First of all, thanks to everyone who reviewed. :) Secondly, even though "The Beast Within" is a oneshot, I've decided to reward those that followed this story anyway by giving y'all a small preview of the sequel, "The Beast Within, Part II". The summary goes something like this: After carrying on a secret affair with Vincent, Catherine makes a shocking discovery. How will her coworkers deal? How will Vincent deal? More importantly, how will she deal?

Enjoy, y'all! :)

(Oh, and to Annabell Sage: this story has been kicking around in my head since before I even finished part one, but I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who thought in those terms. ;) )


PREVIEW: The Beast Within, Part II (Chapter 1)

Catherine was returning to her desk with a couple of case-related files, her stomach already feeling better, when she noticed her desk drawer was slightly open. Setting down the files, she opened it further, only to find a small cardboard box inside.

Sighing, she held up the box for her partner to see and asked, "Tess, what is this?"

"What's it look like?" Tess replied, playing dumb.

"It looks like a home pregnancy test, but it couldn't be since I already told you that I'm not pregnant. This morning was just something I ate. In fact, I already feel better."

"See? Morning sickness," Tess teased. "Seriously, though, what could could it hurt to take the test and be sure? And don't tell me you haven't been getting any because you're happier than you've been in a while."

Conceding her point, Catherine said nothing, but instead quickly stuffed the offending box into her purse and returned to work. She wound up forgetting all about it for the rest of the day as she focused all her brainpower into the case, though she and Tess weren't able to make much headway. However, when she returned home that night and set her purse on the counter, it seemed to stare out at her from the black hole of her handbag.

While she was a couple of days late that month, she had attributed it to the stress of lying to everyone but Vincent and having to watch what she said. Now, though, Tess's words seemed to come back to her: What could it hurt to take the test and be sure?

"This is ludicrous!" she laughingly declared to the empty apartment. "I am not..."

As her gaze again settled on the test currently residing in her purse, though, she just couldn't bring herself to finish that thought.

"Ugh, what the hell?" She finally grabbed the cardboard box and headed for the bathroom.


A/N: So, what do you think, my fellow Beasties? Should I make part two mature or should I aim for a T rating so more people can read it? Also, should Vincent walk in on Catherine right as she gets the results from the test or should I wait until chapter two to have Catherine give him the news?