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Chapter 8

One month later… 

Tara sat back on her heels, surveying the work she’d done in her garden.  Now midway into the month of December, it had gotten decidedly colder, and she wanted to make sure that her seedlings would survive the harsh elements that the Texas winter might bring. 

She glanced up at the sky and noticed the position of the sun; Lindsey would be home in a little while.  It had become a habit of his to swing by their home during lunch to visit with her before returning to the jailhouse.  Especially since— 

Shaking her head to dispel the unpleasant thoughts threatening to take hold, Tara stood and made her way around to the front of the house.   

The cemetery stood at the far end of Devil’s Paradise, in the opposite direction from the jailhouse, on a hill overlooking the town.  A makeshift fence surrounded the tombstones and Tara unlatched the gate and slipped inside, her destination that of the smaller one located in the back corner of the lot.   

Her features settled in a slight grimace at the remembered battle she’d had to endure in order to get Darla buried there.  In the end, the town had catered to her wishes, though grudgingly – thanks in part to the ranchers that lived in and around the area.  The thoughts of a whore occupying what the local townsfolk had thought of as belonging to “good, God-fearing people” hadn’t sat well with a lot of them. 

It had only been the last week or so that she herself was no longer privy to the snubs of the “respectable” women anymore.  Not that Tara had minded so much.  She wasn’t about to give up socializing with Anya just because she was now married to the Marshal and her friend was still working at the saloon.   

The townsfolk had eventually realized that she was too giving a person to slight someone for the way in which they chose to live their life.  That she had a kind word for everyone that crossed her path. 

Even for one that had tried to have her killed. 

She knelt down before the grave of the former vampiress and placed a handful of wildflowers in front of the marker. 

Darla
May you know peace

Tara didn’t linger.  She’d forgiven the woman for what she’d tried to do; it didn’t, however, mean that she’d ever forget. 

She still had nightmares, though they weren’t as frequent, waking with a scream in her throat.  The sensation of being tied up, her attacker wielding a knife before her face then placing it against her throat, nicking her skin, prominent in her mind.  His sinister voice, the things he whispered with such delight… how he was going to take great pleasure in her pain, causing her to whimper piteously.

She could still see the looming face of Sam Shockwell as he stood before her, his aura a brownish gray, devoid of anything good.  How he swore he’d have revenge on the Marshal for killing his son… by doing the same to his wife.

Another shudder rushed through her body as she knelt before Darla’s grave.

Tara was still working on her fear of being cooped up inside dark places; it had been dark in the cellar in which she’d been kept.  The only thing she’d been able to see was occasional glimpses of his face, twisted evilly by pain and grief and a desire for retribution.  That and the gleam of steel as he’d wield the blade in front of the candles.

She and Lindsey had burned candles all through the night in their bedroom that first week.

Sometimes she’d wake, screaming Lindsey’s name, struggling against her captor, until she realized that it was he that held her.  He that was whispering soothing words in her ear.

“It’s just a dream, baby.  Shhh….” 

He’d make the nightmares go away the only way he knew how.  Moving within her until she couldn’t think but for the sensation of him filling her.

No, she didn’t think she’d ever forget being kidnapped and held as bait for the Marshal.

“Why are you doing this?” Tara asked, tears falling freely down her cheeks as she struggled against the bonds holding her against the wooden chair. 

She watched as the woman laughed, and Tara quailed beneath the pure menace of the sound.  Shrunk in on herself so that she wasn’t tainted by the poison leaking from every pore and enveloping the room. 

Tara was patted on the cheek, then the blonde’s face was there, right before hers.  

“Because I’m evil, honey,” she’d murmured.  “And Lindsey was mine.  My toy to play with and…” 

Tara could feel the woman’s anger rising and she squirmed in her chair, trying to escape the other’s touch… silently praying to the Goddess Soteria for protection. 

“Just because I’m no longer a vampire and am stuck in this body…” Darla broke off and stormed across the cellar.  She whirled suddenly, pinning the weeping girl with her eyes. 

“My name is Darla.  Favored childe of the Master of the Order of Aurelius.”  She sneered.  “Just because I’m locked in this human body… in this farce… I won’t succumb to this mortal’s soul.  Wolfram & Hart thinks they can bend me to their will…do their bidding.  Their dirty work. It will never happen.” 

The door burst open just as gunfire erupted from above.  Sam’s eyes were wild as he took in the scene, then strode forward, eyes gleaming with deadly intent. 

Tara knew right then that she was going to die.

Darla had been shot in the crossfire once Lindsey had arrived.  He’d managed to shoot her male tormentor as well, but not before the man had let loose with his knife.  Lindsey had been able to free her from her bindings before collapsing onto the ground in front of her.

She’d had to make a decision then.  Darla or Lindsey.  She could see both of their life’s forces slowly fading.

Tara had chosen Lindsey.

Cradling his head in her lap, she ripped the dagger from his stomach, her tongue tripping over the healing spell before she could question whether or not it was wise.  His blue eyes clouded with pain and confusion as his wounds healed almost instantly.

