"SHIT!" Lindsey threw his half-filled drink, glass and all at the office door, Lilah had just exited. She had enjoyed taunting him with her string of
successes, and his inability to cinch even the easiest of assignments. He wasn't stupid, and even if he was, Lilah's wicked smirk was a dead give away. She was sabotaging his projects. If he didn't stop her and soon, he was as good as dead.

It wasn't the thought of his death that angered him, but the thought of losing. He hated to lose, and that was all he had been doing ever since Angel came to LA. Up until then everything had been going smoothly. Sure he had a few accomplishments, but on the over all score card he was way behind.

Lindsey ran a hand through his hair in frustration. He needed to stop Lilah. But first he needed to find out how, or who she was getting information from. He stopped keeping anything in his office.  Darla told him about Lilah's mid-afternoon visits. He knew he was always being watched, so that was a given. Lilah must have one of her own following him.

If Lilah wasn't enough of a problem, he was still waiting to hear back from the incompetent fool he hired to get that damned book for Darla. He had no idea why she wanted it, and that alone made him wary. Plus that nut job, Dru, kept mumbling incoherent words that basically gave Lindsey one huge headache. He needed to get rid of these interferences. Sooner the better, or they'd be the death of him, literally.

He could give Angel knowledge of where to find his sire and childe. Let him take care of his own domestic problems. Narrowing his eyes, he thought of Angel's other family, the one that owed Lindsey big. He could use them to help take Lilah down.

He had wanted to use them to hurt Angel, but there were bigger things at stake here. Like beating Lilah at her own game. He sauntered over to the bar, feeling more in control.

"YOU WHAT" Angel roared at the two females sitting on the crimson couch in front of him. His face morphing into his demon. Douglass, having already seen Spike's game face wasn't too surprised by his change. It was the anger that seeped off him that made her uncomfortable. Willow may have all the confidence in the world that Angel wouldn't harm them. Douglass was having some serious doubts.

"How could you have put yourself at such risk Willow? Did you really think I would have wanted you to do something so damned stupid." Angel crouched in front of Willow controlling the urge to shake some sense into the redhead. "It was my job to protect the group, I screwed up. I was in Hell for a reason."

"You didn't deserve to be there Angel. It was Angelus that should have been frying down there, not you. I couldn't stand by and let you remain in Hell when there was a way to help you." Willow had expected Angel to get angry. The chaos he had been living through the last couple of months was her and Douglass's fault. She hadn't expected him to be angry at the danger she put herself in. How many times had they fought side by side? She could have died numerous times, so far luck had been on her side.

Angel could only stare at the redhead. She wasn't listening to a word he was saying. The thought of her endangering herself to save him, made him
repulsed. So much could've gone wrong. He might not have been strong enough to escape. Then what? Half her soul would have been taken? How was that even possible. How did a human live with half a soul? He analyzed the last couple of months, his demon had been more in control of his actions. Allowing him to do some pretty horrible things. What would Willow had been like without her entire soul? Surely not the loving and beautiful girl that sat in front of him.

Still crouched in front of Willow, he looked over at Douglass. "What about you? Why did you put yourself at risk for a stranger?"

Douglass glanced at Willow. The truth was she knew that Willow had loved the vampire. That the redhead placed the blame on herself for Angel going to hell. On top of that her friend Buffy ditched town, making it even harder on Willow. There was no one else she could talk too about the Vampire. Xander had always hated him. Cordelia and Willow hadn't really been friends. Then there was Giles, who had been tortured by Angelus, so he wasn't ready to mourn Angel's passing.

To be honest, Douglass didn't even think the spell would work. She had helped look for the spell, and was shocked they were able to locate it. When Willow asked her to come to Sunnydale, Douglass agreed only because she wanted to check in on her friend. Performing the spell only to humor Willow. Who would have thought it would worked.

Even though Douglass was from a long line of witches and healers, she had never been formally trained. In fact it wasn't until after her mother's death that Douglass started to tinker with her family given talents. Her mother hated anything to do with magic. Douglass had been shocked when her Mother given her a book that had been handed down in their family for generations. Telling of how their family had once been powerful healers and midwives. Her Mother explained that the book was a family legacy, and though they didn't practice, it still needed to be passed on.

When her mother handed her the book, Douglass had felt tingles go up her arm. Her Mother said something in Scottish, and walked away. It had taken her months to read the book, but she had loved ever second of it. It was filled with the writings of her early ancestors, and their thoughts on healing and midwife practices. There has only been a few spells, nothing too serious.

So caught up in her own thoughts, she forgot that Angel was waiting for an answer. He cleared his throat to get her attention. Douglass snapped out of her trance. "I did it for Willow."

Frustrated with the two young women Angel stood and sat down on the opposite couch. "So, now what?"

"Oh! We forgot." Willow started, "We found a spell to anchor your soul...not only would it get rid of that pesky happiness clause, but after our deaths your soul would stick." Angel froze, and looked at Willow. ‘Did she just say she had found an anchoring spell?' "So that's why Spike and went to Denver. Douglass couldn't get out of work to come to Sunnydale...Plus just getting away sounded like heaven...Not like I was really needed there anyways." She mumbled.

No clause, kept repeating through his mind. What would life be like with out that damn clause? Most likely not all that different. He'd still be repenting his past. Fighting the never ending battle against evil. There wasn't anyone in his life that he had a relationship with on that level. If it weren't for the fact that two very irresponsible witches did a spell, he wouldn't need it.

"Ah... Angel that was good news. You know, someday be with Buffy equals good news." Willow was sickened at the thought of Buffy and Angel together again, but it was what would make him happy. She had been living too long in her daydreams with the gorgeous vampire. It was time to check back into reality. "Only, as always in our sad little world, there's bad news. You know about Douglass, her getting....hurt. Well she had the spell, and it's missing."

"Of course it is." Angel rubbed his hands over his face.

"But Douglass and I are going to find the spell, or another that will work. We'll do the spell...well maybe not Douglass if her powers don't come back-."

"They'll come back. I told you it was just the shock from everything." Douglass defended herself.

"Of course," Willow tried to pacify her friend. "They'll come back again."

"Are you saying that she's lost her powers?" Angel interrupted.

"NO!" "Yes." Both girls answered at once.

"Can we talk about something else please." Douglass requested.

Angel nodded, knowing that the witch was uncomfortable with the possibility of never being able to cast again. "We'll start to look for a new spell. I
have some stuff here I'll look through. I'm sure you two have enough resources at your place to research."

"Why do I get the feeling that we're not going to work on this together?" Willow questioned Angel.

"Because we're not. Willow I need to work through some things on my own, before I face the group again. Plus I still have a small problem I to fix. I
need to stop Darla and Dru. I'm sure that you're all doing fine without me."

Willow snorted, "You think Darla and Dru are a little problem? They're a huge problem you should've gotten rid of long ago. Instead, you're playing some stupid cat and mouse game with them." She hated this, he always doing this. He pushed people away, refusing to let anyone near him. God forbid anyone be able to cheer him up, or help him through one of his self pity parties he was so famous for. And what was this thing with Darla and Dru? He sure didn't have a problem dusting Darla years ago when she threatened Buffy. Why was he stalling? He couldn't still have a thing for the blonde vamp...could he?

Angel glared at the tiny witch. Since when did shy little Willow Rosenberg start talking so bluntly? Who was this creature in front of him. It sure
wasn't the girl he left in Sunnydale. No, that girl could barley have a conversation with him without a blush creeping up her throat to her face. Or
utter a sentence without a slight stutter. She had been his little champion, defending him when everyone else wanted to exile him. What happened to the crush she once had for him? He knew of her feelings, and had been flattered by it. Even when she dated the wolf he knew she felt something for him. Was there someone else? She did come here with...No there was no way. Not Spike. He suppressed a low growl.

Douglass suppressed the need to laugh. Willow was working herself up into a fit, and any moment she was going to explode. Angel didn't look any better. Both looked ready for war.

"Willow, I don't need advice from some little girl, on how I should handle Darla and Dru. It's none of your business." Angel growled at Willow.

Willow launched herself off the couch, stopping two feet from the vampire. "Really? Because from here it doesn't look like you're doing anything, but
sitting around feeling sorry for yourself. Or is that the plan? Let those two run around killing people, until you're ready to get off your ass, and then
get rid of them. Because if it is, you're doing a great job. Maybe this *little* girl should do something about them."

"This is my town Willow, if you-."

"No Angel, this isn't your town. This is the place you ran away to." They were inching toward one another. Willow's cheeks were flushed. The muscle in Angel's jaw twitched.

"I didn't run away. I left."

"You didn't say goodbye. That's running away."

"Really? So did you say goodbye to your friends? Or did you send Spike there to get your stuff?"

Willow gasped. ‘How did he know?' She glared at him. "Totally different circumstance. And you know that."

Angel's growl was interrupted by a shrill whistle. The arguing pair turned toward Douglass who was smiling at them. "Are the two of you done tearing
each other to shreds? Because there's a few things we need to figure out first." Douglass hands on hips looked at them with apparent amusement.

Willow and Angel returned to their seats, fighting to control the feelings flooding through them. Neither would look at one another. Douglass wanted to laugh at loud. Getting the two of them together was going to be easier than she thought.
 
 

Chapter Twelve

"You know what it is. He loves that blonde bitch." Willow watched the traffic out the side window. "He's always obsessing over the damned blondes." Turning to Douglass she touched a strawberry blonde curl. "He'll probably start fantasizing about you." She grumbled.

Douglass laughed, "Yeah I can see that happening." Checking her rearview mirror she changed lanes. "And that fight. What was that all about? I couldn't tell if you two were going to start throwing blows, or start making out." Looking at the redhead from the corner of her eye she could see the tell tale signs of a major blush happening.

"I mean after I had to tear the two of you apart, neither of you could determine a course of action to take. You both had other things, or should I say other people on your minds. That's why I slipped him your cell number, and the number to our private line."

Willow groaned. "Please tell me that you didn't. What if he really calls? What am I going to say to him?"

"Well, I think that the first conversation will be filled apologies to one another. So you don't need to think of anything all that witty to say." Douglass tried to change lanes again, only to be stopped by a blaring horn. " I hate driving. I hate driving in traffic more." Douglass checked her mirror and tried changing lanes only to get cut off by a silver Mercedes. "You are driving next time. I will *never* drive in this city again."

Willow couldn't decide what was worse. Angel having her number, and never calling. Or Angel having her number and calling. If he had it and didn't call then it was a dead give away that he really didn't care. If he called it might just be out of obligation to say sorry, or give info on any findings. What she wanted was for him to call because he wanted to talk to her.

The girls drove the rest of the way to the old bank in their own worlds. Willow thinking of the brooding Vamp. Douglass in a world of growing road rage.

"And these are the pants I got for her." Cordelia pulled a pair of soft black leather pants out, to show her captive audience her new buys. "Do you think Doug will like them?"

"Do you think Douglass is the...ah leather type?" Wesley nervously twisted in his seat. Trying not to imagine the young woman in the pants.

"Pfft..Yeah. Have you seen her body? It's made to wear leather. Just the right curve to her hips, and her waist is so tiny. Plus for someone who's a tad on the short side she does have long legs." Stopping to look at the guys seated around the desks, she noticed their discomfort. "I'm not gay and I noticed. So I'm sure you guys know what I'm talking about."

"I just hope she doesn't plan on wearing them around the office." Gunn mumbled.

"I agree, not really a professional look." Wesley added.

"No you weirdo's. These pants are screaming, `take me clubbing'."

"I agree." A voice stated from the entrance starling the small group. Everyone turned to see Lindsey McDonald standing casually, hands in pockets. As though he belonged there.

"Oh look if it's not Mr. Born Again. Here to collect your doubt?" Cordelia glared at the handsome lawyer.

"Ah Cordelia, not that I want to point this out, but when he helped us he was professional. I think we owe him the same." Wesley touches her arm to get her attention.

"Whatever." Cordelia muttered. "I meant to say. `Gee, sure is great to see you again Lindsey. Gosh, things have been quiet around here without you here. How goes the evil these days?" Flashing him a saccharine sweet smile.

"Missed you too Cordelia." Returning a fake smile of his own. "Where is everyone?"

"Spike went to Sunnydale. Douglass won’t return until later tonight, and Willow should have been here. I'm sure she just ran out to get something." Wesley ignored the glares from Cordelia and Gunn. He wasn't going to sink to Lindsey's level. The sooner the debt was paid, the sooner Lindsey was out of their lives.

Lindsey nodded, "I'll wait a few minutes for Willow to join us." Cordelia shoved her purchases into the scattered bags on the floor, and walked to the elevator.

"Call me when she gets here. I want to wrap Douglass's gifts."

"You forgot these." Lindsey picked up the leather pants and held them out to Cordelia, who snatched them from his grasp.

"Finally." Douglass parked her Jeep in the small lot next to the old bank. Taking the keys out of the transmission she handed them to Willow. "I will *never* drive in this town again. Take my keys. The Jeep is as good as your."

Willow laughed and took her friends keys. She knew Douglass wasn't joking. She hated driving. When she had lived in Denver she avoided driving like Spike avoided the sun. Douglass only had the Jeep for when it was necessary.

"Hey isn't that the Mercedes that cut me off?" Douglass walked over to the silver car, and around the back to look at the license plate. "Fate is beautiful."

Willow was shocked to see the car. She knew who owned it. Lindsey McDonald. He must be ready to call in his favor. Thank Goddess they had filled Douglass in on the lawyer. Everyone agreed that Douglass deserved to know everything. It had become a big rule with the group. No matter how bad, telling the truth to each other was a must.

In return Douglass insisted that she would help with what ever the favor was. It was because of her they had to go to such lengths.

"Doug, what are you doing?" Willow watched her friend let the air out of the rear tire.

"Oh, nothing. I'd just thought I'd teach little Mercedes a lesson." Douglass winked at Her friend. When she was finished, she wiped her hands on her pants. "Ready? I want to see everyone."

"I should tell you," Willow nodded toward the silver car, "that's Lindsey McDonald's car."

A huge grin erupted on Douglass's face. "Even better. I take it he's inside?"

"I guess. I mean why not, this day just keeps getting better."

Douglass pretended to look hurt, "Hey I came home today."

"That's true. Maybe this wont be too bad." Willow doubted it though.

"You know we could just call you when Willow gets here." Gunn looked over at Lindsey, who had taken it upon himself to find a seat at one of the empty desks.

"Gunn is right, we can call you when she returns. She could be gone for hours." Wesley was cut off by the two young women entering the lobby. "Douglass, when did you get in?"

Lindsey's eyes darted to the door. He saw Wesley lean over to hug the girl, stepping back only to have Gunn embrace her too.

"Damn girl. You're looking better and better every time I see you."

