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Chapter 24

Elizabeth sat next to her hostess, Renee Atherton, Marchioness of Haversham, discussing the events that had transpired in the city this past week while she’d been away on her honeymoon. She listened to the vampiress halfheartedly, her eyes constantly drifting back towards her husband who sat several places away, talking to the Duke of Sevring.

In the month spent preparing for her wedding, she and the vampiress had become close friends. And, it was the vampiress that had gloated right along with her that Elizabeth had managed to snag the earl out from under everyone else, claiming all the while that she’d known the first moment she’d met her guardian that he cared about the girl.

That had led to Elizabeth asking the vampiress whether or not a vampire could love…which had brought about a whole discussion about how the vampiress had been turned, about her sire and husband, and about Renee’s knowledge beforehand of his “situation” and how she’d loved him even knowing what he was…and that he’d loved her as well.

Renee had confessed to the girl that she’d tried to join him in death several times after he’d turned to dust, deliberately seeking out the sun to take the pain of his leaving away. But, she’d been stopped – the Aurelius clan looking out for her during her time of grief. It had been that, and her human brother that had managed to prevent her from taking that final step.

The conversation had been most illuminating to the young girl, and she’d felt better knowing that she wasn’t the only one capable of loving a demon…and that one day, he might come to feel the same.

Spike felt the eyes of the Slayer on him yet again, and he glanced away from the Duke momentarily to look at his wife. Passion flared to life within his the blue depths of his gaze he pinned on the Slayer, and saw evidence of the desire she was too innocent to mask. He smiled at her, the slight upturn to his lips a promise of things to come once they were back home, before he turned away to continue his discussion with Rafe.

Doyle sat across from Spike at the table, next to the Duke’s wife, Caroline. He watched as the vampire glanced over towards the Slayer, the electricity between the two so great, there was no doubt in anyone’s mind what would be happening later that evening with the two. It was funny how neither party noticed their effect on the other guests. The half-breed snickered as he saw all of the vampires, and several of the humans twitch in their seats at the lust brimming in the newlywed’s eyes before Spike severed the connection and returned to his conversation.

“They love each other very much,” the Duchess beside him whispered.

“I think we can safely say that theirs was a love match,” he replied. The two shared a smile before changing the topic, once more returning to subjects deemed appropriate in polite society.

After dinner, the men had retired to the late-Marquess study to partake of an after-dinner cigar and brandy. The ladies moved to the drawing room and discussion turned to gowns, households, and the next event planned for the season.

Soon the men filtered back to join the ladies, and it was no small surprise among several of the ladies gathered that the Earl of Arundel was the first through the door. They’d all gotten a glimpse of the two and those not deeply in love with their own husbands sighed silently at the couple’s obvious affection for one another, wishing they too could have a love like theirs.  

~*~

“Are you nervous?” Renee asked Elizabeth. “Because you shouldn’t be. As unorthodox as it may be, Lord Thornton has claimed you as his. You’ll have nothing to fear at the gathering.”

“Gathering?” she asked confused.

“Oh, I thought you knew. He must not have told you yet. Well, just look surprised when he does tell you about it, and it’ll be our secret,” Renee replied with a wink.

The two laughed conspiratorially causing a few heads to turn their way. Elizabeth envied the vampiress’ ability of not blushing at having drawn the others’ notice. She, unfortunately, was blushing profusely at their spontaneous outburst – especially when such public displays weren’t deemed “the thing.”

“Now look what you’ve done,” Elizabeth remarked. “This is going to get back to Mrs. Rothworth and I’ll never hear the end of it…laughing in public like this.”

Mrs. Rothworth had returned to her own home after Elizabeth’s marriage only after assuring her former charge that she was welcome to visit at any time. Elizabeth had been relieved, not wanting to be severed from her lifeline just yet. True, she was now married to her vampire lover, but she’d been led to expect certain rites and ceremonies were commonplace among these demons and she didn’t want to have to do without the elder woman’s guidance in such matters. Although, Renee had taken it upon herself to help her better understand their way of life.

“Oh…nonsense. They’re just dying to know what we find so amusing, is all. Any one of them would give up their week’s allowance to be privy to our conversation.”

