Mastery
by ComedyofErrors
Chapter 6
He'd been standing for almost four hours. Hadn't swayed once. All those months past, sitting in the chair, underfed and uncaring. What a waste. Then he had to stumble into an ambition, when his body was just beginning to come back under his control. Should have found a way to get human blood sooner. It just hadn't mattered before now. He walked around slowly to the wall opposite the door, and stared at it. He reached a hand out, slowly so as not to throw himself off balance, and caressed the wood paneling.
There should have been a window there. He liked windows. They could be dangerous during the daytime, sure, but that's what curtains were for. Windows made him feel safer. Like he had room to escape. He'd chosen a windowless room deliberately when they came here, because a window was something he wanted. It was something he'd work toward. When he could walk, when he was away from Angelus, he'd have a window.
He hadn't slept yet. He had to talk to the minions first. Alexa had brought his blood at dawn, then returned to her room. He'd told them to wait until ten o'clock this morning. It was dangerous to talk at any other time in case someone took note of the little tête-à-tête. Spike was supposed to be an unsupported, unfed, and isolated member of the family, and other minions might be rewarded if they discovered that it was otherwise. It wasn't likely that they'd come around. He'd drained then dusted the last minion that came by to antagonize him. The draining was more for insult's sake than for the blood. It left a bitter taste, and he'd vomited later.
Since then, Angelus's vamps had avoided this side of the building. They didn't know exactly what had happened, but they weren't that curious. Not enough to risk a dusting. Angelus himself could smell other scents in Spike's room, but that meant nothing. Master vampires do not do their own cleaning, and Spike had that much authority. So Spike and his minions were relatively free. Meeting in the early hours worked for simple banter, an exchange of stories. Nothing important was going on, and they could take a risk or two for comfort's sake. But something of this magnitude needed secrecy.
Footsteps sounded down the hallway. Light, quick taps on the ground, followed by a firmer, still quiet stride. Alexa and Jacob. They didn't knock, it would draw too much attention. They entered, bowed, and took their seats. Chris followed a few minutes later, and Ryan trailed in last.
Spike turned and leaned against the wall, determined to stand for as long as his legs would support him. He took in the weary faces. "You all look tired. Long night?" Smiles and nods. "Well, hopefully a profitable one. Chris, I see you made it back untoasted. What did you find?"
Chris pulled a manila folder from beneath his coat, stood and walked to stand beside Spike. He flipped it open. "House for sale on Maple, two stories and full basement. It fits most of the specs. The loft rooms should suit you Master, now that you're healing, and the four of us will be content in the basement. The human can occupy the first floor." Spike examined the pictures in the folder, and nodded his approval. "It is unfortunately unfurnished, but it was the only house available for immediate occupancy. I have made the necessary payments; your signature will complete the arrangement."
Spike took the pen the minion offered him, and signed in the indicated area. He handed the folder back to Chris. "Excellent work Chris. The rest of you, be sure to memorize the address and the details. Now. We know where we're going. The next issue is the human. Ryan!" The minion jerked upright in his chair, having fallen asleep. "Do you find this boring?" Spike said with menace.
"N-no Master. I'm sorry."
"Very well. Have you found our human?"
The nervous minion nodded. "Well, um, not completely human." He hastened to continue as Spike took a step toward him. "He's part B'aste demon, part human. He's the youngest son of Nara, you know the local matriarch?"
Spike nodded, and moved back to the wall. He needed its support. His legs were beginning to shake. Maybe he'd overdone it a bit this morning. The adrenaline from yesterday had taken its time to wear off, but he was feeling its lack now. "Nara. The one I helped with the Fyarl problem?" The minion nodded eagerly. "Didn't know she had a part human kit. What's his name?"
"Morlan. Morrie. She offers him to you in payment of her debt. I know he's not fully human, but he can pass, and I still needed an invitation to enter his apartment," the minion continued hopefully.
Spike pondered the situation. The B'aste were extremely proud. They took pleasure in duty and service to their masters. They considered any infraction to bring shame on their family name. "Good work Ryan." The minion grinned and relaxed. "You'll take Alexa to meet him tonight. Alexa, determine if he is truly aware of what all this involves. If he is, and agrees, get him into the house tonight. We need him to establish residency as soon as possible. Chris, turn in my signature, get the keys, and get over there to let them in."
"Yes Master," the three minions sounded in unison.
It was too much. His muscles were giving. With as much grace as he could, he walked to the bed, sat down on it, and lifted his legs onto the sheets. He began to rub gently at his calves, the motion having become an instinct. But there were still details to tally. "Okay. Alexa and Jacob. You were unseen?"
"Yes Master." Jacob answered. He knew Alexa was watching the Master. The Master reminded her of her younger brother Adam, who died in a car wreck. Her defense of Master Spike made Jacob think from time to time of a she-wolf who was protecting a cub. It was a wonder Angelus had not received a stake in the back from her. He really wasn't aware just how much his minions hated him. But then, he couldn't care less what his servants thought or did. Secure in his mastery over them.
