All's Fair In Love and War

Authors: angelusmate

Rating: definitely NC-17 *g*

Pairings: Angel/ Willow and Spike/Fred

Summary: Willow and Angel are on a secret mission and have to pretend to be a married couple

Distribution: Soulmates - http://www.redssoulmates.com, A Vampire's Love

Email: (Emails will be posted at the beginning of the chapters with writer names)

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Chapter 1 ~Susi~ Feedback

L.A.

Clayton Warner nervously wiped the sweat of his bald head with his big crushed handkerchief. His view out of little pig eyes, half covered behind thick glasses, flitted from the visit card in his hand to the facade of the gigantic dark building. Well, very inviting the house really didn't look. Splintering colours, blind dirty panes and no firms sign. Was he really at the right place? Even if Clayton had displaced it until now deliberately, he needed professional help or his life's work would be slowly but certainly destroyed. His entire courage collecting, Clayton climbed wheezing the steps to the entrance and entered as still as possible the lobby of a former hotel. Power of observation and knowledge of human nature were called his biggest gifts, and so Clayton remained waiting at the entrance and looked around insistently. A young woman, with long dark hair and eyeglasses which seemed continuously to slide off her nose, stood behind the counter and sorted file cards with meticulousness. At a desk behind her, another young woman typed absorbed at a computer. And on a round red sofa in the middle of the lobby sat a young Afro-American guy and polished enthusiastic a type of axe. Had his friend not mentioned the agency would be led by a vampire? Clayton's attention was attracted by a dark-haired man in his early thirties who came out of one of the adjoining rooms. Completely engrossed in a thick book he passed by Clayton as if he would be invisible.

Clayton mustered up his entire courage. "Mr. Angel?"

Surprised, the addressed swirled around and lost at the same time his book. He tried to catch it clumsily whereby his wild rowing arms struck his glasses off his nose. Both objects landed with a loud ‚thud' on the tiles. Easily blushing the young man collected his glasses and the book quickly of the ground before he turned to the newcomer.

"Excuse me, Sir. Can I help you?"

This could be impossibly the vampire described by his friend. Impossible. Vampires were dangerous graceful hunters and no short-sighted bookworms. "This is Angel Investigations, isn't it?"

"Exactly. And you need our help", joined in the conversation the young woman by the computer. With a broad friendly smile, she came up to Clayton and stretched out her hand. "Cordelia Chase." Without being aware of it, Clayton returned the irresistible smile and shook her hand.

"Forgive me, Miss Chase. Warner, Clayton Warner. I have to speak urgently with Mr. Angel over an extremely delicate matter."

"Oh, Angel is at the moment", she hesitated slightly, "non-available." Perhaps his colleague Mr. Wyndham-Price can help you?" At the same time she pointed at the still blushed clumsy oaf.

"Perhaps I should better come back later", mumbled Clayton excusingly and already wanted to turn away when he saw the hurt and rejected expression on the face of Mr. Wyndham-Price. Somehow he simply couldn't bring himself to go now any longer. "But my problem is actual very urgent and it would be really better to go through the details already, Mr. Wyndham-Price." Than he saw the happy expression in the eyes of his vis-à-vis, and Clayton knew that he had made the correct decision.

Wesley pointed toward his office. "If you would please follow me, Mr. Warner."

~~~*~~~

"I know that Mr. Angel is a vampire," opened Clayton the conversation and leaned back relaxed into the thick leather cushions of the comfortable armchair. "That's also the reason why I finally decided to seek professional help."

"May I ask, from where you have Angel's name?" Wesley interjected curiously.

"Certainly. A friend of mine, owner of a karaoke bar here in L. A.-"

Surprised Wesley sharply sucked in air. "You know Lorne?"

"Yeah," Clayton nodded confirming. "He's one of my oldest and best friends. Why does it surprise you so much, Mr. Wyndham-Price?"

"Please call me Wesley, Sir," Wesley answered slowly, considering to not to appear too curious. "Not many humans associate with demons on a friendly basis. Very interesting, indeed. So, please tell me what your case is about."

Clayton felt more and more at ease in Wesley's company and sipped at his hot tea. It was really refreshing to not have to weigh every word. Carefully Clayton sat down the fragile china cup on the small table next to him.

"You must know, Wesley, I am married for more than thirty years with a Sharak demon and yet after this long time we are still very very happy. When we married at that time, traditionally humanly, my wife insisted on it, there were no possibilities to spend our honeymoon in a normal hotel."

Wesley nodded sympathetic. Also today there were limited possibilities for demons to mix with humans without to conceal or to deny great parts of themselves.

"I love my wife above all and therefore it was only natural for me to use my property for her dream." At Wesley's blank looks, Clayton had to smile. "The Sharak Resort Hotel at South Padre Island, Texas, for newly weds… of different races that goes without saying." His rascal grinning let Clayton's pig face glow sympathetically.

Wesley couldn't imagine for his life that the hotel of his client was used very much. Yet on the other hand the years with Angel and the others had taught him often better and had turned all his watcher knowledge upside down.

"Is your hotel working to capacity, Mr. Warner?" Wesley asked therefore interested.

Clayton chuckled amused. "We are fully booked in advance for months." But suddenly a shadow flew over his friendly face and his expression darkened. "Till now no one noticed something, but for some weeks guests have disappeared again and again."

"Which part?" threw Wesley inn and made quickly a couple of notices.

"The kidnappers are not specialized if you mean that," Clayton replied calm.

Wesley nodded and wrote that also down. "And what happens then?" Wesley asked. "Do the victims turn up again?"

Clayton shook sadly his head. "No. I receive a call immediately after the kidnapping with the ransom demand. Deliverer should always be the remained spouse which gladly without contradiction undertakes this task."

When Clayton did not keep on talking, Wesley looked up from his memos.

"And then?"

"I don't know," Clayton declared with a shrug of his massive shoulders. "Neither my guests nor the ransom turn up again. Sometimes the flood washes a couple of bones ashore, but the police seem to have no interest in the identification."

Wesley frowned pensively. "Do you believe the police are involved?"

Clayton considered it shortly but shook then emphatically his head. "No, I think they're only indifferent." He once again sipped at his tea which got cold in the meantime. "Do you think you can help me?"

Wesley closed his notice block and leaned back in his chair. "Whatever causes your trouble, I'm certain that A.I. can help you. Mr. Gunn and I already have solved many of such explosive cases."

That brought a wry grin to Clayton's face. "I lead indeed a very open-minded hotel but even I would have great difficulties to explain the presence of two masculine humans in the honeymoons."

Wesley got bright red and gulped. Oh God, hopefully Mr. Warner didn't thought now he might be… gay! Panic-stricken, he tore his glasses of his nose and began to polish them in despair. He shot out of his chair, almost knocking it over in his haste to get out. "Perhaps Angel is now able to discuss your case. I go and check it quickly." Therewith Wesley left almost hastily his office and raced into the lobby.

~~~*~~~

"Hey man, what happened?" Gunn asked and pointed with his thumb towards Wesley's office.

"New client. Interesting case. Need Angel!" Wesley called hurrying by and raced up the stairway to the first floor.

"He won't be really doing what I think he's going to do," Cordelia muttered to herself and looked after Wesley's disappearing figure.

"Yes, he is," Fred affirmed Cordy's fear softly, and pushed back up her glasses.

Gunn frowned and put down his axe beside him. "You think someone should go and look?"

Cordy wrinkled her nose and turned resolutely to the kitchen. "Crap. I'll bring our shaky knight his dose of blood and you look after our client for so long."

~~~*~~~

Softly Wesley knocked at Angel's door but nobody answered. He tried again, a bit more forcefully, but again all remained silent behind the door.

"Not the best time to tear an injured vampire from his sleep," mumbled Wesley and reached for the doorknob when suddenly a small hand grabbed for his elbow.

"Aaaah!!" Wesley squeaked loud and swirled to his aggressor. When he saw that it was only Cordelia armed with a cup, he sighed in relief.

"GOOD-," Wesley cleared totally embarrassed his throat and tried to get his squeaking voice under control. "Good Lord, Cordelia, did you want to kill me?"

Cordy's dark eyes glittered with amusement. "Actually I didn't think you were suicidal." She pushed the cup into his face. "Here, you know how grumpy our favourite-vamp will be when his beauty sleep gets interrupted." A second later Cordelia was already on her way back down to the lobby.

Wesley tried to compose himself again. Pantingly, he breathed a few times in and out, and sneaked quietly into Angel's suite. The room lay in complete darkness and his eyes needed some time to accustom. As soon as Wesley could see the outlines of the furniture he tiptoed to the ajar bedroom door. Carefully he peered into the other room and saw a large dark shadow motionless lying on the bed. Wesley suddenly remembered reports of Watcher who came up against sleeping injured vampires. Bloody was the most harmless expression for what happened after that. His tactic quickly considering, Wesley felt for the light switch. When the room was flooded with soft light, he felt more at ease. Till he looked into the cup and saw the dark blood with a hint of… cinnamon? Disgusted Wesley held the cup far away from himself and opened resolute the bedroom door, careful to make as much noise as even possible.

~~~*~~~

Angel smelled the wonderful scent of fresh warm blood. His starved demon pushed with all its strength against its bindings. Drowsy Angel opened his chocolate-brown eyes and looked directly at a cup that was held into his face.

"Here Angel, your breakfast."

Automatically Angel grasped for the cup and set it at his lips. "Mmmh, Cordy's mixture."

"Do you feel better?" asked Wesley, after he sat down on the chair by the bed and watched Angel drink.

Carefully Angel turned to place the now empty cup on the bedside table. He winced when one of his broken rips shifted.

"A little," Angel lied and leaned back against the soft pillows. "Is something up?"

Wesley was relieved that Cordelia's little trick apparently had functioned. "Down in my office sits a new client. Mr. Warner's case seems to be really interesting."

At the mentioning of Warner's name something flashed up in Angel's dark eyes.

"You know the man?" asked Wesley astonished.

Angel's lips twitched slightly. "Warner's hotel is… world-famous."

Outraged Wesley sat up on his chair to his full size. "I can't believe it. The entire world but the Watcher seems to know this hotel!"

"Calm down, Wes," Angel said and tugged at one of his many bandages. "It's an insider tip." He looked up again, eyes darkened already with exhaustion. "What is his problem?"

"It seems that someone or something kidnaps his newlyweds, collects the ransom and afterwards let the victims disappear."

"Not the best kind of advertising," Angel mumbled and stifled a yawn. "You think we should take the case?"

Wesley nodded eagerly.

"Good, then its best you start with the research already. In two or three days I'd be…" Angel's eyes fell shut and within seconds he was asleep again.

Wesley rubbed his hands in glee and he ran back to the lobby.

"Fred, please look for the number of a Willow Rosenberg, Sunnydale," called Wesley in passing the young brunette scientist. At the entrance of his office he stalled.

"Mr. Warner? We will take over your case. In three days we will contact you, if that's ok with you, and go into details."

Clayton stood up heavily and grateful shook hands with both men. "You can't imagine how much that reassures me. Thank you and till in three days."

After Clayton Warner had left the hotel, Wesley went back to Fred to make the call. He was aware that his friends watched him in wonder. He waited impatiently that someone would pick up, when a friendly warm voice of a woman answered.

"Do I speak to Willow Rosenberg?" Wesley asked tense. "Good. My name is Wesley Wyndham-Price; we met once in Sunnydale… yes right, Faith… I'm calling in Angel's name… no no, he's well considering the circumstances, but he ask if you would be willing to support him with his next case… really? That's excellent… As soon as possible… Should someone pick you up? No?... Good good…. Till tomorrow then, Miss Rosenberg." With a most satisfied face Wesley put down the receiver and turned back to the others.

"Are you totally nuts now, Wes?" Cordelia hissed with her hands stemmed at her hips. "To send for Willow of all people! You… you-." And with a furious, "Aaargh!" Cordelia stormed out of the lobby.

Chapter 2 ~Janet Lynn~ Feedback

<> indicate thoughts.

Sunnydale

Willow smiled down at the telephone she had just laid down on the receiver. <That has to be one of the strangest phone calls I have ever received> she thought with a small smile on her face. She wandered back into the living room and looked at her friends hanging out, waiting for her.

"So, Will" Xander asked, with a horrible fake British accent. "Who was on the telly?"

"Tosser" Spike spat out. "A 'telly' is a television."

"Oh, then what's a phone called?" the brunette asked.

"A phone" Spike replied with a look that could only say 'Duh!".

Xander smiled sheepishly at his mistake and turned back to his childhood friend, waiting for the scoop.

"Oddly enough, that was Wesley" the redhead explained.

"Wesley?" Xander asked. "As in Faith's ex-Watcher, stuck-up Brit turned rogue demon hunter, Angel's clerk boy Wesley?"

"Yes" Willow reiterated before sitting down on the couch between Xander and Spike.

"Well, don't keep us in suspense, luv" Spike prodded. "What did the git want?"

"He wants me to come to LA to help work on a case."

"What?!" everyone in the room shouted at the small redhead.

She smiled back at her friends. This was going to be interesting. "They have a new case that they need some help with and Wesley asked me to come down and give them a hand."

"And you agreed to go just like that?" Anya asked, trying to be a part of the conversation.

"Well, I don't see why I shouldn't go" Willow said defensively. "It's not like there's anything going on around here and I think I really need a distraction right now." It had been two weeks since Willow and Tara had decided to take a break and just be friends for a while, but the redhead was still having a hard time dealing with the change. Maybe going to LA and helping with this case would take her mind off her problems.

"But what about Buffy?" Dawn asked. "She's going to be really pissed when she finds out they asked for you and not her. Can I tell her? She should be back from patrol any minute."

"No, you can not tell her" Willow snapped at the teenager. "And she is not going to find out about it."

"Well, I hate to be the pooper of this party, Wills, but how are you planning on getting down there without Buffy?" Xander asked, snagging the last piece of pizza and munching on it happily.

"I thought maybe you could take me" the young witch said expectantly.

"No can do, my bud of buds" the young man said around his mouthful of cheesy goodness. "I've got a big project we're working on down at the site and there is no way I can take even one day off to drive you down there. You sure you won't ask the Buffster?"

"First off, I don't think it would be a good idea after the last run in she had with Angel" she explained, remembering the fight the two former lovers had that almost resulted in blows being traded. "Besides, after the last time I was in a car with her, I swore I would never put my life in that type of danger again."

The group sat in quiet contemplation before Dawn offered her suggestion. "Why don't you have Spike take you down? He's got that cool motorcycle and all, plus he's a really good driver."

"Don't think that's a good idea, Bit" Spike said, glancing at the redhead to see what her reaction to the idea was.

"Why not?" the teenager asked defiantly.

"Peaches and I don't get along too well, remember?"

"Well, if you'd stop sticking hot pokers through his body, maybe he wouldn't be so mad at you" Willow said with a smirk. She loved teasing the blonde every chance she got.

"That was business, Red" Spike glared at his friend. "Pouf had my ring and I had to get it back. Besides, it's not like he hasn't done worse to me." By the end he was grumbling almost to himself.

"Then this will be the perfect opportunity for you two to make up" Dawn said smiling.

"I hate to agree with any plan that involves the help of the bleached menace, but it looks like he's your best bet, Will" Xander said as he swallowed the last bite of pizza.

Willow sighed. She hated to ask Spike to do something he didn't want to but he seemed to be her only choice. "Spike" she said in a quiet voice as turned to the blonde vampire sitting next to her. "I would really appreciate it if you would take me to LA. I promise I'll make it worth your while."

"Promises, promises, Red" Spike leered at the girl with his patented smirk.

"Spike, that is so not what I meant" the redhead squealed as she slapped him on his arm. "I'll get you some blood to take on the trip. Human, the good stuff."

