Part 4

As they prepared to leave, Mick watched in pleasure as Beth made a last minute check of her clothes and hair as she always did. Though he couldn't explain why, some strange inner feeling told him she was fine even though common sense warned him otherwise. He was fairly certain Beth had none of the dangerous after effects of the change many fledgling showed like insatiable hunger and an inability to control themselves. However, he'd never turned anyone himself so to be on the safe side he insisted she drink two more units of blood before they left his apartment. Just as they were about to head out the door, Josef arrived.

"Hello, Mick. Hi, Beth. I left you two kids alone but now the honeymoon's over. Time for Beth to start learning how to be a good little vampire. Not to worry, though. I've had a special wing of the house set up just for the two of you. With both of us coaching her, Blondie will have her new found hunger and abilities under control in no time."

Mick frowned as he replied. 'Thanks, but it's really not necessary Josef. Beth seems to be fine. In fact, we were just headed out to set up Beth's alibi for today."

His well dressed friend looked at him as if he'd grown another head. "OUT?! Have you lost your mind?!"

"Look, I know I've never turned anyone but she's acting just like she always has. She seems ok to me."

"Beth is a fledgling; you know what that means! She can't control her hunger let alone be around humans yet! It isn't safe! Damn, I need a drink!" Josef exclaimed. Obligingly, Mick went to pour his friend some liquid nourishment.

For the first time Beth spoke up as she came over to join him. "I'm fine. Really Josef."

Abruptly he began to peer at her intently. Suddenly, he took a big sniff and his eyes widened as his mouth dropped open in shock. For several seconds his head swiveled back and forth like a spectator at a ping pong match as his gaze shifted from her to Mick and back again. "Well, I'll be damned!" He uttered softly to no one in particular.

All at once, his face broken into a huge grin. He stood there, hands in his pockets rocking back on his heels in that odd little way he did when he was enormously pleased with himself. "Beth, you know I'm your sire and that means you have to listen to me, right?" Just before Mick turned back to face them, he gave her a flirty wink and wiggled his eyes comically as if encouraging her to agree.

"Uh, sure Josef." Beth conceded, wondering what he was up to.

"Ok, Blondie, take off your clothes!"

Beth tried very hard not to laugh as she replied "Yes, Josef" and reached for the top button on her blouse.

"What the hell?! Beth, no!" Mick nearly dropped the glass he was carrying.

Beth began to laugh so hard she had to sit down. Josef was grinning as well and took a seat as he snagged the glass in Mick's hand before something happened to it. "Relax, Mick. You're right. Beth is completely herself. Damn, I should have known something like this would happen with you two. Nothing is ever simple where you and Blondie are concerned."

"Josef, what the hell are you talking about?!" The PI demanded as he joined Beth on the leather couch.

"Humor me for a minute and all will be revealed. But now I have a serious question. You've tasted Beth's blood before tonight, haven't you Mick?"

Mick looked down at Beth's wrist, his guilt and regret plainly etched on his face, answering the question without truly saying a word.

"I knew it!" Josef gloated in exultation "No wonder that bitch Coraline was so anxious to get you to take the cure and become human again! She was probably terrified you'd turn Beth and then she'd truly lose her hold on you for good!" Mick looked about ready to explode but it was Beth who had heard enough.

"Josef, you obviously know something we don't. I know how you like to enjoy that fact. But if you don't start tell us what's this is all about right now, Kostan Industries is going to need a new CEO! Trust me, I'll do a lot worse than stake you!"

"Is that a promise, Blondie?" He teased before giving in. "Ok, here's the short version. I've always thought you and Mick were connected, but it goes beyond even what I guessed. You two are in essence linked on a level beyond what's normal for others even fellow vampires. Beth, you and Mick are bloodmates!"