Buffy was pacing back and forth in the Summers leaving room. She looked tired and upset. It had all started last night when this Lorne came from L.A to tell her some awful news. No one knew exactly what happened, but Angel was gone...well, not "gone" but he had become Angelus. Buffy's heart sank at the thought of facing the Scourge of Europe again. She'd already killed him once, but she didn't think she could stand doing it again. She had so many problems Dawn...Spike...the three nerds that couldn't find anything else to do but make her life irritating miserable...and now this.

Would she ever find peace without having to die? Buffy ran her fingers through her hair, still trying to get used to her short hair.

Spike watched his goddess walking around in the room, her gorgeous features complemented by her long, straight cream skirt and white top, which plunged down her back. Her skin looked like gold silk and all he could think of was caressing it again as he used to, back in his crypt. *Moving his hands to her neck, savoring her taste and smooth skin as his cold lips touched her warm skin, its vanilla scent filled him with joy. Their lips connecting, his tearing into her mouth, both melting together. His searching for dominance; hers submitting. 'Tell me you love me' she was moaning again. Whispering 'I love you' .

"Spike?"

He blinked, pulled from his memories to look into Buffy's frowning face, "If I knew that you were going to just sit there acting dumb, I wouldn't have called you here."

Spike shifted to face her and Dawn, "Hold your horses, luv. I was listening...what were you saying?"

Buffy sighed in frustration and Dawn jumped in to save the situation, "Uh, Spike, do you think that Angel will...um...come here?"

"Angelus! Angel isn't that monster!" Buffy snapped, trying to completely separate the two in her own mind.

Dawn winced, "Right...sorry..."

Spike gave both of them a comforting look,"Don't know, luv. Although, knowing Angelus, he's probably gathering an army right now to take over L.A. Don't worry, he won't be here soon. He's still afraid of your big sis."

Buffy bit her lower lip nervously, "Well, that Lorne guy just said that Cordelia and the others left town, and that he felt that Angelus was back."

Dawn hesitated, trying to ask delicately "So...maybe he's wrong? Can...can Spike tell if he's...well...Angelus?"

Buffy looked at Spike hopefully, but, as he stared back at her, she could see that he knew his Sire was back, probably more powerful than ever.

"Dawn, go get your stuff. I arranged for you to stay at Tara's for a while."

"No" mumbled Dawn "I don't want to leave you."

"Please, Dawn, I have to..."

"Have to what?" Dawn's eyes flashed dangerously.

"I have to stop him. I'm sorry Dawn, but...I can't just let him do this. Innocent people will get hurt. Don't you understand?"

Spike glanced at Dawn, seeing Buffy's stubbornness there, "Look, Nibblet, I'll take care of Buffy, and I'll make sure she doesn't do something stupid, ok?"

Buffy rolled her eyes, but, to her surprise, Dawn seemed to accept that and agreed to go to Tara's. Buffy glanced at Spike in wordless thanks.

"So luv, where do we start?"

Angelus was enjoying himself tremendously. He'd left L.A. in the hands of some of his minions while he headed for Sunnydale...home sweet hellmouth. He knew about Spike and Buffy after he ran into a guy named Andrew, who was looking for black magic help. After receiving the boy had given him all the information Angelus wanted, he'd cut the boy's throat; the blood had been like excellent wine, and his heart was singing.

"Oh, yes, I am coming home!" He grinned, thinking of his plans for his traitor Childe and his Slayer. They were going to pay...this time he was unstoppable.

As soon as Dawn left for her room, Buffy turned to Spike, "I want the truth." She waited, but he just looked at her,"Now would be a good time..."

As Spike stared at her for a moment longer, he could almost forget that this fragile-looking girl was actually the incredibly-powerful Slayer...He sighed, pulling a cigarette from his duster and dropping on the couch, waving Buffy down next to him. "Look, luv...what I'm going to tell you...I don't think that watcher of yours told you about half the things I'm going to."

Buffy rolled her eyes,"Just tell me, Spike" * I can handle it *

Spike took the cigarette out and sighed, smoke making a haze around him," He's probably on his way here, Luv."

Buffy's heart sank, "I didn't think that he will forget about me so easily."

Spike smirked but his voice was bitter," It's not that, luv...well not ALL of it anyway. He's probably pissed off that you sent him to hell."

"What? But I…I-it was Angel..."

"And Angelus was inside. You ruined his plans to rule the world with all this Acathla bullshit, but, not only that, he'll get close to me or you and he will KNOW!"

"Know what?" Fear was evident in her voice.

"He will know that we were together."

Buffy frowned. This had to be one of his little games. Seeing her unbelieving face he continued, "I know it's been weeks since we've been together, but it doesn't matter. Vampires, especially master vampires, can sense their women on others."

"I am not his women" she spat, angry at the thought belonging to a demon.

"As much as I hate to admit it, luv, you do belong to him. He claimed you" Spike said, trailing a cold finger over the scar on her neck. She shivered to the touch, memories of her and Spike washing over her...in his crypt...on the floor...in a dirty alley...and now Angelus would know?

