A/N: Thanks for following the story so far—Beth gets an offer, and Mick finally figures things out.

Disclaimer: Not mine. Too bad, I think I could do better than CBS.

Chapter 6

It was 2:48 am, and Beth let herself into her apartment. She was tired, but exhilarated at the same time. She made herself a cup of tea, changed into her robe and sat in the dark living room contemplating the evening and the conversation.

At the party, Megan and Beth got to know each other and Beth found she liked the female vampire. Megan moved with the times, and seemed very modern in contrast with her brother's courtly manners. Beth wanted to spend more time talking, but Josef asked Megan and Ewan to have an impromptu meeting at the end of the party. Ewan said since they had to cut the evening short, he wanted to take Beth dancing, eliciting a frown from Josef.

After goodbyes, they went to a vampire bar Ewan had found called Blue Moon. He laughed at her amazement that vampires danced and they went to the rooftop where other couples were swaying to the soft music. Beth thought she'd never see as much of their life as Ewan was showing her. The dance floor thinned out and they moved to a bench in a darkened corner. When she first met him, she thought Ewan was interested in her by the way he flirted, but now all he seemed to want to talk about was vampire/human relationships. Not that she minded, she was learning more in a few days than she had in the last year about vampires.

"So, Beth," Ewan said, "is there anything else you want to ask me?"

"I don't know, there's so much I need to figure out. I'm still processing." She smiled at him, "It's a lot to get."

Ewan leaned back on the bench and looked upward. The night sky was thick with stars even the city lights couldn't drown. "If there's nothing you want to ask me, I have a question for you." He turned quickly and locked her eyes.

"Do you think you'll ever want to become a vampire?"

"I…I don't know." She stared at him in shock. She wasn't used to such candor when talking about this subject. "There's no way Mick would ever turn me."

"We're not talking about Mick now. Do you want to be a vampire, not for Mick or anyone else, but for yourself?"

Beth regained her composure and smiled wanly. "I never really thought about it seriously because of Mick's attitude. I don't know if I want to be one if he's not with me."

"Well, if you're both vampires, you'll have all the time in the world to work it out. My guess is it won't bother him as much as you think."

The thought was electrifying to Beth. The possibilities intrigued her. . . .then reality hit and she bounced back to earth.

"Well, even if I wanted it, Mick still wouldn't turn me."

Ewan smiled and took her hand. "Mick isn't the only option." He said softly. "I would be happy to be your sire, or I know some other people who have siring experience. Remember you do have other alternatives."

Beth sat drinking her tea, still stunned at that conversation. She didn't know if she wanted to be turned, but Ewan's offer opened up all sorts of avenues. If she wanted it, she could have it, whether Mick or even Josef objected. She had a choice—it made her feel empowered and in charge of her own destiny. She'd never really imagined what being a vampire would be like even after taking black crystal. The effect was only temporary and Mick so strongly disapproved of her using it that she never allowed herself to think too much about that night. But now she remembered the heightened awareness, the sharpened senses, the feeling of invincibility. What would it be like to live that way, all the time? She sighed and got ready for bed, her mind whirling, hoping for sleep.

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Mick stood outside Beth's apartment the next evening, hesitating to knock. He had a bouquet of flowers, but he could smell Beth over their heady fragrance. She was sweeter to him than any flower. Mick had gotten back to town and done what Josef suggested; slept until dusk, and then gone in search of the flowers. He hadn't called Beth, he was afraid she wouldn't want to see him. He still didn't know what he was going to say, but thought maybe a peace offering would help.

Beth was getting ready to see Ewan for an early dinner and was slipping on her dress. Ewan had a meeting at Josef's office later so a short dinner was all they had time for. Beth smiled when she remembered Ewan said he'd be busy after everyone knew he was in town. He still had time for her and that made her feel special. Beth hadn't spoken to Josef since the party, but she could feel his disapproval from across town.

Tough, she thought. He might be Mick's step-sire, but he doesn't own me. Ewan was nice and didn't seem to have any problem being open with her. He was easy to be with, but he didn't make her melt like Mick did. Stop that, quit comparing Ewan and Mick. But she knew which one would always be first in her heart.

She heard a knock at the door and looked out the peephole. All she could see were flowers, and thought Ewan sent them. She opened the door and was stunned to see Mick.

He stared at her with the look she sometimes saw, longing and fear, as if he couldn't understand why she cared for him. "Beth." He said in his rich voice that sent shivers down her back.

She realized she was staring at him just as much, "Mick, I—I didn't know you were back." Just is presence made her weak, and her heart turned over as she let him move past her into the apartment.

