Ok, in my version of events, Beth has split with Josh after realiseing her feelings for a certain gorgeous vampire. Having only seen 4 episodes (I live in Australia) my story could stray from later episodes. Slight spoilers for first four eps. Don't own anything.

Mick has left LA after sharing a kiss with Beth, unable to be around her without giving in to temptation. Knowing he is dangerous and bad for her, he leaves, so not to put her in harms way. Mick has become more and more reckless, seeming not to care whether he lives or dies. Josef is the only person who knows where he is, and begins to fear for his friend's safety. So he sends in the one person who could convince him to behave – Beth Turner.

Chapter 1

Beth sat in her apartment, sipping away at a cup of coffee as she checked her emails. Since the split with Josh, she had found she almost enjoyed living alone. Of course, if it were Mick St John making the offer, there was no way she would refuse. Beth sighed out loud at that thought, running a hand through her blonde hair in frustration. Micks abrupt disappearance three months ago had left her cold and angry – and more than a little hurt. They had shared cases, her blood, saved each other's lives – but he ran away at a kiss. Damn good kiss, however.

Beth groaned. "Come on, girl, snap out of it. He left, move on already." She glanced at the clock, and was surprised to see it read midnight already. She closed down her laptop and moved to her room to get ready for bed, pulling on an old, worn pair of pyjamas.

Then came a soft knock on the door.

She couldn't help it. Her heart began to race in anticipation for who it might be. She missed Micks midnight calls more than was comfortable. Beth carefully looked out the peephole, and her heart fell in disappointment as she realised the vampire on the doorstep wasn't the one she wanted to see. She opened the door.

"Josef. What brings you here?" Beth asked politely. He grinned at her.

"Can I come in?" Beth nodded, gesturing towards her lounge.

"I'd offer you a drink, but I don't exactly keep blood around. Sorry," she added sarcastically, sitting opposite him on the couch.

"No problem. I only go the fresh stuff – and Mick would rip me to pieces if I touched you," he said. Beth felt her stomach drop again at his name, and looked away from Josef.

"How is he?"

"That's why I'm here."

Beth looked up, anxiety fluttering in her stomach. "What happened?"
"It's what's going to happen that worries me." She had never seen Josef look so serious. It terrified her.

"Damn it, Josef, just tell me! What's wrong with Mick?"

Josef sighed, "He's turned into a regular kamikaze, that's what. He's become dangerous, mainly to himself. Being stupid on cases, nearly getting himself killed. I don't get the fascination with you, to be completely honest, but it seems being away from you isn't helping." Beth closed her eyes, anger and fear directed at Mick overwhelming her.

"So why are you here? I haven't talked to him in months. He won't answer my calls, and I have no idea where he is." In answer, Josef handed across a sheet of paper with a street address on it. Her eyes widened.

"Is this…?" Josef nodded.

"I need you to convince him to take care of himself. He's been my best friend for sixty odd years – I would like him around for the next sixty, if at all possible." Beth nodded, jumping off the couch and running to her room. She emerged, barely a minute later, dressed and holding a handbag. Josef was already at the door, ready to leave.

"One more thing." He turned, and looked at her questioningly.

"Why me? Why send me after him, and not go yourself?"

Josef gave a half smile. "If I went after him, we'd argue, he would distract me from the point, win the fight and I'd leave forgetting what I came to do. You, however, are his weak spot. Have been since you were six years old. And don't forget it." With that, Josef turned and left, leaving Beth to lock up her apartment and race down to her car, oddly pleased at being Mick St Johns weakness.