And, it was true. The others had kept their distance as the two woman had moved away from the group to converse quietly, but several of the lesser noblewomen gathered tonight were green with envy at Elizabeth’s fast-growing friendship with the popular Marchioness.

“So, tell me about this gathering. I take it from all the secrecy that it’s a vampire event,” she whispered quietly so that she wouldn’t be overheard.

“It is indeed. And, it’s your first, so you’ll be formally introduced to clan Aurelius.” Seeing the girl visibly blanch, she rushed on. “Oh, you don’t have to worry. It’s nothing life threatening. And then afterwards, the fun begins…although, you may not want to hang around for that. Lots of blood and fighting.”

Elizabeth listened, her eyes wide in astonishment and confusion. The vampiress saw and chuckled softly.

“It’s who we are, it’s what we do,” she explained. “The purpose isn’t to kill, but our demons need an outlet. These mock battles away from the humans give us that.”

Beside her, Elizabeth nodded, fascinated. She expected to feel revulsion at her friend’s explanation, yet in an odd way, it made sense – she only hoped she still felt the same way once she witnessed firsthand everything the vampiress was describing.

“The Marquess of Darderwyne is holding the event. You haven’t met him, or his mate. They’ve been traveling and making arrangements. I think they’d left right before you’d ventured to the city.”

“Oh…”

“Don’t worry, child. They’ll love you too. You’ll see.”

“If you say so…”

“I do,” she replied, looping her arm through hers. “Now, come on. Your husband has looked over here no less than five times already. I think he’s ready to depart.”

Elizabeth glanced instinctively towards where her husband stood talking with Viscount Tellidyne and a few other men. The heated look he sent her way left no doubt as to what her husband wanted to be doing. She flushed as a wave of desire rushed through her body, and her gazed darted among the occupants of the room to see if anyone else had noticed.

“Yes. I’d say he’s ready to leave.” Renee chuckled, amused at the master vampire’s possessiveness. “Come on, I’ll walk you over there. And, I’ll see you next week at the Marquess home.”

“Lord Thornton,” the vampiress greeted the earl as she and Elizabeth joined them. “Viscount Tellidyne…Joseph…Clayton.”

The half-breed and the three Aurelius vampires greeted her as she stopped before them.

“William, please, Lady Atherton” Spike greeted the raven-haired vampiress. “Elizabeth tells me you two have become fast friends. I’m glad you’ve taken her under your wing and introduced her around.”

“It was my pleasure. And, I’ll call you William only if you call me Renee.”

“Renee it is then.” Spike smiled at the gorgeous vampiress before drawing the Slayer close. “Having fun, pet?”

“I was actually. Renee is a wonderful hostess, and always has a witty story or two to share.”

“Yes, well…I guess I better go mingle with my guests. See you soon, Elizabeth,” the vampiress announced.

“Goodbye, Renee. And, thank you for having us.”

“Oh, twaddle. I’m surprised you cut short that honeymoon of yours to return to my little shindig.”

“Wouldn’t have missed it for the world, and you know it,” Elizabeth responded.

“Right then…Doyle, you ready to shove off?” Spike interjected, eager to be on his way.

The half-breed rolled his eyes, fully aware of why the other male wanted to leave. Things were well in hand here. The vampire had claimed the Slayer and had gone on to marry the chit. So, he wasn’t sure why he was still hanging out in the past – not that he hadn’t come to enjoy his brief stay. Spike was an all right bloke if you took away the evil and such.

But, these clothes were starting to wear on him. He wanted to get back to his time, wanted to wear jeans again… and decent shoes. Spike had the right of it – these pansy-assed clothes had to go!

What the hell was keeping the Powers from letting him return?

~*~*~*~*~

Elizabeth was getting more and more nervous the closer they got to Darderwyne Estates, the Marquess’ home. It was just the two of them inside the carriage, Doyle having begged off from attending. True, Renee would be there to keep her company, and she didn’t plan on leaving her husband’s side. But, it was still disconcerting to say the least. She was going to be openly mingling with them.

Vampires.

Creatures of the night.

Demons that dined off of human blood.

She unconsciously shivered next to her husband’s side, only relaxing a little when he pulled her close.

“Relax, kitten. It’s going to be fine.”