Lindsey was astounded by  the sound of her laughter. "You sure know how to charm the girls don't you Gunn?" How long had it been since he had heard genuine laughter. Not the mocking, snide kind he heard at work.

Douglass stepped  away from the males, and Lindsey got his first good look at her. There was no doubt that she looked much better than the last time he had seen her. Her complexion had a rosy glow. Blondish-red cork screw curls were in a wild disarray around her face. She was shorter than the redhead, who was stuck to her side.  Douglass dressed for comfort, cargo pants and a long sleeved tee. Hugging her curves in all the right places.  Looking back at her face he was shocked by slate blue, cat-like eyes that had such an impish expression, he knew this girl was going to be a whirlwind of trouble.

Douglass was impressed by Lindsey's physical appearance, and the cockiness that radiated off him  just added to his appeal. He was dressed in a suit she was sure cost more than her limited wardrobe. What she would give to see him in faded jeans and a nice fitting tee, ` he'd  look yummy.' She thought, and forced herself not to lick her lips. `Pity he's evil.'

"Ms MacArthur, I'm Lindsey McDonald." He offered his hand with practiced grace.

She raised her brow at him, finding his attempt at being charming rather humorous. "I'd like to say nice to meet you. But we both know this isn't a social call." Lindsey let his hand drop, and felt rather embarrassed. He spent his days around people who tried to belittle him, he took their barbs with out a problem. How could just one raised brow make him feel foolish.

"Douglass!" Cordelia rushed forward from the elevator and hugged her new friend. "I'm so happy you're back. I didn't think you'd be here until later."

"Can we start?" Lindsey asked a little louder than he meant too, still slightly put out by Douglass's ability to make him feel foolish.

Everyone's smiles dropped as they turned to look at him. Taking their seats around the lobby, they  waited for Lindsey to redeem his debt.

"I think you'll find what I'm asking is pretty lenient to what I could be asking." Walking over to his briefcase, opened it, and pulled out a stack of pictures. He continued talking as he handed each person a copy. "I'm sure most of you are familiar with my co-worker Lilah. She's been sabotaging my projects lately. I know she isn't intelligent enough to do this on her own, and I have a feeling that Darla and Dru are assisting her. I don't have proof of this. I need to know how they are getting information from me. I need for  you  to do some surveillance. Find out if it is the two vampires she's getting help from. If not from them, then I need to know from who. Plus obtain information on any new projects she's working on."

"Why don't you get one of your guys to do this?" Gunn looked at Lindsey.

"They're busy." Lindsey grinded his teeth. His men where looking for the contact that might have Darla's book.

"Will we be able to take Darla and Dru out?" Willow questioned, shocking the group by her non-Willowy question.

Lindsey nodded, "Only after I have the information I need to take Lilah down. Then they are all yours."

"Count me in." Willow tossed Lilah's picture on a near by desk. Silently agreeing with Douglass's earlier comment. Fate was beautiful.

Douglass grinned, "First day back, and I already get to start field work."

Wesley cleared his throat, "Actually Douglass, we think that you should wait. You're still recuperating from your ordeal. I think it would be wise to start you with some strengthening exercises. Then have you train a little before you start the field work"

Before Douglass could protest, Lindsey cut her off. "I have a different assignment in mind for you Douglass. I need someone that can deliver any information to me, without causing too many questions. You're going to pretend to be my girlfriend."

There was a long pause, as though they were waiting for the punch line.  Douglass's laughter echoed through the lobby. "Please tell me that is your bad attempt at a joke." She asked.

Lindsey swept his hand threw his hair in aggravation. `What did she find so ridiculous about this?' "No, it's not. I need someone to be able to come and go, with only a little attention. I can't have Cordelia do it because... of the mess with the scroll. We'd kill each other in seconds." Cordelia snorted her agreement. "Willow would never work because I really don't need Angel going all psycho on me." Willow blushed, when the group turned to look at her with raised brows. "And as comfortable I am with my sexuality I really don't think anyone is going to buy me having a boyfriend." The guys grimaced at the thought. "So Douglass that leaves you and me. This way if I  ever need to come here, anyone watching me would think I'm here to see you. "

"Define girlfriend." Douglass's disapproval of his idea was evident.

"You would accompany me to various Charity balls, Dinners, and other social events that I have to attend for Wolfram and Hart. I wouldn't hurt to be seen occasionally outside of the firms social obligations."

Douglass groaned. "You mean having to get all dressed up, and socialize with obnoxious people."

Lindsey smirked at her, getting over his earlier rejection from the young woman. "Yes."

"Fine, so what's our story?" Douglass looked at the handsome lawyer in front of her. She was going to have to spend time with this guy, sometimes alone. When they were in public was he going to treat her like a real girlfriend? Hold her hand, open doors, kiss her? Her eyes darted to his mouth, and suppressed a groan, as she felt her cheeks turn bright pink.

"Story?" Lindsey was confused. `Why is she looking at me like that?' Giving himself a shake he tried to focus on the question.

"You know, the one we'll tell the Grand kids one day." She paused, getting annoyed by his blank stare. "The people you work with are going to want to know why it is you're dating someone from the enemy camp. I don't think telling them that it's all part of the plan, is going to work."

"We'll tell them that we became friends when you found out that I helped your friends." He answered without skipping a beat. "There's a Charity Ball this weekend, we'll say that it's our first official date. It gives you two days to find a dress"

"If you take a look around we're not really rolling around in money here Lindsey. We can't afford to buy me a new outfit for all these social occasions." A glimmer of hope was in her grasp. She might be able to get out of this after all.

Lindsey pulled his wallet out of his jacket pocket, took out a credit card , and handed it toward her. "Use this when you need to get a new dress ... or whatever. Make sure you dress with taste. There are very important people I need to impress at these functions. Just give me the receipts."

Douglass wouldn't take the offered card. "How Pretty Womanish of you." Grasping her slender wrist, he shoved the card into her hand. "Take it." Stepping away from her, and back to his briefcase he took the rest of the information he had on Lilah, placing it on one of the desks.

"This should get you guys started. Her address, phone number, email addresses, and places she frequents."

"What if she's doing this stuff at Wolfram and Hart. It's not like we can get in there." Willow asked as she started leafing through the papers. Knowing it would be a breeze for her and Douglass to hack into the email accounts.

"You're the private investigators, not me. Investigate." Picking up his briefcase he sauntered to the door. "Douglass I'll be here at five to get you Saturday. I'm in charge of the event, and need to be there early." With that he was gone.

"I just want to express how much I really do not want to pretend to be his girlfriend." Douglass stood and stretched. "I hate having to get all dressed up in uncomfortable clothes, stand around with a fake grin, and laugh at stupid jokes."

Willow tried to think of something positive to say, "Maybe it wont be that bad." She paused, "Think of it this way, you have a chance to get into Wolfram and Hart and maybe snoop a little. Plus take notes on all the evil people at these functions." Starting to get excited she was almost bouncing in her seat. "Oh, and if you have to go to one of the evil lawyers homes for dinner and stuff you can get a lay out on the home."

Douglass laughed at Willows enthusiasm. "Plus you get free clothes." Cordelia pointed out, waiving the discarded plastic.

"I have to admit what he's asking us to do, isn't all that bad. Lilah is someone we'd go after anyhow, plus we might get to take out two deadly vamps." Gunn sat back in his chair, flipping through the pictures of the female lawyer.

Lindsey barged through the doors again, his face flushed, "Can I use your phone?"

"Why don't you use your cell phone?" Cordelia narrowed her eyes.

"The battery is dead. Someone let the air out of my back tire." Lindsey shifted from foot to foot, hating to ask them for this favor.

Willow and Douglass exchanged glances and burst out laughing.
 
 

Chapter Thirteen

"Is Willow there?" A soft voice asked over the phone.

Douglass wiped her groggy eyes and tried to focus on the clock next to her bed. It was well after two in the morning. "Angel, do you know how late it is?"

Douglass tried to sound irritated, but instead was actually relieved he had finally called her friend. Every time the phone would ring Willow would jump, her cheeks would get flushed, and then the dejected puppy dog look would come when it wasn't him.

Angel winced when he checked the time. "Yeah, I'm sorry about that. I guess I should call her tomorrow."

"Oh! Don't you dare hang up Angel. Let me get her." Douglass sprung out of bed, dashing to Willow's room. Leaving Angel waiting at the other end of the line.

Lightly shaking Willow, Douglass tried to wake the redhead from dark vampire filled dreams. "Willow, wake up. W-i-l-l-o-w, tall dark and handsome is on the phone." Willow's eyes slit open, giving signs that she was waking up. "Willow wake up or I'll tell Angel you don't want to talk to him." Douglass
said a little louder.

Willows eyes popped open, and she sat up straight in bed. "Ang... Angel is on the phone?"

"Dear God Willow, answer the phone already!" Cordelia stood in her blue pajama bottoms and white tank. "I'm dying to know what he says to you."

Willow reached for the phone, as Douglass and Cordelia decided to raid the freezer for any yummy ice cream treats.

"What do you think they'll talk about?" Douglass jumped up on the counter, dipping her spoon into the chocolate and peanut butter ice cream. Thankful for the extra exercises Wesley made her do that day.

"Oh, Angel will be all, `I'm so sorry, can you ever forgive me. I don't deserve your friendship, blah, blah, blah.' Willow will say, `You've done so much for all of us. You need to stop beating yourself up, blah, blah, blah.'" Cordelia dug a big chuck off peanut butter out. "I've never met two people who could talk circles around nothing, better than those two."

"Do you think he's over Buffy?"

Cordelia snorted, digging around for another large chunk of peanut butter from the melting chocolate ice cream. "If you would've asked me that question a few months ago, I would've said not a chance in hell. Then Darla shows back up, from said hell, and his obsession changes course. I haven't seen him since the scene at my old apartment, so I couldn't really say. But I'm putting money that it's going to take him a few hundred years of brooding to figure it out. Too bad Willow doesn't have that long."

The two girls started dueling with their spoons for the last peanut butter chunk, when they heard a loud crash, followed by Willow screaming. Dropping the ice-cream container, the girls ran to the redhead's bedroom. Willow was standing in the center of her bed, glaring down at Spike who was huddled on the ground, laughing.

"Oh Kitten you should've seen your face. Dennis ruined my attack, but the look on your face made up for it." Spike picked himself up off he ground,
attempting to straighten his clothes.

"Spike you are truly evil." Douglass grinned at the sexy blonde vamp. They had bonded while she was at the hospital. His dry sense of humor kept her laughing during the monotonous days. Having him around, she knew she'd always have a partner in crime. He was defiantly the older, much older, brother she never had.

"Brat!" Spike smirked. "Glad you're back. No one else in this bloody place has a sense of humor."

"Spike why are you in our apartment this late?" Crossing her arms over her chest, Cordelia nailed Spike with one of her famous Queen C glares.

"Just bored. I've been in Sunnyhell for five days. Stuck with Slutty and her GI Hoes. Not to mention that Harmony redecorated the crypt, stupid bint. Purple with unicorns all over." Each girl shivered at the thought. "Who you talking to Red?"

Willow was still standing in the middle of her bed, with the phone cradled to her stomach. A deep blush crept up from her throat to her cheeks. Placing the phone back to her ear, "Angel?...Angel are you there?" Her face fell. "He hung up."

"After hearing you scream like a little girl, bet Peaches comes a running, to save the scared little witch." Spike mocked Willow. She grabbed a pillow and threw it at him.

Gunn and Wesley came charging from the stairwell, weapons in hand, ready to defend their friends. "We heard someone scream, what happened?" Wesley peered around the apartment, looking for the source of fear.

"Willow was just happy to see me." Spike rocked back and forth on his heels, an innocent smile plastered to his face.

Gunn and Wesley grunted in unison, dropping their weapons from the attack position. "I don't know about anyone else, but I'm going back to sleep." Gunn left, followed by the ex watcher.

Sighing, Willow got off her bed. "I better go downstairs and wait for Angel. I'd hate for him to break down the door." Picking up a discarded sweatshirt she pulled it over her black pajama top.

Faking a yawn Cordelia stretched and headed toward her room. "I'm going back to bed, night all."

"I need my beauty sleep. Still not used to vamp hours." Douglass hugged the witch and vampire goodnight, and retired to her rooms.

"Come on Pet; let's go wait for Peaches. While we wait you can tell me everything that's been going on."

Angel came to a screeching halt outside the old bank. Willow's scream echoed through his head, and made his flesh crawl. If something happened to the redhead he'd never forgive himself. How many times did the people he cared about have to suffer because he was too busy brooding over the past? He should be here, with his friends and Willow. `Well maybe not here living here. But here helping here.' Angel pushed his thoughts to the back of his mind and hurried to the front door. Only to have it opened by Spike. Who's amusement at his Grand sire’s distress was obvious.

"Spike." Angel growled.

"Ello Peaches, why don't you come on in." Angel sailed past Spike, scanning the dim lobby for Willow. She was curled up asleep, in an overstuffed chair. Her head was at an awkward angle, a lock of red hair falling across her cheek.

"No big bad happening here. Just surprised the little witch, when that bloody ghost of theirs tossed me like a rag doll, up against the wall."

"Remind me to thank him." Angel scooped Willow up and turned toward the blonde vamp. "What floor is she living on?"

"Follow me. Got some news I need to fill you in on anyhow." Spike walked to the elevator, letting Angel enter first. Both vampires stood in silence, lost in their own thoughts.

Stepping out onto the girl’s floor Angel looked around. A sense of belonging stole over him. This is where his friends lived, and he was never going to
shove them away again. Looking down at the tiny witch in his arms, he couldn't help but smile. Who would have thought this innocent looking witch
had so much fire inside her. During their argument the other day, she shocked him when she hadn't backed down.

"Take it Red gave you an invitation here."

"Which room is hers?" He whispered over to Spike. Who would only acknowledge him with a nod in the room’s direction.

Trying not to wake her, Angel silently crossed the living area to Willow's room. Inhaling her unique vanilla scent. Placing her gently in the middle of
her bed, her pulled the covers up, and tucked her in.

Spike was waiting for him on the couch. "Found yourself a new obsession I see." Spike grated out.

"It was a momentary loss of sanity. I'm not obsessed with Darla."Angel ducked his head, uncomfortable talking to Spike about his sire.

"I'm not talking about the old bint. I could care less what you do with her. My concern is the redhead, who's all cozy in her bed right now. I hate
sounding all soulful, so I'll say this once. You don't do obsession well. I don't want to see Red turn out to be another Dru, all broken into pieces that
are barley put back together again. Or worse yet, another angst like what you had with Slutty. It may have started out as love mate, but you two were addicted to each other. Like a junkie to his fix. Making not only yourselves miserable, but the people around you as well. If you want something with the witch I say try friendship first.  "

"I'm not obsessed, or anything with Willow. She's a friend, nothing more." Angel glared. "Now did you say something about needing to tell me something?"