"But I saved Angel's life, He was dying and and I...I never meant for it to be any claim of any kind...I just saved his life." She frowned again, angry at the thought.

Spike swore under his breath. It seemed that he was always picking up his Sire's mess. Even if she didn't want to belong to him, in the vampire world it was a rule he claimed her, so she was his. Spike growled quietly. There wasn't a thing he could do about it.

Buffy felt miserable," What does a claim mean? Will I became mad like Dru? And, besides, why does he even care?" It's not like I'm his girlfriend or something...am I?"

"No, luv, not a girlfriend...you are his...his mate." He tried again reason with her, but she was human, independent and strong-minded, exactly the kind Angelus likes to break.

Buffy jumped to her feet and began to pace," This is absurd! I'm the Slayer, he's a demon. He even tried to kill me once, you know that."

Spike smiled coldly," That was then. Besides, I don't think that he intended to kill you then. Maybe break you or even turn you..." he stopped when he saw tears begin to form in her eyes.

"I don't believe you!" She almost snarled, afraid of being turned.

"I told you, luv. The truth isn't easy..."

She took a deep breath, regaining her cool," What else?"

"He will smell us - you and me. Vampires can...well...smell when people have had sex."

"Eeewwww." Buffy made a disgusted face

"I think we'll need help. When are you planning to tell the others?" He asked, trying to get her mind off what he'd said.

Buffy looked at him suddenly, suspicion in her green eyes," Why are you helping me? He is your Sire, after all."

"I protect the ones I love."

Upstairs in her room, Dawn was making plans. As soon as it was dark, she was going to hide in the De Soto. She'd leave Buffy a note saying that she was with Tara and leave Tara a note saying she'd meet her at the mall. Dawn didn't want to sit around on the sidelines; she wanted to be out helping Spike and Buffy against Angelus...wanted to prove to all of them that she's not a little girl anymore.

Quietly, she opened her window and sneaked from her room, going down the same tree Buffy had used years ago. Landing softly on the grass, she smiled to herself," I'm gonna show them that I'm not afraid of Angelus..."

She was cut off as a hand roughly grabbed her and spun her around. Suddenly, she was face to face with a very dangerous vampire, his yellow eyes shining.

Paralyzed with fear, she could only stare at him.

Dawn gulped, afraid that the vampire would kill her. She considering trying talk her way out, but by the look on the vampire's face, she knew that it would be useless.

"Where do you think you're going?" he demanded, very possessively.

Dawn tried her best not to anger him further "I...I just thought that I could help Buffy."

"That so?"

"Y-yes." She mumbled.

He let go of her arm and relaxed," After all you heard about Angelus running loose, you're still gonna act like a little brat? Do you think that Buffy will enjoy this?"

"No, she won't." A voice came from behind them and they turned to see a very pissed-off Slayer. "What did you think you were doing?"

Dawn frowned angrily," I was only trying to help you. I can take care of myself, Buffy. I'm not afraid of Angelus!"

"You should be. If you heard about half the things he's done...you would be very afraid. And speaking of taking care of yourself, do I need to remind you of Halloween? Remember? You let a vampire kiss you. Or the wish you made to a vengeance demon? Or the stolen items? Do you want me to go on? Because I can."

Dawn bit her lower lip, trying her best not to cry in front of her sister.

Spike sighed. He'd tried to be gentle with her, although when he'd wanted to rip her heart out when he saw how stupid she was being. "Nibblet...we're talking about Angelus here. He's not just a vampire; he's a MASTER vampire. We're only trying to look after you."

As Buffy saw the look Dawn was giving Spike, she decide Dawn needed the truth about Angelus. She was a Summers girl, which meant she was rude, stubborn, and very independent, just like Buffy. She sighed. Pep talks weren't the answer this time. Calling on the few psychology class she'd taken on the university, she began, "Dawn, I'm sorry, I was wrong. Of course you can help us. But before you do, I want to tell you a few things about Angelus."

Dawn and Spike looked at her, almost unbelieving. Spike couldn't believe she'd be so stupid; Dawn couldn't believe she was getting a break.

"You see," Buffy continued, praying for the courage to tell her sister everything, "Angelus is a very vicious creature. Take, for example, Drusilla. Before he turned her, he tortured her and killed her family."

Dawn shivered slightly "I know that, Buffy. Giles told us."

"Yes, but what very few know if what actually happened...you should know if you still think that you can help us".

*Bloody hell,* Spike thought,*is she really going to tell what happened?* The incredible cruelty of his Sire wasn't exactly a story even he'd tell a 15-year-old.

"Dawn, do you want to hear?" Buffy asked again, trying to give her a way out.

"Yes" Dawn blurted out.

Buffy sighed heavily and began, "Angelus loves using mind games on his victims, especially young and innocent girls like Drusilla.