"Done" he cried. Maybe this wasn't going to be so bad after all. "When do we leave?"

"Tomorrow, right after sunset."

"Now that has all been settled, can we please get back to watching the movie?" Dawn pleaded. "We were almost to my favorite part."

"Fine, Niblet" Spike replied as he grabbed the remote and started the movie up again. He smiled as he listened to the young girl laugh at the "Knights who say 'Ni!'. He loved movie night.

~~~*~~~

The next day at sunset, Willow sat in the Summer's home waiting for her ride to show up. She had lied to Buffy and told her that she was going to help Wesley with something. Technically, it wasn't a lie, but she still felt bad. At least she had been able to convince the slayer to not be around when Spike showed up to pick her up.

The blonde vampire walked in the house with a swirl of his leather duster. Willow just giggled at his display and grabbed her bag. "You ready to go, Red?" he asked as he breezed through the house.

"Yeah Spike" she said as she reached down to grab her backpack. Wesley hadn't really given her any details, so she wasn't sure what to pack. Plus it would be hard to carry a suitcase on the motorcycle, so she had just packed light. She figured if she needed anything specific, she could just go shopping. Angel would just have to consider it a business expense.

Once they were outside, Spike handed the witch her helmet and settled onto the bike. Willow stood back and looked over the machine she was about to climb on. She noticed that Spike had brought nothing with him.

"Didn't you to bring something with you?" she asked. "Maybe a change of clothes or something."

"Nah, Red" Spike replied. "As long as I got me duster and fags, I'm good. You did bring the blood you promised, yeah?"

"I didn't have a way to bring it with us, so I figured we would see if Angel had a supplier and I would get some from him." Willow smiled at the look of distaste on the blonde's face when she mentioned Angel's name.

"Whatever, luv" Spike replied waiting for the girl to join him. "Let's get this show on the road."

Willow strapped the helmet on securely before hopping on the back of the bike. She wrapped her arms around the waist of the man in front of her.

Since they couldn't talk on the ride down, Willow had plenty of time to think. The trip from Sunnydale to LA normally took about two and a half hours, but the way Spike was driving it would be a lot sooner than that. The redhead thought about how strange this relationship with Spike was. Somehow, the two had become good friends over the past few weeks. Willow had been upset over her breakup with Tara and Spike had been the most supportive of all the Scoobies. He flirted with her but she knew that was just the way Spike was. He thought of her more like a sister, he had made that perfectly clear.

Spike smiled when he felt the warm girl snuggle closer to him as the night air got cooler. Soon they would be in LA and at the hotel with his poofter sire. He wondered what they wanted with Red. He had planned on just dropping her off and heading back to Sunnydale, but he needed to make sure everything was on the up and up. After all, she was the only real friend he'd had in…well, forever. Now that he had a friend, he wasn't about to do anything to ruin it.

Sooner than they would have believed it, they were stopping in front of the Hyperion Hotel.

"Well pet, here we are" Spike said with a slight bow as he helped the redhead off the bike.

Willow took a deep breath before heading toward the front door. Spike quickly opened the door for the young witch. He followed her into the lobby of the large hotel and shouted out "Well, happy people! Help has arrived!"

The blonde and redhead both froze as they were surrounded by the Angel Investigations crew, each member training a different weapon on them.

The only sound in the lobby was the echoing voice of Angel as he came running out of his office asking, "Spike, what the hell are you doing here?"

Chapter 3 ~Lucinda~ Feedback

Willow sighed, wondering why everyone was looking quite so suspicious and hostile and just...well, unwelcoming. "I don't have a car, remember? Well, you probably don't, since I rather doubt that any of you knew me well enough in Sunnydale to realize that, but I don't have one. Spike agreed to bring me here because someone….," she glared at Wesley, wondering if he'd forgotten to mention that she'd be coming to help. "Someone asked me to come help you with a case. And if that meant helping you with your target practice, I am going to leave slowly right now."

Angel put down the crossbow, looking a little worried. "No, don't leave. It's just we didn't know that Spike would be coming. Wesley didn't warn us to expect him."

"I hadn't realized that she would be arriving with Spike," Wesley sounded worried and almost apologetic.

"What's so bad about Spike anyhow? I mean, you all looked ready to chop him into bits, and I'm a little curious why?" The woman with the long dark hair wasn't someone that Willow knew, although she looked a tiny bit familiar. Maybe she'd been there the day she'd told them about Buffy's death? Whoever she was, the woman was slender, with long dark hair and a southern accent. Well, not quite southern, but similar.

Spike leaned over, whispering in Willow's ear. "Who's that?"

Looking around the room, she frowned slightly. "I'm not sure. I don't know who half of these people are. Maybe Angel can do the introductions? And if someone can explain what I'm supposed to be helping with that would be really nice."

Angel nodded, and looked as if he was visibly calming himself. "Spike is my Childe. The people that you don't recognize him…Gunn, and Fred. Everyone can put their weapons down, it doesn't look like Spike is here to make trouble this time."

Angel shook his head, and with a small smile, he gestured towards Willow. "Why don't you come into my office so that Wesley and I can explain, and Spike well, there's some blood in the kitchen that he can have."

"I can take him…to the kitchen that is," the woman who seemed to be called Fred spoke, blushing as Spike looked suggestively at her.

"You want to take me? I think it's a bit too public for that," Spike teased. He winked at her. "Maybe later?"

"You're flirting with me," she blushed, looking almost embarrassed yet oddly pleased at the same time. "I'll just show you to the kitchen."

Wesley frowned, watching as the blond vampire vanished behind the woman that had come to be a valued part of Angel Investigations. "I hope he doesn't hurt her."

Willow shook her head, wondering if anybody had bothered to tell the people in LA anything. "He can't injure her there's the chip. I would have thought someone had told you, besides he's really quite the flirt. There might not be anything more than the whole let's make her blush thing that he enjoys so much."

"Spike isn't the sort to play mind games. He never had the patience for it," Angel's voice was soft, almost reminiscent as they entered his office. He looked almost wistful for a second, as if remembering happier times.

Willow looked at him, wondering if things between Angel and Spike were quite as hopeless as Spike seemed to believe. "So… I'd really like to know why Wesley called to ask if I can help."

Wesley sighed, looking carefully at a sheet of paper. "We had a gentleman come to us with a problem. There's been someone attacking the people at his hotel. Not the sort of thing with jumping out and leaving mangled remains, but more of the abduction sort of thing."

"Why not go to the police?" Willow had the feeling there was something about this that they didn't expect her to like.

"He did but they didn't show any concerns, but it's really a place for honeymooners. One of a couple will be taken, and a ransom demand is placed, the remaining individual will gather it, and go to pay for the return of their loved one. That's the last anyone sees of them. He's rather worried." Wesley fidgeted, adjusting his glasses nervously.

"So still not seeing how the police can't help, beyond the whole what if they're just leaving early with money theory," Willow glanced at Angel, catching him looking at her with a little smile before he looked at his desk. "But if it's for honeymooners, why not send in someone, like Cordy and Wesley? Or Gunn?"

"That's actually sort of close to the plan, but Cordy might be recognized. And there's a bit of a complication," Angel sighed, looking at Willow with an intensity to his gaze that almost took her breath away.

She took a moment before she could speak, feeling suddenly warm under Angel's burning gaze. "Wh-what's the complication?"

There was a long moment of thick silence before Angel spoke. "It's a place for mixed couples. One human, the other… not. I thought that maybe the idea of someone going undercover to investigate was a good one. Willow, will you pretend to be my wife?"

For a moment, Willow wondered if she was going to faint. Not at the idea of human-demon marriages, but the idea of pretending to be Angel's wife. Of being able to expected to go places together, hold hands, kissing… sharing a bed… oh, lots of visuals there. Yum. Wait a minute, Angel and sex was a bad combination. "The clause? If anyone's going to believe we're really a couple, there would have to be… well, signs of affection, and there's that clause. Which we don't want to risk. And… umm… don't vampires with human lovers usually… bite them?"

"There is that to consider. Um…that could be a complication. We wouldn't want to ask anything beyond," Wesley stammered, looking awkward, and reminding her a lot of the uncertain man he'd been in Sunnydale.

"There have been a few more precautions taken since I left Sunnydale, to anchor my soul a bit more firmly. And I wasn't presuming that is,." Angel looked at his hand for a moment then looked back at her face. "I didn't think this would be real, that there would be actual sex. That would be beyond helping a friend."

Willow blinked, wondering if he'd actually sounded a bit regretful about the no real sex or if it was just her imagination. Her lust ridden, very colorful imagination. Wait, that wasn't the point. No sex, because sex plus Angel plus clause equals Angelus, right? "But there would have to be the biting, right? Otherwise, they nobody would think that I belonged with you. Sort of a combination wedding ring and sign of trust?"

Angel's eyes flickered almost golden, settling at a rich honey color that was between his normal brown and his vampire yellow. His voice was a bit deeper, almost like a purr. "Sometimes it more like a sign of possession than trust. Would you be able to deal with the vampire aspects? With seeing me in that face? Sharing a room with me?"

"I… I think I could deal with that." Her voice sounded all faint and breathy, like she was some love struck teenager. Willow closed her eyes, trying to calm her racing heart, her surging emotions. The idea of sharing a room with Angel entirely unexpected, but not unwelcome.

Angel stepping out of the shower, water glistening over his body. Yeah, she could deal with sharing a room with Angel. Could she do it without grabbing him and how had her vampire twin put it? Making Puppy bark? Ohh…the visuals that brought up.

Wesley stood up, clearing his throat awkwardly. "I think I'll just go make certain that Fred's alright."

"Panicked bolting. Didn't he get over that?" Willow tried to smile, wondering if she should be glad that Wesley had distracted her from her thoughts about Angel and showers.

"You're right though. If this is going to work, people will have to think that we're that it's real. That I've claimed you, that you want to be with me." Angel reached out, his fingers touching hers lightly. It was almost as if he wanted to make certain she was real, or maybe to make certain she wasn't afraid of him. "I would… I would need to bite you to make certain that it's believable, of course."

Willow felt herself going hot, and wondered how it would feel. Imagined Angel's lips on her throat, his body pressed against her, his scent wrapping around her, filling her awareness with Angel. She could almost imagine him nibbling over her throat, leaving little red marks, little love bites before taking hold, before marking her as his. But it wouldn't be for real. She shook her head, tucking her hair back behind her ear, noticing the way Angel's eyes seemed to settle on the side of her neck. "Just for this case. I can live with that."

For some reason, Angel seemed to have become lost in thought, his eyes resting over her pulse, a tiny smile on his face. It was a long moment before he said anything, and when he did, his voice was deeper, his accent more noticeable. "Of course for just a while."

"Would it hurt?" The question slipped out, almost against her will. Wouldn't the feeling, even for a moment of being that important, that much the focus of Angel's attention be worth a little pain?

"Willow, if a vampire actually knows what they're doing, the bite can be one of the more delightful things that their partner can experience. Done by a Master, it can stimulate indescribable bliss….a feeling that is entirely pleasurable. Of course, the careful part comes with determining when to stop…but I would. I wouldn't want to bring any harm to you, my Willow." Angel paused, as if he'd just realized what he'd said. "Maybe… maybe we should practice talking like people who are involved?"

Willow smiled, feeling this oddly warm and fuzzy feeling at Angel calling her 'my Willow'. It made her feel quite certain that her mom the psychiatrist would be appalled, but…she wanted to be his Willow. She'd wanted that for a long time. But this wouldn't be real, only a pretense for a while, to save people's lives. She could snuggle up with Angel, run her hands all over that wonderful body, and explain it all as helping save innocent lives. Oh, she must have done something very, very good, "And the touching. All the endearments in the world won't make this work if you go tense if I touch you."

Angel's eyes locked with hers, still the color of honey, now flecked with lighter gold. His tongue licked over his lips, as if he was imagining some wonderful taste. Willow almost felt like she couldn't breathe, and seemed to be moving somehow closer to him, intensely aware of everything about him, from the wrinkles on his clothing, the tousled spikes of his hair, a tiny almost healed wound just under his jaw, right over where he would have had a pulse if he was mortal.

The moment was disrupted by a shout from Wesley, and the clattering of something hitting the floor. "Oh no… Spike and Fred!"

They darted towards the kitchen, uncertain what exactly they would find, hoping for something that wouldn't be an utter disaster. The intensity of the moment had been quite shattered. Willow wasn't quite certain if that was good or not.

~~~*~~~

Spike glared at the idiot that his Sire had permitted to work for him. Wesley Wynham-Pryce, yet another idiot kicked out of the Watcher's Counsil. Not even for something with courage or a bit of ethics like Giles, but just for having damned bad luck. He'd been having a perfectly reasonable time, flirting with the girl named Fred - and what sort of a name was Fred for a girl anyhow? But they'd been flirting a bit, and talking about life… Damn if he could even remember how scars had come into the discussion. But she was an odd bird, this one.

"It's just sometimes I don't think I'll be able to go build a normal life even if I left. It's more than just the knowing, there's the scars…" She'd sounded so sad.

He really shouldn't care if some mortal girl with a strange name was sad over a few scars. A decade back, he might have been the one giving those scars to her. Yeah, he could see himself keeping her around. Dark hair, pretty eyes, soft skin that smelled like some sort of citrus. Except that he did care. He'd stared to see some mortals as well, as people, and he was willing to blame Willow. "Emotional scars can be hid, pet."

"I sort of meant the physical ones. I…..they're mostly on my back, but…some of them were pretty deep." She'd suddenly smelled nervous, and had glanced away. It was as if she'd really thought that a few scars would keep her from having a future.

He'd grinned at her, leaning against the counter, leaving the now empty mug sitting in isolation against the dark tiles. "Well, you can't very well have much of a good look at them if they're on your back, pet. How do you know there's even something there?"

She'd looked at him, her eyes swimming with memories, and a hint of tears. "I can feel them pull sometimes. If I move a certain way. So I know that they're there, that I'll never really be able to forget."

His hand had brushed her cheek, causing her to blush faintly. "If you'd like, I could take a look, make sure they aren't too bad."

"But I… they're scars. Aren't those sort of ugly by nature?" She'd looked torn between temptation and fear.

"Depends on how you deal with them. I got a few of my own." He'd kept his smile small, not wanting her to think that he wanted to see the scars, not wanting her to think he took pleasure in them.

"But…you're a vampire. Anything that hurts you…won't it just go away?" She'd looked at him with curiosity mixed with compassion.

His voice was soft when he'd answered. "That only works for injuries you get after being turned."

"Ohhh…" She'd looked as if that had never occurred to her. "I suppose that you could look."

He'd watched as she'd turned her back, and fumbled with the buttons of her shirt, moving the material so that she could hold it in front of her. There had been scars. Many twisting lines, some so thin that they were barely visible, others that had twisted the skin, having gone deeper, maybe even been infected. Those had made larger scars, leaving no doubt that they were there, and were most likely the ones that pulled. Whoever had done those had been intending to hurt her, to make her suffer and bleed and scream, and might not have cared if she could come out of it or not. He touched one lightly, her skin almost hot to the touch. "They aren't that bad, pet. Most of them hardly show up. But you didn't let them in, didn't let whoever gave you these destroy you."

She'd turned to face him, her lips parting as if she wanted to say something.

And that damned idiot of a former Watcher had come bursting in, and promptly shouted at him like he'd thought that Spike was trying to molest the girl in the kitchen. The door had crashed against the wall so hard that the mug had fallen tot e floor, shattering on the tiles.

"Can't a couple of people have a little privacy anywhere in this place?" Spike growled at him, eyes narrowed, stepping in front of Fred so that she could put her shirt back on if she wanted.

"What on earth were you… her shirt… you…," The man was sputtering, and blushing, all the while glaring accusingly at Spike.