He stopped halfway into the living room, "I brought you these." He held out the flowers like a teenage boy. She took them and he heard her heartbeat soar as she smelled them.

"Beth, I'm sorry I haven't called, I've had a lot going on . . . and a lot on my mind." Mick noticed she was dressed and made up, and he smelled an unknown vampire on her as he walked in. He suppressed a growl, knowing he had to talk to her before he could say anything about that.

Beth put the flowers down on the kitchen counter and walked toward Mick. She told herself she should be mad at him and demand an explanation. But as she came near him, she looked into his eyes and couldn't help herself. She put her hand on his cheek, "I missed you," she leaned in and whispered close to his ear.

All Mick's resolve snapped and he pulled her into his arms and kissed her with everything he was feeling. Beth wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed herself against him, leaving no doubt of her desire. They were lost in each other for that moment, and when she came up to breathe, Mick gently disengaged her arms and moved away from her.

"Mick, what is this?" Beth demanded, hurt. "Don't you dare do this to me again."

"I'm sorry, Beth, but we have to talk." And I have to get that other male's scent off you. He drew her to the sofa and they sat down. "I know I haven't been around much lately, and it's my fault. I—I've been avoiding some things and it's making everything else difficult." He looked at her, appealing for understanding. "I do love you, Beth." He hurried on, "So much that I've been afraid to tell you what I need to do in order for us to . . . "

Beth finally understood what Mick was getting at, and sat back with satisfaction. At last he was opening up. "What you're trying to say is that you need to feed fresh in order for us to make love?" His eyes grew wide as she smirked at him.

"Yes, Mick, I know that and a lot of information about vampires."

He stood quickly, "And where did you hear it, from that vampire you've been seeing?" He shot back with an angry snarl. He knew it was a mistake, but the thought of his Beth in someone else's arms made him crazy.

Beth stood, angry now, too. "Is that what this is about? You came rushing back here to mark your territory? Don't try that macho vampire crap with me." She hissed and turned to walk away.

Mick grabbed her and snapped her back to his embrace. Beth looked up at him in fury and struggled to get out of his grip. "Let me go, dammit." She saw his eyes had turned crystal and his fangs were out, but she didn't care. She kicked at his legs and he finally released her. What had he done?

"Beth, I'm sorry I just can't stand thinking about you with anyone else." He backed away arms at his sides, his fists clenched. She had seen the monster before, but now he had attacked her. He looked down in shame and defeat. "I know you deserve better than me, but I can't help how I feel." He turned to leave. "I keep screwing things up . . . ."

Beth felt her insides rip apart watching him. She put her arms around him from behind to stop him. "Don't go. We do need to talk."

He shook his head and tried to turn but Beth held on tight. "Mick, sit down, please." They went back to the sofa and Beth took his face in her hands so he would look at her.

"Mick, I love you, I think I have for so long, but you have to be honest with me. The things I found out from Ewan—" Mick growled and Beth put her finger up to his lips. "Don't be jealous. He's a sweet man, and he helped me when I was upset. He told me a lot about you and vampires so I understand better now."

Mick was still jealous that another man had been with Beth, but he knew he was the one at fault for not being honest with her.

Beth shifted in her seat and held his hands so he wouldn't move. "I know I'm half the problem, I wasn't truthful with you either. I was jealous and hurt that you fed from Simone that time. I wanted you to want me."

"But Beth, I didn't want you to think that's all I wanted from you, It's … it's so much more."

"Sshh," she said, leaning toward him on the sofa. "I know. It's more than that for me too." She kissed him, softly. "What are we going to do about it?"

Mick's inner vampire was almost beyond control. As he kissed her back, his eyes changed and fangs raked her neck as she moaned.

He backed off again, and looked at her desperately. "Beth, before we go any further, I have to . . I need to . . . ."

She sat up and looked straight into his eyes. "You need to go feed. I know." She put her hand on his chest, holding him away. "Go. Get over to Josef's or wherever, and be back here as soon as you can."

Mick couldn't believe what she was saying. She understood and didn't hate him. "No, come to my place. You still have the key?" She nodded. "It would be better for me to be near the freezer."

"Yes." She stood and touched his cheek. She was afraid to do anymore, as they were both on the edge. "Go feed and be I'll be at your place soon." She smiled, but raised her eyebrow. "Don't touch anything on those girls you don't need to. I'll know."

Mick grinned back. "You're the only one I'll be touching tonight." He purred as he nuzzled her ear.

She pushed him away. "Get out of here before I don't let you leave. I'll see you soon."

Mick bolted through the doorway, and he heard her chuckle. He pulled out his phone and punched up a number. "Josef? I'm on my way over. Are you at the house? Good. I need to borrow a couple of your ladies . . . . ."