All the stories her chaperone had told her about these events were swirling around in her brain. The images of blood and fighting…and then there was the sex. Regular orgies, according to the rather descriptive words of Mrs. Rothworth. Elizabeth just prayed that she didn’t faint at the sight.

“If you say so…” she responded, unsure.

“Trust me, luv. No one is going to bother you.”

“I know that…it’s just. I don’t want to disgrace you. I’m just not…sure…will there be lots of fighting?” she asked weakly. “You won’t get hurt will you?”

She didn’t think she could bear it if something were to happen to him. Her anxiety steadily increased the more she thought about it, until she was nearly hyperventilating next to her husband.

Spike could hear her heart rate pick up, hear her erratic breathing, and knew he had to do something to take her mind off of things. She needed to relax. He couldn’t have her passing out even before they arrived.

“C’mere,” he urged, pulling her onto his lap.

One hand worked its way under the voluminous skirts of her dress as the other slipped behind her neck and hauled her down to him for a searing kiss. So caught up in the mastery of his lips upon hers, she didn’t feel the hand beneath her skirt until he’d plunged two fingers deep inside her. She tore her mouth from his, her eyes flying wide as a shocked gasp escaped her lips. Then, his fingers began to move, stretching her as they thrust in and out of her slickened passage.

“God, William…more…” she moaned as her grip on his shoulders tightened.

Spike complied, sliding a third finger inside to join the other two, groaning as he felt her walls stretch to accommodate him. Her eyes fluttered closed, and as his thumb went to work on her clit, she arched into him, grinding herself against his hand. All thoughts about the gathering slipped away…all she could concentrate on was the way he was making her feel as his fingers plunged into her repeatedly.

“More, William…make me yours…please…I need to feel…” she ground out helplessly, tottering on the brink of orgasm.

Bloody hell!

He hadn’t planned on fucking her on the carriage ride to the Marquess’ place, just wanted to bring her off and help ease her apprehension. But, her words were like a siren’s song, and he could no more resist them than those sailors that were lured to their doom.

Spike removed his fingers, biting his lip at the loss of her heat. He fumbled with his fastenings, ignoring her mewling complaints while he shoved his trousers down far enough to let his cock spring free. He used the hand coated with her juices to lubricate himself, pumping it up and down his length a few times in order to ease his entry inside her tight passage. Then he positioned himself at her entrance and rammed home.

Dual cries of satisfaction permeated the air inside the carriage.

His eyes rolled into the back of his head as her velvety heat squeezed his cock. Once fully seated with her depths, he stilled; his jaw worked as he fought to keep from coming right then. Above him, he felt the Slayer attempt to move and his grip tightened almost painfully on her hips to hold her in place.

“Please…I need…”

“I know what you need,” he growled. He lifted her hips, sliding her off his cock until just the tip remained within her channel. He waited a moment then slammed her back down over his length.

“This is what you need, innit?” His husky voice punctuated his question with the same driving technique.

“Innit?” Another hard thrust.

“You need to feel me deep inside of you…only me…isn’t that right?” he growled, driving into her harder, determined to mark her.

“Yes…only you…”

“Show me,” he snarled, never letting up on his punishing pace. “Give yourself to me.”

Elizabeth’s hazel eyes opened and locked with the amber-colored eyes of her demon husband. The balancing grip she had on his shoulders loosened, one hand lifting to sooth the ridges above his brow. When she was finished, she wound her hand around his neck and guided him to his mark.

“I’m yours…take me…”

“Slayer…”

With a possessive roar, he latched onto her throat. His fangs pierced her flesh and sent her body spiraling. Her climax hit so hard, she couldn’t prevent the near inhuman howl that burst past her lips.

Spike ignored the carriage when it halted before their destination, too caught up in the taste and feel of the Slayer. Her enriched blood as it flooded his mouth. His cock drenched with her orgasm as her vaginal walls contracted around him. He could stay here like this forever…sod the damn gathering.

He released her neck, not wanting to take too much of her blood and have her feeling dazed, licking the new marks on her neck closed. His demon receded, once more leaving his human mask in place. Invigorated with her Slayer’s blood, he drove himself into her, his hips lifting off the seat as he tried to bury every last inch of himself within her quivering chasm.

“I love you…” she whispered softly and wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing herself close to him.