Spike could also fell Angel getting closer, and he wasn't certain how that would change things. Would his Sire believe in him, or be ready to believe the worst of him? He tried to prepare himself, doubt gnawing at him. Somehow, this would be bad for him.

~~~*~~~

Angel hadn't known quite what he'd find when he'd heard the crash of porcelain and Wesley's shouting, but this wasn't it. Fred was practically hiding behind Spike, her shirt….where was her shirt? Wait… that bundle of fabric in her hands? Why exactly had her shirt came off her body? The fact that she was hiding behind Spike from Wesley made it clear that it had been entirely consensual whatever had been happening. He didn't think it hade been sex. Kitchens were much to public for Spike's tastes.

"Spike? Exactly what is going on here?" He tried to keep his voice calm, but…Fred was blushing like an embarrassed maiden, Wesley was having a screaming fit, and Willow was peeking around from behind him, giggling. He had to try for calm, because the only other option was to burst out laughing.

"Fred and I were having a nice little chit chat," Spike had his little smile, the one that hinted of mischief. But there was no ill will in his eyes as he glanced back at Fred. "Then you're pet watcher over there came in, started breaking the dishes, and screaming fit to wake the dead."

"Her shirt!" Wesley was glaring at Spike, his face rather flushed from everything.

Angel looked back at Fred, who was definitely blushing. "I can see that she took it off. It rather seems to me like Fred would rather the rest of us not see any more. Perhaps we should leave the kitchen?"

Wesley stomped off, still muttering about lecherous vampires and defenseless maidens. Everyone seemed to be watching, listening to the sound of his angry footfalls. Maybe that crush that Wesley once had on Fred wasn't quite as gone as he'd been claiming? And exactly what had prompted her to take off her shirt anyhow?

"Well that certainly got a bit out of hand." Fred's voice was a little regretful.

Spike rubbed his hand over her back, something that at first made her jump, but then seemed to soothe her. "He just needs to pull the stick out of his ass, and then he might not be so bad. And I meant it, they aren't that bad."

Willow's hand had somehow ended up on the small of Angel's back. He could feel the warmth of her body, smell her standing there. Her words came echoing back practice touching each other. And he would have to bite her for this to work. Have to….he wasn't fooling himself a bit with that. He rather liked the idea of biting her. He had thought about it years before, back in Sunnydale. But the idea of going somewhere with her, of his mark on her throat for anyone to see. Best hope those extra measures for his soul were a bit better than the gypsy curse. He was starting to see a problem with this plan. Going to a honeymoon resort with his loving almost wife Willow….whispering endearments, touching her, biting her… and not having her. That's it, he was still in Hell.

"Angel?" Willow's voice came from behind him, her hand still touching his back. She stepped closer, her body almost touching his. "I was sort of thinking about you claiming….Umm…biting me. Shouldn't it…well, shouldn't that happen before we get there?"

Her eyes were looking at him, bright greenish eyes filled with intelligence and so many swirling emotions and thoughts that he had no idea what she was thinking about all of this. But there was no fear in her face. His hand rose up, brushing through her hair, the red locks so much shorter than when he'd first seen her. Fingers came to rest on her collar bone, just over her pulse, and her heart sped up a bit, her breaths slightly faster, a bit shallower. There was no fear in her but her eyes seemed to darken a bit. Her tongue flicked over her lips, and he felt parts of him throb. Not just his teeth.

Her fingers trailed over his brow, and he realized as he leaned slightly into the caress that he had shifted into his vampire features. "Willow this isn't something to do lightly."

Her eyes were serious as she smiled at him. "This isn't casual. I can't think of anyone that I'd rather be sort of bound to. And I can't think of anyone else that I'd rather go honeymooning with."

He leaned forward, licking lightly over her pulse, feeling her shiver at his touch. Her arms slid around him, pulling their bodies together as she gasped. The feeling of her pulse against his tongue closing his eyes, he nibbled just a little over her neck, not enough to draw blood, but enough that she could easily feel his fangs over her neck. Her soft whimper was the sweetest sound, and she almost seemed to melt against him, one hand tangling almost painfully in his hair. Maybe this wasn't hell, maybe he'd finally found that elusive and vaguely mentioned reward for atoning?

"Angelll….Wait a minute… hallway bad. We could get… mmmm…. A room. This is a hotel, we can get a room. Shut the door… ohhh." Her voice was a husky whisper, her body pressed against his so incredibly temptingly.

A room. All sorts of images flickered through his mind, images of himself and Willow, naked, lips on each other's bodies, hands exploring as he laid claim to her in far more ways than just biting. He purred, the idea appealing on so many levels. Even his demon was all in favor of taking Willow somewhere more private and then…well, taking Willow. Repeatedly.

Unfortunately, he didn't know just how solid his soul was at the moment, rational thought being the last thing on his mind. Which was how they ended up in the library, hands clinging to each other as he nibbled over her neck. She smelled so good and it had been a long time since he'd tasted someone.

He was certain that pain was the last thing that Willow was feeling when his teeth finally slid into her throat. Blood welled up, rich and potent with passion, intoxicating with magic. He groaned, and purred with delight, feeling her acceptance of him, of his mark on her. The fact that this was only supposed to be temporary didn't even occur to him at that moment.

Chapter 4 ~Tequesta~ Feedback

Angel released Willow’s neck and ran his tongue over his lower lip savoring the pleasure of her taste. He had only intended on marking her not turning this into a seduction feast. He morphed back and watched the emotions that played across Willow’s face. He really couldn’t believe that he had gotten carried away with his feelings but Willow’s blood was pure and he could taste every emotion that went through her. Angel saw little drops of blood seeping through the wounds and he bent his head back to her neck licking it.

“An…Angel,” she called. “We are…..you know…still in the hallway and you are….licking my neck and somebody might……” Willow stopped and moaned a little.

Coming to some senses Angel finally stopped and looked at her again.

“I am sorry Willow,” he spoke as he looked at the floor.

“That didn’t hurt,” she said trying to comfort him. The guilt that she saw in his eyes as she looked at him was enough to hurt her. “Do you have to do it again or just the one time?” she asked trying to get his mind off of the situation.

“It depends on how long we have to stay at the hotel. It wouldn’t seem right that my mate’s wound healed and I never took her blood again. If I didn’t they might get suspicious.”

“If it is like that I wouldn’t mind,” she said smiling. Angel laughed and looked back at her.

“I am sorry Willow but do you want to eat because I could take you out?” He offered.

“No thanks I think I will go to bed I am kind of tired,” she replied.

“That’s fine. Let me show you to your room,” he replied.

As they walked to the room, Angel explained to Willow that they will meet tomorrow after sunset and they would come up with a plan or something before he’d contact Mr. Warner and let him know that they are coming.

“Are you sure you are not hungry?” he asked again as he stopped at the door.

“No just sleepy,” she told him. “Oh and make sure Spike gets to his room and is not bothering Fred,” she spoke.

“No problem Willow,” he replied.

“Goodnight Angel,” she spoke.

“Have a nice night Willow,” he replied.

As Angel walked off he knew Willow was probably tired from the loss of blood but she would be good as new in a few hours.

{That’s the effect of having a vampire lover…..alright Angel where did that thought just come from? That’s the effect of letting a vampire suck on your neck….better…much better} he thought.

~~~*~~~

The next day Willow walked into the room where everyone was sitting. Fred was close to Spike who was playing with her hair. Gunn, Cordeila and Wesley were behind the counter talking and Angel was on the couch looking through a book.

“Hey everyone,” Willow spoke as she closed the door.

Everyone greeted Willow and went back to what they were doing except Angel. He smiled as Willow walked over and sat beside him. “Sorry I am late. When I got up it was late and it took me a while to get something to eat,” she explained.

“It’s ok,” he told her. “How are you feeling?”

“Great now. I guess it was the blood loss that made me feel a little tired.”

“That would do that to you.”

“Does it happen every time?” She asked.

“No…. just the first and sometimes the second time but after that it’s like your body can handle it.”

“Oh…okay.”

Angel looked around before speaking, “Alright can I have everyone’s attention.” Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked at Angel. “As we all know there is someone or something kidnapping newlyweds and then collects the ransom and afterwards the victims disappear.”

Everyone nodded as he continued. “The plan is that Willow and myself are going to be playing a married couple. As you can see and in Spike’s case smell I have marked her as mine. That should keep down any suspicion.”

“What about you two havin’ to shag? The other demons are not going to believe you marked her and are not shaggin’ her? You know the sayin’ Angel no scent no convincing,” Spike stated.

“I didn’t think about that much but I did reassure Willow that there will be no sexual intercourse while we are there,” he spoke and looked at her when she sighed.

{Was that a sigh of disappointment} he thought.

“I have other ways to have Willow’s scent on me or vice versa but I will talk to her about that later in private if that’s ok with her?”

“Yes it is,” she replied.

“Bloody poof why can’t you tell all of us?”

“Because it’s none of your business Spike,” Angel snapped.

Angel took an unneeded breath to calm himself then looked back at Willow. “Willow I need you to do a little looking around in the day time and at night I will do my own investigation.”

“Okay,” she answered.

“But be careful Willow you know that we have to watch out for ourselves as well. We don’t want to get missing trying to find out about the others.”

“That’s true,” Wesley spoke up. “Maybe the hotel is sun proof?”

“I think it is and if that’s the case I can do a little looking around with Willow and that is a way we can keep up with each other. The only problem is I still can’t go outside in the daylight,” Angel explained.

“So how are you going to keep up with each other when Willow has to go out in the day?” Wesley asked.

“Just in case the kidnapper kidnaps me or Willow we will have these rings for tracking each other and bracelets so we can communicate with each other.”

“You think that should be enough,” Fred spoke.

“Yes,” he answered. “Cordy did you take them to where they needed to go?”

“Yeah. They said they should be ready in the morning. You two will be able to communicate and track each other up to two hundred to two hundred fifty meters?”

“That’s good,” he replied. “Now Wesley I need you to contact Mr. Warner and let him know that we need a reservation for us in the next two days. I also need to know about how much the kidnapper is asking for and also if he knows where the kidnapper wants the money placed to be picked up. And also who gets kidnapped the most. Is it the demon or the human?”

“I am on it,” Wesley spoke.

“Next and this is something I don’t want to have to worry about but if one of us gets missing….…….. Willow…... you have to call here and let the other’s know ASAP as I would do the same if it happens to you. We only use the communicators if we need to or when no one else is around you at that time. We don’t want them to get suspicious about an…y…thing.”

Willow nodded and smiled at him.

“Gunn I need you to find the best smallest weapons that you can come up with. I don’t think it would be a good idea Willow and myself walking around with swords in our hands. So something small but good. I also need a lot of fighting power to take with me also.”

“No prob boss. I have that for you in the morning,” he spoke.

“Did I miss anything?” Angel asked. Everyone shook their heads.

“We will meet tomorrow,” Angel spoke. “Willow could I speak to you privately?”

“Of course Angel,” she spoke and stood.

Willow followed Angel to his room and sat on the couch.

“Willow I am going to ask you something first that is private but I really need to know,” he explained trying to sound casual.

“Ask me Angel.”

“Willow are you…..I mean……have you?”

“Angel I am not a virgin I have had sex before.”

“That’s good…….I mean…I didn’t mean it that way….…it’s just that certain demons can smell virgins and that’s not a good thing,” he explained feeling a little uneasy about the conversation. “Spike did say something interesting earlier,” he spoke.

“About the scent?”

“Yes….I thought about it and there’s something we could use as a substitute for sex. Spike was right, we can’t go around not smelling like each other.”

“What did you come up with?”

“You don’t have to agree to it but it might keep suspicion down and that’s what we are going for….and,”

“Angel you are babbling,” she interrupted.

“We can touch each other a lot,” he spoke.

“Okay is that it?”

“Nope……..I can taste you,” he mumbled the last part.

“What was that Angel?”

“I could taste you when we are there,” he almost choked out. He didn’t want to do that to Willow that was a major invasion of privacy.

“Ok no problem,” she replied. Angel head turned so fast that if he would have turned any faster he would have broken his neck.

“What,” he asked shocked knowing that she would say no.

“Look Angel we are mature people and if we have to commence in a little sexual act to save the lives of others then I am for it,” she explained. “So what about me? Do I have to… you know?”

“I wouldn’t ask you to do that Willow,” he replied.

“Stop being such a baby Angel,” she spoke.

“I am not. I just don’t want it to go too far.”

“It won’t. Are you scared of your soul?”

“No I know it’s in tact.”

“Then what’s the problem? We are not going to have sex…we are just involved into a little foreplay and if we need to do that just to keep my life safe then you might as well get used to it.”

{Ok I think we called the wrong Willow….where is the Willow that was shy….I like this one more but I never knew she was like this} he thought.

“Ok Willow but we will worry about that later,” he spoke. “ And don’t get mad at me but I have to take you shopping for new clothes because as a master vampire….fuzzy is not the mate way to dress……..sorry.”

“Do I have to wear leather?”

“Yes.”

“Like mini skirts and tight tops?”

“Yes.”

“And high heel boots?”

“Y…..e……p,” Angel answered getting a little excited imaging Willow in that outfit.

“I will but I will not enjoy it. I remember the vamp Willow version of me and her outfit was so binding. So if I did it then I can do it know.”

“That’s great.”

“When do we go shopping?”

“We can go now if you want.”

“No problem,” Willow spoke as she stood from the couch.

As both Angel and Willow walked downstairs they saw Spike and Fred talking quietly on the couch.

“I think he likes her,” Willow whispered to him

“I think he does too,” Angel growled a little.

“Hey where are you two goin’?” Spike asked.

Angel growled a little and Willow pushed him giggling.

“We are going shopping for me some vampire wife clothes,” she teased.

“That should be fun Willow,” Fred spoke.

“Do you two want to come?” Willow asked.

“Sur…” Fred started to say but was stopped by Spike giving her a slight push.

“That’s quite alright,” Spike spoke. “Just brin’ some blood back.”

“No problem Spike,” Angel grumble?.

“Where is Gunn, Cordy and Wesley?” Willow asked.

“Gunn is gone weapon hunting. Cordy went to the shop because they called about your rings and bracelets and they needed her to come and Wesley went to call Warner I think but he said he will be back tomorrow,” Fred explained.

“That’s good,” Angel said. “Well then we will be back,” he spoke almost pulling Willow’s arm off.

“Make sure you kiddies get back at a descent hour,” Spike teased.

Angel started to reply but he didn’t want to argue.

As the door closed, Spike looked at Fred and smiled.

“And darlin’ that is our cue to leave and retire to my room.”

“For what?” Fred asked.

“I think I might like to get a closer look at those marks or you…….which ever you prefer,” he winked at her and grabbed her hand leading her upstairs.

Chapter 5 ~FemailoftheSpecies~ Feedback

Spike led Fred through his bedroom door, letting her hand go as he flopped on the bed. He hadn’t really noticed the décor, but was convinced that Angel was as poufy as ever. At least he could appreciate the color scheme of steel grey and blues.

He lit a smoke and scooted back to the headboard, patting the blue silk duvet.

“Come on then, sit with Spike and tell me what happened. How did you earn the battle scars?”

She peered into his blue, seemingly cold, eyes and saw compassion. She didn’t comment on it. This wasn’t something the vampire wanted the world to know and she sensed that. She also saw his curiosity and decided to satisfy him. She walked over and sat, Indian-style, next to him.

“Only if you stop trying to kill me with that.” She pointed to the offending cigarette, which the blonde, hurriedly smashed in the ashtray on the bed table.

“Sure, pet. I can think of much more interesting ways to kill you. Second-hand smoke is much too impersonal.”

“Spike, that’s not very comforting.” But she relaxed as he started on her hair again, silent and waiting for her to begin her tale.