"Okay. Details, any and all you can recall." Spike saw that Ryan was fast falling asleep again. Chris was listening through lidded eyes. Even the two current storytellers were beginning to falter. He felt sometimes that he was the only vampire in Sunnydale who ever had insomnia. Maybe he was. Well, they were missing out on syndicated television. Their loss.
Slowly the minutiae of the activity in the Summers's house was unfolded. The minions had witnessed a meeting between the family and friends of Buffy Summers. None arrived singly at the house. All were armed. The mother and one of the girls practiced on a target with crossbows. The target had brow ridges and fangs drawn on it. After the meeting, they followed the Watcher, the brown haired boy and the witch to the Mansion itself. They were driven in a van by the small werewolf. They stayed several hundred yards up the road. Far enough to run in case they were caught. They proceeded to dust seven minions who were unwary, then departed.
Six fighters. Blitzkrieg plan involving crossbows and stakes. A bit of magic. The tall boy, Xander was expecting delivery of a special weapon in a few days, as well. They would succeed; sooner or later they would get inside the Mansion, to Angelus and Dru. Spike knew that already. They were motivated by love, where as Angel was in it for the intellectual pleasure. Bastard.
The most disturbing news was the plan that Joyce Summers and the Watcher had for Buffy. They'd lost hope of anything but vengeance. That was the primary danger that they posed to Spike's own plan. "When do you think they will mount this offensive?"
"Soon. They need at least three days in addition to today. They'll attack a bit after dawn, when everyone is sleeping. I doubt they'll do it before the 'special weapon' arrives."
It would be close. Too close for comfort. Couldn't be helped though. "Jacob. Tomorrow, instead of surveillance, I need you to go rent a van."
_____________
Angelus paused outside the door. He had to take the time to compose himself, and appear appropriately somber. Damn, but he wished he could be here to watch the fun. Dru had her instructions. Under no circumstances was she permitted to dust Buffy. And he was certain Buffy would give her good cause. All part of his elegant performance art. And Buffy didn't even know what part she played.
He entered the room sedately. Buffy was lying on the unmade bed, where they'd left her when they went to hunt. He noted that the sheets were beginning to reek almost as badly as Buffy herself. Well, she'd be out of them for good tonight, and he could have the minions change them. She didn't turn her head to track his movements, as she would have when she was the prime predator. Now she was the runt, and it didn't matter.
He removed his coat and laid it across the little sofa. He walked over beside the bed and sat down on it near Buffy's head, so that she would have to tilt her neck at an awkward angle to look at him. He bounced on the bed slightly, making the chains move, and jarring her stiff joints. He looked around the room, seemingly lost in thought. After about five minutes, he looked down at her, and looked surprised, as though he had just noticed her there. "Oh, childe. Are you hungry?"
Buffy didn't even wince. It was becoming automatic now, the simple response of "Yes, Master." She was becoming grateful to see him at the end of his hunts. It proved that time wasn't standing still. She saw no one else, except Dru, and then Spike for those few moments. She was tired. She was hungry. She was lonely. She hated Angelus, but he was better than nothing. His presence was calming to the demon in her. The little girl just wanted companionship. He did take care of her. She needed him. The slayer was waiting. There was nothing she could do now. She was weaker than ever, on a meager diet provided in exchange for sexual favors.
Angelus sighed. "Well childe, ordinarily I would feed you myself, but I've given you too much blood lately. Tonight Drusilla will feed you. The usual ritual, just with her."
That sparked something in Buffy. Sex for blood. She understood that. But with Drusilla? She didn't know how. Didn't want to know how. "Master...I don't know what to do. Couldn't I be fed by someone else?" Whore. Complete Ho. Her conscious was back. Great, because it had been a whole hour since she last felt disgusted with herself. But hey, she didn't care if demons were bi. If she was going to be raped, she rather it were by boys. "Maybe Spike?"
There was a resounding slap across her face. Angelus nearly vamped in anger. "Childe. Do not ever suggest such a thing again. He is beneath you in the bloodline, being a generation farther from me. How dare you ask me that?" He slapped her again. Arrogant little bitch that had the impudence to ask for Spike. A third blow landed on her cheek.
Buffy rushed to apologize. "I'm sorry Master. I'm sorry." She tried to bite her lip to keep from crying out, and cut it with her fangs. Blood filled her mouth and she swallowed. Half choking, she continued. "I'm sorry. I didn't know. I'm stupid."
"Yes you are, you ignorant little cow. You've learned nothing these past days? He is dirt. He is unworthy to touch what is mine. You remember what you are childe?"
"Yours, Master." She swallowed more blood.
"Fucking right. Just like Drusilla. My childer are strong, and obedient. Not worthless cripples. And you are here to learn your duties to me. Not to allow those lower to perform their duty on you. Even if the pathetic dolt were permitted near you, he couldn't pleasure you. By dropping that organ on him you saw to that."