Those three softly spoken words were his downfall, and he gave himself over to his release, spilling himself deep within her womb. He crushed her to him, unmindful of her hair and gown, kissing her with a sudden desperation – as if, on some level he knew that things would change. That after today things would never be the same…like they were right now.

Reluctantly, he ended the kiss. They’d been sitting there for some time now, and they should probably put their clothes to rights and make an appearance.

“Come on, luv. We best be getting inside,” Spike told her.

She nodded at him, a little apprehensive, but not too much so since he was still inside her…still a part of her. She smiled at him, determined to make him proud.

‘I can do this,’ she told herself firmly. ‘I can.’

When their clothes were finally straightened, Spike opened the door to the carriage and stepped down. He turned, lifting his hand to assist the Slayer to the ground.

“See that our bags are brought inside and then you can go. Return for us in a week’s time,” he told the coachman, who tipped his hat and assured the earl that everything would be seen to.

Spike tucked his wife’s hand in the crook of his arm and led her towards the front steps. No servants greeted their arrival. The only humans on the premises were probably chained up somewhere…food just waiting to be consumed.

~*~*~*~*~

To say the room came to a standstill at their entrance was an understatement. All activity stopped as Spike made his way down the foyer and into the sitting room where his host and hostess – he assumed – held court.

He was saved from guessing when Renee hurried over to greet them.

“William…Elizabeth! Come…let me introduce you to our host and hostess.”

She led them over to the couple Spike had unerringly picked out, noting with satisfaction their instant deference to his presence when they stood to greet him.

“Derrick, Esme…may I introduce William and Elizabeth Thornton, the Earl and Countess of Arundel,” Renee introduced.

“William, Elizabeth…” she gestured towards the couple, continuing, “Derrick and Esme Northcutt, Marquess and Marchioness of Darderwyne, and our hosts for this event.”

“Elizabeth…Renee’s told me so much about you. Come, let me introduce you to some of our guests and leave the men to get acquainted…if that’s alright with you, Lord Thornton?”

Spike glanced down at the Slayer, who looked up at him with a tremulous smile. She gave him a slight nod. He nodded to the redheaded vampiress and watched as she looped her arm with the Slayer’s and led his wife away. Things seemed fairly tame right now, as everyone was doing the meet and greet, but he’d have to keep an eye on her later once the party got into full swing.

“She’ll be fine here,” the dark-haired Marquess announced. “No one would dare to harm that which is yours. Come. Let me introduce you to some of the others.”

He allowed himself to be led away by the older-looking vampire, out of the drawing room and towards the study where a small group of males congregated. Spike recognized Viscount Sotheby, the vampire that had danced with his wife at the Duke of Sevring’s ball, and the Marquess of Eaglethorpe, but the others he’d yet to meet. The others looked up as he and his host walked towards them, halting their conversation and opening their small circle to allow them to join.

“Lord Thornton…” the Marquess began.

“William,” Spike corrected automatically.

“Yes…William…let me make known to you Marcus Devlin, the Marquess of Brummidge and heir to the Duke of Rutherford.”

Spike glanced up at the taller vampire. He looked about the same age as him, but knew instinctively that he was just a fledgling. With dark hair and dark eyes, the man bore a look similar to his grandsire.

“Marcus,” Spike greeted.

“Next to him is Joseph Maitland, Marquess of Eaglethorpe, whom you’ve already met, I’ve been told.”

Spike nodded at the second dark-haired vampire.

“Bryon Fielding, Earl of Hawkingstone…Hawk to his close friends,” the Marquess continued with his introductions. And finally, Clayton Percival, Viscount Sotheby.”

“We’ve met,” Spike announced. “Clayton…”

“Gentlemen, this is William Thornton, the Earl of Arundel, recently returned to London.”

The vampires greeted Spike warmly, quickly drawing him in to their exclusive circle. Their conversation resumed, and Spike listened as they discussed the scheduled events planned for the evening. The thought of sparring with the others appealed and he eagerly accepted their invitation to join them.

Through the claim, he felt the Slayer’s tension ease and he began to finally relax in the others’ company. A drink was thrust in his hand at some point and he drank it down, relishing the content’s fiery path down his throat.