"She had a puppy she adored. Angel once told me that she'd foreseen her friendless future, and tried to avoid it by persuading her father to buy the puppy. She loved him very much and took care of him; he was like her best friend. She used to cuddle him to her as she slept, pretending he was her child.

"One morning, she woke up to find only blood on her bed. Angelus had cut the puppy's throat and left it on the window, posed in a hideous manner. But, the puppy was only the first to go. One by one, Angelus killed her family and the few friends she had, leaving the bodies for her to find.

"Eventually, she fled to a convent, but Angelus followed her. The day she was to become a nun, he appeared, killing all her friends and fellow nuns. When only Drusilla was left, he dragged her to the alter, where he tortured her for hours...raping her again and again. Her mind, already cracked, broke completely. As she lay there, covered in her own blood, he turned her. Do you want me to continue?"

Dawn was crying opening, now. What her sister had told her...she could barely imagine it. She'd been so stupid! Trying to prove something, she'd put her life...her mind into incredible danger. As she looked through tear-filled eyes at her sister, she suddenly realized what made Slayers special. It wasn't just their superpowers; it was their minds that were amazing. To know that things like that could happen to them...and to keep fighting...that was what made a Slayer. As Dawn turned to go back inside, she managed to gasp, "I'm so sorry."

Only after Dawn had disappeared into the house did Buffy allow herself to crumble falling to the ground, sobbing. Spike held her against him as she shook, "What have I done? She'll probably have nightmares about this. I just wanted her to understand who Angelus is...she'll hate me for it...she will."

"Shh, luv. She won't hate you. Buffy, look at me, luv...no, don't cry, please. You did the right thing. You did. I know that it was painful seeing her cry...nearly ripped my bloody heart out...but she needed to know. You won't always be there to protect her, so she needed to understand. She's safe now." He assured her, as he turned her face toward his. As their eyes met, their faces came closer and their lips touched, their gentle caress becoming more passionate.

Their lips separated, and Buffy leaned into his cool embrace and whispered, "Stay with me"

"Always, luv." he mumbled, his pale fingers running through her short, blond hair.

In the shadows, someone watched. A very dark creature, holding a promise of torture and death to those who dare to challenge him, watched.

Angelus growled silently. No one could hear him, not even his traitor Childe, but they would. No one took what his, and she was his! Every inch of her body was his! He had great plans for his Buffy...his eternal mate...and sharing wasn't included. He had to wait for the right time, couldn't lose his patience now...soon Buffy would be his for all eternity!

As the night came, he watched the two lovers go inside the house, holding each other. He wanted to rip her from the arms of his Childe and claim her as his again. No...he must wait. Patience is what made a vampire a true Master. "Soon enough she will realize who she belongs to...and this time, she'll stay forever."

Dawn knew she was dreaming. It had to be a dream. In real life, you couldn't do something and observe yourself at the same time. As she walked through red silken walls, she realized it wasn't silk at all. The red walls changed into blood, and some spilled across the floor. She gasped and stepped back in shock. Was it shock? she wondered. The walls were calling for her, whispering through the dark, dark red, "Dawnnn...Dawnnnn".

She shivered slightly, knowing deep down in her mind that it couldn't be real, walls don't whisper, or talk for that matter, but here, caught between fantasy and life, her heart was beat quickly.

The walls where calling for her again "Dawnn...Come here". She hesitated for a minute before knowing what she had to do. A wind , coming from nowhere to be seen, blew back her long, dark hair. She walked through the bloody walls, her mind knowing what she was to face.

The mind is a unique thing always working, always processing, always trying to save us from what we really don't want to know. But, she knew. She knew as she walked through those walls, cold and warm playing over her skin, making her tingle.

Then she saw it; among the flowing blood and changing walls, she saw the alter. It was marble and stone, delicately carved and huge, taking up most of the space in the...room? Is it a room? It was strange though, seeing the gray stone in the midst of the dark red.

Run! run! Leave this place! Her mind screamed as her legs led her to the alter.

She thought she was ready for anything, but the horrible images proved her wrong, showing no mercy. She knew what she would see and she saw it...the slender frame of a woman. Her body was bitten in several places and blood spilled from everywhere...face...legs...arms...it was almost unrecognized. But Dawn knew who it was. She'd seen her before, the slim body, the dark long hair. Suddenly it moved and grabbed Dawn by the arm, blue eyes insanely pleading with her.

"Dru." Mumbled Dawn, trying to shake off the hand's firm grasp.

"Please...help me...he's gonna kill me..."

"Who?"

"Him" the voice gasped. "We have to get out of here".

Dawn struggled against the incredibly strong grip, her mind screaming for help. Buffy? Spike? Anyone! She was all alone. Tears forming in her deep blue eyes as she struggled to save herself.

What to do, what to do?

"Please" it pleaded with her again, "help me Dawnnn…"

"What happened to you? Who did this to you?" Dawn blurted out.