"Just got back from dear old Sunnyhell. Seems that I'm gone a few days and all bloody hell breaks loose here."Spike went to grab a cigarette out of his pack, remembering Douglass's warning about his precious family jewels, and his smoking made him put the pack away. "Your lawyer friend has come a calling. Let me tell you his request is intriguing."

"Let me guess he wants them to turn on me." Angel sneered.

"Nothing to do with you Peaches. After the ice princess at his firm. Wants our friends to do surveillance, and report to him."

Angel sank down onto the side chair, "Sounds to simple."

"That's what I thought to when Red was filling me in while we waited for you. So I forced the rest of the information out of her." Spike's smile was
mischievous.

"Forced how?"

"Tickled the poor little chit, until was almost wet herself. Worst kind of torture for the girl. Anyway, seems that lawyer boy thinks Darla and Dru are
working with Lilah. Doing something or other to the boy's projects. So the group spies on them, then reports to the wanker."

"He's constantly being followed. How are they supposed to get this information to him?"

"This is the clincher. Douglass. He's making her play his girlfriend, stupid sod. Having her be seen with him at social events. So when she comes to visit him at home or work, it just seems that she's just seeing the love of her life." Spike watched the older vampire digest the information.

"It seems simple enough plan. But it puts Douglass in constant danger. The kinds of people that show up at these events aren't the nicest people in the neighborhood. We'll need to keep an eye her. Not to mention the rest of the group." His eyes skirted toward Willow's room. Hating that she might be involved going up against his sire. She had been right; Darla should've been dust a long time ago.

Spike nodded. "Already thought of that. I'm going to keep an eye on Douglass. With you back you can keep the rest out of trouble. There's too much bad blood, no pun intended, between you and Lindsey already."

Angel narrowed his eyes at the blonde, "Why are you so willing to help?"

"Kill a few thousand people and no one trusts you." Spike sighed. "You know I'm getting sick of this treatment. I don't have the years on this do the
right thing crap like you do. But I have been doing it, the right thing, for the last few months. Where does that get me? No where. You kill their
friends, stalk them, and try to end the world. What do you get? You get big bear hugs." Standing up to leave, Angel stopped him.

"Are you helping because you're bored and have nothing else to do? Or are you helping because it's the right thing?"

"Neither really. I'm doing it because my new little human family needs to be kept safe. Dru and Darla can kill the entire LA population for all I care.
Just long as my family on this floor stay safe. I'm even starting to tolerate Gunn and Wesley."

"Your family? I take it the ordeal with Douglass has made all of you close."

Spike snorted. "Yeah. Lucky me." Spike sat down; satisfied that this wasn't going to turn into another, Spike bashing party. "If you're sticking around, I think we need to figure out a way to get Lindsey's bloody request taken care of in record time. I don't relish the thought of my girls having to spying on Darla and Dru." Angel nodded and the two vampires put there heads together to form a plan to keep everyone safe.
 

Chapter fourteen

Douglass looked over at Angel and Willow sitting next to each other on the couch. That morning when the girls had awoken, they had found the vampires asleep in the living room. Willow had blushed, Cordelia had squealed in delight and hugged the dark vamp. Douglass was delighted, knowing that this meant her friends beloved vampire was back.

When Wesley and Gunn joined them, they excepted Angel's return unconditionally. It went with out saying that everyone understood that Angel
hadn't been himself, seeing that he almost lost half his soul. Enjoying the easy banter, the group unconsciously decided to leave talk about the spell
until another day. Angel back in his old role, made omelets for everyone. Douglass, who had been voted as coffee girl, went to work on her chore. They ate in front of the TV watching Saturday morning cartoons.

After a lengthy cartoon-fest. Wesley announced it was time for the girls to train. Which brought a round of groans and excuses. Wesley showed no mercy, and told them they had ten minutes to be dressed and ready.

The training area amazed Angel. The blue training mat covered most of the large room. The three girls were stretching on the mats, silently cursing the ex-watcher. Wesley instructed Cordelia and Willow on what he wanted them to practice. Douglass was sent to the treadmill. Wesley explained to Angel that the blonde witch needed to get back into shape, all the time in bed made her muscles lethargic.

Watching as Gunn and Spike sparred in the far corner; Angel was amazed they hadn't done this in the past. The slayer had always trained, but no one thought of training the defenseless teens that fought by her side. Willow was attacking a punching bag, being stopped occasionally by Wesley, instructing her on how to improve a sloppy move. Cordelia was trying to maneuver a wooden staff. Once in awhile dropping it with a thud, only to pick it up and try again. Douglass was bored on the treadmill, watching her friends with envy. Angel was sure that after a couple of weeks, her training would begin.

After the workout, and showers had been taken. Everyone settled down in front of the television with Chinese take out. Everyone talking and laughing. Angel got reacquainted with his friends, listening patiently as they explained what Lindsey wanted them to do. He announced to a shocked group, that he was going to help them finish their objective.

Angel also got to know Douglass better. He was impressed with her. She was outgoing, funny, and intelligent but most importantly Willow's friend. He laughed as she and Spike fought like siblings over the remote, having to be separated from each other.

Angel was very thankful for this second, well maybe more than his second chance, to be with his friends. Maybe Spike was right; these people were more like his family. Stealing a glance over at Willow his brown eyes met with emerald green ones. She blushed and looked away. Reaching over he squeezed her small hand. Willow rewarded him with one of her precious smiles.

Douglass looked at the clock, wincing. " I have to get ready." Everyone's faces fell. The fun was over for the moment.

"Ouch!" Douglass yelped as she ducked her head from the menacing on sought of hairpins.

"Hold still Luv. I haven't done this in awhile." Spike spit out through clenched teeth holding bobby pins.

"Spike you missed a piece." Angel pointed out, containing the impulse to laugh at the blonde vampire trying to tame Douglass's curls into an old
fashion up sweep.

"Her damned hair is too thick and curly." Spike growled in disgust, as he pulled the pins out of Douglass's hair. The curly masses springing from its
bounds.

"I knew I should have gone to a salon." Douglass tried to stand; only having Spike shove her back down on the chair. It had been like this for the last hour.

"I can do this. I used to do Dru's hair all the time." Picking up a section of her hair, twisting it, only to get annoyed and drop it.

Angel sighed and put his hand out to Spike. "Give them over boy. Let a man do this." Willow giggled as Spike sneered at Angel, handing over the pins.

Cordelia joined the group again, having left when she got bored half an hour ago. The three were in awe as Angel gently combed through the curls, putting them in sections, twisting them and gingerly fastening them down with a few hair pins. It took him moments to accomplish a task Spike had been trying to do for an hour.

Pulling a few curls form their hold, Angel stepped back to take a look. "There."

"I could've done that." Spike grunted.

"Angel I am never going to a salon again. You are a whiz at that." Cordelia walked around Douglass, looking at the masterpiece he had just created. "How did you learn to do that?"

"When you're with someone like Darla for as long as I was, you learn. In fact I used to help-." Angel had looked over to Willow and saw her distressed facial expression as he started to talk about his sire. "I learned a long time ago." He rubbed the back of his neck, regretting saying anything about his sire. Everything had been going so well that day.

The phone rang, and grateful for the distraction Angel answered it without thinking twice. "Hello?"

"Is Douglass there?" Angel body went tense at the sound of the familiar voice.

"It depends on who's calling." Angel growled into the phone.

"I don't see...Who the HELL is this?" Angel smirked, enjoying the rise he got out of the lawyer. Taking the phone from his ear, he held it out to the young witch.

"For you."

"Gee thanks." Douglass rolled her eyes taking the offered phone.

"Hello?"

"Why is Angel there?" Lindsey barked over the phone.

"It's none of your business *Sweetheart*" Douglass's voice dripped with sarcasm.

"I swear if he-."

"Lindsey is there a point to this call?" Douglass interrupted.

"I'm running late, I need you to meet me at my place."

Douglass glared at the phone and made herself count to ten. "What do you mean I need to meet you at your apartment Lindsey?" Spike nearly snatched the phone out of Douglass's hand, only to be stopped by Willow pulling on his other arm.

"I'm. Running. Late." Lindsey repeated himself, and checked his watch again, cursing the fact he had to attend an emergency meeting hours before the Ball. "It's not as though it's a real date, so what does it matter? The doorman has instructions to let you into my apartment."

"Why don't I meet you at the Ball?" Douglass didn't want to go to his apartment. The thought made her stomach tie up in knots. Plus the suggestion
calmed down the two vamps.

"I want them to think we're dating because we want to. Not that your around just to accompany me at these functions."

Knowing that there would be no winning with him, "fine, where do you live?" Writing down the address, Douglass slammed the phone down, before she let Lindsey finish his conversation.

Douglass thanked the older gentleman that let her into Lindsey's apartment. Self-conscience of walking into a stranger's home, she tried to calm her
nerves. Taking a look around she wasn't shocked to find the furnishings high quality. Expensive paintings hung on the walls. State of the art electronics placed around the living room. Everything was as she expected. It was all for show. There was no personality to the place. No pictures of family or friends. Lindsey McDonald was one hundred percent grade A Yuppie.

Walking further into the living room she heard a door open to her right. Swinging toward the sound, she stood in shock as see took in the sight of
Lindsey. Who was only clad in a black towel, that hung dangerously low on his hips. Beads of water trailed down his bare chest.

Lindsey saw the deep blush that covered Douglass's face. She looked amazing. He was pleased with her dress choice. The ivory silk fastened around her neck, covering the pink scar at her throat. The material clung to her body perfectly, giving it an air of sophistication, but at the same time making her utterly sexy. The hem of the dress reached an inch above her ankle, showing off the straps to her matching shoes. Her hair was pulled up, with stray curls framing her blushing face.

Gaining her senses she swung around, facing the opposite direction. "Do you think you could get dressed?" Douglass tried to sound bored, only to have it come out as a whisper. Squeezing her eyes shut, she tried to erase the half-naked image of Lindsey McDonald From her mind.

Lindsey smirked. "Just heard a noise. Wanted to make sure it was you." He let his eyes roam over the back of Douglass's dress. It dipped just below her shoulder blades. She had such a tiny waist, yet her hips curved slightly. "I'll be ready in a few minutes."

Everything was running smoothly. Tables were set, guests were milling around, and dinner would be served on time. Lindsey scanned the room again, making sure he hadn't missed anything. After the last charity ball that Angel had ruined, the lawyer wanted to make sure nothing went wrong. He had kept Douglass by his side, not trusting her loose around all his clients and co-workers. Stealing another look at her, she looked bored.

Nothing impressed her. Not his apartment, his car, or the lavish Ballroom. A cocky smile spread across his lips. Well my half-naked body had impressed her. Out of the corner of his eye he say Lilah approaching them.

"Lindsey can I talk to you?" Lilah looked over to Douglass, "Alone."

Douglass rolled her eyes, and started to walk away. Lindsey places a hand on her shoulder, stopping her. "Lilah run along like a good little girl. I'm not in the mood for your bitchiness tonight."

Lilah leaned in, lowering her voice. "What do you thing your doing bringing *her* here. She's with Angel's little groupies. The senior partners are not
going to like this."

"Lilah." Lindsey's voice took on a threatening tone. "Back. Off. Ms MacArthur and I are trying to enjoy each other's company, nothing more. As I see it, it's none of your business." Taking Douglass's hand, he led her to the other side of the room.

"Wow you must have been practicing that for days now." Douglass mocked him. "Enjoying one another's company my ass."

"Yes well better then saying that you where cheaper than hiring a hooker." Lindsey could feel the anger boiling inside her.

"Lindsey darling." An elderly voice interrupted from behind.

Lindsey and Douglass turned toward the voice, "Mrs. Stockton, I'm glad you came." Lindsey leaned down and kissed the woman cheek. Douglass's eyes nearly popped out of her head. His voice sounded nice and sincere. Even his body had relaxed, as he introduced her to the older woman.

"I'm so happy to see Mr. McDonald with someone who looks so pure. He usually attends these functions alone, or with one of those models." The woman said in disgust. " Flesh and bone, no meat to them." (Did she just call me fat?) Douglass thought. "... You look young and fresh. If Lindsey's smart he'll keep a close eye on you." Lindsey snorted. "I love your hair. You have to tell me where you had it done." Mrs. Stockton asked.

"Well actually he doesn't work for a salon. I guess you'd say he's independent. I call him my *Angel*." Douglass bit the side of her cheek to keep herself from laughing. Lindsey's body tensed the pressure on her hand he was still holding was almost painful. Douglass decided that the night
defiantly had potential.

Dinner was over, and couples were heading toward the dance floor. Lindsey glared over at his dining companion as she laughed at some stupid joke the guy next to her told. Lindsey signaled the waiter for another drink. `If that idiot tells one more joke I'm going to pound the piss out of him.' Lindsey glared at the oblivious man. Hearing the beginning of a new song, Lindsey decided to take matters into his own hands, before he attacked the guy.

Spike grumbled, "Where in the hell is she?" Scanning over the room again, he found Douglass glaring at Lindsey as he nearly dragged her to the dance floor. Seeing the blonde witch snatch her hand away from the lawyer, Spike chuckled. "If I have to be here and baby-sit, at least I can get a kick out of hearing the Brat tear that limp wristed jackass into shreds."

Walking toward the dance floor he realized he needed to find a dance partner. Scanning the area, his eyes landed on a familiar face. "I'll be damned." He muttered. It was the girl in the hospital he had played big bad poof for. "I say she owes me this."

Walking toward her, he noticed the older man from the hospital was standing next to her as well. He was whispering something she apparently didn't care for in her ear. Turning from the older man, the auburn beauty was getting ready to walk away, when Spike intercepted her and swept her on the dance floor before she could even think.

Her emerald green eyes bulged, and she tried to pull away from him. "What do you think your doing?" She whispered, glancing over to where the older man was standing.

Spike chuckled. "I'm trying to dance, but if you step on my toes one more time, I might have to sit this one out."

"Please you need to let me go. My father is already upset with me." Her eyes kept flicking over to the older man.

"Don't worry pet, I'll take care of you." Spike tried locating Douglass again. After a moment he found her, seeing her flushed cheeks, and narrowed
eyes, he knew the couple were in the middle of a war.

Trying to navigate his reluctant dance partner close enough to the other couple, he tried to catch a shred of the heated conversation.

"Why are you staring at Lindsey?" The girl asked.

Spike glanced down at the beauty again, shocked at the depth of her emerald eyes. "What's your name little one?"

"Arianna Gallagher. You didn't answer my question."

"Oh my name's Spike. Thanks for asking." The corner of his lip curled up at her frustration. "And I'm *not* staring at Lindsey, he happens to be with a friend of mine. Making sure she's okay." Trying to get closer to the other dancing pair.