She told him of Pylea. How she got there, how she got back and all the horrors in between. He listened as only a vampire could, hearing more that her words. Her heart, it’s changing rhythm as her emotions flared, told him what she didn’t verbalize. She was more traumatized than anyone knew. It was still with her, here where she was supposed to feel safe, it was still with her, and that one thing bothered the blonde demon most of all.

He understood her captors’ need to inflict the pain. However, he doubted that they took nearly as much pleasure in it as he would have a few years ago, such a waste of her sweet suffering when not appreciated.

And that was then. He was a different demon now, not prone to the whims of that demon any longer, tamed even. Oh the chip had a lot to do with it and he knew that he would go back to killing the moment he was free of the bane of his existence, but until then, humans, his humans, were not to be touched, they were his to kill or turn and keep forever. Fred now fell into that category, as did Willow and much to his dismay the moron, although he would definitely not be turning the whelp. The slayer was on her own, and would die as soon as he could manage it. It wasn’t personal – only natural.

While she talked, he turned his attention from her silky locks to her back, feeling the marks, soothing her, reassuring her that she was still beautiful, not in words, but in the way his fingers touched her reverently as if she were the most precious thing to him.

“God Spike, I’ve talked on and on. Sorry about that. It’s…just... I really… There’s no one to tell this too. They get all strange and look at each other a lot when I bring it up.”

“Sure there is. The whole lot of them care, luv. Peaches is just not good with people when he’s not killing them so he looks constipated all the time. But he cares. And the cheerleader….”

“The what? Who Cordy???” She asked surprised.

“Oh yeah. Back in Sunnyhell, she was a cheerleader for that God forsaken high school. All legs and boobs and attitude. No vampire with any sense went after her. Heard she went up against a few vamps with just that wicked tongue of hers for a weapon. And you see she’s still breathing. She was poison. But she seems pretty mellow now. You can talk to her too.” He was unconsciously stroking her skin, up and down her spine, as she shivered. Delicious.

“And what about you?”

He turned her to face him easily. “I am eternal, and will be here for you always. Well, I may be in Sunnydale, but you call and I’ll come. Alright?” He gazed into her eyes questioningly and she nodded.

“Right then. Now what shall we do? The poof isn’t close by yet and no one else has come back. So I have you all to myself, sweet Winafred.” He wiggled his eyebrows theatrically, enticing a giggle.

“Well...Do you like the movies?” She asked, running a hand through her hair, undoing the braids he’d given her.

“You want to go to a show with the Big Bad?”

She laughed again, amused by him speaking of himself in the third person.

“I bet you are a lot of fun, especially away from Angel. And I could use that.” She noticed how Spike tensed up whenever his sire was around, but had no clue why. He covered it up with, often hilarious, biting quips and not so false bravado, but she sensed dark things in their past. Maybe she could help him too.

He eyed her thoughtfully, head tilted, but there was no deception, only the honest offering of friendship and perhaps something more.

“Yeah, pet me too. Let’s find a paper and get away before anyone gets back and starts the inquisition.” She laughed as he swooped her into his arms and darted downstairs, her weight nothing to him.

“What do you think they’re doing?” Willow was looking through a rack for yet another pair of leather pants, this time in burgundy, in her size. She had been pondering the vampire’s fetish for leather, which brought to mind his childe, who seemed to have the same fetish, often teasing her about how he’d love to dress her up in the sexy material, only to strip it from her slowly as he… Ok bad, bad, bad, Willow. Spike was just a big flirt. Angel though, he really did it for the redhead and now she was buying that leather to wear on a honeymoon with him, to please him. She needed to get her mind off of all things groiny.

“Angel, did you hear me?”

“What? Sorry, Willow, what did you say?” The vampire had been enthralled with his own thoughts of the witch and leather and honeymoons and all things groiny.

“What do you think they’re doing?” When he stared blankly, she sighed. “Spike and Fred?”

“Oh... Not much. Spike probably went out to get drunk somewhere. It’s what he usually does.”

Willow pondered that for a few seconds before asking, “What do you mean?”

“Hmm?”

“About ‘it’s what he usually does’. How do you know what he ‘usually does’?”

“Oh...I... He...I have a few contacts who keep an eye on him, tell me what’s up.” The vampire looked sheepish and Willow was too intrigued by this new development to let it drop. Spike was her friend and if Angel had spies watching him, she wanted to know why.

“So you what... spy on him so he doesn’t hurt us?” She was fishing.

“No, I know he can’t hurt you guys.”

“Then why? I mean you went 80 years without knowing what he was up to. And you make us all think you hate him and by the greeting we got, I wouldn’t expect you to have an understanding of the chip, yet you do, so what’s up Angel?”

“He can’t defend himself. Not against humans. If he ever gets in trouble... they will protect him.” He walked away from her, leaving her to try on the items selected...or not.

She chose not, discarding the pants, and followed him out.

“Angel, you care about him, don’t you?”

“Why are you pressing this?” He looked over her head, not at her, wanting to hide the emotions the conversation invoked. Feelings for the childe he’d lost long ago.

“It’s not a bad thing, you know. To care for him.” She paused and peeked up at him adding meekly, “I do.”

He finally looked at her again, the frost melting and nodded, swallowing hard, disbelief that he was about to admit this to another living soul overwhelming him. “I do too.”

They continued shopping for another hour then stopped to feed the redhead, whose tummy was growling. Once done and all the bags were in the car, they headed back to the Hyperion, chatting the entire time.

Angel marveled at how she was so at ease with him and he with her. It would be easy to convince the employees and other guests at the resort that they were a couple.

“I think we need to bring them along.”

“Who and where?” The vampire asked, confused at the change in subject.

“Spike and Fred. They could be a honeymooning couple like us and we would have back up in case something went wrong.”

“If humans come after him, Spike can’t fight. It’s not safe for him.” He felt strange verbalizing concern for his childe. It was refreshing and liberating, another thing to thank Willow for. Buffy never understood the relationship, often berating him for not killing his childer when the opportunity arose.

“Um Angel? I... Spike is not as incapacitated as everyone thinks. Not anymore.”

He whirled around, struggling to contain the demon and his temper until he had all the facts. “The chip isn’t working?!!!” Her big doe-eyes got bigger.

“Oh, it still works, relax.” And he did, visibly, the fear for Fred draining. He knew the blonde and if he fancied the beautiful little mouse, he might kill her and turn her to keep her forever.

“So how is it different?”

“Well, I can’t change the chip or stop it from firing off, but I could change the way he received the electrodes. So now they feel like a small headache when his intent is only to protect himself or save someone. It’s like a buffer between him and the pain. He still can’t kill at will. It’s a fine line, but we’re walking it.” She smiled, proud of the spell she’d put on the blonde.

“Will it ever backfire, if you get hurt?”

“Nope, the spell is not connected to me and I don’t expend energy to keep it going.”

“Well...that certainly puts a whole new light on things.”

They drove the rest of the way back in comfortable silence, the vampire thinking and rethinking his plans for the resort, which were now including a second couple.

~~~*~~~

“They’re not here.” He stated flatly, a surge of worry for both, dissipating as what the witch told him resurfaced in his mind.

“How do you know?” The place was so big the pair could be anywhere. Angel just looked at her, but upon realizing she really was not aware, he sat down on the settee and explained.

“Spike is mine.”

“That’s kinda medieval isn’t it?”

“No...Spike belongs to me. My childe. My blood flows in him, gives him life, and I can sense him, near or far. I know if he is hurt badly or terribly upset, and he can feel me the same way. I’ll know if he’s dust. He’s not here. And Fred, there’s no heartbeat here other than yours.” He caressed her arm, just for practice of course. “But he’s not too far.”

“I can’t wait to see his face when you tell him he has to go. He’ll get those lines across his forehead and look like a dumb puppy.” She laughed. “I’m going up. Gotta start packing.” She grabbed the bags and headed up. “Hey, you think Fred has any leather?” She giggled some more at the thought of Angel, Fred and Spike shopping tomorrow for Fred’s vampire wife-wear. She knew that Spike’s tastes ran decidedly to the wild side.

Angel shook his head and dashed up the stairs as well, deciding to spring the plan on the blonde demon in the morning when everyone was around and he was less likely to throw a childe-ish fit.

~~~*~~~

Spike and Fred came running inside the double doors of the Hyperion, nearly falling into the lobby, laughing. The sun was the next thing to hit the doors, indicating how close the vampire came to really greeting the sunrise.

“Spike, you’re crazy!”

“Well, yeah.” His reply was nonchalant.

“That was too close!” She gulped for air, taking a sip of her caramel frappaccino from Starbuck’s. “I think Angel would kill me if you got dusted because I wanted some coffee.”

“Nah, the poof doesn’t care if I rise another night as long as I don’t bother him.” He said it jokingly, but she knew he thought it was true.

“I doubt that... I do think you two have issues and need to get over them.” She stood close to the blonde, looking into his eyes, thinking them beautiful. “You can talk to me, know you.”

He touched her hair, the brown tresses shining in the reflected sun and leaned, his mouth seeking hers. She closed her eyes, ready to receive him, heat radiating from her and entrancing him.

“About time you two got back.”

The pair jumped back quickly, looking up to the walkway at an apparently irate vampire. Under his breath, Spike cursed Angel’s timing.

“Peaches, no need to wait up. I didn’t do anything to hurt her.”

“Good morning, Fred. And Spike you know better than to stay out this close to dawn. Anything could happen...” He looked down. “We need to meet in a few hours. I want to leave tomorrow night and there’s been a major change in the plan. You should get some rest and meet back in the office at noon.”

He turned to leave, the impact of what Spike said to Fred crushing him: ‘The poof doesn’t care if I rise another night…’. Nothing was further from the truth.

“And Spike...” Could he break the ice with his childe?

“What?” The blonde snapped, muttering something about a wanker to himself.

“I...I’m glad you made it back okay. I was worried.” And he retreated to his rooms for much needed sleep now that all that were his were under his roof safe as houses.

Meanwhile a certain blonde vampire stood, cigarette dangling in a mouth held slack-jawed from shock.

~~~*~~~

Willow decided to try out one of her new outfits on the fang gang. She knew that everyone was downstairs waiting for her so they could start the meeting. Angel was nervous about telling Spike he’d been recruited, but felt he would perk up once he discovered Fred would be his partner, which would get Wesley’s panties in a bunch.

Willow giggled as she put on the boy shorts and halter. Panties in a bunch…the phrase always amused her because as a girl, she knew just how irritating that was. And imagining Wes...Well it just tickled her.

“What’s so funny, witch.”

Spike, standing in her door frame, looking as devastatingly handsome as ever, was eyeing her new threads approvingly. She twirled for his benefit, ending with a curtsey.

“You like, vampire?”

“I do...Angel’s pick, right?” She nodded, amazed at how the two vampires knew each other so well even after all the time apart.

“You know him like a book.” She took a chance, hoping today would be one the times he opened up about their past. She was in luck.

“Yeah, well, had to know Angelus to survive him. He was a right bastard sometimes. It was a plus if I could guess what he wanted before he beat me for not doing it.” He regretted his words immediately as he noticed the redhead’s frown. “Now don’t go feeling sorry for me. It’s just how it was. I’m past it now and so is he so... No sad faces.”

He caressed her cheek until she smiled and pulled back. He could smell his sire’s claim on his witch, but he was not bothered by it. Remembering why he sought her out, he spoke again.

“Willow...Angel is feeling more for you than you might realize.” She shook her head in denial even as the arousal was building.

“No, Don’t go selling yourself short, Red. You are amazing and he wants you. I can feel it though the bond. Just be careful. No Angelus encore, right?” His brow was cocked high, stressing his point. She nodded.

“Well come on then, hurry up. Angel and his bleeding pets are waiting for you to grace us with your presence. And if the tension becomes too great between you and the pouf, don’t hesitate to call on ole Spike to help relieve it.”

Laughing she retorted, “yeah, I could use you to practice magic on when it gets really bad. Make you date Xander. That would get my mind off of Angel.” She laughed harder, following the blonde as he made retching sounds.

~~~*~~~

Cordy handed the rings to Angel.

“They are all done and working perfectly, but he said to try them out before you go to be sure.”

“Thanks Cordy.” He faced the ex-watcher. “Wes, did you make the reservations?”

Everyone was seated, listening intently to other report on their action item or ready to give a suggestion.

“Yes. You and Willow are expected to arrive Friday morning.”

“Good. I’ll need you to call him back and get another room for two more.”

Everyone, except the witch looked slightly confused. “Alright, but may I ask what names to give Mr. Warner?”

“Spike, I need you to come with us, back us up.”

“Hey, wait...what about helping your soddin’ slayer back at the Hellmouth and all?”

“Fred can you come along as well? Pretend to be my annoying childe’s mate?”

Spike immediately ceased his protests. He automatically assumed the seer would be going and he had no idea how he would put up with her for a day, much less a week or however long it took to solve this case. But Winafred was a different matter all together so he anxiously awaited her response.

“Angel, are you sure I’m the proper choice. I mean Cordy has the visions. Although, I don’t mind spending time with Spike.”

“Sure you’re the right choice, luv,” Spike interrupted. “You have all that knowledge bottled up in that gorgeous head. I bet you solve the case for the pouf lickety split.” The blonde snapped his fingers.

“So you’ll do it?” Willow asked him.

“ Course I’m doing it. Can’t let the pouf get all the glory, can I? And I wouldn’t miss out on a chance to play house with my fair maiden.” Fred giggled, blushing profusely and Angel rolled his eyes.

“Angel,” Wesley was not happy with the current change in plans. “Can I speak with you a moment?”

“Make the reservation, Wes, then we’ll talk.” The vampire knew exactly what was on his friend’s mind, but refused to get in the middle of a battle for Fred’s affections. Wesley slunk away to make the call, a bit angry.

“And Cordy, two more rings. Tell him to rush.”

“Sure Angel,” The seer replied, happy that she wasn’t being nominated for the dubious pleasure of being Spike’s mate. It was times like these that she loved having another woman around.

Willow on the other hand was a little disappointed. Spike didn’t raise a fuss and Wesley didn’t huff and puff and her expected entertainment was ruined. Perhaps not...

“Uh, Spike?”

“Yeah, Red.”

“Fred has to go shopping today. For clothes more fitting to a vampire’s mate and I think it’s only fair that you go shopping with her.” She smiled sweetly, awaiting the inevitable blow up, but it never came. Spike was whispering in the brunette’s ear, blissfully unconcerned about the perils of shopping, as Fred laughed, slapping his arm playfully.