The wrecked body looked at her and whispered a name,"Angelusss…"

"No!" she backed away from her, shaking uncontrollably. No, no. Not Angelus! She couldn't fight him and Buffy wasn't here to help. Suddenly, she stopped moving backward as she ran into someone. Turning she swallowed a scream as she looked into Angelus's taunting eyes.

"Run little girl, but you can't hide. Run, but I will catch you soon."

She closed her eyes, as he grabbed her, his cruel laughter echoing in her ears. He dragged her close to Drusilla, then cast her aside, leaning toward Dru. Drusilla tried desperately to get away from him, but he held her broken body close and viciously drank the blood like water to quench his thirst. Dawn watched horrified...yet facinated.

Dru turned her face to Dawn pleading again "Please Dawn, help me..." Her hair - long, dark, and straight - began to turn into short, golden strands and the pale, white skin was replaced with sun-goldened . The blue eyes, still filled with horror and tears, turned into hazel-green until Dawn stared at Buffy's face as the Slayer was caught in the vicious attack of the Scourge of Europe.

"Buffy!" Dawn screamed, running to help her as Angelus seemed to vanish. She had no time to think about him as she chanted a mantra in her head "Save Buffy, Save Dawn, Save Buffy, Save Dawn."

But, before she could help Buffy, she felt fangs entering her neck, tearing through skin as drops of blood dripped on her snow-white dress. No! her mind screamed, Save Buffy! Save Dawn! "Buffy..." she breathed "Buffy..."

It hurt so much, and her body surrendered to Angelus, realizing he was going to kill her. She only thought about sleep...peace...drifting into darkness...not worrying anymore...

Suddenly Buffy was there by her side, ready to push Angelus away from her. He was so occupied with her that he almost didn't noticed the tortured Slayer striking at him with all her might and strength. Dawn gasped in relief as his fangs were torn out of her. But, she'd hoped for too much. Angelus ducked Buffy's desperate blow and with one quick thrust sliced Buffy's throat. Her blood gushed out like falling red velvet. She stared at Dawn, her eyes trying to apologize for leaving her...again. And then she fell. Dead.

As Dawn screamed, the walls broke around her, but she just screamed louder,"Buffy! Noooooooooooo..."

"Dawnie! Dawnie!" someone was shaking her frantically, but she refused to open her eyes.

"No, let go of me! Let me die, please..." Tears streamed down her face.

"Dawnie, it's ok, you're safe!"

Dawn opened her eyes slowly, recognizing Buffy's familier voice. She was alive! Slowly, her eyes opened, still blurred from sleeping and crying. She looked at her sister's worried face and smiled faintly, "I guess...I was having a nightmare."

Buffy held Dawn close, holding back her own tears. She tried to lighten the atmosphere,"Hey, I thought I was the one who suppose to have nightmarish prophetic dreams." Looking at her young sister horrified expression, she changed the subject quickly, "Are you ok?"

Dawn shrugged slightly "I'm fine, really. I...it was a nightmare and I...I don't remember much. You should go to bed. Spike is waiting for you."

Buffy sighed,"Ok, I'll...what did you say?"

Dawn smiled knowingly "Gee, Buffy, I'm not a baby. I know about the two of you."

Buffy saw that her sister didn't appear to be angry with her, "And you don't mind?"

"As long as I won't have to hear you shagging each other."

Buffy rolled her eyes and hugged her tightly.

"Buffy, do you love him?"

The question didn't surprise her since she thought about it for so long. Did she?

"I...I don't know, Dawnie. I like him, most of the time, and maybe some day I will love him, but..."

That seemed to satisfy Dawn as she snuggled into her blankets and drifted off into a dreamless sleep, "Right..."

Smiling down at her, Buffy gently kissed her forehead,"G'night, Dawnie."

She closed the door behind her and crawled under the covers into Spike's waiting arms.

"Everything all right pet?"

"Yes, just a bad dream."

Angelus watched from outside her window, full of rage and disgust as his Slayer found her comfort in his Childe's arms.

"Never again will you sleep with my Buffy because things are going to change. She's going to scream my name, not yours." he snarled,"And I really don't care if it's in pain or pleasure."

Buffy woke up to the feel of cold fingers traveling down her body. "Spike..."

As she said his name, she suddenly remembered all that had been happening. She knew that some of the reason she'd slept with Spike was because of what was going on. She was afraid of what would happen with Angelus running loose somewhere...afraid of leaving Dawn alone - again...afraid she'd destroy Angel's chance at redemption if she killed Angelus.

*Right, Summers, keep telling yourself that the only reason you are with Spike is because of Angelus. Never mind that it started before this whole mess got started.*

All of the excuses for being with Spike weren't good excuses anymore. She was going to fool herself Spike was soulless all right, but that didn't matter much. She knew that, even if Spike got the chip out, he wouldn't hurt any humans. Because of her? Maybe...maybe not...but he was different. If Faith can go from good to bad, surely Spike can go from bad to good.