"So you know something about Lindsey's mystery date?" The blonde ignored her question. Aria was curious about the pretty girl that Lindsey couldn't keep his eyes off of. Her father had said something about her being the young woman that had been almost killed months before. That Lindsey had assisted her friends out of a sticky situation. Aria looked over at her father again. His face registered his dismay to her dancing partner.

Spike was straining his ears to pick up the conversation between the witch and lawyer, but couldn't hear them over the music, and conversations swirling around him. Trying to get a little closer, without being seen, he felt a tingling sensation on the back of his neck. Stopping to a dead halt on the dance floor he spotted Darla and Dru. " Oh Bloody Hell. This is *not* something I need right now."

Aria didn't understand why the blonde had stopped dancing. Looking in the direction Spike glaring in, she gasped. "Oh my God."

"I take it you know them." Spike stated.

The auburn beauty nodded. "I  saw them a few months ago. My father told me what they did at Holland's house. I don't understand why they're allowed into the offices anymore, or here for that matter."

Spike's eyes met with Dru's, and he groaned. "Listen, you need to get Douglass, the girl with Lindsey, out of here." Spike whispered into the girl's ear. Aria opened her mouth to question him, when he cut her off. "She's been through enough; she doesn't need to meet those two tonight. Tell
her that I'll meet her at home." Spike practically shoved her in Douglass's direction, as he walked over to his sire and Darla.

Aria thought for a second on what she should do. Her father did tell her to find out as much as she could about Lindsey's date. Not that she was eager to help the bastard. If she didn't he'd would just hurt her, like he always did when she rebelled. Knowing she needed to make up her mind, and now, she headed toward Douglass.

Lindsey leaned over and growled into Douglass's ear, unaware of the arrival of the two vampires. "Do I need to remind you that you're here with me? I know it may be a hard concept to grasp, but when on a date with a person one doesn't flirt with someone else."

Douglass pulled her head away from his and gave him a traitorous smile. "But sweetie, this isn't a real date." Throwing his previously spoken words back in his face.

He was ready to throttle the girl. This was supposed to be simple. In fact after embarrassing her earlier that evening in his bath towel, he was sure he was going to be able to control the newest addition to the `I Love Angel Fan Club'. He tried charming her, and when that didn't work he tried impressing her with his hard-earned possessions. Then he tried intimidating her, which had backfired miserably. He had reminded her about how she and her friends owed him, and that if she didn't up hold her end of the bargain they'd all pay. She had laughed at him, then turned to the person next to her for dinner conversation.

He was about to respond to Douglass when Thomas Gallagher's daughter, Aria, tapped him on the shoulder. "Lindsey may I talk to your date?"

Lindsey's brows knotted. "Why?"

Aria rolled her eyes. "Stop reading things into this.  There's someone who wants to meet her. I'm sure you'll survive a few moments without her by your side." Aria was shocked when the attractive couple snorted at her.

Pushing Douglass in her direction, Lindsey replied dryly. "I'll miss you *honey*."

Aria grabbed the other girl's hand and hurried to the nearest exit. "Where are we going?" Douglass asked, trying to keep up.

"I'll explain in a minute." Aria wound around groups of people. Trying not to cause a scene, but get them out of there quick. Once in the lobby of the
hotel that hosted the Ballroom, Aria slowed a bit. "Some guy named Spike told me to get you out of there. That you need to meet him at home." Aria paused. "Are you guys dating or something?"

"No, but we were engaged once." Douglass giggled at the confused expression that stole across her rescuer face. "Long story. I guess he was spying on me."

"Do you need a ride to your house?" Arai asked, her eyes darting to the direction they had just came from.

"Why? I can't just leave Lindsey. I bet that would thrill him." Douglass was getting a weird vibe from the girl. "Who are you anyway?"

"I'm Aria. Do you know of two women by the names of Darla and Dru?" Douglass nodded as her blood went cold.

"Well they're here, well in there." She motioned to the Ballroom exit. "Spike and I were dancing, and he saw them. He said to get you, and tell you to go home. Do you need a ride?" Aria rushed.

Douglass grabbed Aria's hand and headed to the exit. "You don't need to ask me a third time. Let's get out of here."

The only thought on Lindsey's mind was getting another drink. Douglass was enough to make a saint get drunk, and Lindsey McDonald was anything but a saint. `I should have taken my chance and picked Willow for this.' Lindsey fumed. `Even Cordelia would have...well maybe not Cordelia. Maybe after another hour or two the brunette might be a welcoming change.' The handsome young lawyer was so lost in thought he hadn't noticed the odd behavior around him.

Guests had spotted the two notorious vampires standing near the dance floor. The employees of Wolfram and Hart stopped what they were doing, and stood in terror. The invited guests, who were donating to the charity of the night, were curious behavior around them.

Lindsey was trying to figure out a way to control the tempestuous witch. Any more repeat nights like this, he couldn't be held accountable for his
actions. Short of beating her into submission, he didn't think that there was much he was going to be able to do.

Spike strolled across the dance floor, taking his time to reach his sire's side. Spike was contemplating his reaction to the sight of Dru. Amazing how
his dark goddess had at one time been able to fill him with such burning passion. It had once gripped at his body, tearing him apart, until the only
way to ease the pain was to crawl under her skin. When she was out,  her lingering scent made his demon hunt her down, until she was at his side,
where she had belonged. Now looking at her, there was hardly a flicker of heat. Too much had happened.

"Well what do we have here?" Spike stopped a few steps away from the two.

"William, it's been quiet awhile. I really thought you would have been here sooner to welcome me back." Darla purred.

"He's been busy." Dru walked toward her childe, lifting a hand to his face. "Helping the dirty old slayer. He's been put on a leash, and housebroken."
Spike remained impassive.

"I can't believe you were helping that bitch, William darling. Then again I can't believe that you turned against My Boy. Teaming up with the slayer to take him out." Darla's eye's slowly turned amber, showing her loss of the slim control she had on her boiling anger.

"He was going to destroy the world. Wipe every human out of existence. Where's the fun in that, I ask?" Spike shot back. He noticed that they were drawing a crowd. Not that he minded, it gave that girl he was dancing with a chance to get Douglass out of there.

Darla took an unneeded breath, taking control again; "do you even know how embarrassed I am of my family? A direct line of the Master himself? Angelus has a wretched soul. His souled self killed me! For a slayer. You can't be trusted with, or without some metal piece in your unused brain. And Dru..." Darla paused and walked over to the brunette vampire, and kissed the girl on the cheek. "She's the only member I truly have left. At one time I considered her the weak link. I was going to kill her myself, to show Angelus he was getting out of control. She's proven herself, and I'm planning on rewarding her."

"I'm thrilled, really I am." Spike grunted. He didn't like the gleam in the other blonde's eyes. He had seen that gleam before. Something huge was going to happen, Darla was known for her brilliant games. He just didn't like the feeling that he was on the wrong side of the game this time.

"Guess what my present is?" Dru giggled.

Spike raised an eyebrow, not wanting to make either think he was too interested.

Dru sighed and clapped her hands, "My sanity."

"Lindsey what are you going to do about them?" Lilah hissed into Lindsey's ear.

"What are you talking about?" Lindsey asked before he polished off the last of the amber liquid in his glass.

Lilah turned Lindsey around, and he let out a curse. He had allowed the little witch to distract him. There was no other way to explain how Darla and Dru could be standing twenty feet away with out him realizing it. To make matters worse Spike was standing in front of the two other vampires. Dru was giggling at Spike's shocked expression. Darla smug. This was the *something* he couldn't afford to happen. The party crashing vamps could very well mean the end of the lawyer's life.

Setting his empty glass on the nearest table, he rushed over to break up the scene. Perhaps if he could get the three bloodsuckers out of the Ballroom, the night wouldn't be ruined.

"What do you think you are all doing?' Lindsey gritted out.

"Just a family reunion of sorts." Spike answered without taking his eyes off the other two vampires. Knowing that if he dropped his guard either one of them might attack. When he had heard of Darla's return to the living, then to the un-dead, he knew this day was coming. Angelus was her pride and joy. Turning on him was betraying her as well. Even if she had been dust.

Lindsey could feel the tension radiating off Darla and Spike. He needed to get them out of the room, before there was any bloodshed, or dust in their case. Not all the guest that night was aware of the things that go bump in the night.

"Do you think the three of you could take this somewhere else?" Lindsey looked around and caught Lilah's eye. She wore a smug satisfied look, that he wished he could slap off of her. She was someway behind this.

"Well of course Lindsey dear. All you had to do was ask." Darla took Dru's hand and started to the exit. "Spike I'm going to let you live for now. I
think you'll be the best  present for the new and improved Dru to take a test drive with. Don't you think?" She tossed over her shoulder as she left.

"Damn bint. She's going to be a holly terror." Spike growled. "Angel should've staked her ass... again." Ignoring the lawyer at his side, Spike
snatched a glass of Champagne off the tray of a nearby waiter, and drained it in one gulp.

"Spike what are you doing here?" Lindsey stepped closer, looking around, not wanting anyone else to hear.

"Watching out for what's mine."

Losing his patience with the vampire, Lindsey could barely keep his voice down. "What are you talking about?"

"Douglass you wanker." Spike enjoyed the frustrated look that settled on the other man's face. "You didn't really think I was going to let her be alone with you without some kind of protection? I mean, two very dangerous vampires just strolled in here. How were *you* going to protect her? In fact, do you even know where she is?" Lindsey was caught off guard, again. Snapping around he surveyed the room. His heartbeat skipped a beat, then sped up when he couldn't find her.

Hearing Lindsey's heartbeat skip a beat, Spike's smile got cocky. "Don't worry mate. I made sure she left before anything-bad might of happen. You
really need to take better care of her though. The chit's such a delicate young thing."

"More like rabid." Lindsey muttered.

"Yes, Brat sure does have a sharp tongue on her." Spike smirked. "Been on the receiving end of it once or twice myself."

Anger started to replace some of the confusion in the lawyer. She had left, without so much as telling him. `Does she even know how stupid I am going to feel if someone noticed she left. What the Hell does Spike mean as in his?'

Turning away the mocking eyes of the blonde vampire, Lindsey headed to the exit. It was time he explained to Douglass just who called the shots. Tonight was the last time that he'd allow her to distract him.

Douglass felt awkward that Aria followed her into the building. On the ride home she had learned that Aria's father also worked for Wolfram and Hart.
Which kind of made her one of the bad guys, well made her father one of the bad guys. It made Aria just the daughter of a bad guy, who could tell her Dad things that he shouldn't know. Not knowing what else to do Douglass let the other girl follow her.

"You live inside an old bank?" Aria looked perplexed, as Douglass held the door open for her.

"I live upstairs; I work down here in the former bank lobby." The explanation didn't clear up the other girl's confusion.

Everyone was downstairs at the desks. Each had books piled in front of them, except for Willow whose fingers were flying over the keyboard of her
computer. When Douglass walked in everyone looked up, guilty expressions on their faces. "Douglass what are you doing back so soon?" Wesley cleared his throat in embarrassment.

"There were some party crashers. Spike sent me home. This is Aria, she's the one who rescued me tonight. Her father works for Wolfram and Hart." Douglass caught the others eyes letting them all know she'd explain later. "I thought you guys were going out clubbing tonight."

Willow felt an urge to turn off her computer screen, so Douglass wouldn't see what she was up to. If only the blonde witch would just admit that there was a huge chance that her powers could be bound, there would be no need to sneak around. No one wanted to go behind Douglass's back, but anytime the possibility was brought up the witch would plea to change the subject or get mad.

After Douglass's cab had left earlier that night, everyone had started getting ready to go out for the night. Cordelia and Willow were sharing the
bathroom, hurrying through their primping. While Angel rummaged through the books Douglass had brought back with her. He was amazed at the material the young woman had. Most was in Gaelic, which he thought as odd, until he questioned Willow. She explained that Douglass had been born in Scotland, her family roots going back several generations. When her mother had died, the books were found in the attic. Not only could Douglass translate the books, but could speak it as well. Angel was even more impressed by the young woman.

The topic of her powers came up. Willow explained that she didn't think the traumatic experience the other witch went through had anything to do with her inability to cast. Angel was agreeing with her, when Wesley and Gunn walked off the elevator. The ex-watcher was also in the mind that Douglass's powers had been bound. That he had actually been searching for a spell to help.

That had been two hours ago. The group decided to forgo the nights outing, to see if they could come up with anything to help their friend.

Angel closed the book he was reading and placed it on the desk. "What party crashers?"

"Darla and Dru." Douglass took in how close Angel was sitting next to Willow, and wanted to do a little happy dance. She knew how Willow felt about the dark vamp, even if she never put it into words. And the way Angel stayed only feet from the redhead all that day, gave some clue to his feelings, even if he was to blind to see. All day long the two had been stealing glances at one another, when they thought the other wasn't looking. Willow's gazes drank in his every move. Her eyes a dead give away to the affection she had for him. Angel looks were more puzzled. As though he was seeing Willow for the first time, and that he apparently liked what he saw.

"Are you kidding me?" Gunn's mouth dropped open. "I can't believe *I'm* saying this, but thank God Spike followed you."

"Gee, I wonder whose plan it was to have Spike follow me... Angel?"Douglass's eyebrow raised as she looked at the vampire. "I can't believe no one thought to inform me."

Aria gasped and started to back up. "Angel! You mean as in the *vampire* that locked a room of my fathers co-workers up in a wine cellar, Angel." Taking a look around the room, she started to realize these were the people that had been causing the firm her father worked for so much grief. "Why was someone following you?" She questioned Douglass. "For that matter why are you dating Lindsey McDonald?" Aria was confused. She didn't know if she should run as fast as she could. Or congratulate these people for being able to have the nerve and strength to do something she always dreamed about. Taking out Wolfram and Hart.

Willow stood and tried to calm the other redhead down. But every step she made toward the girl, Aria would take a step back. "I'm sure you're kind of confused right now..." Willow stopped not really knowing what to say. Looking over at Angel for help, the vampire looked uncomfortable. `Men.' Willow thought.

Douglass blocked Aria's path to the door. Things had just gotten way out of control. No one could know they were helping Lindsey. Not only would it bring more problems on the gang, but also no matter how much they disliked the lawyer they didn't want his blood on their hands either. Some damage control needed to be done and now. Douglass cared way too much about this group, to have some stranger to jeopardize anything.

"Aria please sit so we can all talk." Douglass said from behind the girl. "I'm sure you have a few questions you want answered."

Aria turned, not realizing that Douglass had blocked her way out. The blonde's cat like eyes showed concern, but there was a hint of hardness to
them as well. Deciding that the best course of action was to hear these people out, she sat in the nearest chair.

Angel glanced around; knowing that no one really knew how to start this. Opening his mouth to start, he was interrupted by Lindsey who barged through the entrance.

"Douglass." Lindsey nearly growled as he spotted her. "I think we need to talk." Oblivious to the other people in the room, he reached her side, fists
clenched at his side.

