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Chapter 7 the Mortal Cure: Understanding

"You knew she was still here?" Beth asked in surprise.

"Coraline stopped by the club a few days ago. She wanted something from Josef but I sent her on her way after warning her to leave you alone," Kira told her.

Beth blushed in pleasure. She felt pleased that Kira had defended her. She had not been sure how Mick had really felt about what she had done.

"You did?"

"Oh yes, I have no idea what Coraline is plotting now and she has never had great self-restraint, so I wanted it clear that she should not touch you. You're my friend Beth."

"Thank you Kira. I have wondered if she would try to pay me back for staking her," Beth admitted.

"I don't think she'll bother you but she is up to something. And I do think Mick is past falling under her spell. There is nothing she can offer him that he wants," Kira assured her.

"Kira, she was human. That is what he wants from her," Beth reminded her.

Kira considered that and nodded.

"That's true, but Josef told Mick that the cure is not permanent so whatever she is offering him won't last. Mick is not a fool, he knows she is only playing with him," Kira answered.

Beth sighed and returned to sit on the couch. She looked bleakly at Kira.

"She is still his wife and he still cares."

"WAS his wife, I can promise that he considers her his ex. He may still care but I doubt he still loves her," Kira corrected.

Beth looked despondent.

"Well she was there and he didn't ask her to leave," Beth said glumly.

Kira moved over to sit next to Beth and placed a hand on her arm.

"If she is dangling the cure in front of him, of course he won't send her away. Beth, he wants to be human again so desperately that he would make a deal with the devil himself."

Beth thought about that and then nodded slowly. Talking to Kira helped her see things more clearly.

"So he only wants the cure from her?"

"Right now I would say that's his main interest," Kira agreed.

"What does Josef have to say about Coraline?" Beth asked suddenly.

"Josef tries to stay out of this. He has known Coraline a long time and he doesn't always approve of her behavior. And he has never liked how she jerked Mick around. But I do think he is uncomfortable with her family," Kira observed. "He doesn't tell me much about his time in Europe."

"I can't imagine Josef uncomfortable about anything," Beth mused. "I realize I don't know him all that well but he comes off so intimidating."

Kira laughed lightly.

"That is the impression he likes to give," Kira agreed. "And Josef can be that when he wants to be. Four hundred years gives you power, he has seen so much. But there is something about the Duvall family he won't even share with me."

Beth's curiosity was peaked. She wanted to know more about Kira's relationship with her sire.

"You and Josef seem so close. Doesn't he share everything with you?" she asked.

"Oh no, Josef is a vampire with many secrets and he only shares what he feels like sharing," Kira said fondly. "I've spent a long time around him so I've come to know him pretty well but I've only scratched the surface."

"I think he cares a great deal for you," Beth commented.

"No," Kira said shaking her head. "Not that way. You saw Sarah; she was and is his only love. He is fond of me, we have a history."

"I know you care for him, I saw it when you thought he was dead," Beth continued to probe. "And time changes things. Josef has stayed close to you."

"Don't presume things," Kira warned Beth with a smile. "I don't think Josef will let anyone that close again. The pain of losing Sarah is too sharp." Then her expression sobered. "When is Josh's funeral? Would you like me to come with you?"

Beth was touched deeply by the offer. It meant a lot to know that Kira would stand by her side.

"Thank you Kira, I appreciate your offer but it is midday."

"I can do day if you need me," Kira said sincerely. "I have a fabulous black hat from the fifties I couldn't part with."

Beth took Kira's hands in hers.

"That is a wonderful offer. I think I have to do this alone. I owe it to Josh," she said softly.

Kira nodded. She wouldn't intrude if that's what Beth wanted.

"All right, but call me if you need me. Or come by later if you need to talk. I will be here," she suggested.

"I will," Beth promised. "Thank you."

Beth squeezed her hands and then got to her feet.

"I have to go; tomorrow will be a long day."

Kira rose to her feet also. She hugged Beth quickly.

"Take care my friend," she said warmly.

"Thank you Kira, I will."