She couldn't open her eyes to face him, not yet. What could he possibly offer her? He wasn't human. Soul or no soul, he was a vampire that could only go out at night...she was a human who loved the sun. But there were other things to consider; she felt secure with him and...loved.

He tried to bring warmth to her life...even though she always felt cold - inside and out. He did all those things for her...she ought to give him a chance...isn't he entitled to try for redemption? He was trying to change. He didn't have a soul like Angel, but he still tried. Who was she to deny him forgiveness? The first ones to give it to him should be her friends. They should give him a chance; he'd helped them so much when she died.

Telling her friends was the only way, she concluded. They'd just have to deal. Enough hiding and running from the truth. If they didn't like it, too bad for them! True friends always understood...Eventually.

Then another though crept into her mind what if Angel returned, without the happiness clause? What then? Would she still be with Spike? Is he only second best or is he the real thing? If she couldn't answer, then she didn't deserve him.

Trying to argue with herself made her confused then ever. Do you still want Angel? Yes. Do you want Spike? Yess. Can you choose? Her mind was turning upside down.

But things were different now, and she could feel it. Angel had left her life and she had change. She didn't even know if she was the same Buffy he had known. Trying to decide if she could still be with him - if she still loved him - was giving her a headache.

But then she remember what her mother had told her. You can't live by ifs. Nobody can be sure what the future will bring. She knew she couldn't be with Angel now. The clause was still there. Well, duh. If Angelus returning hadn't made her notice that, then she was really unobservant. She wasn't going to live her life according to what might happen. She might be a Slayer, but she was young and wanted to live life to its fullest. Spike was the way to do that.

"Luv," Spike's soft voice brought her back to reality. He was looking at her, leaning on his side, his firm muscular body touching her warm one. As she looked into his ocean-blue eyes, she waited for his usual teasing and sexual innuendos, but he just looked at her adoringly.

She smiled at him, her eyes shining. She gave him the same smile that the Buffy-bot use to give him , but this time it was her.

"What are you thinking luv?"

"I...I'm thinking that I will tell everyone. I...I mean about you and me." She stopped for a minute, waiting for a response.

A smile began to light up his face, and he stared wonderingly at her. She had only seen him so happy when he had found her alive when Willow...

"You would really do that pet?" his voice shaking and unbelieving.

She smiled silently back at him, her eyes brightening. A single tear escaped from his deep-blue eyes. Buffy couldn't believe how happy he seemed to feel. Had she really been that cruel to him? If a simple acknowledgement of their relationship could bring tears to his eyes...maybe she didn't deserve him. Maybe she was beneath him.

"What Luv?" he asked confused when she mumbled something to herself. He brushed his lips over her velvet skin, savoring her smell.

"I don't deserve you" she whispered brokenly.

His unbelieving face told her all, showed her how much he thought of himself has the lucky one. "Oh, God, Buffy...I love you so much, please let me show you...I love you" he continued kissing her neck traveling down her body, his tongue dwelling on her sweet sense skin until he came to the valley between her firm breasts. He licked the skin further, another moan escaped her mouth.

"Oh, God, Spike, if you stop I will kill you" her voice was husky and warm, for him.

"I will never stop luv, never..."

Suddenly they heard small footsteps outside the room.

"Stop" she hissed at him.

"Dawn..." Buffy frowned and stumbled to her closet, pushing Spike aside. He just smirked and put on his pants.

"Where is my...ouch...my bra, and..."

Spike burst into laughter. It sounded like a rippling waterfall of joy to her. She had never heard him laugh with so much sincerity and amusement. Folding her arms across her chest, " what's so funny, Spike? I can't find my bra and Dawn's outside…"

He grabbed her and swept her of her feet into a series of passionate kisses. "Relax, luv."

She smiled between his kisses, before pulling away to find her bra and grab some clothes. Frowning in concentration, she finally decided on her strapless white top and knee-length scarlet skirt with white sandals.

"You look great, luv." Spike said admiringly as she finished her hair.

"Thanks." She smiled a little awkwardly, feeling weird to be so domestic with a vampire.

When they stepped out of the room, they stumbled into pacing Dawn. "I thought you died there or something." she mumbled.

Spike stroked her hair gently, while Buffy rolled her eyes "Geez, Dawn, can't a person get some privacy?"

Dawn smiled gently at her sister "Soo...are you together?"

"Are we in forth grade, Dawn?" teased Buffy.

She didn't deign to reply, but just made a face and stuck out her tongue.

"Come now, girls, I love both of you." Spike grabbed both girls and started tickling them as they headed downstairs, squealing with laughter.

After eating breakfast, Buffy and Spike sat in the leaving room, all the curtains pulled shut. It being Saturday, Dawn was watching one of her favorite shows while she lounged next to them.

"When are you going to tell them, luv?"

Buffy sighed "About Angelus or about us?"

"Both"

"Today. We're supposed to meet at the Bronze 'cause Willow's got something to tell us."

Dawn turned from the television, "Can I come too? Please Buffy? Pretty, pretty please?"