Douglass groaned. `Of all times why now?' She thought. "Lindsey, do you think this could wait? There seems to be other matters a tad bit more important right now." She nodded to Aria. Who looked ever more unsure of what was going on. If that was even possible.

The lawyer ran his left hand over his face in frustration. Nothing was going as he had planned, and it was only his first outing with Douglass. "Aria what are you doing here?" Lindsey no longer had the energy to be upset anymore. That had been spent on his mental tirade, on how he was going to make Douglass understand he was the one in charge here.

"Spike wanted me to get Douglass away from Darla and Dru. I brought her here." Aria relayed the only thing that made sense to her that night.

"How do you know Spike?" Lindsey was beginning to wish he hadn't come here. He could have called Douglass the next morning.

"I really don't know him. We were just dancing... Then the two vampires showed up...He told me to get your date out of there."

Lindsey just stared at her for a second. "Let me get this straight. You were dancing with a dangerous vampire, who told you to take my date to `safety'."

Aria's lips started to tremble. "V-Vampire."

"Oh shut up Lindsey." Willow snapped as Aria's face whitened. The redheaded witch felt sorry for Aria. She had walked smack dab into a big mess, which kept getting messier by the second.

Aria took deep breaths and scolded herself. She knew that vampires and demons existed since she was a small child. So why did dancing with one leave her feeling terrified? Looking around at the unfamiliar faces, she knew there was a whole lot she didn't know. Feeling a calm steal over her, she gathered all the courage she knew was deep inside her.

"I'm fine...I...I was surprised is all." Aria looked at chewed on her bottom lip.

Growing up the daughter of a highly disliked lawyer of Wolfram and Hart she knew her life was always in jeopardy. Even more so after she become old enough for her father to use her as a pawn in his little games. But she had always known what was going on, always had a little control over the
situation. Now she sat in a room of her father's newest enemies. Even Lindsey listed high on her father's list of disliked people.

Angel watched the Aria's emotions that played across her face. The tension in the room was growing. Looking over at Lindsey he motioned with his head for the bane of his existence for the last year to follow him. Walking to one of the empty offices, Angel didn't look back to see if the other man followed.

Lindsey's insides knotted with anger. Damn Angel, he just expected him to follow. Gritting his teeth, not knowing what else to do, he went to the
office, slamming the door behind him.

"I glad I'm not in there." Gunn's half hearted attempt at a joke went flat.

"Should we leave those two in there alone?" Wesley knew for sure he didn't want to be the one to supervise the two. But he had to at least show his concern.

"I for one have had my fill of Lindsey McDonald that I can stand for the night." Douglass glanced at the shut door. Silently hoping that Angel tore
into the aggravating lawyer. All night long visions of him dripping wet, in a black towel played in her mind. It didn't help that his mood changed with
unbelievable ease. When he was around her his attitude was callous; not that she expected him to be all that pleasant to her. The second anyone else came around it was like an entirely different person took over his body. Making her angry he couldn't try and be that way around her.

"I'm going change."  No one really replied, their ears trying to pick up the conversation in the other room.

"None of this would be happening, if Spike hadn't followed Douglass tonight." He spat out at the calm vampire.

"She's in danger whenever she's with you Lindsey. If not from you, than from one of your sick co-workers. Of course someone followed her." Angel's face remained impassive. "As long as she is with you, Spike will follow her."

"She doesn't need protection from me. She's a powerful witch, remember?" Lindsey saw something flicker through Angel's brown eyes. `Now what are these people keeping from me?' Frustration flooded through the lawyer.

"We need to decide on what to tell Aria." Angel changed the subject.

"Nothing. She already knows of your existence, and of your agency. She'd have to be deaf not to know. What are a couple more people, and a vampire? Just let her think she helped save Douglass form Darla and Dru. Leave it at that." Lindsey was surprised that Angel agreed.

"Is Brat here?" Spike interrogated the group the second he walked through the door. He noticed Aria's widened eyes, and felt himself relax a little.
Douglass had to be there, if the little redhead was sitting in front of him.

Willow nodded. "She went to change. Lindsey's here too."

"Bloody hell. Where is he?" Everybody's eyes went to the closed door. Spike stalked to the door and threw it open. He had expected to see Lindsey and Douglass at each other's throats. Instead Peaches and the bloody lawyer were in the middle of a discussion.

"Peaches, we've got trouble." Angel growled, and Lindsey some way managed to control the urge to laugh at the nickname.

"What trouble?" Willow asked from behind.

Spike smirked. "What is more dangerous than a vampire that's been insane for over a hundred years?" Willow looked confused, her eyebrows knotting together. Spike turned back to Angel, still ignoring the lawyer. "What Peaches, no guesses. Because I'm thinking this subject has you written all over it...How about your sire helping a certain vampire regain her sanity, helping her remember everything with crystal clarity. Don't know about the rest of you blokes, but I know I'd rather not be there the day she comes to."

"I'd think Looney Dru would be more dangerous than a sane Dru." The unease on Angel's face didn't help Willow stay calm. "Angel?" The vampire's mind was a thousand miles away. Going over all the things Angelus did to make the once pure and sane Drucilla what she was today. Pretending to be a priest, whispering to her how God had turned his back on her. Stalking her, until her fragile nerves came unbound. Killing her family. Worse yet, turning the young girl, just after she had taken her vows. Angelus had massacred the convent inhabitants, raped the novice nun, and turned her. Willows voice snapped him back.

"Huh? Sorry, I was just..."

"Reliving your glory days?" Lindsey finished with a taunting smile.

"Like you should talk!" Willow shouted at the lawyer, and walked over to Angel. "If it wasn't for you and your law firm, Darla would never had come
back from the hell she *so* deserved to be in. Without Darla, Dru would never had come here. She'd be in somewhere in South America dating some Chaos demon. So before you go throwing taunts in Angel's direction, I'd take a close look at what your actions have caused. *Plus* it wasn't Angel that drove Dru insane it was Angelus. Two very different individuals... trust me." Taking a much-needed breath, she slumped back against an amazed Angel. He put his hands on her shoulder and gave a squeeze of thanks.

"So how does Darla think she can accomplish this?" Wesley had joined the growing party in the office when he heard Willow shouting.

"The bitch really didn't tell me her plan. It kind of takes the deadly mystery out of it." Spike growled.

"She's looking for the book of Ansuz." Lindsey provided, knowing that he'd also benefit from stopping Darla's plan. Shocked eyes focused on him. "She's been looking for it for months now." He shrugged.

"Am I hearing right? Did Lindsey McDonald just *give* us information? Because if he did we all *know* we're in trouble. The only time he wants to help is when it's getting *really* bad." Cordelia could barely contain the sarcasm in her words.

"I've heard of the book." Wesley left the room, the occupants following him out. The ex watcher went to the vault that now housed the growing collection of books.

"Hey were did that Aria chick go?" Gunn frowned as he looked around the lobby.

"If she was smart, as far away from here as she could get." Cordelia flopped down in an empty office chair yawning.

Douglass reappeared face scrubbed of any make-up. Her hair pulled back in a ponytail, and in a pair of flannel bottoms and tee shirt. After hours in
pantyhose and heels, she really didn't care what she looked like. She was going for comfort. Taking the seat in front of the computer, she tried to
pretend Lindsey wasn't there.

Lindsey couldn't believe the change that had only taken moments. Douglass looked better this way. Not that she didn't look ultra sexy in her dress, but the baggy flannels, and tee better suited her. Maybe it also had something to do with the fact her attire looked suspiciously like pajamas.

"Ah, here it is." Wesley emerged from the vault, carrying on old leather bound book, reading as he walked. "The book of Ansuz is fabled to have
unimaginable healing spells, for body, mind and soul. That could be used on either man or beast.  That the family of witches passes the book down to oldest daughter. There's not much else." Wesley flipped the page, trying to gain any other perspective on the book.

Douglass had staring at Willow's forgotten computer screen. Trying to translate the spell written in Latin she hardly knew what was going on around
her. She struggled with the first line, but it was all she needed to know. It was an unbinding spell. With a mixture of anger and fear, it finally started
to dawn on the poor witch that something supernatural happened to her powers. The first time she had tried to cast a spell it was a protection spell. She had been in the hospital. It had failed miserably. Nothing. She withdrew into herself trying to find the power she could usually feel swimming inside her, and couldn't. Every night she'd meditate, and then cast a simple spell. Every night she'd go to sleep crying. It was time to own up to the fact that something had to be done to get her powers restored.

"Douglass?" Willow came up from behind. She had seen Douglass sit down in front of the monitor and start translating. The guys were arguing over
Wesley's findings, and Cordelia was asleep hunched over her desk. " I'm so sorry to have gone behind your back...I just wanted to help you."

Douglass looked up into the redhead's tear filled eyes and felt awful to put her friend through so much pain again. "Give me a few more minutes to get this translated and we'll give it a try." Douglass wiped away the moisture gathering in her own eyes, and smiled at the other witch's relief.

It had taken only twenty minutes to get the spell translated and the ingredients together. "Wait, there aren't any footnotes are there?" Willow
asked. "The footnotes are the ones that get us into trouble."

The blonde smiled back, "Nope, no footnotes. Where should we do this?" No one was paying any attention as the two witches slipped into the elevator, and headed up to the training room.

"This seems so easy." Willow reread the spell again, making sure there wasn't some small part they were over looking. Like being turned into small green frogs if they missed a word or something. Willow shivered at the thought.

Setting the challis down in the center of the four candles, Douglass took a deep breath. "Okay let's do this." Willow nodded and sat across from the
other witch. Both started recited the Latin Spell, stumbling over some of the harder words. At the end both girls peeked through their eyes, emerald green met with smoky blue.

"Gee I expected some kind of swirling smoke, or even just a little spark." Willow grumbled.

Douglass went to speak when a sharp pain ripped through her chest, and a loud explosion knocked her unconscious.

"Here I found a passage in this book. It tells of a Scottish family that is rumored to have been the keepers of the book. They were highly recognized as healers...That's all it says. Perhaps we should call Giles to see if he has heard anything about the book." Angel nodded absently as Wesley picked up the phone.

Lindsey looked around the room in boredom. Everyone was searching through stacks of books for any hint of what the book would entail. `Why am I here?' He asked himself. `To remind that blonde little witch who's in charge.' He reminded himself. Sitting up straighter in his chair he took a look around. "Where did Douglass go?"

"Probably wanted to get as much distance from you as she could get." Gunn replied, not lifting his eyes from the book in front of him.

Angel looked around for the redhead. The last time he saw her was when she and Douglass were working on something on the computer. Curious as to what they had been doing, Angel went over and stared at the Latin spell, and started to translate it.

"Hey Wes." Angel called out to the ex-watcher after a few minutes. "Wesley!"

"Angel can it wait, Giles seems to know about the book."

Angel brushed off the request. "You don't have a challis that's about five inches high, made of gold and silver, with amethysts around the rim do you?"

Wesley excused himself from the phone for a moment, "Yes; we purchased one a few days ago. Why?"

Angel was about to stand up when an explosion shook the building. Waking Cordelia from her slumber she dove under the nearest desk, praying that it wasn't the big one that would see her swimming in the ocean.

"Earthquake?" Gunn asked as the shaking stopped.

Angel growled, and shared a knowing glance with Spike. "No, more like a Willowquake."

Running for the stairs he took them two at a time followed by everyone else. "When I get my hands on that little witch I'm going to spank her till her
bottom is red. Neither one of those girls are *ever* allowed to perform any kind of magic again." The dark vampire talked to himself not too quietly.

When he reached the second floor landing there was a blue cloud of smoke coming from under the door. With a cry of outrage he flung the door open, only to be engulfed by a thick cloud of smoke. "Willow!?"

There was no answer, and he rushed into the room. Spike followed at his heels. "Brat?" Spike growled when he tripped over the discarded challis. The blue haze started to fade and he could see Douglass to his left. A sudden thought hit him as he took in her motionless form. What if she was dead and Angelus started to come forward again? Stealing a glance in his direction, he saw his Grandsire picking up the redhead and go to the stairs.

Crawling over to Douglass, Spike was relived to see the rise and fall over her chest. Picking her up he headed to the stairs as well; the group of on
lookers parted allowing him to take the young woman upstairs.

Angel held Willow close to his chest, silently daring her to open her eyes. `When you wake up little girl, you and I are going to have a long talk.'
Stopping on the fourth floor landing he let Cordelia open the door for him. Taking the motionless form to her bedroom, and carefully laying her on the
perfectly made bed, he called out to someone to bring him a wet washcloth.

Spike turned to the nearest body and shoved his burden into their arms. Taking off to the bathroom to find the first aide kit. Lindsey looked down at
the girl he was forced to hold, and wondered what he should do with her. There was blue splotches covering her face, and blood was flowing from her nose. Wondering where her room was, he just stood there.

"Well mate are you going to just stand there, or are you going to do something?" Spike growled, motioning with his hand toward Douglass's room.

Lindsey wasted no time taking her to her room. Just holding her seemed a little too intimate, he needed to distance himself from the blonde witch.
Nearly dropping her on the bed, he hurried back to the living room. Wondering if he snuck out now, if any of them would really notice.

Cordelia rushed out of the bathroom, arms full of moistened towels, and handed some to Gunn who was standing outside of Willows door. Taking the rest she headed in the other direction. "Wesley, don't just stand there. Do something!" She snapped out of nervousness.

The ex-watcher had no clue what he should do. He was usually the one who was on the receiving end of the medical attention. Deciding that the girls might want something to drink when they woke up, he headed to the kitchen.

Lindsey was left debating with himself. Why hadn't he left already? These people surely didn't need him, nor did they want him around. By the looks of it, they've been through similar situations, and knew just what to do. As he was telling himself all the reasons why he should leave as he edged closer to Douglass's door. He saw her lying on the bed, as Spike and Cordelia argued over the best way to fix her up. She looked so small and vulnerable, nothing like the terror he had just been with hours ago.

Angel was having trouble with the sensation running ramped through his body to tell Gunn to go help the others with Douglass. That he could take care of Willow. It was silly really. Gunn was only doing what was needed to help Willow.

Taking one of the wet towels out of the young mans hands, Angel gently wiped away some of the blue residue from Willow's delicate features. Her eyes started to flutter, and Angel gave silent thanks that she was waking up.

"A-Angel, what happened?" Trying to sit up, her head started to pound and she quickly closed her eyes and laid back down. "Sitting is so highly
over-rated."

"Willow, what were the two of you thinking? You could've been seriously hurt." Angel commanded his hands to stay at his side. Instead of touching all her limbs to assure himself the redhead was fine.

Willow popped one eye open, "Did it work? Does Douglass have her powers back?"

Angel stared at her for a moment, again fighting the undeniable urge to turn her backside black and blue. "I don't know, were you trying for a big blue cloud?" He asked darkly.

