with his doing it?" she questioned.

"I am," Mick said getting to his feet. "Philippe and I have been okay with each other for some time now."

Beth beamed in pleasure; she knew that Mick and Philippe had not started off on the right foot. Given her relationship with the French vampire, it meant a lot that they had become friends.

"I'd better get some blood or I will literally bite the staff," she giggled.

"Go," Mick ordered. "We can't have you blowing our secret."

Beth smiled at him and headed for the kitchen. She consumed two glasses of fresh A-. Just recently she had convinced Mick to supplement their supply of blood from a dealer in fresh blood. She didn't want to offend Guillermo so they still got blood from him but since they had no space for live-in freshies this was a nice alternative. She was pleased that when they were at Josef and Rayna's, Mick did feed fresh occasionally. It was a satisfying feeling to know that she could help Mick feel more comfortable as a vampire.

She rinsed her glass and gathered her coat, purse and briefcase. Mick joined her by the door and drew her into his embrace.

"Have a good day love. I should be here when you get home," he said and kissed her gently.

"Play nice with Josef," Beth said warmly. "I'll see you later. Love you."

With a second kiss, Mick released her.

Beth hurried down to her car and headed out to the freeway. She loved the drive to the magazine, since at this hour the traffic was not as crazy yet and she could arrive without the hassle of rush hour. Ever since Granny Fortuna had put her in charge of Southern California View, she had relished exercising her creative vision. Beth took great pride in the recognition the magazine was receiving from critics and she was confident that Granny would be pleased.

It excited Beth to know that the New Orleans group was coming for the ceremony. They had not been to Los Angeles since Josef and Rayna had held their commitment, except for Anthony Yale who served as Granny's personal assistant. Beth liked dealing with the human who had worked for Rayna for many years.

Beth had stayed in touch with Savannah Lowe, building a long distance friendship with her. Remembering what it was like to be a human in a vampire's world and she often advised the woman on human/vampire relations. The homicide detective had encountered a few bumps in the road in her involvement with Tyson Leggett and had felt comfortable turning to Beth for guidance. Beth remembered all too well some of the obstacles she and Mick had encountered.

At the magazine she went directly to her office and began to prepare for her meetings.

"Hey Boss, are you ready for the circus?" Rayna asked poking her head in the door.

"Yes Rayna, this should be easy," Beth laughed, happy to see her best friend. "Everyone is doing a fine job. Unless photography has suddenly started messing up."

"My department?" Rayna said in mock horror. Beth had promoted her two months ago to department head after the former one had retired. In her long life Rayna had developed a knack for bringing out the best in people. She had an eye for talented photographers and still managed to get out and shoot some photos herself.

"I have no complaints Rayna. Your staff has brought in some wonderful pictures. I'm pleased how you've handled your department," Beth assured her. "And that grotto waterfall picture in the last issue was amazing."

"Thanks," Rayna acknowledged with a smile. "Wasn't that a wonderful shot? It felt so familiar; I loved how it came out."

"It was perfect," Beth agreed. "Shall we begin with your department then?" she asked picking up a folder.

"Hit me with your best shot Boss," Rayna grinned in delight. "I have nothing to hide."

End chapter.

So here we are again. I hope you are happy to return to this Moonlight world. Let me know, press the button and give me encouragement. Thanks.