Buffy smiled as she remembered the nice girl-talk she had with Dawn that morning. Shrugging, she agreed, "Sure, Dawnie, you can come."

Dawn smiled to herself and continue to watch the show.

The day passed in a blur. Dawn was up in her room doing homework, while Buffy and Spike trained a bit. However, listening to the laughs and giggles, Dawn could have sworn it wasn't exactly training, although she wasn't about to go see. Things finally were working out, it seemed...except Angelus, of course.

Evening was finally there, and Buffy was glad she hadn't seen any of her friends during the day. Now it was time to face them.

She was wearing a black top that emphasized her nicely endowed chest. Combined with cream-colored leather pants and a beautifully done hairdo, she was breathtaking.

Spike stood next to her, wearing, for a change, elegant black pants and gray buttoned shirt. Dawn followed them, wearing a pretty dress, although she cared more about being allowed to join the Scoobies than about what she was wearing.

As they entered the Bronze, Buffy stiffened slightly as she really thought about what she was going to do. Spike tried to comfort her by running circles on her back,"Relax, luv. They're your friends."

She smiled back at him, and they approached the gang.

Chapter 5

Angelus entered the dark alley and seemed to disappear into the shadows as he followed the dim path that was visible only when one had business there. Finding the invisible door, he opened it quickly and entered into a large hall that used to be a hang out place for demons and sort.

"You're here." A voice greeted him.

Angelus smirked and approached carefully. Knowing Ian, he was suspicious and cautious. "Did you do as I asked?"

Ian was a vampire who looked to be in his thirties. His hair was like brown honey and his eyes were a deep brown. Smiling wickedly, he considered his answer for a minute. "I did, Angelus, but if you ask me..."

"I didn't." Angelus interrupted coldly, "Just get the little sister ready on time. Don't disappoint me on this one, Ian."

Ian hesitated for a second. Angering Angelus was a very bad idea, but so was keeping information from him. "There's something you should know though...there was...talk about you and the Slayer...about a master vampire mating himself with a killer of our kind."

Angelus looked at Ian and slowly, anger clouding his features, stalked over to him. "What…did…you…say?"

"The…the people…the tribes are talking about you and the Slayer, they aren't too pleased about it. The Bardoni tribe is becoming quite a threat to us."

Angelus considered his words, "Are you saying that they question my leadership? Be careful with your answers boy or it will be the last of you."

"Yes, apparently they are looking for a war. They challenge you, Master Angelus. Maybe you should leave the Slayer…" He never finished the sentence. Angelus moved unnaturally fast, leaped on him in full game face. Growling, he struck Ian in the face, knocking him to the floor where he grabbed Ian's neck and began to feed. But, he didn't take enough to kill, instead he began to break Ian's fingers, listening as screams echoed in the empty room.

Cry like you feel,

Try like you feel, feel it..!

Try to escape,

Cry to escape, escape it..!

"If…anyone…ever…says…anything…like…that…again…he will stay ALIVE TO BE TORTURED FOR ETERNITY!" Angelus screamed, crazed and full of anger. "The Slayer happens to be my business ! She bares my mark and will be my consort. Spread the news in Hespirya, if anyone tries to challenge me again. Buffy is coming with me, to rule by my side...disrespecting her is disrespecting me! Got it?" He swung the struggling vampire against a wall, the ivory walls running with blood.

Ian, his face ruined beyond recognition, managed to whimper a faint agreement,"Y-yes-s, Master Angelus…"

"Good then..." Angelus smiled coldly as he smoothed Ian's clothes, deceptively like a gentleman. "Just get her sister ready on time for my plans. I am going to the Bronze to watch what my little wife is doing this days." I should watch my bitch very carefully , he reminded himself.

It's so hard to run away

He's a virgin killer

Spinning on his heel, he walked through the invisible door and headed back to his new apartment. To avoid being traced to his old hideaways, he had moved to a nice section of town into a very nice apartment. A penthouse, in fact.

He worked for another two hours, going over his bank accounts, contacting businessmen he worked with.

What most other vampires failed to understand was that they needed to get prestige and power to human way as well as the vampire way, if they were to be really successful. Angelus had wisely built his fortune through centuries, and, by now, he had enough money to buy entire countries. Angel had never used this money, thinking it was somehow tainted, so Angelus had made quite a tidy sum in investments over the years. However, he had to work hard to get the rest of his affairs in order, including taking control of his affairs in his other world, Hespirya .

He sighed heavily. It was hard work to claim what was his...including his mate. He planned on going to see her tonight, although he wouldn't let her see him. Dressing in tight leather pants that showed every beautifully kept muscle and curve of his gorgeous body, he then put on a white silk shirt with the three top buttons open to display his broad chest.

He smiled as he smoothed his pants. Finally, he was once again dressed to kill.

No, no, no, can't you see?

No, no, no, can't you see?

You're a demon's, you're a demon's,

You're a demon's desire!