At first Willow blinked in confusion, "blue cloud? There wasn't supposed to be a blue cloud." Seeing the void look he gave her Willow winced. "Oh,
something went wrong."

"Do you know the entire building shook?" He asked, his earlier concern for her, started to turn into anger. "Do you realize that someone could have
gotten hurt?" <Like you. > His usually calm and quiet tone was getting louder.

Willow didn't know what to say. She'd never seen Angel upset like this before, well besides at Cordelia's but he really hadn't been himself. He was
always the poster child, well vamp, of Coolness. Nothing frazzled him. So why was he losing it now? His body was ridged, his large hands clenched.

"I don't want you practicing anymore, unless Wesley or I are there." Angel stated as he eyed her, challenging her to disagree with him.

Willow started to wonder if she was still unconscious, and this was some horrible dream. What happened to the Angel that had her body in a whirlwind of chaos all day. A few times she could've sworn that he even flirted. Every time his body had brushed against hers, even for a second, she tingled all over. Damn it she knew he had been sneaking looks at her, so why was he acting so...mean.

"I'm not a child you can command. I also think you'll find that you're no longer the boss of Angel Investigation, but a team player. So take your
caveman act somewhere else." Her insides started getting all queasy. She took deep breaths, telling herself that throwing up now wouldn't do much for her pretty speech. In fact it would just make Angel look right.

Gunn had slipped out and went to Douglass's room, not wanting anything to do with what ever power struggle the two had going on. Walking across the living room he stopped next to Lindsey. "Has she come to yet?"

Lindsey jumped at the unexpected voice. "No."

Spike and Cordelia had gotten most of the blue stuff off Douglass's face. Cordelia was threatening bodily harm to Spike who wanted to strip the blonde witch, and get her into clean clothing.

"Over my dead body Spike."

"Oh please cheerleader. Seeing Brat nude would be like seeing my sister naked." Spike's defense might have worked if he hadn't licked his lips at the
end.

"OUT!" Cordelia pointed to the door. "I'd rather have *Lindsey* see her naked. We all know he could care less."

"If you don't mind *I'd* rather not have Lindsey see me in the buff." Douglass said, her eyes still shut. " Ruins the romance and all." Cordelia
couldn't help but smile at the oozing sarcasm.

Lindsey rolled his eyes, and Gunn laughed.

"I don't care who the hell you think you are. You don't control me!" Willows shout silenced everyone.

"I'm not impressed with how loud you can shout kitten. I said NO.MORE.MAGIC." Angel's voice boomed.

Douglass groaned. "Let's all pretend I'm still asleep. Wake me when this all blows over."

"Give it up Angel, this is just one thing you won't win." Willow almost snapped back at the vampire.

"Trust me little one, I will win." Angel stalked out of the bedroom; unaware of the looks everyone was giving him. `Why can't she get it through that
stubborn head of hers, that she has too much uncontrolled power and can really hurt herself?'

"Is Douglass awake?" He asked no one in particular.

"No," The blonde witch answered.

Angel sighed; hoping there was less resistance from her. "Did the spell work?" Douglass heard his tired voice.

"I don't know. But if you think for one second I'm going to meekly obey your no magic rule you're in for one *huge* war." She looked him straight in the eye, not wanting him to think he could intimidate her.

"Don't you two understand..." Angel started, but the stubborn mask the girl wore let him know it was fruitless.

"I think Angel's right." Wesley said in a small voice. "Neither you nor Willow has had formal training. We all know how much power each of you
possesses. You two just need to learn how to control it."

"Please Wes, it has nothing to do with power. It has everything to do with being impatient. Willow and I are becoming notorious for our rash decisions." Douglass wanted nothing more than the room to empty out, to see if the spell had actually worked.

Willow walked past everyone, her head held as high as her traitorously nauseous stomach would allow her, and lay down on the bed next to Douglass. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, just in a little shock still."

"Did it work?" The hope in Willows eyes shining.

"What were you two trying to do?" Lindsey hated being out of the loop.

"Why are you still here?" Douglass's brows gathered.

"I don't have a clue." Lindsey stood waiting for an answer.

Wesley sighed. "She lost her powers. We think they were bound...well Douglass didn't...Douglass what made you go through with the spell if you don't think your powers are bound." Wesley got off track.

Douglass's face burned, "Wes, please not now. It's embarrassing enough around friends. But Lindsey's here and he'd love nothing more than have something to torment me with."

"Didn't any of you think that I would have connections that could've helped Douglass?" Lindsey wished the words hadn't left his mouth. Of course these people wouldn't ask him for another favor. Or just come out and tell him about one of their team member's weaknesses. "Never mind, spoken out of delusion." What was with him? Turning around he left before anyone could point out just how stupid he had just been.

"I never thought he'd leave." Cordelia rolled her eyes and climbed onto the bed, making Douglass scoot over to the middle. "It's too exhausting keeping my personal views of him to myself."

"That'd be the day. Princess not saying what's on her mind." Gunn leaned against the doorframe. Cordelia stuck her tongue out at him.

"I think the million-dollar question right now is, did the spell actually work." Cordelia looked over at Douglass.

"I don't know." Douglass yawned. It had been a long day, and her fatigue was conquering her desire to stay awake.

Angel turned his attention back to the redhead only to find her already asleep, Douglass soon followed. Knowing that he'd have to wait to speak with them until the next day he decided it was time to go back to the hotel.

"Angel, I need to talk to you." Wesley followed the dark vampire out of Douglass's room. "With all the excitement I didn't get to tell you what Giles
informed me about the book Darla is looking for."

Angel wanted to tell the ex-watcher that it could wait until the next morning. But not really wanting to go back to an empty hotel by himself, he
decided that he might as well hear the guy out. Giving a short nod, the two men sat down on the girl's couch.

Gunn half pushed Spike out of Douglass's room."Because I'm sure the girls don't want to find you all cuddled up next to them in the morning."

"Please they'd be honored to have me in their bed." Spike straightened up and walked over to where Angel and Wesley were.

Gunn snorted, and rolled his eyes at the vampire. Still not totally understanding how this particular vampire was known as part of the scourge of
Europe.

"All the kittens are tucked in; they're all tuckered out." Spike lounged himself across the overstuffed side chair.

"As I was going to inform Angel...it seems that Giles knows about the book of Ansuz. A first hand knowledge." Wesley looked disturbed. He rubbed his temples, wondering why things always had to get out of control all at once. Couldn't things be spread out a little better in their lives? There were times they had all secretly wished for some action. Then Bam! It came all at once. Luckily there were enough coincidences that helped them pull through situations. But sometimes coincidences got sticky. Sighing he continued. "Seems that in his years as Ripper, Giles actually dated the girl who owned the book at the time. She had vacationed in England for the summer, meeting him at a local pub. He was very vague about their relationship, but he did tell me her name."

After the long pause Spike sighed. "Well spit it out."

"Her name was Nessa MacArthur."

"I'll be damned." Gunn crossed his arms over his chest.

"Well the name MacArthur is a common name. And...And..." Wesley faltered.

"We don't usually deal with common Wesley." Angel had wished he'd gone home. This could've waited until the next day. "What did he say about the book?

"He never got to read the book. She was very protective of it. In fact it was the reason she left England. Giles had found it and was getting ready to read it when she found him. She was gone days later." Wesley wished he could've talked to Giles more. Asked the man more questions.

"So are you saying that if Nessa turns out to be Douglass's mother, that Giles dated her Mother?" Gunn just couldn't get over the turn of events. Not only could they step away from finding out the contents of the book. But that the Sunnydale watcher knew the little witch's Mom.

Wesley fidgeted on the couch. "He never really said they dated."

"SO all we need to do is ask Douggie if her Mum's name is Nessa. If it is, yeah for us. If not back to the books for you blokes." Spike shrugged.

"What? You don't know how to read?" Gunn flung back.

"Well there's not much more we can do tonight. All the girls need their sleep; it's been a rough day." Angel didn't want to go home. But clean
clothes were needed and he also was getting hungry. "Is there a sewer entrance here?"

"Yep, down in my lair." Spike nodded.

"It's not a lair; it's a damn basement fool." Gunn enjoyed taunting the blonde vampire. He was a lot more fun than Angel, who would never rise for
these arguments like Spike did.

"Shove off." Spike flipped him the finger and headed for the elevator. "I'm off."

"I'm going too." Angel announced. "I'll be back tomorrow." Heading to Douglass's room again to make sure Willow was resting soundly. Willow's nose
scrunched a little in her sleep, making the cutest face. Silently, he wished her goodnight.
 

Chapter fifteen

"Bloody Hell." Wesley yelped as he ended up on his backside again. Looking up at the gloating blonde he couldn't help but feel a little bit of pride at her quick ability to learn the self-defensive moves he had been teaching her, Douglass had been training hard for the last month and a half and after only two weeks she had surpassed Willow and Cordelia, she was a wildcat when it came to fighting and her use of the light weapons Wesley was instructing her with was impressive as well.

When it became apparent that Douglass needed more attention, it was decided that the watcher would train her alone while Spike and Angel trained Willow, Cordelia and Gunn. Wesley knew the group had doubts on his ability to actually train the young woman, even if he had once been a watcher to a slayer. He never really pointed that out seeing that he had been fired from his job, plus the royal mess his last charge had found herself in but when push came to shove he wanted this and wouldn't take no for an answer. He had trained for years to be a watcher and he had really felt that what happened in Sunnydale really wasn't his entire fault and this was a way for him to redeem himself.

He reflected over the last month over how strong the group had become, Cordelia's visions were still helping them find the innocents in need but the
agency's reputation was getting around and the workload was at times overwhelming. Not to mention that they still hadn't fulfilled Lindsey's request and while they knew that Lilah had to be getting help from Darla and Dru they just couldn't prove it. The lawyer wouldn't allow them to dust the
two vampires needing the method that Lilah was using to extract her information.

Douglass was still being forced to accompany Lindsey to his social outings, so far most without incident. It was mostly the young lawyer's behavior that had Douglass stomping through the lobby after one of their dates, talking under her breath about what she'd do to him if she had her powers. They had another outing that night at Aria's Gallagher's father's dinner party, no had seen Aria since she disappeared the night she drove Douglass home.

That night still hung over the grou,. Angel intent that the two girls have supervision when it came to spells. Not like Douglass could cast, much to her dismay, that next morning when she had awoken she had meditated for an hour reporting that she still couldn't feel her power source but there was something new inside of her that she just hadn't been able to tap into it which was probably for the best. Tapping into the unknown usually had dire results.

Adding to this, they were at a dead end when it came to the book of Ansuz. Douglass claimed that her Mother's name was Nessa MacArthur but her mother had never gone to England in fact the elder MacArthur had despised anything English. Douglass had never heard of Rupert Giles besides what the group had talked about. Wesley still thought there was a connection but if Douglass didn't have any information there would be no answers forthcoming.

"Willow if you try to hit someone like that you're only going to hurt yourself." Angel walked over to his charge and repositioned her body letting
his hands linger a little longer than needed on her waist. Willow's face was already flushed from her rigorous workout so no one noticed the blush that came from his contact, she tried to concentrate on what he was saying, really she did but just his voice had her all tied up in knots. Not to mention the tight black tank top he wore with black drawstring pants, if it wasn't his words hypnotizing her it was his body, noticing her mind had wandered yet again she made herself snap out of it.

Angel watched as Willow tried to follow through with her earlier movements using her new positioning. She'd never make a great fighter but with the
defensive magic he had deemed safe enough for her to use she would be safer than she had been in Sunnydale. Willow's face was glowing with perspiration and she looked ready to drop from exhaustion but she never complained about the strenuous workouts he and Spike put them through. He really enjoyed this time of day with Willow even if he had to share her with the others.

He found the young redhead intriguing, she had grown up over the year they had been apart and the subtle changes had only enhanced her all around beauty. That her purity and genuine concern for others was still intact even after all the horror she had witnessed humbled Angel. Bold and daring one second then shy and stuttering the next, he loved just sitting back and taking in all the different reactions that came from the girl.

Leaving Sunnydale and befriending Douglass was probably the best thing that could've happened to her, by getting out of Sunnydale she was able to be her true self not living in the mold she had been cast in while in high school. She was no longer the awkward mousy girl who hid behind the slayer, she had fought hard to show her friends that, only to be shoved back in her role again 'for her own protection'. Though Angel knew he was a little bit of a hypocrite there protecting her from her spells he didn't blink an eye when she behaved as to what others would call un-Willow like. Douglass only knowing Willow as a strong willed, funny, and faithful friend never treated her like a weak link or as the research girl, net girl or any other odd names the Sunnydale gang deemed appropriate for her. The blonde witch treated her as an equal if not more, giving the redhead the confidence she needed.

"I say we call it a day." Douglass announced, dropping to the mat. "These holiday parties are really going to make me go postal, I swear the next time Lindsey introduces me as the love of his life I will puke all over him." Douglass closed her eyes and fought the need to sleep, this was getting to be too much. Too many outings that were hosted by sick and demented clients of Lindsey, too many forced smiles at people she would never would have subjected herself to, too many damn dreams about Lindsey in that damned black towel. The group needed to figure out who the hell was behind the sabotage so she could get on with her life, Lindsey free.

"I say let's close up shop and hibernate for a few hours." Cordelia suggested as she collapsed next to Douglass. "I can't remember the last time I got a full night sleep. What I'd do for a demon to cause havoc during daylight hours."

"Where would the fun be in that?" Spike sauntered over to the two girls lying on the mat. "Off your lazy butts we still have twenty minutes to go.
Cordelia you need all the training you can get."

Cordelia snaked out her foot catching the blonde vamp by surprise. Sweeping his feet from under him Spike tripped to the floor in a heap. "See, she has the move down pat." Douglass chuckled. "Couldn't have done it any better."

Spike glared at Douglass's taunt and dove at her not intent on hurting her but knowing that a good tickle was each of the girl's undoing. Going for
Douglass first before she could escape Spike straddled her, attacking her sides.

Coming to their friend's rescue Cordelia and Willow tackled Spike off Douglass and the three girls retaliated, who knew that a vampire had a ticklish spot? Spike knew he could throw the girls off like swatting a fly but what damn male would want to get three beautiful women off of him?

Angel leaned against the wall in indecision. Half of him wanted to join the tickle war the other half felt embarrassed that he wanted to. Gunn and Wesley felt it was beneath their macho status to join in a tickle war with Spike being the target.

"Still think you're the big bad?" Douglass teased allowing Willow to move in and deliver her punishment.

With a growl Spike was off the floor and stalking Douglass who had scrambled up and dashed away. Seeing that Cordelia would be an easier catch Spike changed directions and stalked the brunette instead.

The former May Queen's eyes popped open knowing she hadn't a chance from escaping Spike. Grabbing her head and feigning a headache Cordelia cried out "Oh my head."