It was the first time she’d not thought of the consequences of her actions when using magic. 

He had lived and Darla had died.

In the aftermath of Sam Shockwell’s death, other local ranchers had come forward, thanking the Marshal for putting an end to man’s tyranny about the area.  They’d told Lindsey to take the dead man’s ranch as payment, but Tara had shaken her head, more than pleased with the place in town she had. Besides which, the place reeked of lingering evil.

Lindsey had auctioned the ranch and livestock off and used the money to help benefit the town of Devil’s Paradise.

The men who’d been working the ranch – those not in cahoots with the corrupt rancher – had been absorbed into other ranches in the area, or had left town to seek employment elsewhere.  Those that had been in league with Sam had either died in the resulting gun battle, had hightailed it out of town at the threat of the Marshal’s wrath, or had been locked up in jail and sentenced to hang.

The undertaker had been a busy man the following week.

Tara stood up and brushed the dirt off of her skirts.  She turned and left the cemetery, stopping suddenly at seeing Lindsey standing just outside the gate.

Finally, she walked over and murmured her thanks as he held the gate open for her.

“What are you doing here?” she asked.

“I came home to the smell of a wonderful stew cooking on the stove and no wife.  Figured you’d come up here.”

“How did—”

Lindsey wrapped his arm around Tara’s shoulder and drew her to his side.  Together they walked down the hill towards home.

“Because that’s just the type of person you are, baby.  Kind to a fault.”

He brushed his lips against her temple.

“It’s why I love you.”

Tara stopped and Lindsey stopped too.

“You love me?”

Her head lifted, and even without him confirming it, she knew.  Red, light blue, a bit of green and yellow… and in the middle of it all... a soft pink.  He loved her.

“You know I do. How could I not love someone as caring as you? Someone who could see the man I always wanted to be.  You see it don’t you… tell me you see it.”

Tara stroked his cheek, nodding.  Tears gathered in her eyes, but she didn’t care.  This time she was happy; they were tears of joy.

“I love you, Lindsey!”

She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him.  Horses trotted by on either side of them as they stood in the middle of the dirt road kissing – Tara was oblivious. 

Her husband had finally told her he loved her, and she meant to show her appreciation… and her love.

It was Lindsey that drew away.  But, Tara didn’t mind.

Because he’d taken hold of her hand and was tugging her after him…back towards their house.

~*~

“I can’t believe it’s the middle of the afternoon and we’re lying in bed.”

“We’re married… we’re allowed.”

Lindsey was propped up on his elbow, looking down at her. 

“I should be up making something for dinner.”

“We’ve got leftover stew.”

“Yes, but—”

“Beside, I’d rather make love to my wife than have her fix me something to eat.”

Tara wasn’t going to argue with him.  She slipped her arm around his neck and drew him down on top of her.

~*~*~*~*~

“Merry Christmas, Anya,” Tara greeted upon opening the door.

“Yes, yes… here’s your present.  Where’s mine?”

Tara laughed and took the offered gift, gesturing the girl inside.  “Come in, Anya.  Your present is under the tree… right where it’s supposed to be.  Lindsey just stepped out back to get more wood for the fire.”

“Well, I can’t stay too long…I’ve got customers waiting for me…”

“Surely you can stay for lunch?  You’ve got to eat.”

“Yes… I suppose so.  It is free after all… it is free, right?  You offered…”

“Yes, silly…”  Tara laughed and helped Anya remove her coat and hang it on the rack.  “Come get warm by the fire.  Can I get you something to drink?  I’ve got the kettle on for tea…”

“Tea will be fine,” Anya replied and seated herself in one of the chairs by the fireplace.

Tara walked into the kitchen just as the side door was flung open and Lindsey stepped inside, his arms laden with firewood.  She rushed to shut the door behind him, effectively closing off the cold air blowing into the room.

Lindsey shook his head and displaced the flakes of snow that had settled on top of his hair, causing Tara to squeal.

“Lindsey!”

He turned and grinned, his blue eyes alight with mischief.

Tara backed away, her hands held up in front of her.

“Uh uh… Go…” she pointed towards the fireplace.

“Anya isn’t here yet…” he coaxed, ready to drop the logs on the ground and rush towards his wife.

“She is too,” Anya’s voice carried from the other room.  “And, you’re not allowed to have orgasms if I can’t.”

Lindsey looked skyward and shook his head, not even trying to hide the blush staining his cheeks.  The woman was more outspoken than some of the fiercest demons he’d come across in his tenure at Wolfram & Hart; he should know, having been subject to the girl’s blunt nature on more than one occasion this past month. 

How she and his wife were friends was anyone’s guess – especially given the extremes in their two personalities.

He sighed and walked out of the room and into their living room.  Anya was sitting there with a smug expression on her face.

“I’ll give you five dollars if you leave before dessert,” he muttered.

Anya wasn’t offended; if anything, she seriously contemplated his offer.  Was actually set to agree to his terms when Tara came in and smacked her husband on the arm.