Going into the dark night, he seemed to become one with the shadows as he walked toward the Bronze. He spotted two appetizing-looking teenagers and had himself a bite to eat. They almost reminded him of Dawn...Dawn, fits in my plan perfectly. Sweet little Dawn...

He took his time meandering through the streets of Sunnydale, thinking over the last few days. He had managed to kill Angel in Hespirya along with their Slayer. Their world wasn't protected anymore. Now, all he had to do was bring his Buffy there and everything will be perfect.

Death on the screen,

Well, you can't find new ways

But he's a virgin killer

Try to get away from that,

Cos he's a virgin killer

You're a demon's desire!

Everyone was there Willow, Xander, Anya, and...Tara? Buffy was surprised to see her there, but, then again, maybe what Willow had to tell them was so important that Tara had to be there...maybe she saw Angelus? Buffy was afraid that was it, until she saw Willow's big smile. "Hey, Buffy! And Dawnie and...Spike?"

Buffy opened her mouth to explain, but Spike interrupted her, "Heard there's some news so I figured I should be here." He knew it wasn't the right moment to reveal their relationship, and he was rewarded as Buffy sent him a smile before turning back to Willow.

"I wanted you all to be here because I wanted to tell you something." Willow smiled warmly at Tara who returned the smile. "As you all know I was a bit of magic freak, losing control and balance with life and all."

Anya snorted, "You can say that again. I was thinking more of Jerry Springer lesbo final…"

"Anya!" They chorused, hushing her.

"What? I just said what I thought."

"Not now." Xander muttered.

"Fine." She snapped.

Willow took long breath "Anyway, as I said before I was interrupted...I spoke to Giles about it and during summer vacation, next week, I'm go to England to meet with the Council and maybe discuss my magic training."

Buffy looked at her happy, but concerned, "Are you sure Wills? I mean, it is the Council we are talking about...Are you sure you wanna meet them?"

Willow smiled, easing the tension,"Yeah, I'm sure, Buffy. I already spoke to Giles. The Council is more then merely Quentin Travers and his minions. There are plenty of other sections and departments. Sort of like the FBI...But the other thing is that...Tara and I are back together."

Buffy and Xander hugged Tara and Willow, while Dawn grinned, obviously pleased. Anya merely looked indifferent, but Spike smiled a little,"Good for you, Red."

"Thank you." She grinned.

Buffy smiled thoughtfully as she watched the interaction. Maybe they would be ok with the whole 'Spike sleeping with her' thing...unless Xander opened his big mouth, that was.

"Well, now that we know why we are here and can get down to partying, I suggest that Dead Boy Number Two do the exit thingy." Xander looked at Spike, acting superior.

Buffy tensed, glaring at him. He frowned. Why was she acting so territoral? It was like he was her boy...wait a sec! "Buff, what..."

"Shut up, Xander, for once in your life. Spike is here to stay. He's my boyfriend. We sleep together quite often and...I give shit about what you think because I had enough of you." Grabbing Spike's hand, she pulled him to the dance floor as one of her favorite songs began.

You can tell by the way

She walks that she's my girl

"That was some speech you gave there, luv."

She could hear something odd in his tone...he was giving her a way out...he was willing to let her go back to her friends, if it meant she'd be happy. He would let her go to make her happy.

Tears began to form in her eyes, almost unbelievingly she stared into his beautiful face. Reaching out, she brushed his cheek as the lights played rainbow colors over them,"You're mine, my William. You promised that you wouldn't ever leave me...you promised..."

"Shhh..." he soothed her, his cold hand touching her soft, bronze cheek, wiping away her tears. "I will never let you go...you're my Buffy..."

You can tell by the way she talks she rules the world

You can see in her eyes that no one is her Chi

She's my girl my Super girl

"Do you think they'll hate me? I...I mean...after the way I treated them..."

"Naa, They'll get over it. Good for Red though..."

"Yeah, she looks so happy. Actually everyone looks so happy...maybe I shouldn't tell them about Angelus. After all, Willow is going to England with Tara, and I know that Xander and Anya are planning some trip to Europe or something. Dawn will probably stay with Dad, so what's good it is to tell them anyway?" She leaned her head on his strong shoulder as they slowly danced to the song.

Spike felt sorry for her. For the first time, she was truly, utterly alone. Her friends and family were free to live their lives, to do as they pleased, but not his Buffy. No, she was anything but free. Sure, she was the chosen one and all that bullshit, but she was also human...a frightened girl who'd suffered tremendously and was entitled to the freedom that will probably never come.

He knew that she wasn't a Slayer just because of her strength, her strategy, or the way she handle her life; she was a Slayer because she gave up her life for mankind. All the slayers did it...well, except for the slutty, dark-haired one, but Buffy gave more than that. She could have told them the truth about Angelus and asked for their help, but, no, she was ready to protect them, to let them live their lives while she dealt alone with the menace.