Spike rolled his eyes while laughter erupted around him. "Please. You really need to work on that acting stuff."

"Those are fighting words." Willow smiled as the girls circled the vampire.

Spike loved these games, even as juvenile as they were they still gave him a slight stalking sense. Just if the girls could feel some fear it would be
perfect, Douglass attacked first as the blonde vampire anticipated, his attention on her he didn't see Angel come in for the kill.

Angel had battled on whether or not to join in but seeing the cocky grin on Spike's face was his undoing, it was time to take his ego down a few notches. When Douglass gained the blondes' attention he decided on a sneak attack.

"What the...humph." Being caught off guard Spike stared at the blue exercise mat his face was smashed into, judging by the heavy weight on his back he guessed that either all the junk food the girls craved finally caught up with them or the damned poof had joined in the festivities.

Angel chuckled at his Grand-childes fruitless struggles and almost laughed at the shocked expressions on the rest of the faces in the room. No one ever thought he would join into these games much less want to, the shared looks between the girls sent shivers down Angel's spine.

"Get him." Willow shouted as the girls closed in going for Angel instead of Spike. Angel was thrown back for only a moment understanding that the girls gave up on Spike and found a new target.

"Hey I was helping you." Angel withered from their hands biting back the chuckle that desperately wanted to escape.

Getting Angel to the floor had been a challenge but never having had him join in on their games they weren't going to let him out of it too easily. It
looked like a lost cause until Willow climbed up on his chest trying to pin him with her slight frame.

Angel stilled when he realized Willow was on top of him, did she know the effect she was having on him? Or was she carried away with the game? Finally giving into the torturous tickling Angel couldn't help but start laughing.

"This doesn't count as total happiness does it?" Douglass stopped and questioned at the sound of the unfamiliar laughter coming from the vampire.

"Three of LA's beauty's are crawling all over him what do you think?" Spike was a little taken aback that the girls were sharing the game with Angel and ignoring him now.

"No, it's the other kind of happiness that makes him all grr." Cordelia continued on, she had never seen this side of Angel and it was a nice change.

Willow blushed at Spikes words, realizing were she was and tried to slip off Angel, placing his hands on her waist he wouldn't let her budge. He wouldn't let Spike's words ruin the fun.

"Does Spiky feel a little left out?" Douglass sang to him. "No need to pout you know."

"I don't do pout. I sulk. Two very different things I'll have you know." Spike growled threateningly for all the good that it did.

"Is this what you do all day?" A voice questioned from the doorway. "No wonder none of you can find anything on Lilah. You're too busy playing
around."

Everyone jumped at the sound of Lindsey's sarcastic voice, he had been watching for a few minutes and he couldn't help but be a little jealous. This
group shared a closeness he had never experienced before even when he was young he had been the outcast, no one wanted to be friends with the little boy whose father wasn't enough of a man to take care of his family. It had taken years to thicken his skin to the rejection he had felt after that he purposely distanced himself from other people, that way there was no pain from being treated like nothing.

He hated picking Douglass up for their dates, she was never ready on time and he was stuck sitting to the side as the rest of her group pretended that he wasn't there. Just having to watch them all huddle together and watch rented movies was getting to him, bringing back the once long dead need to have that kind of closeness. He blamed part of his weakness on Douglass, just being with her on a regular basis was too close to having someone in his life even if it was a farce. When they were alone they tried their hardest not to talk to one another but after awhile the silence got deafening and one of them would start talking, even if it was just about the weather. They were spending so much time together he was even dreaming about her or that's the reason he came up with.

Spike walked over to Douglass and slung an arm around her waist, he enjoyed the screwed up face the lawyer made whenever he touched the witch. Lindsey was still not one hundred percent sure if there was something going on between Douglass and Spike and the vampire loved to play mind games.

"Well if I had my way I'd have the girls to myself and I wouldn't have any observers. If you know what I mean." Spike wiggled his eyebrows at the other man.

"Eww. As much fun it is to get a rise out of born again that just reaches new bounds of grossdom." Cordelia wrinkled her nose and Lindsey finally got the answer he had been searching for, Spike had been just messing with him.

Willow was still straddling Angel and wished he would let go of her waist so she could get up. Angel taking the hint let go and she quickly darted up,
embarrassed that Lindsey had walked in on them.

"Really don't get up on my account." Lindsey winked at the redhead, Spike wasn't the only one who liked to play games, by teasing the redhead he was also getting to Angel. Two birds one stone.

"Wow, Lindsey think of that all on your own? I'm impressed." The look of boredom covered the seer's face.

"Why are you here Lindsey? Aren't you a few hours early?" Douglass hated the effect the guy had on her body. It's purely physical, it's purely physical she chanted in her mind.

Spike turned to Douglass smelling her arousal. "That's just sick Luv." Getting a blush out of her when she realized that he knew Douglass wished for
the earth to open up and swallow her whole.

"Shut up Spike. You dated Harmony." Not knowing who the girl was she had a feeling she'd won his silence for a good ten minutes, just enough time to get Lindsey out of there. Spike may be helping and he may be her friend but he still got off on making others suffer.

Feeling lost again Lindsey decided that he'd never understand any of these people. "Lilah has been asking a lot of questions about Douglass, enough that I know it's not just curiosity. I don't think she's buying us as a couple."

"Really? Here I thought she was terminally stupid." Douglass replied. " Anyone could have relayed to her our great communicational skills when we
don't think anyone is listening so I really am not surprised if she is having doubts."

"Well we need to figure out a way that she'll stop asking questions about us."

"I say we break up." Douglass beamed at him. "We could do a really messy one. You know yelling and screaming? I could even slap you to make it look real."

Angel started warming to the thought of Lindsey being forced to be with Douglass, if she was like this to him all the time the lawyer never had a
second of rest. Douglass was living up to her nickname of Brat.

"Nothing so drastic, we just need to watch what we say plus stay out of Lilah's way for awhile. It doesn't mean however that the rest of you stop
trying to find out what she's up to."

"Are you sure? Maybe just one fight?"

"No fights." Lindsey growled, as he turned and disappeared out the door.

"Lilah, I have a present for you." Darla sang as she entered Lilah's apartment.

Lilah had been getting ready for the Gallagher's dinner party, and was surprised to hear Darla's voice. "I'm in the bathroom; I'll be right out."
Grabbing a towel she wrapped it around her body. Not like Darla hadn't seen it all already.

"So what's the present? Lindsey's head on the stick?" Lilah purred at the thought.

"No silly. I told you, it's the game that matters. Not just the kill." Darla was draped over Lilah's black leather couch, "What I brought you is this."
Pulling a vial from her jacket pocket, she held it out for Lilah to inspect. Taking the vial of clear liquid from the blonde vampire, Lilah looked at it
in confusion.

"What is it?"

"It's an Aphrodisiac. Angelus and I came across it in Greece. We truly had some wonderful times with it. The way I could make him scream." A far away look drifted through her eyes as she remembered the days of torturous love she and the dark vampire had once shared. Snapping back to the present, Darla sighed; knowing it was just a matter of time before she had her boy back. The games they would play.

"What am I supposed to do with this?" Lilah spun the vial between her fingers.

"I was thinking of a little Christmas present for Lindsey and Douglass. As much time those two have to spend together pretending to be lovers, the least we could do is give them one night of unbelievable sex, and pain." A seductively evil smile spread across her lips. "I can't believe he really
thought that group of do gooders could actually help him. With my soulful boy or not. Still I don't relish the thought that they've been spying on us.
We're too close to finding out where that damned book is. After a night of sex Lindsey and Douglass wont be able to stay in the same room together, and Angel's group will be ready to shred him to pieces."

"So I slip it in their drinks?"

"No. Just his. You need to time it just right. Right before dinner would be best. He'll be stuck at the dinner table when it starts to take effect. It
starts out slow, but it builds to painful heights. He'll first feel aroused, and then his clothing will start to become constraining. The pressure builds
until a person can barely think of anything but a release. My plan is he'll leave with Douglass early, not feeling quite himself. By the time they're in
the car on their way to drop her off, he'll end up forcing himself on her. The beauty of the drug is that even after release, the drug takes effect all
over again. When Angelus and I played with it, it usually lasted for three to four hours. Seeing that he's human I'm thinking about six or seven."

"Oh this is good. What happens if he has too much will power?"

"Impossible. I used to chain Angelus up when I gave it to him. After thirty minutes he'd break his chains. There's no denying the drugee."

"I wish I could be there to see the smug expression wiped off that bitch's face." Lilah laughed. Life was good, and it just kept getting better.

"Now remember behave yourself." Lindsey looked over at the young woman who was again trying to ignore him. She looked like the perfect example of the young woman that fit in so perfectly at these functions. The types who had perm-a-grins stuck to their faces. Smiling at the right times, laughing at the lame jokes, and never really saying what was on their minds. But Lindsey knew the bite she could deliver. To be honest it was the real Douglass he preferred to the person she pretended to be at these functions. 'No I don't prefer her at all.' He chided himself.

"I always do." She tried to plaster the smile on her face she knew would be stuck there the rest of the night. "But if Mr. Hamilton grabs my ass one more time he's toast."

"When has he grabbed your ass?"

"When doesn't he, the old pervert?"

Walking up the walkway to the Gallagher's mansion, the joined the other couples that were showing up for the night. Aria was at the door greeting the guests. When she saw Lindsey and Douglass approaching, she had excused herself, not ready  to confront the couple yet. She really wished she had stuck around that night, perhaps finding some people that could help her escape her mentally disturbed father. But she had taken the cowards way out, and took off the second everyone had their backs turned. What would they all think if she showed up now, offering to help, for help in return? 'They'll think I'm a damn spy.' She answered herself.

When she had shown up at home, after her flight from the old bank, her father had interrogated her. When she wouldn't give him the answers he wanted he beat her...again. The beatings weren't so bad, after years of abuse at her father's hands; she was used to it. It was the broken bones she couldn't get used to. It had been years since he had actually broken any, but just the fear that one of his beatings might go to far scared the hell out of her.

She knew her father was holding this dinner party to give her a chance to find out something on Lindsey or Douglass. Anything her father could use as leverage at work. She had made up her mind that she wouldn't tell him anything. Giving Douglass and her friends a chance to maybe do something to Wolfram and Hart. Where Lindsey fell into the mess she had no idea, and she really didn't care anymore. So she had another beating ahead of her again tonight.

"We should really talk to Aria you know." Douglass whispered to Lindsey.

"Why-," Lindsey watched as Lilah approached them, a catty smile plastered across her face.

"Well look who's under the mistletoe." She sang out. Drawing the attention of the other couples around the entryway. "You know its tradition to kiss when you're under it."

Douglass would've given anything for a baseball bat and five minutes alone with Lilah. The woman didn't know when to back off. She had probably been waiting for them to show up, just to be able to embarrass them. Oh Goddess, Lindsey was going to have to kiss her...on the lips, with his lips. 'Please make it quick.' She pleaded to any one of the Gods that might be listening at that very moment.

Lindsey ground his teeth together and turned towards the girl who was standing ridged at his side. She looked like she was being sentenced to
death, instead of kissing someone she supposedly had been dating for a few months. Leaning toward her he whispered low enough, so only she could hear, "That please kill me look isn't gaining us any points as a couple. Please pretend that this isn't a fate worse than death." He placed his lips on hers just giving her a chaste kiss. He was stunned by the sensations that ran through his body, with such a basic and innocent kiss. Pulling away quickly, he noticed the blush that conquered the witch's face.

"Oh come on Linds, we know that you're not that much of a wet noodle." Lilah cackled.

Seeing that the other couples wanted a show as well. He leaned into Douglass again; his arms encircling her back prevented her from backing away. Brushing his lips up against her gently at first, only deepening the kiss until the couples around them started clapping in appreciation.

When the kiss ended it left three very confused and irritated people. Douglass and Lindsey both were unsettled by the disturbing feelings that had
coursed through their bodies by the kiss, and pissed they had each enjoyed it. Lilah on the other hand was miffed that for just a brief moment she could see the attraction the two shared. No matter how much they denied it. 'Just wait until later tonight.' She thought, biding her time. 'No matter what kind of attraction they have for one another, it wont be enough to patch things up in the morning.'

When the couples had cleared from the front entryway, Lindsey and Douglass practically jumped away from one another. "That will *never* happen again." Douglass hissed.

Wiping his mouth with the back of his right hand Lindsey nodded in agreement. "I'll go for that public break-up you so dearly wanted before I kiss you again." Both feeling better that they were somewhat back on common ground, the you-make-me-sick kind of ground, they joined the party in the formal sitting room.

Aria held her breath when Douglass and Lindsey joined the rest of the guests. She had witnessed the kiss Lindsey had planted on Douglass, and knew that it had to have been an act. She wondered if Spike was spying on the young woman, and how.

The hired staff for the party entered the room, carrying trays of Champaign. Her Father always purposed a toast before dinner at all his parties. Mostly because he enjoyed hearing himself talk. Guests picked up a glass, waiting for their host to start his toast. Lindsey picked up the last two glasses on the offered tray, handing one to Douglass.

Lilah stood to the side of the couple, with a cat that ate the canary look on her face as Lindsey took the two last glasses. Everything was going as
planned. Having pulled one of the staff aside earlier, she had slipped the under paid girl a hundred dollar bill to have her deliver the drugged drink
into Lindsey's hands. Paling a little when he reached for not one but two of the glasses, Lilah watched in horror when he handed the glass intended for him to Douglass. 'No!' Her mind screamed. Before she could do anything, Adam Gallagher started his winded speech. When he ended by holding his glass up in salute to his guests, everyone raised theirs back in answer. Then Lilah watched as if slow motion as Douglass drank from her glass. 'Shit...Shit.' This wasn't how it was supposed to happen.

"If you will all join me in the dinning room, dinner is being served." Adam Gallagher finished, offering his arm to his daughter, who helped him play at
host since her Mother's untimely death three years before.

Spike hated lurking in the shadows. He was the in your face kind of guy. True to his word, he always followed Douglass when she was with Lindsey. Some of the places the couple went were easier access for the vampire, but the private dinner parties meant he was stuck outside, spying through windows.

Unfortunately he had to witness the disgusting kiss Lindsey and Douglass had to share. He knew that the witch was attracted to the lawyer, but would never instigate any kind of kissing. But he'd have to be blind not to see the effect it had on them. Under any other circumstances the two would've jumped into the sack weeks ago.

Spike also noticed Aria, who was trying hard to pretend that she didn't see Douglass or Lindsey. Playing the good little hostess, smiling at the right
times. Laughing when one of the balding pompous windbags would say something they thought was funny. It was the Auburn head's expressions when no one was looking that enthralled the blonde vampire. Such hatred and disgust at the people around her. The little girl was one heck of an actress.