Remembering that the witch had spoken, the blonde remarked, “Shopping sounds great, Red. Soon as it’s dark.”

~~~*~~~

Most of the mundane and unusual tasks that needed to be handled had been handled. Now all that remained for the foursome to do was to collect the extra set of rings, which Cordelia would do in the morning, and actually leave.

Spike and Fred were outside in the small courtyard enjoying the cool breeze and quiet. Wesley was inside still trying to come up with reasons Fred should not go and why the seer should, which in turn had the opinionated brunette defending her position furiously.

“Quite the happy family we make in there, huh?” She nodded toward the lobby doors at the muted argument.

“It’s not so bad. The watcher has his reasons for wanting you to stay.” He dragged on his cigarette once more before tossing it into the green foliage.

“And you? Do you have your reasons for wanting me to go?” Her brown eyes scanned him, taking in every nuance and recording it for future reference.

“Oh yeah. And nothing too covert. Just want to get to know you better and shag you senseless in the process. All up front and in the open, I am.”

“Why Spike, I do believe your intentions may be less than honorable.” She allow her accent to deepen, batting her lashes dramatically.

He leaned close, breathing in her scent and hearing her blood rush underneath her hot skin. “Very dishonorable indeed, luv.”

She turned slightly allowing their lips to brush gently, something tentative and shy. Suddenly he pulled her closer and deepened the kiss, transforming it into something hungry and urgent, growling as she matched his fervor.

Her thin hand tangled in his hair as she moaned, her desire for him stunning her even as it was directed to her core. Reluctantly, he pulled back so she could take in air and they each stared into eyes alive with passion and something else. Something more.

She broke the heated silence. “Do you want to do it now?”

For a moment he was confused and jumped to the obvious conclusion. He was a few seconds away from whisking her up to his room when he remembered.

“You sure you’re ready? Once it’s done, it can’t be undone.”

“Well, I think so. If I have to belong to a master vampire, I want it to be you. Besides it’s only for a while, right?”

“Now see there’s where we’ll have a problem. My demon does not care about making things more realistic for the case and whatnot. I like you, a considerable amount, and the demon will see you as belonging to me. Period. When this is over, those feelings will remain. Can you deal with that, luv?”

“What will it mean? Later?”

“I...I can’t say for sure. The more I care for you the more possessive I’ll be, but since I’m going back to Sunnydale with my witch when this is over, it really won’t effect you too much. Other vampires will stay away from you for a while, until the claim is too weak to sense. It’ll still be there, but they just can’t smell it from any distance.”

“Oh…That’s not too bad.”

“And we should complete the bond. You drink from me.”

“Oh I don’t know…”

“This way we have a strong connection. Better than those soddin’ rings the Angel ordered for us. I’ll be able to feel you no matter where you are and the same for you sensing me. You’ll feel Peaches too since he’s my sire. It’s safer this way.”

“What does it taste like?”

Spike smiled. <At least she’s not saying no.> “I’m bloody delicious, pet.” He was rewarded with a grin and a nod.

With her approval he began kissing her again, but soon left her mouth to focus his attention on her chin and jaw and finally settling on her neck where he licked and bit gently, until her arousal reached his sensitive nose. He slipped into the demon and slid his fangs into her tender flesh. She whimpered and moaned as the slow draining sensation sent bolts of pleasure to her center, making her legs tremble. He bit deeper, making the claim, and she cried out, desire stripping her of her normal reserve, leaving her wanton and bare. Her blood was delectable, spiced with knowledge and enthusiasm. Slicing his own wrist with a sharp nail, he offered it to her, the demon rejoiced as she took his hand and latched onto the small wound eagerly. He wanted to drink her forever, be drunk on her, but pulled away before the demon got carried away. Gently to took away his arm when she did not stop on her own.

“That’s enough, luv. Don’t want you rising tomorrow.” When her eyes widened in fear, heart jumping, he quickly added, “Just joking.”

He laughed at her relief and she joined him while he snaked an arm around her waist.

“That biting thing is just...ohh, great, Spike. How come?” Her eyes were still hooded, satisfied.

“Cause I wanted it to be. Let’s go in and get packed.”

“Okay... and I can’t wait to see you in those leather pants.”

The next morning Willow and Fred found themselves together, vampireless, at the kitchen table. Angel and crew were called to clean out a vamp nest they’d been searching late the night before and Wesley, Gunn and Cordelia were still at their respective homes sleeping.

“So I see he bit you.” Willow commented. “Did it hurt when he did it?” She wondered if Spike was as skilled a master as his sire in that respect.

“No. I thought it would and it was a startling sensation at first...but in the end I really...well, it didn’t hurt.” She couldn’t bring herself to tell the details of what she really felt to the redhead. She liked Willow, but just didn’t know her that well yet. “Why, did Angel hurt you?”

“Oh no...There was definitely no pain.” She replied, cryptically.

“Hmmm...What did it taste like to you?” Fred was curious. Spike’s blood was thick and sweet like jasmine and cinnamon. When he offered his wrist to her she was in such a fog from him biting her that she forgot to be appalled and took him in hungrily, only to be that more delighted when she realized he was telling the truth about being delicious.

“What did what taste like?” Willow poured another glass of juice and turned, sipping it while waiting for the brunette to elaborate.

“When you drank from him?” She stated plainly.

“I didn’t drink from Angel, Fred.” Her eyes widened, alarmed. “Did you...drink Spike’s blood??”

“Well...he said it would strengthen the claim or something...Is this a bad thing?” She wrung her hand, nervous and scared. Did Spike trick her?

“No! No...I don’t know. It depends. I’ll ask Angel when he gets up.”

“Wait. I don’t want Spike and Angel to fight over this. So just ask him what it means, but don’t tell him about Spike and I. I’ll tell him or Spike will, okay?”

Willow could due without the two arguing all day and night as well, especially since she now knew that Angel’s animosity was mostly for show.

“I’ll find out without letting Angel know why.”

“Hey, Wesley.” Willow lounged in a chair in the ex-watchers office.

“Ms. Rosenberg,” He smiled, always happy to see the redhead.

“Can I ask you something, about the claim?”

“Certainly. You may ask anything you wish. We all want you and Fred to be as comfortable with this situation as possible.” He put his book down, giving her his full attention.

“Well...Angel...he bit me a-and I’ve heard it’s stronger if I drink from him too. Is that true?”

“What you are describing is a blood bond. And yes it is very powerful. But not recommended in this situation.”

She managed to conceal her anxiety. “Oh, why not? How does it work?”

“The bond that is formed is permanent, uh, usually sexually… how can I put this? It is formed during the act. It is also how a human claims a vampire as a mate, and the two become hyper-aware of each other, need each other intensely and it’s obviously not something you and Angel need to do.”

“Okay, well I’m glad we didn’t need to do that. So what are the rest of you going to do while we’re gone?” She changed the subject, not wanting to appear too interested vampire biting rituals.

“Oh well, we will continue the daily operations of Angel Investigations.” His voice deepened as he became serious. “Cordy will supply visions as usual and Gunn and I will go after the baddies.” He grinned madly while Willow arched an eyebrow. “We’ve done this before, you know, without Angel.” He added, serious again.

“I’m sure everything’ll be fine. We can always come back early if you need us. Not like they won’t be a demon-napping whether we’re at the resort or not.”

“I’m sure it won’t come to that.”

“I’m sure you’re right.” She looked around at the clock and noticed it was almost two and sighed, “Better wake up the sleeping beauties so we can get out if here at dusk.”

She climbed the stairs slowly, thinking over all that the watcher turned demon hunter said. Spike and Fred were bonded, would now need each other. She knew that the blonde did not do this to hurt Fred. Most likely his motives were to provide more protection through a closer connection. But he would also be dangerously possessive of the girl and the vampire in him would not recognize the little game they were all playing to catch some criminals.

<Oh Spike...what have you done?>

Chapter 6 ~Janet Lynn~ Feedback

Willow and Fred decided to try and get some sleep before they had to leave that evening, but the redhead was not getting much rest. Questions kept running around in her head.

"Why did Spike convince Fred to drink from him?" she wondered out loud. "Does he want to keep her as a mate after all this is done? And why doesn't Angel want to do the same thing to me?"

She tossed and turned for several hours, but sleep continued to elude her. Keeping vampire hours was going to be a lot harder than she thought. Realizing that she only had three more hours to sleep before she had to get up and get ready to go, Willow turned to her tried and true method for going to sleep when she was a child.

"Oh a mailman is a person in your neighborhood" she softly sang. "In your neighborhood. In your neighborhood…"

~~~*~~~

Fred sighed in her sleep. For the first time in years, her dreams were peaceful. No nightmares of running from monsters who wanted her as their slave or hiding in fear in a dank, smelly cave. She rolled over and pulled the blankets up under her chin and sank deeper into her restful sleep, feeling oddly safe and protected for the first time in a long time.

"Spike" fell from her lips as she lightly fingered the bite mark now gracing her long, elegant neck.

~~~*~~~

The sun was setting outside and the two vampires were beginning to get anxious. Willow and Fred had insisted on getting dressed together and making their `husbands' wait downstairs. Of course that was after they made the men lug down all their luggage and load it into the car Angel had rented for the case.

"Where are they?" Spike grumbled as he paced the lobby for the hundredth time. "How long does it take for them to get ready?"

"They have to look the part, Spike" Angel replied, feeling just as anxious as his childe, but hiding it much better. He sat back on the circular couch and crossed his arms over his chest. Just watching Spike pace was making him dizzy.

Suddenly, Spike froze. Angel's eyes rose to see the visions of beauty descending the stairs.

Willow was decked out in Angel's favorite outfit from their shopping trip. She had on the tightest pair of emerald leather pants that were so shiny they seemed to be made of glass. Under the pants was a pair of high heeled, black leather boots that made a delightful clicking noise as she descended the stairs. The top was so small Spike was sure she had stolen it from Buffy. It was a silk halter that matched the color of the pants to perfection and was held on her slight frame by three spaghetti thin straps, one behind her neck and two across her back. Her hair was styled so that most of it was on top of her head, perfectly exposing the mark on her neck.

Fred, however, was completely understated compared to the redhead. She had on a buttery soft camel colored suede skirt that hit her directly mid thigh, making her long, thin legs seem even longer. A pair of low heeled black strapy sandals that laced half way up her calves graced her feet. Her top was a sheer black lace piece that flowed down her arms, giving her the illusion of having wings and was topped by a tight leather, waist cinching corset. Her hair was also pulled back to expose her elegant neck and the claim mark healing there.

Willow had suggested switching tops. Looking at the corset had reminded Willow of her vampire double and she had the wicked desire to see the look on Angel's face when he saw her wearing it. Fred, however, had refused to switch. She told the redhead that she wanted to wear what Spike had picked out for her.

The young Texan was surprised during the shopping trip when Spike had refused to buy anything that remotely exposed her back. The only scar she would ever show the world would be the one he put on her if he had anything to say about it. Willow and Angel had been increasing frustrated when Spike rejected top after top without supplying a reason. Fred smiled at the blonde vampire's consideration.

Judging by the looks on the faces of everyone in the lobby of the Hyperion, the girls had done a good job preparing. The green horned demon was the first to speak.

"Slap my face and call me Zsa Zsa" Lorne crowed as he walked over to the blushing girls. "You two look good enough to eat."

"Damn, girl" Gunn said as he looked over the shy brunette. "Where you been hidin' all that?"

Fred giggled until she heard a soft growl from over the demon hunter's back. "Spike" she said warningly. "No growling at my friends."

Spike quickly stalked over to the young girl and wrapped an arm around her waist before pulling her in close. He leaned in to smell the girl's hair momentarily to try and calm the demon inside that was straining to get loose.

Angel looked at his childe and let out a sub-sonic warning growl that only the other vampire could hear. The blonde looked up and glared at his sire for a moment, considering standing up to the dark vampire. He sighed and lowered his eyes in a sign of submission and backed off slightly.

Angel smiled at the feeling of triumph at the young vampire's submission. His demon roared in his head and tried to assert itself. The desire to take his childe and show him his proper place was almost overwhelming for a moment until he heard a small voice call his name.

"Angel?" Willow called, suddenly scared as the dark vampire's eyes glowed gold. She realized she needed to distract Angel before the situation got out of hand. Once she had the vampire's attention, she said in a coyly innocent voice, "Do you like my outfit?"

Angel chuckled at the redhead's remark and quickly stalked over to her. "You are breathtaking, little one" he whispered in her ear before dropping a small kiss on the top of her head.

"Well" Cordelia said, slightly put out. "If everyone is done with the drooling and posturing, we do have business to get to."

Angel nodded and placed his hand in the small of Willow's back, directing her to sit while everyone was briefed on the workings of the case.

"Ok" the former cheerleader said, taking center stage in stride. "Here are the rings" she said as she handed the two vampires the boxes containing the electronic tracking devices. "Getting those last two rings so fast is going to cost you big time. We have the communication devices in place and the rental car has been outfitted with a GPS system so we can track the car anywhere."

Her part finished, Wesley stepped in. "Here are cell phones for all of you" he said as he handed each of them a matching phone. "This button here is a panic button. If you get into trouble, all you have to do is press it and it will automatically alert us here."

Looking at the mass of electronic devices, Spike stood and struck a pose. He put his hand in the inner pocket of his coat and said, "Bond. James Bond." Snickers started around him as the Angel's Investigations crew relieved some of their fear and tension they were feeling.

Angel stood and lightly cuffed Spike around the head as he chuckled at his childe's antics. "Let's go" he said lightly and reached down to pull Willow to her feet. "Ready for our honeymoon, lover?"

Willow suppressed the shudder that threatened to run through him. "Sure thing, honey" she said, smiling as she played the adoring wife.

Spike rolled his eyes and snorted. Reaching for Fred, he said, "Come on, ducks. It's getting a little too sweet in here for my tastes."

"Sure thing, schmoopie" Fred said, giggling.

Spike froze. "Don't call me that" he said as he mock growled at her.

"How about poopie, or cuddle monkey?" she said, squealing as she raced to the front door trying to avoid the vampire chasing her.

Angel stood, watching the playful couple. "Why did I agree to this again?" he asked, looking down at the redhead standing next to him.

"Because I asked you to" she said simply.

He nodded and directed her to the door. As odd as it sounded, her simple statement had rang so true that it almost scared him.

~~~*~~~

Two hours into the car ride and Willow looked over her shoulder at the couple in the backseat. Spike was leaning against the car door with Fred cuddled up in his arms. Her head rested against his chest, laying her cheek where his heart should be beating. His face was pressed to the top of her head with his nose buried in the soft curls.

Willow giggled before turning back to the dark vampire. "I guess he really is a cuddle monkey" she said quietly.

Angel smiled back at the redhead. "He has always been very tactile" he replied, wishing there were some way for him to get her closer to him.

Willow sighed, thinking about what she wanted to talk to her friend about. Knowing he was looking at her, she said, "I need to ask you something." Angel nodded, waiting for the girl to continue.

"What would happen if I drank your blood?" she blurted.

"What?" Angel practically shouted. He calmed himself quickly, not wanting to wake the sleeping couple in the back. "Why would you ask something like that?"

"Well, you drank from me, you know, for the believability of the case, but what would happen if I drank from you?"

Angel sighed. He really didn't want to have this conversation. "Well" he started. "We would be closer, bond wise. A complete blood bond is a very powerful thing. It would make things easier for us if we were separated. We could feel each other over greater distances, but it would also make things more complicated later."

"More complicated how?" the redhead asked, suddenly afraid for her friend.

"If a blood bond was completed, the demon would refuse to relinquish you" Angel said. "It wouldn't matter that you didn't want it or not, or that you just did it for a case. To the demon, you would belong to me, whether we liked it or not."

Willow frowned slightly at the comment. {He doesn't want me} she thought, suddenly feeling panicked. {He wouldn't want to complete the bond with me.}

Angel felt the switch in the young witch's mood and reached over to grab her hand. She turned and smiled at him. He was about to say something when they drove over the ridge and past the line of trees that blocked their view. Once they cleared the trees, Willow gasped. The sight before her was stunning.

The resort was huge. It looked like an ancient castle with huge stone walls and towering parapets. The grounds were expansive and the redhead thought she saw stables to the right of the building. There was a huge field that was divided by a small creek. She smiled as she saw several deer roaming the field.

Angel looked over at the honestly pleased expression on the redhead's face. He was glad he had a part of putting that smile there. He just hoped they could have a little fun during this case. As they approached the building, Angel cleared his throat to wake the people in the back seat.

"Wow" Fred whispered sleepily as he looked at the massive building before them. "This is it?"

"This is it" Angel answered as he slowed down, reaching the valet. "Everybody ready?"

"Ready" Willow said happily.

"Yep" Fred answered.

"Let's do it" Spike said, preparing to play the Big Bad.

Angel stopped the car and the four began to prepare for their roles for the case.

