Disclaimer: I do not own Moonlight. I do own my characters and my love of the show's characters.

Again I thank all the readers and reviewers. You all make my day whenever I get your emails.

Chapter 11

Mick smiled at her eager face.

"That's my girl. The party begins when you get there. I can't wait to see the dress Rayna and Cynthia talked you into getting."

The three women had gone shopping the early evening before. Rayna had decided the party would be dress up. The two women had taken Beth out and helped her shop and then relax at a spa before her turning. Beth had loved how the other two made her feel welcome.

"It is going to be very different to be in Josef's house and know I'm no longer a possible snack," Beth giggled as they headed up the stairs. "Even knowing he wouldn't bite felt funny, because he made me feel he wanted to."

"He did want to," Mick told her. "You have always been a temptation. One he thankfully resisted."

Beth thought about that as she got ready in the bathroom. There were a lot of things she was going to have to learn. She felt lucky that she had others to help her. She had learned so much from living with Mick these last two and a half years. His control and care is what made her want this change. She felt safe with him.

Mick was waiting downstairs in a black suit and dark charcoal shirt. A splash of color was his burgundy tie. He let Beth take her time primping. As she came down the stairs he looked her over in admiration. She was wearing a strapless, midnight blue gown with beading on the bodice. It flowed out from her waist. Gold dangles hung from her ears. Her hair curled down her back.

"Hey handsome, will I do?" she asked pausing on the final step.

"Let's just stay home," Mick said going to her and lifting her off the stair.

"I will not miss my party," Beth hissed, her eyes flashing.

Mick laughed and swung her around. He set her on her feet and kissed her.

"A party it is. If I kept you from the party, Rayna would hunt me down with a stake. I love you Beth."

"I love you too," Beth smiled. "Let's go."

As they drove closer to Josef's, Beth began to fidget. Mick looked at her in concern.

"What's wrong Beth?" he asked.



"Anthony," she said. "Anthony is going to be there. What if I don't behave? What if I try to hurt him?" she added in horror.

"You won't," Mick said with confidence.

"How can you be sure?" she asked.

"Beth, you are in control, you've fed. You will feel the call of his human blood but you do not need to act on it. It's like human urges; you do not have to give in. And there will be five other vampires there to help you. This will be good practice," Mick told her.

Beth didn't feel as sure as Mick. He could see her worried expression still on her face.

"Beth, Rayna has discussed this with Anthony. He is prepared for how you will react to him. He's been around Rayna for many years. He wants to help you adjust. He knows you won't hurt him."

"I wish I was sure," she muttered.

"I won't let you hurt him," Mick promised. "Trust me."

Beth smiled and relaxed. She did trust Mick.

They stopped outside Josef's house. The lights shone warmly from the windows.

Beth took Mick's hand and stepped out of the car. She suddenly felt shy. Mick noticed her hesitation.

"Beth?"

"This feels so strange. I feel like it's a club initiation."

"I promise you won't have strange rituals to go through," Mick chuckled. "Everyone here is your friend."

"I know. This is just so surreal," Beth grinned. "Let's go in."

They entered the house and found everyone waiting in the living room. The men were in suits, all in dark shades. Josef, of course, was in a tux. Cynthia was in a sleek one shouldered black dress that showed off her figure. She had gold hoops swinging in her ears. Rayna was a pale vision in a silver halter dress, her light blonde hair brushing her shoulders. Diamonds in white gold settings dangled from her ears.

They all smiled at the two in the entrance. Philippe quickly crossed the room and took her by the shoulders. He kissed both her cheeks.

"My petite, welcome," he said softly. "You are beautiful."

"Thank you," Beth said beaming. She looked around at the others. Her attention was drawn to the windows where Anthony stood. She could hear his heart beating and smell his humanity. How did the others manage to shut this out whenever she had been among them?



Beth realized her eyes had changed. Mick touched her back and Philippe's hands tightened slightly on her shoulders. She inhaled slightly and then willed herself to relax. She wasn't hungry, she told herself firmly. Anthony is a friend. The craving calmed and she could once again look at Anthony as a person, not a meal. With her bright blue eyes shining she looked at Philippe and then Mick for approval.

"Well done," Philippe told her. He kissed her forehead and let go of her. Cynthia appeared at his side and looked on with a satisfied smile.

"She does have a sire who is the master of control and self-denial," Cynthia commented. She winked at Mick. "I'm impressed."

"It went smoothly. She's a natural," Mick said proudly.

Rayna glided over, unable to wait any longer. She hugged Beth tightly.

"I'm so proud of you," she said quietly in Beth's ear. "I told Anthony you'd be fine. We are going to have such fun together."

Beth hugged her back, delighted to be able to match the strength. She felt so happy to be included in the circle of vampires.

Rayna stepped away, as Josef moved in to face Beth. He grinned at Mick standing behind her and then turned his attention fully to Beth. He took both her hands in his and invaded her personal space. He leaned in closely.

"You are a beautiful addition to the tribe. I know you will teach Mick a thing or two before too long," he said and kissed her lips. He drew back when Mick growled deeply. He gave his friend a wolfish smile. "Down boy. Age does have its privileges."

"Don't push those privileges," Rayna said sweetly from beside him. Her hand slid possessively along his shoulder. "Watch him Beth; he has a weakness for blondes."

"For once I feel confident saying I think I can handle him," Beth said with laughter in her voice.

End chapter.

I so appreciate your feedback. I love your reviews. Please let me know how you feel about this. Thumbs up or down. Thanks.