“Lindsey!”

Her face was red in embarrassment, and she’d nearly upset the teacup on the saucer she held out to her friend.

“Don’t hit him.  He has a point.  It’s too cold to visit with friends on a day like today.”

“It’s Christmas,” Tara protested. 

“I suppose you have a point.  I guess I can wait a little while… open presents first…” Anya allowed.  “But, I’m still leaving before dessert.”  She pinned Lindsey with an assessing look.  “And I’ll take that five dollars.”

“Of course you will.”

He smirked.

It was the best five dollars he ever spent.

~*~*~*~*~

Tara lay tucked against Lindsey’s side, one leg draped over his, her head pillowed on his shoulder.  Anya had left several hours ago – to see to the single men of Devil’s Paradise, she’d said.

Lindsey had offered to walk back with her, but she’d assured them both that she would be fine.  The sun was now shining, though there were clouds coming in from the west; it was going to snow again soon.

He’d shuffled Tara off to bed and gone outside to stock up on more firewood, saving himself the trouble of having to do it tomorrow morning.

While he was gone, Tara had slipped into the Christmas present Anya had given her… the one Lindsey hadn’t seen yet.  Then she’d climbed on top of the covers and reclined back against the pillows, waiting for her husband’s return.

Now, nearly breathless in the aftermath of Lindsey’s appreciation of her surprise – an appreciation that had seemed to go on for hours, she debated telling him about her second surprise.

“Lindsey?”

“Yeah, baby?”

“You meant what you said… about—”

Before she could get the words out, she found herself flat on her back, Lindsey looming over her.  His face was a mixture of hope, disbelief, and happiness.

“Are you sure?”

Tara nodded, smiling tremulously.

“I-It’s early yet… but… I can tell.  I can feel my body changing.”

He placed his hand on her stomach, and the smile that transformed his features brought tears to Tara’s eyes.  She watched, amused, as he hunkered down so that his face was level with her abdomen.

“Hey, little one.  It’s your dad.  You be a good baby and don’t give your mom any trouble in there.”

Tara giggled.

Then she gasped and jack-knifed to a sitting position.  Her eyes rolled into the back of her head and she fell back onto the pillows, her world going black.

Lindsey managed to gasp her name before he slumped forward onto the mattress.

~*~*~*~*~

Sunnydale
Present time

“Halfrek… I beseech thee… in the name of all women scorned… Come before me,” Giles chanted the summoning spell for the vengeance demon.

It had taken a week for the Scoobies to discover what had happened to Tara and Anya, not realizing that both of their disappearances were related at first.  It had only been the mention of that dreaded “wish” word by someone in the group that Giles had put two and two together.  Another six weeks had gone by before they’d come up with a name.

Halfrek.

The vengeance demon appeared suddenly in their midst, and Giles cringed at the aggravated expression on her face.

“What do you want?” she demanded, her gaze boring into the watcher’s.  “And why are you using that spell to summon me?  Only Anyank—”

Giles honed in on the demon’s slip.

“So, you do know Anya?”

“Sure I do… Anyanka and I go way back.  Why?”

“No reason… just… she’s missing and we were wondering if you might know what happened to her,” he lied, trying to keep the demon’s attention on him, and not on the Slayer who was just seconds from snatching the source of Halfrek’s power from around her neck.  A blue pendent with traces of red-gold flecks inside, suspended on a chain around the demon’s neck.

A second later, Buffy’s arm was around Halfrek’s throat, and the Slayer had ripped the necklace off before the demon could react.  She crushed the blue stone in her fist, causing a ripple of magic to shoot out from the pendant.

When the dust settled, Tara was lying on the ground at Buffy’s feet, unconscious.

~*~*~*~*~

Los Angeles
Present time

The pounding on a door woke him.  He rubbed wearily at his eyes and sat up.  His sweeping gaze took in the plush furnishings of his office at Wolfram & Hart and he cringed.

“Come in!” he barked out when another round of knocking commenced on his door.

Lilah poked her head inside his office.

“Oh, good.  You’re back.  I guess the Slayer and her watcher got things squared away then.  Let me bring you up to speed on what you missed while—”

“Save it.”

“Excuse me?”  Lilah arched one delicate brow and crossed her arms in front of her chest.

“I said save it.  I don’t care.”  He got up and went to his desk.  His temples were throbbing with the mother of all headaches, and his hands dug frantically in his desk drawer for a blank piece of paper.  His hand flew across the paper as he wrote his formal letter of resignation, then he stood and walked from behind his desk and handed it to Lilah.

“See that the Senior Partners get this, won’t you?”

“But—”

“I quit… I’m not cut out for this…”

“You can’t quit.”

Lindsey paused at the door and turned around.

“Sure I can.  And, as… shrewd as you are, you’ll spin my resignation to your advantage… Hell, I was the only one that stood in your way of becoming one of the next Vice Presidents in the company.  Think of it as eliminating the competition…”

He walked out of his office and down the short hallway leading to the elevators.

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