Chapter 7 ~Lucinda~ Feedback

The group made their way into the hotel, with Angel and Spike sauntering as Willow and Fred held the arms of their respective vampires, trying not to gape at the building. Their footsteps clicked and rang over gleaming marble floors, a pattern in black, green and golden squares. Columns rose to the ceiling, giving the impression of medieval grandeur. As they approached the main desk, they could see some of the hotel’s guests lounging in chairs and couches, gathered in front of a huge fireplace.

Blinking, Willow tried to identify some of the species of the various demon guests, most of which had a human wife or husband present. She could see a Chaos demon in a corner, his arm wrapped around a slender woman with dark hair and a long red dress. By the fireplace, there was a lean demon with yellow orange scales and sharp spikes along the back, almost like one of the demons that had been in Sunnydale for the Slayerfest thing that Trick had arranged. Perhaps the few differenced could be explained by the fact that the demon was snuggled up against a grinning man that somehow reminded her of a more relaxed Riley Finn, with about a decade of years added to him. By a window, there was a Fyarl demon gesturing outside as he argued with a solid looking woman that she couldn’t help comparing to Arnold Shwarzennegger in drag, with huge breasts. She had no idea what the dark purple demon with the four arms and the almost ear to ear smile was, but he was apparently amusing the petite blond that was curled on his lap. A guy that sort of reminded her of Cable from the X-Men comics sat on a couch, his arm draped around the shoulder of a scarlet scaled woman with two tiny horns and a single eye.

“I’m definitely seeing some variety here.” Fred’s soft voice sounded amazed as she looked at the other guests.

“Makes me almost feel self conscious.” Spike grinned, looking as if he felt anything but self conscious as he looked across the lobby.

“Remember to behave.” Angel smiled a bit as he looked at his Childe.

Fred giggled, snuggling closer to Spike. “Maybe I’ll have to keep him too busy for trouble?”

Willow blushed and chuckled at the pair of them, glancing up to see Angel’s amused smile. “They seem so… cute.”

“Indeed.” He nodded, then looked up at the receptionist. " There should be two rooms reserved, one under the name Angelus, the other under the name Spike.”

The receptionist glanced at him, her skin a dark greenish hue with small dark spikes emerging over her. She smiled slightly, somehow managing to look cute and fairly wholesome. “Just a moment while I look up your rooms, sir.”

Behind them, Willow could hear Spike’s almost murmur to Fred. “That chit’s a Brakken demon. Generally fairly quiet, not too violent. A lot of them have some clairvoyant abilities… I got to know a good deal about them about seventy years back.”

The receptionist looked back up, smiling cheerfully as she pulled four key cards from a small drawer. “Your reservations are in order. We can have someone take care of your luggage.” She paused, handing one pair of cards to Willow, and the other pair were practically snatched from her fingers by Spike. “Your rooms are on the first basement level. There’s a copy of the code of conduct placed on the beds, but the short version is that everyone’s supposed to practice some tolerance. And you are also requested to try to refrain from anything too sexual in the public areas. If you need anything changed in the rooms, or room service, contact housekeeping or the kitchens, someone should be available twenty four hours a day. Please try not to kill any of the other guests.”

“Right, don’t kill the other guests, shagging in your own damn rooms, and we get room service. I can deal with that.” Spike grinned as he kissed the side of Fred’s neck, just below the bite mark. “I can think of a few other things to do than annoy the company anyhow.

Willow giggled as she leaned back against Angel’s body, part of her wondering just how real Spike was going to try to make things even as she enjoyed the contact with Angel. Turning, she rose to her tip toes and pressed a light kiss to his lips. “Think I can persuade you to only play nice with the other people?”

His arm wrapped around her waist, his hand draping over the pocket of her pants, or rather, the place where a pair of jeans would have a back pocket. These pants were leather, and while she could still breathe, there was no pocket. Willow found herself acutely aware of both Angel’s hand and his… well, she could feel his body against hers. All of his body, including a certain part that seemed notably firm at the moment. Gold fleck appeared in his eyes as he practically purred back “Maybe. Depends on how persuasive you are.”

There was a half smothered giggle from the desk. “Save it for the rooms, please. This is a hotel, not a bordello.”

“Right… right, for the bloody rooms. Come on, let’s go find the rooms.” Spike’s aggravated mutter broke the moment.

They meandered to the elevator, and found the right level by a quick comparison of the key cards and the elevator panel, and waited as they descended. Willow was wondering what the rooms would be like. Would they feel all dark and cramped? Claustrophobic? Or would they be as gloriously luxurious as the hotel lobby had been? She could hardly wait to find out.

“I hope the rooms have some sort of sound proofing.” Fred’s soft comment not only caused the other three to rapidly look at her, but brought an assortment of images to their minds. Very vivid images.

“Ahhh…. Fred?” Angel stammered, as if uncertain how much he could safely say.

“I mean…” She was blushing now, glancing down at her sandaled feet, one knee exposed by the softly clinging fabric that outlined her legs while still reaching below the knees, except for the slit that went nearly halfway up her thigh. “In college, the walls of the dorms were pretty thin. And since this is a place for honeymooning couples… I LIKE not hearing all the sordid details of the folks next door having sex.”

Willow nodded, remembering the walls of Stevenson Hall back at Sunnydale. “Yeah, thin and flimsy. Way to easy to hear far too much… It sort of kills the mood, knowing that the neighbors will know everything. Like the fact that the girl across the hall had three guys, and she was faking all the orgasms with all of them…”

Now, Angel was staring at Willow, his eyebrows raised as Spike whispered something into Fred’s ear that had her blushing intensely.

Willow turned crimson as she realized just how much had slipped out. Burying her face in Angel’s chest, she tried to apologize without meeting anybody’s eyes. “Oh my God, I just sounded like Anya. I’m sooo sorry.”

“Peaches over there might like a few similarities with Anya. After all, this is supposed to be a Honeymoon, right?” Spike’s words sounded teasing.

Angel’s hand rubbed over her back, a soothing gesture as he held her close. “Sweet Willow, the elevator has stopped. If we don’t get out of it, people may think we’re doing very inappropriate things in here.”

Willow was still bright pink as she and Angel found their room. Spike knew full well how much Anya enjoyed dragging Xander off for sexual purposes, and… well, if he was taunting Angel, that was cruel. But on the other hand, even in normal hotels, it wasn’t uncommon for cameras to be in the elevator. If they had been on candid camera, so to speak, then Spike would only have reinforced the whole eager hands everywhere hormonal newlyweds image. Since she was still trying to stare at the floor to avoid eye contact, she noticed that the floor here had very nice deep burgundy and gold patterned carpeting, the sort that your feet just sank into and deadened almost any noise. Certainly a body falling, although maybe not a piano.

Willow handed Angel his keycard, trying not to smile as he fought briefly with the card slot. Finally, the green light flickered on, and he opened the door quickly. Angel stepped into the room, a small ‘ohhh’ emerging from him. Willow followed, her hand fumbling over wallpaper as she sought a light switch. The feel of it almost reminded her of some of Giles’ old books. Finally, she found one, and with a soft click, the room was revealed to her.

Their feet had practically sank into deep dark blue carpet that was a perfect match for the velvet comforter over the absolutely huge bed. There was a couch in cloth upholstery, a sort of print running over it in silver, with a high backed chair that matched it perfectly. A large mahogany entertainment stand held a few drawers and the sort of closed shuttery doors that traditionally were used by hotels to conceal a television. Gauzy fabric in deep blue and silver draped in a canopy over the massive bed, gathered at the posts, which looked incredibly solid.

Willow had the sudden image of tying Angel between the bedposts, stripping his clothing slowly from his body, all of it… no, wait, better yet, everything but a blindfold, or maybe a silk scarf tied over his eyes… Yes, tie him up there, naked and blindfolded, and tease him until he begged her for satisfaction. Maybe she could even play a few games, a little licking, some nibbles…

She was feeling rather overheated by the time that fantasy had fully formed. “Maybe I should take a look at the bathroom…”

Willow practically bolted into what had to be the bathroom. There was a large mirror over a long counter with two sinks. The counter looked like gray marble, and the floor was tiled in ivory and the same gray, with little dark blue diamond shapes at the intersections. Dark blue and ivory towels hung on racks, and a quick touch revealed them to be thick and plush, the sort of expensive towels that were a decadent experience all by themselves. There was a shower enclosed on three sides with glass walls, big enough for two or three people to fit inside.

Willow had another sudden erotic image. Her and Angel in the shower, hot water beating down on their bodies, the humid air scented with body wash as he rubbed the lather over her breasts with one hand as he slowly ran his fingers up the inside of her thigh, teasing her, hinting at the pleasures that he could bring her…

Tearing her eyes from the shower, Willow discovered the room's crowning feature. A big, beautiful garden bathtub, with steps leading up to it and then inside. Her eyes had barely taken in the sight before her mind was concocting yet another fantasy. Neck deep in hot water and scented bubbles as Angel ran his fingers over her breasts, circling them, teasing them as he pulled her over to him in the water. Feeling his cock brush against her as he brought her closer, Angel nibbling at the side of her neck as one hand was teasing her, preparing to slide his cock deep into her body…

“Oh merciful God… Goddess… anyone. I’m going to end up bringing Angelus back for sure.” Willow whimpered, the images so detailed, so intense that she could almost feel the bubbles popping as he pulled her body against his. The tub didn’t even have any water in it! She had all her... well, she was fully dressed! And Angel wasn’t even in the same room!

“What was that? Are you alright in there, Willow?” Angel’s voice called from the bedroom.

Willow sucked in a breath as she remembered Angel’s enhanced hearing. Had he heard her? Would he admit it if he had? She shook her head, confident that here were enough real things to worry about without adding things to it. She slipped back out of the hedonistic, lust inducing bathroom, smiling at him. “I’m fine. The bathroom is really fabulous, you should really… um, Angel? Where did you get a pair of handcuffs?”

Angel glanced at his hands, as if he hadn’t quite realized what he was holding. Looking incredibly guilty, he turned them over, as if trying to figure out a way to put them down without looking guilty, which was a dismal failure. “Ahh… they were in the top drawer, under the television. Along with the pay-per-view movie listing, a few bottles of flavored massage oil, and a riding crop.”

Willow felt her eyebrows raise, suddenly and forcefully reminded of the first fantasy she’d had, of tying Angel up and… teasing him, tormenting him. “A riding crop? Is that supposed to be for me or you? And… umm… has it been cleaned since whoever was last here checked out?”

His features flickered, as if he couldn’t quite decide if he wanted to vamp out or not. For a moment, he just stood there, the handcuffs dangling over one thumb as his other hand fumbled blindly in the drawer for the crop. When words finally emerged, almost at the same time as the elusive object, his Irish accent was more prominent, along with the bulge in his pants. “That depends entirely on how hard it’s being used, and how rough we like to play. Maybe you’ll just have to tie me up and spank me if I misbehave.”

Willow’s eyes got very big and she swallowed hard as those words brought that fantasy roaring back to life. Roaring, whimpering and moaning. She licked lips gone dry and whispered out “What about a blindfold?”

~~~*~~~

Spike and Fred made their way down the hallway, looking for their room. It turned out to be about three doors down and across the hall from Angel and Willow. Spike let go of Fred’s hand as he used the key card to open the door. Flipping on a light switch, he lifted the small bag of toiletries. “Why don’t I just pop these into place while you look over the room?”

Nodding, she followed him inside, sliding the sandals off at the door. The room was amazing. She definitely hadn’t expected anything like this. The floor was entirely hidden with layers of Persian style carpets, and the lower half of the walls appeared to be creamy marble, with buttery swirls and threadlike veins of gold shooting through it. Alternating panels of amber and jade green fabric draped over the ceiling and the walls, giving an almost sloping feeling to the roof, and meeting at a single column of stone that was off center. It looked to be made of the same stone as the walls, although a small corner of her mind was insisting that it was probably a thin paneling.

The bed was huge and low to the ground, covered in a pieced quilt in the same amber and green that looked like silk, and amber silken sheets. They almost looked like the same color as Spike’s eyes when he changed… Velvet pillows in amber and green, some with shimmering tassels had been placed on the bed, and there was a similar low couch, also with velvety throw pillows. The whole thing looked like some sort of… well, it reminded her of the Arabian Nights. Moving towards the column, where bits of the fabric hung down, she leaned against it, the stone cool against her back as she reached up, her fingers running over the gauzy draping as she pulled it in front of her face.

She could just image an entire palace around this room, with gardens filled with fragrant flowers and succulent fruit. Subtle perfumes would waft through the air, and maybe some sort of stringed instrument in the almost distance. She could almost picture Spike, dressed in a pair of curling toed boots, really loose fitting pants, and a sash, and nothing else, well, maybe a turban. The green and amber would almost make him look like he’d been carved from ivory.

Spike sauntered out of the bathroom, sort of half humming something. “Doo do do do dah do-do, dah dah dah dah da-ah, dah dah daahh…”

Looking at him through the panel of amber gauze, she snickered. “You watched ‘I Dream of Jeanie’? Enough to remember the theme song?”

Spike winced. “Don’t be telling people that. And I think that you’d look down right tempting in a pair of gauzy harem pants, the little slippers with the curly toes, and a little vest. And we can’t forget the veil, can we?”

“I’m pretty sure there was a bit more to Barbara Eden’s outfit than that.” She was trying not to giggle.

“Yeah, but she was dressing for national television, luv. I’m picturing you for my own private pleasure. Well, mine and yours.” He smiled, gliding closer to that huge bed. He dropped the duster to the floor, and crawled onto the huge bed, rubbing his cheek against the soft silky covers. “Oh, now this is definitely the place for some private pleasures.”

“You almost look like a cat, getting ready to purr.” She smiled, walking closer to it herself. She wanted to run her hands over the covers, to see if they truly felt that enjoyable, to lean against Spike. And if he was a great big kitty, would he purr if she rubbed his tummy? What about rubbing a little lower than his tummy? “I’m pretty sure we didn’t pack anything remotely like a genie outfit for this trip.”

“Hmm…. No genie outfit?” His voice had changed slightly, a bit huskier, his eyes flickering towards amber as his fingers slid over the bed to caress her leg. “Think we could find a few ways to enjoy the room anyhow?”

“Oh, I might have a few ideas…” She smiled as she leaned over, her hand gliding up his arm.

Chapter 8 ~FemailoftheSpecies~ Feedback

“Come here, luv.”  He took hold of her roaming fingers and pulled her down onto the bed, rolling onto his side to gaze at her.  She was so frail and delicate.  And his.  <For now, mate.  Just a job, remember?>    Still his demon kept flashing images of her beneath him, filling her, draining her, turning her.

“Spike?”  She was watching him, wide-eyed, slightly nervous.

He roused from his musings.  “Sorry, just thinking of all the things I want to do to you,” he purred truthfully.

Fred visibly relaxed and laid down next to him on her tummy, resting her head in her folded arms.  “Tell me.”  When he frowned a bit, obviously not understanding, she explained.  “Tell me what you want to do to me.”

The blonde’s expression was unreadable, and at first she thought she had done something wrong.  She was learning that Angel’s childe was an unpredictable creature and sensitive to those he had opened himself to.  They were becoming close, the bond only intensifying what she already felt for the vampire, and hurting him would hurt her.

Without warning he rolled her over, smiling at the delighted squeal from the brunette.   Now he was looming over her, first on his list of what he wanted to do to her.

“I want to kiss you, luv.  Let my lips claim you as mine, discover you.  I want to lick you, taste you sweet hot skin.”  His mouth brushed hers, begging her lips to part for him, and she allowed him access as she could deny him nothing.

It was soft, gentle, surprising tender.  She ran her hands up his back, marveling at how hard he was, muscle like marble.  A moan escaped her as she imagined what else would be hard as stone.

Spike deepened the kiss, resisting the primal urge to rock his hips against her soft form.  Her experiences before had been brutal and forceful. He wanted go slowly with her.  He would make her feel safe, forever.

Finally, she pulled away, the need to breathe too great and overcoming the passion burning in her for her vampire.  Panting, she grabbed him by his short, blond locks, staring at him as if he were on exhibit.  She searched his eyes and he did not close down, his emotions apparent, and she was satisfied with what she saw.

“Spike,” she breathed, her voice raspy and longing, “I won’t break.  I know what you are and I want you despite and because of it.  I want everything about you.  You don’t need to baby me.  Except when you NEED to baby me.”  She smiled up at him, a vixen in his eyes.

In a blur and with a growl, he turned them again, so quickly that she was dizzy, and now she straddled him, looking down on pale skin that begged her lips’ attention.

“Show me.”  His blue eyes burned into her soul as his rich, resonant voice tore down the last of her fears.