And then she'd say it's OK I got lost on the way

But I'm a Super girl and Super girls don't cry

And then she'd say its all right I got home late last night

But I'm a Super girl and Super girls just fly

"What are you thinking?" she looked at him with her green-gold eyes, loving and desperate.

"I was thinking that you are probably right, luv. No need to tell them. We can handle it together." He held her close to him, his cold lips at first, brushing lightly over hers, but then deepening into something more passionate.

The lights around them turned blue as he kept kissing her, savoring the taste of Buffy Anne Summers.

And then she'd say that nothing can go wrong

When you're in love what can go wrong

And then she'd laugh the nighttime into the day

Pushing her fears further along

Back at the table, the Scoobies had begun arguing and bickering the minute Buffy left to dance with Spike. Xander felt almost betrayed, but what made him really angry was the fact that no one else seemed to feel that way. "Wil, don't you care about Buffy?"

Willow shifted uncomfortably in her seat, "I...it's not that Xander. Yeah, I am surprised, but I'm happy for Buffy. I kinda like Spike, and he hasn't been bad for quite some time."

"I second that." Declared Dawn, giving Xander a quick smile.

"I'm not saying that Buffy doesn't deserve to get some happiness, or anything, but a vampire? I mean, it was bad enough with Angel, but Spike doesn't even have a soul!"

"Why?" Anya suddenly asked.

"Why what?" Xander looked at her, confused.

She continued, disturbed, "Why was it bad enough with Angel? He was good right? Soul and all? He helped you all from the beginning?"

"Yes, Anya, he, did but still…"

"Still what?" she snapped "I don't understand you, Xander, what? Why was Angel bad? I..."

"Because Xander had a crush on Buffy" Dawn interrupted "See, he always wanted to go out with her, and seeing Angel, cute, gorgeous and all over Buffy, he..."

"OK, Dawnster, she's got it." He looked nervously at his pissed-off girlfriend, the anger flickering in her eyes reminding him that she had been a vengeance demon.

"I got it all right." She stood up, grinding her words out as tears began to fall. "You still love her, that's it, isn't it? It's always Buffy this and Buffy that, I WAS NEVER ENOUGH FOR YOU!"

"No…" He tried to comfort her "I love you. I care about Buffy as a friend, but I LOVE YOU."

"I don't believe you." She snapped, "Maybe it wasn't a good idea for us to be together again."

"No, Anya, please, just...just listen to me."

Dawn felt miserable, she hadn't meant to start a huge fight, especially now that they'd gotten back together again."Guys" she begged "I'm sorry, please don't fight...we've got to stick together..."

Buffy moved to the music, grinding her hips against Spike. "Why do you always make me feel like I'm a super girl even when I don't think I'm one?"

She could feel him smiling, close to her face. It was true, though, he made her feel stronger, like nothing could hurt her when they were together. "Because you are my super girl." He whispered.

But I'm a Super girl and Super girls just fly

"Spike?"

"Mm?"

"I'm scared."

He kissed her again trying to take away her pain while he held her tightly, as if trying to keep her safe. Me too, luv

"Spike...please...don't tell anyone. I...I have to be strong for them...for Dawn and the others."

He didn't answer for a moment, just pulled her closer.

But I'm a Super girl and Super girls just fly

"It will be ok, luv, I promise you. I will not let him hurt you Buffy. I will protect you." *I will do that till my last day of existence, I will fight my Sire for eternity to keep you safe even if that means letting you go...letting you live your life without me*.

A single tear escaped her eyes and dropped on his face. It seemed to chill him as it landed.

Then she'd shout down the line tell me she's got no more time

Cause she's a Super girl and Super girls don't cry

"Just hold me, William. I want to pretend, just for a second, that we are only William and Buffy, dancing at the Bronze. No vampires, no demons, no Slayers, just plain 'ole us."

"Fine by me, luv."

Then she'd scream in my face tell me to leave, leave this place

Cause she's a Super girl and Super girls just fly

She's a Super girl a Super girl

Anya looked at Dawn angry, "There isn't any WE, Dawn. Willow is going anyway and Xander and I...well, I'm not so sure."

"No" snapped Dawn, she swung her long hair back, "You can't go...Buffy needs us. She'll need all of us to fight him and fighting with each other..."

Xander interrupted her "Whoa, please rewind and tell us what you're talking about?"

Dawn hesitate, but with all of them leaving, she felt she had to say something. She had no reason not to tell them, like her sister did. She was just a 15-year-old kid trying to help keep her sister alive. She didn't think Buffy had to fight alone, save the innocent, do the whole 'One girl in all the world' thing. "He...he's back...Angelus...and he wants to kill Buffy..."

Just as she revealed exactly what her sister had tried to hide, Buffy and Spike returned. As Dawn's statement left everyone speechless, Buffy turned to Spike and gave him a ghost of a smile before looking back at the others with a sigh. She had to tell them after all.

She's sewing seed she's burning tree

She's sewing seed she's burning tree

She's a Super girl a Super girl

A Super girl my Super girl