"Oh." She hadn't realized he'd been hurt that badly. Duh, Buffy, he's been in a wheelchair for how many months?
"Now." Angelus managed to reign in his demon. Losing control like that threatened this project. A little bating of Buffy was planned, shake her up so she'd move, but that was almost too much. He needed to remain in charge. "I am going to forgive you for that transgression, Buffy. I will send in Drusilla, and you will do as you are told. Correct?"
"Yes, Master." What choice did she have?
"I realize that you aren't very knowledgeable about sex. If you are going to be able to pleasure Dru, you'll need every advantage you can get. So, for tonight, I'm going to take your chains off."
Buffy did her best to remain still. The chains helped with that. Inside she was jumping for joy. Any time without the chains was to her advantage. Most of the minions were probably still out. If she could kill Dru, or at least knock her out, and avoid Angelus, she might be able to escape. Knocking her out was probably the better plan. That way if she were caught, she wouldn't instantly be dusted. But then, who cared, really. Dust or not her life was over. She just wanted to be out of this bed, away from him. "Thank you Master. I'm sorry I'm not more skilled."
She hid her emotion well, Angelus mused. "Yes, well, we'll work on that. Nothing but time on our hands." He went into the hall and fetched Dru. They returned, and he unlocked Buffy.
"Remember and behave Buffy. We are trying to teach you, in spite of that thick head of yours." He waved a finger at her like an angry professor, and withdrew, carrying the chain with him.
Buffy rotated her wrists, trying to get the feeling back. She straightened her elbows and slowly unbent her knees. It was going to take a few minutes for her to get control over her muscles again. They'd been treated pretty roughly the past few days. Chafing lines on her arms and legs testified to that. She rolled to the side of the bed and attempted to stand, but instead stumbled to the ground.
"Silly Sister. Sun needs to learn to shine again. Miss Edith says you are a bright pretty fire. Still got the pretty spark inside." Dru walked to where her sister was kneeling on the ground. "Daddy says we must teach you to mind. Bad dog. Take off Princess's boots, and we'll see."
Buffy obeyed, unlacing the leather slowly, trying to give herself time to recover. She didn't know the Mansion well. She'd have to go quickly and hope not to find a dead end. She'd leap out a window if she had to. Her thoughts were jarred by a kick from Dru.
"Naughty Sister. Thinks Daddy doesn't know. Hurry."
Buffy finished the boots, and stood cautiously. Dru was taller than her, but not by much. Buffy was stronger under normal circumstances, but right now she wouldn't bet on it.
"Now undress Princess." Dru held her arms out primly. Buffy unlaced the corset and gathered the skirt at Dru's back. The only option to get the goth crap off was to lift it over Dru's head. She did, and set it on a chair by the bed. Dru didn't where underwear. Great. Not like Buffy was wearing any now. The feeling was back, and the tingles were fading. Dru lay seductively on the bed.
"Come here. Touch. Tease." Dru smiled. Buffy needed a weapon. She stood, knees touching the bed. "Up!" commanded Dru. "Or else I shall fetch Daddy." She stopped smiling, and tilted her head back, watching Buffy suspiciously.
Buffy climbed back on the bed and sat facing Dru. The table lamp. The one Angelus used to hit Spike. That would do. Just make Dru close her eyes. She timidly reached out, and stroked Dru's stomach. Dru nodded to her. She hesitated, then put a hand on the vampiress's breast and began to squeeze. Dru moaned, leaned her head back, and spread her legs. Buffy almost jumped away, but held herself there. She pulled on Dru's nipple, while inching her right hand slowly up the side of the bed. She moved up, beside Dru. Buffy forced herself to bend over and kiss Dru.
Dru's eyes closed. Preternatural speed let Buffy reach the lamp and raise it before Dru realized she'd moved, and even then, the blow couldn't be blocked. Buffy crashed the lamp down on Dru's skull once, twice. Blood spattered from the gash she inflicted. The body below her went limp.
Buffy leaped up and ran. Ran for all she was worth, which, she admitted to herself, wasn't much. She saw a brown haired minion watch her open mouthed as she ran past him, but she kept going. This hallway seemed to run the width of the Mansion. She rounded a corner to her left when she reached the end, ran to the end of that passage, and turned left again. She kept running and then saw it. To her right, the arched front entrance. She darted out of the shadows toward it. The minion on guard hadn't noticed her yet. She leaped toward his back.
The chain moved fast as a whip, catching her ankle. It was jerked backward, halting her flight. She fell hard to the stone floor. Buffy flailed, trying to loosen the chain. Then she saw who held the other end. Angelus. Grinning with a sadism all his own. He ambled forward from his vantage point. He squatted beside her prone form. His arm shot out and his hand encircled her neck.
"Tsk. Tsk. Why Buffy. I'm very disappointed in you."
*****
Thank you to all the kind readers and to everyone who had
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