~~~*~~~

Angel felt his cock stirring in his trousers and he was suddenly glad he wore them instead of the leather.

“A blindfold?  I’m sure we can improvise, lover,” he said as he stalked the small redhead.

Noticing that the tables were turning, Willow backed up as he approached, the fluttering in her stomach screaming at her to stay still and let the vampire do his best.

“A-Angel…Um I think that you….EEEP!”  She yelped as he grabbed her arm and pulled her to the bed. Before she could understand what happened, she was handcuffed, both arm above her head, her body stretched as he fastened the cuffs to a hook on one off the posts.  She never noticed it, but of course the vampire did.

“Now, Willow….” He purred in her ear as she gasped, the scent of her desire pouring from her center.  “Do you still want that blindfold?”  He took off his shirt, grinning as her arousal thickened in the air, and tossed it behind her onto the blue comforter before slipping into the bathroom.  She heard the tearing of fabric and when he returned he had a long, thin strip of white terry cloth.

“Improvisation?”  She whispered.

“Oh yeah.”   He tied the cloth around her eyes, careful to not make it too tight, standing back to enjoy the view.

The young witch was breathtaking, bound and blinded, heart beating frantically, her lithe body stretched before him, an offering to his demon.   He knew that if he put his hands between her legs, he would come away soaked, he could smell how much she wanted him.  It was frightening, knowing that he would have to remain in control of all games they played.  He planned to give her pleasure beyond her understanding while making sure she was not in a position to provide that same pleasure to him.  He did not trust her to stop before it was too late, before he was pasts the reserves of his own control.  If that happened, all would be lost.  He only hoped that Spike would be able to protect them all from the evil that he was without the soul.

He chuckled, shaking his head as he realized he was headed into a full scale brood when he had a witch to please.  He picked up the phone, amused to see her jump as the small noise startled her.  Soon, all of her senses would be overwhelmed by the slightest stimulation.

“This is Angelus, room B117.  I'd like to place an order…”

~~~*~~~

Divinity.

She was as close has he would come.  Her mouth incased his shafted, heat burning him and he whimpered.  He could not bring himself to care.  She was his goddess.  He remembered feeling this way about Drusilla and wondered at the similarities.  But only for a few seconds as she brunette swallowed him whole, banishing all thoughts.  There was only her lips as she peppered his column with kisses, her teeth as she bit his foreskin gently and not-so-gently, her tongue as she laved his sack, her mouth as she drew him into her.

“Cor, luv…” He moaned, his head rolling left and right on the quilt below.

She smiled around him and swallowed again as he bucked slender hips, sending his seed down her throat.  She pulled back a bit, still sucking him until he squirmed away laughing, the sensation too much.   He reached for her and dragged her small frame closer, delving into her mouth, delighted by the taste of him in her.

“You like that , huh?”  she asked, placing a hand on his chest as he panted for air.

“Pet, you do my head in.”   Sliding a hand under her skirt he found her panties, wet and in his way so he ripped them off. She pouted, about to protest.  “Buy you knew ones?”  And he tossed them over his shoulder.  “Buy you any bloody thing you want.”  He growled.

A shiver.  She was trembling and could not stand to be apart from him one minute more.

“Spike….please now...”  She lay back on the bed, looking virginal, sacrificial.  Without thought or care, he ripped her remaining clothing from her body, eyes filled with wonder at her beauty.  So thin, so toned, so pale.  So like him.

His hands were not gentle as they roamed her body, feeling and learning her.  His expedition was possessive and rough, bruising would be inevitable, as she writhed below him, responding to his touch with a hunger that matched his own and he could wait no longer.  Their eyes locked and when he saw her permission, her submission, he slowly pushed his aching cock inside her.

His half hooded eyes, widened, shocked as he breached her barrier, virginal, the scent of her blood assaulting him seconds later.   He stopped, watching her catch her breath.

“You alright?”  When she nodded and thrust her hips up be began a slow torturous rhythm, changing his goal.

He had planned to fuck her possessively, claim her in body as well as blood, his demon nearly insane with longing for her.  But knowing he was her first, he wanted to make take it slow for a while, let her adjust to him, build her desire for him.

He continued this agonizingly slow coupling, drinking her in as she moaned beneath him.  This was number two on his list.  He grinned deviously, fangs dropping a bit, and if she had seen him, she may have been afraid, but the look was gone in seconds and his paced changed, quickening.

He angled himself, hitting her clit as he began slamming into her.

“Ahhh God!  Spike…harder!  Haaaardeeer!”  Her nails were imbedded in his skin, blood now filled the air and with a low growl his demon was to the fore, pounding her fragile body.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah, Spike, please!”  It was a prayer and encouraged his demon to tear into her.  Fangs slid into flesh, walls clamped around him, screams filled his ears, blood flowed past his lips, nails ripped at his back, cum invaded her channel.

She continued to shake violently as he retracted his fangs and resumed a human mask.  He dropped down, his mouth at the V of her sex and drank from her again, this time tasting their union and her innocent gifts.  His mouth cooled the delicious heat she felt even as she fell over into another orgasm, less intense, not taking so much of her soul, yet just as pleasurable.

“My God, Spike.”  She gasped, just above a whisper, her fingers twirling idly in his soft hair.

He smiled into her chest, sucking at the flesh of her breast hard enough to leave a mark.  “You are amazing, luv, but you should have told me you were a bloody virgin.”

She sighed and yanked on his hair a bit.  “Never said I wasn’t, Spike.”

He sat up, head tilted as his eyes burrowed into her.  “Sorry…I just assumed… You know with the torture an’ all.”

“Well, I have to be very thankful that in Pylea humans were like cattle and they would never stoop so low as having sex with a cow.  It is kinda… ick… when I think about it like that.”

“You are not a cow.”  He advised her pointedly as if this were a revelation.  “But I won’t complain.  I got the better end of their stupidity.”

He got up, sinewy and muscled, oblivious to his nudity, and went for a cigarette.  Her lustful eyes followed him across the room.  She jumped when the phone rang.

“Ahhh…”

The vampire smirked, smelling the fear and even though he was not the cause it was still heavenly.

“What?”  He answered in his usual snarky manner.

“Spike?  It’s Cordy…Where’s Angel?  I asked for Angel’s room.”

“He’s in B117 shagging Red.”  He smiled, waiting.

“WHAT!?”

“You heard me, bint.”

He moved his ear back from the phone as a string of curses and threats spilled from the seer’s end.   He was laughing so hard that Fred had to take the phone from the blonde demon.

“Hey Cordy.  Spike is just messing around.  What’s up?”  She swatted his hand as it roved between her legs and scooted away from him.

“It’s Buffy…Angel’s ex-pain-in-the-ass girlfriend.  She wants him to send Willow and Spike back to Sunnydale.  Something about him having his own crew and to leave hers alone.”

~~~*~~~

Every time he touched her, no matter where he touched her, she felt it in her core, fluttering and clenching around emptiness.

She had given up fighting and struggling.  Begging, although apparently entertaining to the vampire, seemed to have the opposite effect, moving her further from what she wanted. Needed.  So she would not be in control and her head hung now as she waited for the next assault, powerless and resigned.

It came in the form of lips.  Lips kissing the mouth of her cunt.  His tongue snaked around the engorged nub, evasive.  She whimpered and tried to grind against him, but he held her firm.  Frustrated she began banging the back of her head on the post, crying out.

She could not help the litany of pleas that poured from her traitorous lips.  “Please Angel…” Breathing was a chore, erratic.  “No…more…ahhh…please….please just…fuck me…please, please, please, please.”

Angel smiled into her, a chuckle from his demon.  “Pretty Willow, fucking you would definitely give me all the happiness I need for the soul to flee.”  He whispered, flicking at her clit lightly.

“Ahhhh Goddess I….don’t care…please just…help me.”

And then he was gone from her as she screamed out her disapproval, begging him to let her come.

Another screech as something cold, ice perhaps, was pushed inside her hot hole, filling her.  She wiggled, attempting to use it, whatever it was, to get off.

Soon she felt the vampire, whom she now suspected was a not as souled as everyone believed, lift her trembling legs to his broad shoulders.  He attacked her center, drinking of the juices that flowed from her, his tongue relentless against her clit.  He no longer restrained her flailing hips so she freely pumped them, fucking his face, head thrown back and hanging limply next to the post.

Fingers, two then three, replaced the ice and the screaming became primal as she came around him.

“Fuck…” she breathed.  “Fuck!”  She panted.  “Fuck…”  She gasped and then let out another shriek, coming again, as fangs sliced into the tender flesh of her thigh.  She bucked wildly, the pain and pleasure mix overwhelming her senses.

“Untie me…,” was all she could manage and the vampire complied, unhooking the handcuffs first.  She crumbled and was caught before hitting the floor.  He laid her gently across the bed on top of the counterpane, her breathing still irregular.  He removed the blindfold next.  She opened her eyes slowly, focusing on him with a bit of effort.  The golden presence of the demon swirled, volatile, in his eyes.  With a click she was free of the cuffs and with a stiff arm she brought a shaking hand to his face, caressing his still human features as she contemplated him biting her and what than meant.

“As long as I am cursed….I can never have you, Willow.  Do you see him?  Inside me?”  She nodded, still silent, trying to get control of her breathing.  “He waits for me to give in.”

“I didn’t mean to…”  He placed a finger to her lips, ending any apology.

“I know…I’ll have to have enough control for the both of us.”  He rolled off of the bed to run the bath for the redhead that was fast becoming irresistible.  “BUT just in case, I think I need to talk to Spike about a contingency plan.”

Chapter Nine ~Susi~ Feedback

Willow awoke next morning due to the loud chirping of birds. A soft smile graced her rosy lips and she stretched her arms languidly above her head; or better she tried to. Something cool and heavy constricted her movements and with rising panic the young redhead tore her eyes open.  Her gaze fell on a head with dark spiky hair nuzzling into her neck and wandered down to a muscular arm wound around her small waist. A masculine leg was thrown over the lower part of her body, effectively pinning her to the mattress. Memories of their love-play flittered through the redhead’s mind and with a sigh she relaxed into the bedding again, unconsciously snuggling closer into the cool body of her partner in crime.

Completely relaxed Willow’s finger glided gently through Angel’s dark strands. She did in no way want to wake him up, however her need for closeness and tenderness was simply larger. A soft purring made Willow stop in the middle of her movement. No doubt… the purring came from the dark vampire at her side. Curious about his reaction, the little redhead began to massage his scalp more intensely. The purring immediately increased in volume. A self-satisfied grin twitched around Willow's rosy lips. A breathy giggle escaped her when a cool wet tongue flicked over her pulse point followed by a trail of soft small kisses which ended by covering her smiling lips. Like a jolt of fire running through her body, all her senses came alive and she hungrily opened her lips to deepen their kiss. But to her utter disappointment Angel almost instantly drew back with deep regret in his dark, expressive eyes.

“Morning, little one.”

A touch of pink colored her cheeks when reality crushed down on her. “Huh, morning Angel.”

Angel’s eyes got darker when the slight aroma of the redhead’s arousal suddenly filled his senses. He could feel his demon rattle at its cage and he had to close his amber-tinged eyes and take a deep breath so as not to lose his fragile control. How on earth would he manage to refresh the mark when Willow’s fragrance alone was enough to stir his demon?

Embarrassed by the dark vampire’s silence, Willow wanted to leave the bed as soon as possible. She grabbed for the blanket but Angel’s growl froze her. “Where do you think you’re going?”

Frightened green eyes looked into stormy chocolate ones. “I- I thought….”

“What? What did you assume?”

Gathering all her courage, Willow whispered, "You don’t need to kiss me if it’s so unpleasant for you."

Gripping her shoulders, Angel pulled her slender body closer. “Unpleasant? Have you lost your mind, woman?”

“But-“

“Willow, you’re crazy if you think I don’t want you.”

“But-“

“Can’t you feel it?” With that Angel rocked his hips slowly into hers. “Can’t you feel how much you turn me on?” When he saw realization enter her lovely green eyes and heat flush her face, Angel added, his voice hoarse with desire, “How much you turn both of us on?” He closed his eyes and willed his body to stop rocking. “He was never so close, Willow, never.”

Angel’s confession overwhelmed Willow and with renewed self-confidence she pushed his solid form onto his back and straddled his lap. With a warning growl Angel laid his hands on her hips to move her but Willow batted them away. “Stop growling, Angel and relax. Let us give the bastard a show he’ll never forget.”

With a frustrated sigh, Angel opened his mouth to protest but Willow just laid a delicate finger on his lips. “Ssshhh, I know what I do.” And when the redheaded temptress rubbed her little ass over his straining erection, all coherent thoughts left Angel’s mind, knowing that they were playing with fire.

Willow moved slowly, wanting it to last for the dark-haired vampire, wanting him to enjoy it as much as she knew he was going to. Butterfly kisses were placed all over his broad muscular chest. A short flick of Willow’s tongue around Angel’s left nipple caused a low moan to escape his lips. Never stopping long, Willow licked over the other nipple suddenly biting down on the hard nub, eliciting a throaty cry from Angel. His hands gripped the sheets, his lust-filled eyes held tightly shut. The tiny redhead loved the aroma of his skin, sandalwood soap and expensive whiskey and with new-won female power she nipped her way down to his navel. Swirling her wet tongue into his navel made Angel grip the sheets even tighter and let shivers run through his sensory-overloaded body. With a satisfied smile Willow stopped her lascivious expedition and sat up. “Should I stop?”

Amber-flecked eyes bore into green ones and a deep commanding hiss demanded  the  young witch’s continuation. Angel had never thought to experience such intense passion. His dead heart seemed to beat again and the need to breathe became unbearable. Neither Darla nor Buffy had been able to create this burning fire which raged through his dead veins. Too deep-caught in the throes of passion he couldn’t, no, he wouldn’t allow her to stop now. All his nerves fixated on the pleasure this little red-haired pixie gave him. Willow leaned down and softly kissed his navel before she slid further down his barely constrained body. From several inches away she began to blow on his cock, the hot air from between her pursed lips tickling his throbbing meat and making it even harder.

“You know,” Willow whispered, moving her mouth ever closer to his cock, “some people think that it’s very sexy to cum in a woman’s mouth. Do you agree with that, Angel?”

Angel grunted lustfully and thrust his hips at her face, apparently eager to experience that little treat. Opening her mouth, the redhead used her pink, moist tongue to lightly lick the cockhead with a circular motion. Moving her face in closer, she blew on his balls and cock again, taking the chance and licking his balls, too.

"Hold on, lover," the witch whispered, taking Angel’s steel hard cock in her hand. Opening her mouth, she swallowed the vampire’s penis with a single motion, bathing the cool, hard meat with her tongue, sucking with her cheeks and throat.