~*~*~*~*~

Elizabeth had to admit, this was nothing like she’d imagined after the tales Mrs. Rothworth had been spinning at the goings on at these affairs. So far, besides the fact that it was an exclusive vampire soiree, she couldn’t see any difference between what was occurring here and what transpired at a normal ton event. Well, except for a little more public affection. Oh…and there was that instance of some woman kissing another woman, which had brought a blush to her cheeks and teasing laughter from Renee and Esme. The idea had shocked her even though she couldn’t help but gawk at the two going at it in right in front of everyone.

And, what’s more. No one seemed to care. It was as if the strictures of society were suddenly gone and everyone did whatever they wanted, whenever they wanted.

Just like that, the anxiety that she had been harboring evaporated, and she was finally able to relax and just enjoy herself.

Esme introduced Elizabeth to several of the women loitering about her home, moving from room to room as the red-headed vampiress alternately greeted people and gave her a tour of the lower levels.

“And I believe you’ve already met Mrs. Rothworth,” Esme said gesturing to an older woman clustered with a small group of older-looking women.

Elizabeth squealed with delight, rushing over to greet the woman that had become a mother figure to her. She couldn’t keep the smile off of her face when the elder woman opened her arms, going eagerly into her embrace.

“Child, you look lovely. I see marriage agrees with you. You look very happy.”

“Yes, it does, and I am…immensely so.”

“That’s good to hear. Now, toddle on back to your friends and leave this old woman to natter with hers. We’ll sit down and chat at some point this week.”

“Right…I’m sorry to interrupt.”

“Nonsense. I just don’t want to steal our hostess’ thunder by taking you away from her side. Now, off you go.”

Elizabeth gave the older woman one last hug, then moved to rejoin Renee and Esme. She paused momentarily in her tracks…stunned into immobility at the sudden sense of danger permeating her body. It was as if tingles were rushing up and down her back and neck, urging her to flee. To escape. A moment later, it was gone…as if only imagined, and she mentally shook herself before hurriedly returning to her hostess’ side.

~*~*~*~*~

As the night wore on, Elizabeth steady consumed the beverages placed in her hand. Her inebriated mind wondered when they were going to sit down and eat dinner, never realizing that here, the vampires had been steadily eating throughout the night, availing themselves of the human flesh locked up several floors below her.

She felt arms slip around her waist and draw her back against a hard, lean frame and knew instinctively that it was her husband. She relaxed into him, grateful to have something sturdy to brace herself against. The several glasses of wine she’d had on an empty stomach were playing havoc with her equilibrium.

“Little tipsy there, kitten,” Spike murmured in her ear before sucking the lobe into his mouth.

“Mmmm…’s your fault,” she slurred as she ground herself into him.

“Playin’ with fire there, pet,” he growled back. “’n what’s my fault?”

“’m hungry…when are we gonna eat? Doesn’t anyone eat at these things?” she complained. “All I’ve had tonight is alcohol…and alcohol and me? So much with the non-mixy.”

And she proved it, by nearly falling in a heap at his feet.

“Bloody hell,” he grumbled, grabbing her more securely about the waist and moving them towards what, he figured, were the kitchens. Hopefully, his host had kept some finger food around to appease the Slayer’s hunger.

He pushed his way through the doors into the kitchen and wasn’t surprised when he saw several couples having sex in various spots around the room. The alcohol and blood had been free flowing for most of the night and the amorous inclinations of the bunch had taken hold. He was just thankful that he had a private room secured for the duration of his stay.

“Come on, pet. Let’s get a bit of fruit into you.”

“M’kay.”

She grabbed the apple that her husband handed her, taking a huge bite of the fruit and chewing it down. She kept at it until nothing remained but the core, and started to feel marginally better with something in her stomach.

“Have some grapes too,” Spike urged.

When she’d eaten her fill, he had her wash it down with some water, figuring any more wine would defeat the purpose of the food she’d just consumed.

“All better now?”

“Uh huh.”

“Good, then, come on. The fun’s about to start.”

“Fun? What fun?”

“The fighting kind.” When she gripped him tightly, he rushed to reassure her. “Nothing serious, pet. It’s just…’s what we do.”

She noticed the gleam in his eye, indicating his delight…as if he were looking forward to pounding on something…or someone.

Her hand lifted, tracing over the sharp contours of his face.