******

Kira found herself awakening by late afternoon. Beth had not called but Kira couldn't help worrying about her. She got up, got dressed and headed down to the club. Eli looked up from behind the bar in surprised when she appeared.

"You are up early," he observed.

"I couldn't sleep. I keep thinking of Beth at Josh's funeral. She is alone and this is a tough day for her," Kira replied and poured herself a glass of O neg.

There was a small group of humans celebrating a friend's promotion and a few insomniac vamps present. A jazz recording was playing softly in the background. Kira took a seat at the end of the bar and watched over her club. She took great pleasure in the business she had built.

"Oh my God," she heard Eli mutter and she followed his gaze to the entrance. Mick was limping towards them, his face swollen and cut. Every movement looked painful.

"Eli, best scotch," Kira ordered and waited for Mick to join them. One sniff confirmed he was human. She could hear his heart beating and he winced in pain as he took a seat on a stool next to her. He accepted the glass of scotch gratefully and after a sip he gave Kira a lopsided grin.

"Well now I know what Coraline came to see you about," Kira sighed. "So how does humanity feel Mick?"

"I feel wonderful," Mick smiled.

"Yes, you look wonderful," Kira said dryly.

"Coraline had a compound and it made me human again. I'm warm, I can eat, it's perfect," he said happily.

"And you hurt too," Kira observed. "How long will it last Mick? Where is Coraline?"

"I don't know how long it will last," Mick admitted. "Coraline is gone. It seems she has a brother Lance that she never told me about. She had stolen the compound from him and he came for it and her. He staked her and took her away," he related.

"Well I hope it lasts as long as you want Mick and I'm happy for you," Kira said honestly. She decided not to comment on Coraline's abduction.

"I will take what I can get. I went to Josh's funeral. Beth was surprised. I finally have a chance to get closer to her now," Mick said and took another swallow of scotch. He savored the taste. "This is good. Oh and Kira, do you know how great coffee tastes these days?"

Kira smiled in spite of herself. His joy was hard to resist.

"That is wonderful Mick. I know how much you have dreamed of being human again. I hope you have a long time to experience it."

"Thank you Kira," Mick said covering one of her hands with his warm one. "I knew you would understand."

"You haven't told Josef yet, have you?" she said suspiciously.

"I can imagine his response," Mick sighed.

"Josef is your friend Mick. Don't ever forget that," Kira said; her voice catching. She got off the stool and carefully hugged him.

"I know." Mick acknowledged. "But I had to come to you first; I knew you would be happy for me. I have time with Beth."

"How is she holding up?" Kira asked, recalling he said he had gone to the funeral.

"She is strong. Oh, Josh was going to propose," he added.

"I know, she came to see me after Coraline showed up at your place," Kira replied.

Mick finished his drink and Eli quickly refilled it. Mick nodded his thanks.

"You two are really building a friendship. I'm happy she has you to talk to. I felt bad when Coraline showed up while Beth was there, but I'm not upset with the results. There finally are no barriers between us." He flushed after saying that.

"Oh Mick, I have known how you've felt ever since I returned," Kira said with a laugh. She touched his bruised face gently. "What happened here?"

"Lance didn't appreciate my trying to help Coraline when he came to take her back to France. He threw me around a bit," Mick admitted with a weak smile.

"You fought an old vamp while human? Why risk that for Coraline?" Kira snorted. She returned to her stool.

"She stopped Lance from killing me. She sacrificed herself," Mick said guiltily.

"It's about time she thought about someone besides herself," she growled.

"Kira…………."

"No Mick, on this we will never agree. I don't care why she's gone, I'm just happy it's true," Kira said emphatically. "I am happy she saved you but she owed you that."

Mick sighed and shook his head. He took another drink.

"I won't argue with you. It wasn't meant to be and now I want to enjoy every minute of my humanity."

"Do that Mick," Kira urged. "Grab every minute and revel in it. And don't hide from Beth, she may be going through a rough period but you must not waste time."

"Yes Mother," Mick grinned.

"Don't get saucy with me St. John," Kira grinned back. "I only want the best for you."

"I know," Mick said seriously. "I love that about you."

End chapter.

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