"Oh my God!" Angel cried, his legs and stomach muscles contracting with this new sensation. His hands were in Willow’s hair, not longer able to hold still, moving the redhead’s mouth faster over his throbbing erection. Spurred by Angel’s reaction, Willow stroked his scrotum, which tightened under her ministrations, signaling his oncoming orgasm. While she had never done this before, not even for Oz, Willow wanted to give Angel something he would never forget. She took a deep breath and with the next motion swallowed him down her tight throat. That was all it took. Angel grunted, screamed, “WILLLLOOOOW!” and then erupted, shooting his cool, creamy cum into Willow’s warm, sucking mouth. She didn’t stop licking his cool, quivering meat till it slowly slipped, finally limp, from her lips. Suddenly nervous, Willow let her long red tresses fall like a curtain before her face. Did he like what she did? Was she good enough to satisfy him? After all he had the experience of almost 250 years.

As if Angel could sense her sudden uneasiness, he gripped Willow by her shoulders and hungrily kissed her tender lips. When his tongue slipped into the warm cavern of her mouth he could taste his own flavor on her tongue. This, combined with Willow’s unique scent, made him instantly hard again. Peppering her neck with feather-light kisses, the dark vampire shifted to his true face, and with a low growl he sank his fangs into the almost healed bite-mark. Willow yelped in surprise at the sudden sensation, liquid fire pooling between her legs, and she grabbed blindly for his strong arms for support. Groaning in frustration Angel stopped after only some few sips. He took a deep, unneeded breath, calming him enough to change back into his human face. When Willow stopped trembling in his arms, Angel slowly pushed her out of his reach.

Tenderly, he tucked a silky strand of Willow’s fiery tresses behind her ear. “Thank you, Willow. That was- wow.” A small womanly grin tugged at her lips, but she remained silent. “I would love to repeat this… experience, but we’re here on a mission.” Suddenly Willow’s stomach loudly growled. “And you need something more to eat than protein.”

Surprised, Willow looked into the dark, sparkling eyes of her vampire. “That was a joke, right?” When she saw his growing smirk, the redhead playfully batted his arm, before she gracefully ran for the bathroom.

~~~*~~~

Brian Neely inserted his key-card, impatiently awaiting the green light to enter the control room. When he opened the door, loud grunting assailed him.

“Shit, Pete!” Brian ranted with a shake of his head and shut the door with a loud bang. “One day you’ll wank your brains outa your dick, man!” He hung his cap and jacket on the hat stand and walked to the chair next to his comrade, whose movements became faster till he spilled his seed with a satisfied yelp into a tissue.

Without hurry, Pete tucked his now limp penis back into his trousers and pulled up the zipper. He pointed with his thumb to one of the monitors. “Man, those two are really hot. She’s doing it like a pro.”

Brian rolled his violet eyes and leaned closer to the little black and white monitor, showing a young girl giving her partner a blowjob. He had to admit the couple looked great. “New ones?”

“Yep, Room B117. Came in last night.”

Suddenly Brian spotted how the face of the man shifted for a brief second. “Fuck, that’s a vampire!”

Pete scratched with one of his sharp claws over his fat thorny neck and nodded to another monitor, where a blond man chased a dark haired girl through the room into the adjoining bathroom. “Just like that guy.”

It couldn’t work better for them. “Did you already speak with our clients?” Brian asked tensely and unconsciously transformed into the form of the dark haired man on the monitor in excitement.

“Yep, and you won’t believe it, but they want both girls this time,” Pete answered enthusiastically.

~~~*~~~

Spike shut the door to their suite and wrapped his arm around Fred’s tiny waist pulling her closer into his body. He was full of energy from the hot blood of his mate, which coursed through his veins. When they came to Angel’s door he pounded loudly against the wood eliciting an amused giggle from the beautiful girl in his arm. The blond vampire waited a second before he raised his arm again, at which point the door flew open. “Morning, Red… peaches. My girl’s starving, want to come along?”

Willow took her purse and joined Fred in the corridor, instantly chatting about their upcoming breakfast. When the girls slowly walked down the hallway to the elevator, Angel laid a hand on his childe’s arm and nodded towards his room. Curious, Spike entered the suite, closed the door and leaned nonchalantly with his back against it, crossing his arms before his chest. He looked at his agitated sire and narrowed his light blue eyes suspiciously. A few seconds later, he had enough. “Spit it out, mate, don’t ‘ave all day, my girl’s waitin’ for me.”

Angel instantly stopped his pacing and shoved his clenched fists in his trouser pockets. He had hoped against hope that the last days had dimmed his childe’s hatred for him. That the blond had started to see him as someone other than his murderer and torturer, as someone instead who missed his companion and favorite childe. But Spike’s words and posture spoke volumes and so Angel steeled himself for the blonde’s verbal attack.

“I need a favor of you,” Angel began, waiting for Spike’s trademark comment, but the younger vampire remained uncommonly still.  With deep sorrow in his chocolate orbs, Angel pulled a stake from his pocket and pressed it into his childe’s hand. “I know you’ll not hesitate.”

Spike almost dropped the stake when his sire’s words sank in. A muscle twitched in his clenched jaw, the only sign of his inner turmoil. He slowly pushed away from the door and stashed the stake almost indifferently into his sleeve. “It will be a great pleasure for me,” he snarled and swiftly left the room, his leather duster billowing behind him. Once he reached the elevator, the blonde vampire leaned, shaking like a leaf, against the metal frame, his heart torn by the unbelievable thought of having to kill his beloved sire.

Chapter Ten ~Tequesta~ Feedback

While the elevator descended to the dining room floor, the girls were still talking to each other. Angel, on the other hand, leaned on the opposite railing in front of Spike, looking around. Spike look with compassion in his sire's eyes. The younger vampire didn't know if he could kill his sire, but if it came down to him hurting Red, then he knew he had to do what he had to do.

Spike knew it was hard being in a room with a beautiful woman like Red, and not be able to do anything with her. He didn't think he could have made it last night without trying something.

When the elevator stopped at the dinner hall, the blond had finally calmed down some. His hands were no longer shaking. He looked over at Angel, who looked as if he had finally got himself together. The girls finally stopped talking as the elevator door opened at the dinning hall.

It was a beautiful setup. The girls walked out of the elevator and up to two flight of stairs going down to the dinning room. The dinning room was mostly lit by candles, which gave it a romantic glow. There was a big crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling. There were all types of demons with their partners, eating and drinking, having a terrific time.

"This place is beautiful," Willow told Fred.

"Yes is it," Fred  replied.

Willow grabbed Angel's hand as Fred did Spike's pulling them. The host was standing at the small desk as they made it to the last step.

"Hi, my name is Ted," the tall, slender man announced as the four stopped in front of him. "Two humans, two vampires?" Ted asked.

"Yes," Willow replied.

"This way," the man advised as he pulled several menus out of a slot. Ted led them through the other people and demons eating and talking. They were seated in a booth in the corner of the restaurant.

"Here are your menus," he said handing one to each woman. "And here are yours." The man gave Angel and Spike a menu.

"Your waiter's name is Jeffery and he will be with you in a moment," Ted told them as he walked off.

Willow and Fred began to look at their menu. It had all types of choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you were in the mood for Italian, Mexican, or if you wanted a steak with all the trimmings or just a lobster, they had it all.

While the girls looked over their breakfast menus, Spike and Angel looked at theirs.

"Mate, they have blood from all over the world," Spike told Angel as he continued to look at his.

"Hello, my name is Jeffery. I will be your waiter for the morning," the Chaos demon announced as he walked up to the table. "Would you like something to drink?"

"Yes, juice for the ladies, and your best bottle of blood for us," Spike spoke.

"Yes sir," Jeffery replied as he grabbed the menus from them and walked off.

Spike looked up at Angel; he was too quiet and tensed. Spike knew they had to get this mission over with and get back to Sunnydale before things got out of hand.

"Where do you want to start, Angel?" He whispered.

"Not here, Spike?" Angel spoke looking around. "There are too many cameras, and I have spotted a couple of microphones around. We will go to the beach tonight then we'll talk," Angel advised them.

"Here are your drinks," Jeffery spoke as he brought up two bottles, one with juice and the other with blood. The demon poured the ladies drinks then set the bottle down in a container of ice, before pouring the guys blood.

"Are you ready to order?" Jeffery asked.

"Yes, I will have egg and toast," Willow spoke.

"And I will have the pan cakes breakfast," Fred ordered.

"Excellent choice," Jeffery spoke as he looked at Spike and Angel.

"Would you like to have another bottle or would that be enough for you two?" He asked Spike.

"That should do it," Angel jump in.

Jeffery nodded and walked towards the kitchen.

Angel looked at Willow and smiled. Spike knew things were a little tense, so he made a toast.

"To married life," he spoke holding up his glass.

"To married life," they all cheered as they held up their glasses clinking them.

They all took a big gulp of the drinks. Angel almost spit his out when he notice it was human blood mixed with wine.

"Are you alright?" Willow asked.

"Yeah," he told her, "It's human."

"I know," Spike jumped in after finishing off the glass and pouring another.

After they had all eaten they whispered to each other coming up with a plan to explore the hotel. They searched most of the day looking for secret rooms and other unusual spots. They sat and listen to others talk hoping to here something that would help the case. The girls went to the spa and snooped while the guys went to the recreation room to see what they could come up with.

Once night fell they headed for the beach to come up with a plan. No one had noticed anything suspicious at all, which in there case was not good. This was going to be a hard case to start.

"What's wrong Angel?" Willow asked as they walked on the sandy shore. He had only said two words since they had left the room. He was fine at first. She was beginning to wonder if she had done something wrong with that last blow job. Maybe she wasn't good enough.

Angel did not answer at first. He really didn't know what to say at this point in time. He was falling for her and he wanted to make love to, her but he couldn't because he wasn't sure if his soul was safe.

"Angel," she whispered, feeling tears in her eyes as they continued to walk in front of Spike and Fred.

"Spike, Fred, we'll be right back," Angel said as he grabbed Willow's hand pulling her towards one of the benches.  Angel asked Willow to sit, then he took a seat beside her.

~~~*~~~

"Where are they?" Brian asked, looking at the cameras in the hotel.

"They had to go outside, to the beach," Pete answered.

"We need to do this by tomorrow," Brian told him as he continued to look at the camera. "I know those vampires will get careless of there little toys, and then that will be our chance."

"That's good. Want to go to the beach and see what they doing?" Pete asked. Brian rolled his eyes and walked out of the control room. Pete followed closely behind him.

~~~*~~~

"Willow I don't know how to…" Angel began to speak.

"I know, Angel," Willow cut in. "You don't want me and you don't know why Wesley asked me to come here in the first place. I know this is all an act, but I am falling for you and it's best for me to leave before I make a bigger fool of myself."

Angel listened to Willow's assumption of what he was going to say. It took a lot to hold in a chuckle that wanted to escape. The humor left as she stood to walk away. Angel quickly grabbed her hand and pulled her back down on the bench. He laid her back and kissed her without a word. He figured he would show her over telling her. Willow was shocked, but could only respond. Angel growled, pushing her back on the bench and laying on top of her. Willows short skirt slide up out of the way. He knew he it was dangerous, but he wanted to show her that he wanted her more than life itself.

"Angel," she breathed as he trailed a kiss from her mouth to her neck. Angel was grinding his covered cock against Willow's wet mound, soaking the front of his pants. Her arousal had short circuited his senses, and the dark part of him was winning. Willow was no help in stopping the situation. She was moaning and he could tell that she was not in control of herself.

Angel was so hot, he didn't know it, but he had morph and was raining kisses right above his mark.

~~~*~~~

"Do they ever stop?" Brian asked as they walked to the beach and spotted Willow and Angel making out.

"I don't think so. We will get them later." Pete spoke, getting hard from the two lovers on the bench.

"Our clients are getting impatient," Brian reminded Pete.

"We will get them," he assured as they walked off.

~~~*~~~

"What do you think is taking them so long?" Fred asked as her and Spike sat together in the sand, looking up at the sky.

"They're making out," he told her.

"How do you know that?"

Spike smirked, grabbing his lover and holding her close in his arms.

"I can smell Red all the way over here," he told her as he kissed her gently on the neck

{I hope they don't go too far} Spike thought, remembering the stake in his pocket.

"I forget about that sensitive nose of yours," she spoke, then moaned as he grabbed her breast. "We can't, Spike, we have a mission."

"I do too," he pouted between kisses. "I can wait until we get back, but until they return we can just play," he told her as he resumed his kisses on her neck.

~~~*~~~

"Please…Angel," Willow begged as she opened her legs further. Angel moaned as he began to rub her. He lifted up some so that he could get better access to her clit.

Angel was amused that she didn't have on any panties. He finally came into contact with her dripping cunt, and slipped one finger into her as he continued to kiss his mark.

Willow's body was tingling, calling out to him.

"Please," she whispered. Willow wanted to feel him bite her again.

Angel began to move his finger in and out, curving it to her g-spot. Willow buckled and came before she knew it. Angel bit down in the spot he had been paying close attention to. This time the bite was different. He claimed her.

All sorts of images went through his mind as he bit into Willow. Images of him making mad, passionate love to her, them naked in a bed, while their hands exploring each other while they took each other to new heights.

Angel came to his senses and retracted his fangs and his fingers with such force he almost fell on the sandy beach.

"What's wrong Angel?" Willow asked as she sat up, looking at him. His chest was rising and falling and he didn't need to breathe. Willow stood and walked up to him when he didn't answer. She looked at him and saw that he was still in game face, and it turned her on again. She reached up to touch him, but he shied away from her.

"I will leave if you hate me that much," Willow yelled as she started to walk off. Angel grabbed her arm, pulling her back.

"I…don't…hate…you," he panted. "I just did something stupid," he told her as his face melted back to the handsome man she knew.

"What do you mean?"

"That last bite wasn't…" He looked down.

"What about the bite?  It was wonderful."

"I know," he assured her then looked up at her. "I claimed you, Willow."

Willow looked in shocked. Angel wanted her that much that he would claim her.

"Don't be mad," he whispered.

Willow shook her head. "No I am not mad…I…I…I'm just shocked." She walked up to him and looked him in the eye.

"That is not a good thing, Willow. That part would make us want each other more than before."

Willow continued to look at Angel. She was getting wet all over again.

"Give me your telephone," she spoke, coming up with a plan.

Angel didn't ask he just handed her the phone.

She pressed the button then send.

"Giles this is Willow," she spoke. She listened to Giles greeting then asking her how she was.

"Fine," Willow answered.

Willow listened as Giles explained to her that her and Spike needed to come back to Sunnydale.

"We will be back soon. First I need a favor that you can't tell anyone about."

Willow listened to Giles agreeing then asked her what she needed him to do.

"Angel claimed me," she told him.

Willow chuckled as she took the phone away from her ear. Giles screamed, `What?' And started loosing his entire British accent as he told her what he was going to do to that vampire.

"Giles, I'm shocked. I didn't even know you knew those types of words," Willow teased as she put the phone back to her ear.

Angel could hear Giles screaming at the top of his voice.

"I know it not good Giles but I need……..," Willow started speaking but Giles cut in telling her to come home now.

"I can't," she responded, "Look Giles, I need you to find a permanent spell, fast. Things have changed on this mission that I don't have time to explain. We need you to do it and to not tell anyone."

There was a long silence on the other end of the phone before Giles spoke, telling her he would do it.

"You have to promise me, Giles. Don't tell the others, and as soon as we crack this case I will have Spike bring me back, so we can all talk."

Willow listened as Giles told her about reading up on some spells.

"When you find something, call Cordelia and tell her to contact us," she expressed.

Willow didn't think for one second that she would be able to sleep many more nights in that bed with that man and not having him.

Willow closed the phone and gave it back to Angel. He was going to speak, but Willow shook her head.

"First we solve this mission, and to do that we have to find Clayton Warner. We'll worry about us later."

Angel understood. He walked up to her and gave her a small kiss on the forehead before grabbing her hand and leading her back to where Spike and Fred were.

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