Beth thought she would burst with joy. Mick really wanted her! She glanced around to think what she needed to take to his loft. Some clothes, food and she needed to change from the cocktail dress she was wearing. Oh no, she thought. I have to call Ewan.

With trepidation, she dialed the number. "Hello?" he answered.

"Ewan, this is Beth." She began.

"Yes, I'm not late am I?"

"No, I—I wanted to tell you I'm afraid I can't make it tonight. Mick is back in town and wants to talk. I'm sorry, but I think I have to see him."

"I understand, Beth." Ewan's voice was warm. "You need to do what's best for you."

"I'm sorry it's last minute."

"I think I can find something to keep me occupied," he said smiling. "I hope you work everything out." He became serious, "Remember, Beth, you do have options."

Beth thought of his offer to turn her. "Yes," she said, "I remember. It's the best compliment I've ever had. I'll talk to you soon."

She felt a pang of guilt for breaking their date, but the excitement of seeing Mick overrode all her other feelings. She packed and changed quickly, knowing she needed to stop at a store for food, she wanted to get to Mick's before he returned.

An hour later, Mick pulled into the garage at his building. He was buzzing with the blood he just drank as well as anticipation to see Beth. He thought he could smell her in the elevator. Her scent was stronger as he entered the loft and he could hear her heartbeat fluttering. He had a briefcase of freshly donated blood, "for later" as Josef said, pressing the bag into his hands. Mick wanted to get it into the secret refrigerator before anything else. The loft was dark except for the crystal fire burning. He quickly stuffed the blood into the fridge and turned to see Beth move from behind the fireplace. She was wearing a silk robe, high heeled sandals and nothing else. Mick gulped as she sauntered up to him slowly, loosening the tie of her robe.

"Ready for me, vampire?" she said huskily, grabbing his shirtfront and pulling him toward her. She wasn't going to let him run away again. The fire reflected in his silvered eyes as his arms slid around her and his mouth met hers, passion for passion.

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Josef was congratulating himself on a number of levels. He left his house with Mick and watched him take off in a hurry to see Beth. Mick's call surprised and pleased him—it had been so long since Mick had indulged his inner vampire by feeding fresh. Josef had hovered around the edges of the room to make sure Mick hadn't forgotten how, and the satisfied looks on the faces of Sue and Melissa assured him all was well. Josef made sure Mick had fresh blood to take with him. He also didn't have to worry about Ewan Conley seeing Blondie that night or any night if Mick had anything to say about it.

Josef headed out to his office, but was feeling so good he decided to stop for a drink at Blue Moon. He was walking toward the bar, when he spotted Ewan sitting alone in a booth. Josef loved awkward and couldn't resist digging in the stake, so to speak.

Ewan looked up from his drink and gave a small nod. "Good evening, Josef."

"All alone tonight?" Josef smirked. "Where's Beth?"

"She's with Mick where she belongs." Ewan smiled at the shocked look on Josef's face. "Did you think I didn't realize that she was in love with him? Josef pulled himself together and sat down.

"I didn't know you were aware of it." Josef said slowly. He had to admit he may have underestimated this academic vampire.

"I was interested in Ms. Turner because of the Council, but soon realized she is no threat to us. In fact, I was hoping to see more of her but found she is entirely devoted to your friend Mr. St. John. He very young and seems to have a little trouble with women."

Josef snorted. "No kidding. I've been trying to tell him . . . ." he stopped, not wanting to say too much.

Ewan smiled again. "I thought a bit of jealousy would help. I'm sure you informed Mr. St. John of my interest when you saw us at your reception."

Josef was annoyed, yet admired the strategy. "Yes, I did. If you had told me what you were doing, I would have helped."

"Ah, but where's the fun in that?" Ewan smirked. "Besides, if Mr. St. John hadn't stepped up, I wanted her to come to me." His eyes changed and Josef felt a nudge of the power the old vampire held.

Josef felt the power, but wasn't budging. "I don't think there's any chance of that. Mick won't let her go."

Ewan shrugged. "If that's what Beth wants." He changed the subject. "I presume the 'important meeting' we had scheduled for tonight is no longer needed?"

Josef swore to himself as he realized Ewan had him figured out. "I don't think it will be necessary," Josef replied smoothly. "But maybe you have time for a game of eight-ball?"

"Delighted." The two adversaries looked at each other with understanding and perhaps the start of a friendship.

TBC

Thanks for reading and reviewing. I have to be out of town next week and won't have much computer access. I'll get the next chapter up as soon as I can. There will be a new character and some evil happenings. Stay tuned!