“You’ll be careful? I couldn’t bear it if something were to happen to you,” she whispered softly.

“You’re not getting rid of me that easily, luv,” he chuckled, pulling her close. “Now come on. I’ll have you stand close by Renee and if it’s too much for you to watch, she’ll take you back to our room.”

He led her to the ballroom where a crowd was already gathering. A couple of vampires were sparring, divested of shirt and shoes, clad in only their breeches. Various nicks and bruises marred their features but both were smiling, reveling in their skirmish.

Elizabeth’s eyes remained transfixed on the fighters, their bare torsos gleaming with spilt blood. They moved around the room within the circle of the others, trading blows. It was violent, yet fascinating, and she found she couldn’t turn away from them as William pulled her along behind him towards where Renee stood on the edge of the mock battlefield.

Spike saw the Slayer’s eyes on the two and smirked. He turned her towards him and lifted her face for a hard kiss before abruptly releasing her and turning away. Moving towards an empty chair, he quickly divested himself of his clothes, leaving nothing on but the dark breeches he wore. Cheers sounded behind him and he guessed that one of the fighters had won the round.

He made his way back to the middle of the room where Marcus, his sire look-alike, stood waiting for him. The crowd quieted as the two circled one another, silently weighing the other’s skill. Spike knew he outmatched the other vampire, but decided to go easy on him to prolong the fight.

Not too easy, as he moved in a blur and delivered a blow to the other’s face. He grinned, smiling at Marcus with his devil-may-care attitude. The other smiled back, eager to fight…even if he knew he was going to lose.

Then, it was on. Both traded blows, fists and claws digging into the other’s flesh as they moved about the room. The sounds of everyone’s cheers erupted around him, but he remained concentrated on the fight…holding back some of his strength and expertise as the two sparred. His demon gloried in the blood that was drawn, the sound of his fists meeting the tender flesh of his opponent.

~*~

Elizabeth watched her husband spar with the dark-haired man, cringing at every blow that landed on her lover. She bit her lip to keep from crying out, not wanting to distract him and allow the other man to win. The man hit her husband with a lucky blow to the head that sent him reeling, and stood by helplessly as William picked himself up easily, vaulting to his feet with feline grace and rejoining the fight.

On and on it went, until she could stand it no more, her eyes staring unfocused so she wouldn’t have to see each blow that was delivered to her husband, hear each tear as another strip of skin was sliced open on one of them.

The images began to blur and the figures changed. The tingles along her neck and back returned with a vengeance as a new scene overlaid what was playing out before her. The figure dressed in a long, black leather coat, red button down shirt, black jeans and boots blocked the blow of another vampire. This one was taller. Broader. Dressed in a similar fashion and struggling to defend himself against the blond-headed vampire as he rained down blow after blow upon him. He glanced her way and she gasped in surprise.

Angel.

Buffy glanced frantically around her. Her Slayer senses were going crazy. Her gaze darted about the room, taking in all the vampires clustered around her.

What was she doing here? Why was everyone dressed so strangely? What the hell was going on?

She directed her attention back to the two fighters and noticed that the dark-haired vampire wasn’t Angel and breathed a sigh of relief. Although similar in build, he didn’t move like him, and if she could hazard a guess, she figured that the vamp was a fledgling, and a young one at that, judging by the awkward way he defended himself against the other vamp.

Speaking of.

Her eyes narrowed in concentration. His back was to her, so she couldn’t make out his features just yet. If he could just turn around…

Spike?

Spike looked up at the sound of his name. He glanced around, his amber gaze quickly seeking out the Slayer.

Fuck!

He took in her stiff posture, the fire blazing from her eyes, and knew that Elizabeth was gone for good. His anger that it was finally over, that he was once more dealing with the true Slayer, and a brassed off one at that, threatened to overwhelm him and in a fit of rage, he turned away from her and delivered a blow to Marcus that sent the fledgling hurtling against the far group of spectators.

His swung back around, his gaze pinning her in place while all around him the others were cheering his name.

Before she had a chance to move, to run away, he was on her, pinning her arms to her side as he buried his fangs in her throat.

Her last thought before Buffy faded to unconsciousness was that he’d done it. Spike had managed to bag his third Slayer.

Then the world tilted on its axis and went black.

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