Watching as her father called her over to the group he was talking to, Spike saw the instant change in her features. She plastered on a demure facade, and headed to her father. Spike clucked his tongue; at least there was something else to watch instead of Douglass and Lindsey pretending to be the happy little couple.

Everyone was in a sitting room, taking long stemmed glass from woman dressed in tacky black and white uniforms. Lilah was standing near Douglass and Lindsey, looking all proud of herself, until Lindsey handed Douglass a glass of Champaign. Her face had turned a deathly gray, and she couldn't help but stare at the glass that the blonde witch was bringing to her lips. He didn't need to be over a hundred to know that there was something *bad* in her drink. He watched in dread as she finished the glass and put it on the empty tray the young woman was bringing around. Spike knew if he could get his hands on Lilah, she had the answer of what was in the drink. What he needed was an invite in.

Douglass stared down at the fish that was staring back at her. No matter what anyone else said, this gourmet food sucked. In the big kind of way. Kind of like the dinner party she was being forced to endure. Lindsey was acting strange since the kiss, and wasn't really talking to her, not like he ever said anything all that pleasant anyhow. Lilah had been staring at her since the beginning of the first course. Like she expected her to sprout horns or something.

An odd feeling between her thighs, made Douglass squirm in her seat. She wondered when it had gotten so warm in the room. Concentrating on the dead fish looking at her, Douglass tried to calm down her rapid heat beat. Her palms were getting sweaty, and she crumpled her napkin in her fists.

"Will you stop fidgeting!" Lindsey whispered in her ear. The feel of his breath on her neck sent shivers down her body to her core. Stopping the groan before it came out; Douglass squeezed her eyes shut, demanding her body to stop acting so treacherously.

Lindsey knew something was up the second Douglass started rubbing her thighs together. Shifting back and forth in her chair. Her face was flushed, and perspiration was glistening on her forehead. "Are you feeling okay?" Lindsey tried whispering to her again. Her only reply was to jump out of her chair and race out of the room. The diners looked shocked by her behavior, and Lindsey excused himself from the table to check on her.

Lilah had started to think she hadn't put enough of the drug into the drink, but seeing the way Douglass was reacting before she raced from the room she knew the night ahead for the young girl was going to be a wild one.

Adam had also noticed Lindsey's date's odd behavior, and nodded to the door at the retreating Douglass, letting his Daughter know he wanted her to follow the blonde.
 

Chapter sixteen

"So does everyone understand what they've to do?" Angel whispered to the group huddled together in the shadows, everyone nodded and made sure they had all their equipment. Angel checked to make sure Willow was ready, he knew that she ran the risk of getting hurt just like the rest of them, it was the desire to assure himself she was okay that pulled at him until it became overwhelming. Squeezing her hand, reassuring himself more than her he headed down the alley.

"He didn't make sure I was okay." Gunn mocked Willow. He received two separate slaps on his arm from Cordelia and Willow, Willow thought Angel was checking up on her because he thought she was a weak link, no matter where she was, Sunnydale or here, someone always thought she was unable to take care of herself and frankly she was getting tired of it.

They spotted the Patron Demon jumping out from behind a trash dumpster swinging a broad axe at the Vampire's head. Ducking the metal object, Angel pulled out his own weapon.

"Okay there's the first Demon, now where in the hell is it's mate?" Gunn looked around wondering where the other Patron Demon could be hiding, Angel had said that this particular breed stuck together, they hunted with there mates, ate with their mates and when one died before the other, the remaining demon would go insane. That's why it was so important to kill them at the same time, they were strong suckers, hard enough to kill in their right minds. They didn't need one to go berserk.

"Don't these Demons know we make plans for a reason? They're so impolite." Cordelia was nervous, something about dark, smelly alleyways made her uneasy.

"I know what you mean. Angel made us go through his plan like a hundred times, once we all get it right the damn demons change it on us." Willow
tried to continue the conversation, knowing that not only would it help calm the queasiness in her tummy but calm Cordelia's nerves as well.

Gunn wished he could play along but the beating Angel was getting made the young man indecisive. Go and help the vampire which went totally against the plan or wait for the demon's mate to show up and continue with the plan, just a little delayed or get the group the hell out of there, something the dark vampire would have wanted him to do if things went wrong.

"He needs our help." Willow moaned as Angel was flung up against the brick wall.

"Hold up there Xena. Angel didn't make us repeat the plan some billion times to have us jump in at the wrong time." Gunn agreed that they should do
something but earlier that night Angel had pulled him aside saying that if something happened Gunn was to get everyone to safety and not look back.

"Wait, look over there." Wesley pointed to another shadow a little bit down the alley from where they were huddled, it looked like the demon's mate was lying up against a darkened wall unconscious.

"Well now what?" Cordelia wished she could stretch her aching leg muscles.

"I say we split up. The one lying over there isn't going to put up much of a struggle and Angel needs our help." Willow's eyes were on Angel watching as he fought to keep his balance. The strength of the demon he was fighting was incredible and if they didn't help him now she didn't know how long he'd last.

"Fine you girls take out sleeping beauty, Wes and I will help out Angel. On the count of three. One... two...thr-" The sound of a cell phone cut the dark young man off and brought the fight in the alley to a stop before he could finish. They each looked at one another trying to figure out who the sound was coming from.

"I left mine at home." Wesley stammered.

"Don't have one." Gunn shrugged.

"Mine broke last week when Spike stepped on it." Cordelia looked at the remaining person, Willow.

"Shit!" Exclaimed the tiny redhead fishing in her jacket pocket. "Angel made me carry it in case something happened to Douglass. I thought I had turned it off."

"Three!" Gunn jumped up at little earlier than the rest but it didn't take long for them to react.

Angel couldn't say he was terribly sorry that they hadn't listened to him, he was getting an ass beating and it wasn't all that fun. Out of the corner
of his eye he caught Willow standing over the motionless demon waiting for the right moment to end its life. Turning back to his opponent he grinned when he saw Gunn's sword pierce the demon from behind. The three men surrounded it and attacked at the same time.

Willow and Cordelia watched "So how do we know when they're going in for the kill?" The redhead was ready to do away with the demon at her feet but didn't want to do it at the wrong time. Gunn's sword arched in the air toward the Patron Demon's throat.

"Now!" Wesley cried out.

Willow raised her own sword high above her head but before she could swing it down to her target she was brushed aside and Angel decapitated the demon. She let the sword drop as she glared at the vampire. 'How...How male of him.' she looked over to Cordelia who also stood just staring at Angel.

"You did that because?" Cordelia planted her hands on her hip.

Angel stared at the two peeved girls in confusion. "What?"

"I can't believe you just did that!" Cried out Willow. "I swear it was like reliving high school gym class all over. You're like one of those guys that
would jump in front of me whenever the volleyball was coming in my direction."

"Oh I hated that. Why bother playing if those testosterone-induced jerks weren't going to let us touch the damn ball!?!" Cordelia went on.

"This isn't gym class and what the hell is volleyball?" Angel couldn't understand what the girls were getting upset about, he'd just killed the demon so they wouldn't have to.

"It's the same thing...well this not being gym class...or volleyball...but why bring us along if you're going to do all the work. Why not keep us at
home knitting doilies or whatever?" Willow picked up her fallen sword and walked away leaving Angel a little lost.

"I'm so glad I'm not you, man." Gunn tried to keep a straight face. "You just committed one of the hugest crimes against the feminist movement."

"What did I do? I just killed a demon, there'll be more." Angel followed his retreating friends.

"Angel, I know that you...have feelings toward Willow." Wesley fell in step with the vampire not missing the menacing look Angel cast at him. "Of
friendship, yes feelings of friendship. But...Ah...you can't keep jumping in the middle of her fights. She is capable of handling herself, even against
unconscious demons." Wesley kept his eyes on the ground knowing the deadly looks his friend was shooting at him. "I think what Willow was trying to explain is, why ask them to be part of the team if we wont let them play?"

"I killed a demon, we kill demons everyday. Why are they so upset about this one? There will be more for them to kill." Angel was irritated, he'd saved them from having to make the kill, they should thank him.

"Angel, I think you're missing the point. The demon was not endangering the girls and was quite an easy kill. They come out with us at night to help not be brushed off."

"So you're saying that I should let them kill. It'll make them happy?"

"Yes...No...You sure do have a flare for being oblivious. If Buffy was standing there waiting for the right time to make the kill would you have
jumped in front of her before she could make her move?"

Angel thought for a moment. "No."

"So why are you treating our girls any differently. They may not be slayers but they have been battling the nasties for many years now."

Angel sighed, "So basically I just insulted them both, making them feel like they can't even fight against a sleeping demon?"

"YES!" Wesley exclaimed, happy that the vampire was finally getting it.

"One more question?"

"Anything."

"What the hell is Volleyball?"

"Men suck." Cordelia huffed as she flung herself onto her bed.

"Majorly!" Willow joined her.

"I mean why do we bust our asses two hours a day for if they're going to do all the work?" Cordelia was feeling restless. "I say we go out! We have yet to go clubbing and I say right now is a perfect time!"

Willow was going to decline but couldn't come up with any reason not to. "You're on! Should we tell the others?"

Cordelia shrugged. "Why not? I mean it's not like they won't follow us."

The guys were sitting in the lobby complaining about the workings of the female minds when Willow and Cordelia came down offering the invitation of bar hopping that night. They all looked warily at one another knowing that it had to be another female oddity. One minute they're mad as hell next they're fine and making plans for the rest of the night, of course they agreed, they were too afraid not to.

"We'll be ready in an hour." The girls dashed upstairs to get ready, planning on their wardrobe and where they should go. The only thing that would make the night better is if Douglass going with them.
 
 

Chapter seventeen

"Douglass let me in." Lindsey's agitation was growing, he'd been trying to get her to open the damn door for five minutes now and would've thought she wasn't in there if he hadn't heard her moaning. 'She must be sick.' he thought. It was the only thing he could think of that would have her locking herself up in a bathroom.

"Is she okay?" Aria whispered.

Shrugging Lindsey leaned his head up against the door. "She was fine thirty minutes ago, the door is locked. Is there a key somewhere?"

"Yes, wait a second." Aria disappeared down the hall and Lindsey could hear Douglass from behind the closed door again.

"Doug, please open the door." Lindsey didn't realize he had used a nick name with her and his voice had softened. "Let me help you."

"Lindsey go away. I...there's something wrong. I don't want you to see me like this."

A voice, that was a good thing. Now he just needed the body that went to that voice. "Are you sick?"

A forced laugh came from behind the door. "In the head."

'Huh?' Lindsey looked down the hall hoping that Aria was on her way back with the key.

Douglass was sitting up against the door. Her body was tingling everywhere, she wished she could remove her clothing, the way the soft material felt against her skin when she moved was becoming unbearable. She had never been so turned on before and the desire running through her was unbelievable, erotic thoughts flowed through her mind making the heat between her legs increase until she was unable to stand on shaky legs.

Hearing Lindsey's silky voice wasn't helping matters either, his words went to her core giving her naughty thoughts. Thoughts of his wet naked body
wrapped only in a black towel standing feet away from her and in her mind she tore the towel off him and pressed her body against his. 'Stop! Control yourself. This is Lindsey, the man who has been using you and your friends to get ahead at work. The guy who had to wipe his mouth after kissing you, he'd probably laugh himself to death if he knew these thoughts were going through your head.'

Closing her eyes she tried to force herself to calm down, to push the overbearing feelings back. It was no use, what ever was wrong with her was
growing, thank Goddess that Lindsey was on the other side of the locked door. He was safe over there, if he was in here with her she'd probably rape him. 'Think of something else...like ...like...Lindsey in a ...STOP...think of something gross...Slime demon...the way it smells like trash sitting in the hot sun...the way it sounds when it tries to talk, all gurgle-y like it's filled with snot...how it doesn't look good wrapped in a black...STOP!'
Douglass moaned again knowing where her thoughts were running to...again.

"I got it!" Aria rushed over to the door and unlocked it, Lindsey wasted no time trying open the door but something was blocking the door from moving more than a few inches.

"Doug, you need to move. I can't open the door with you sitting in front of it." Lindsey waited until the girl moved herself away from the door.

Finally he was able to squeeze through the small opening and all he could do was stare in shock at Douglass curled in a ball on the bathroom floor. Her once perfectly styled hair was a mass of curls and her face was flushed, her eyes squeezed shut.

"Doug look at me. Open your eyes."

"Lindsey leave... Please..."

"Oh sure, I'll just leave you lying on Adam Gallagher's bathroom floor." Lindsey sat down next to her not knowing what he should do.

"Is she going to be okay?" Aria whispered.

"Give us a second." Lindsey asked, Aria nodded and walked a few feet from the door.

"Lindsey, you can't be in here." Douglass kept her eyes shut but she could feel him just feet away.

Lindsey couldn't make any sense of the situation in front of him, she was fine not more than thirty minutes ago and now she was withering on the
ground. "What is it? Douglass, we can't stay in here all night, do you want to leave?"

Douglass wanted more than anything to be gone from the house but she really had no idea how she was going to make it out of the bathroom, she knew what her body was screaming for and that Lindsey could provide what she needed. How was she going to explain what was going on inside her to Lindsey much less explain just how he could help?

"I think something was either in one of my drinks or in my food." Her voice was forced.

Lindsey's felt his stomach drop. "You think someone posioned you?" Reaching out he placed his hand on her arm.

"Oh my Goddess...No touching!" Douglass squirmed away from him. "I don't know if it was poison, I'm just feeling..."

"Feeling what? Should I take you to a hospital?"

Thoughts of having nurses and doctors poke and prod at her in this condition made her mind balk at the thought. "No! It's not like that. I don't think I can stand on my own right now though. I want to go home, you'll need to help me."

Lindsey looked at her in doubt, he remembered the last time she really needed medical attention and didn't have it. What was it with this group and not going to the hospital? "Are you sure?"

Douglass nodded her head and Lindsey knew he wouldn't win this one. "Fine." Standing up he walked to her and leaned down to help her up. "Douglass you're going to need to open your eyes."

Slowly she opened her eyes and stared up at Lindsey standing above her, he was unbelievably goregous in the mouth open drool oozing kind of way. She knew he was good looking but damn what was wrong with her? She should've pushed for a little pleasure with her business, somewhere in the back of her mind a voice shouted at her to stop thinking that way but it wasn't loud enough to make her obey. No, she finally knew what she wanted and damn if she wasn't going to take it...NOW.
 

Chapter Eighteen

The loud music pumped through the club and deep into the bodies that were pressed up against one another on the dance floor. Willow and Cordelia moved with the sounds blaring from the speakers losing themselves in the atmosphere that swallowed them fully, it was great letting go like this once in awhile, ignoring their responsibilities and problems, leaving them all at the entrance of the club. Here they could forget the males that dominated their every waking hours, males that just treating them like sisters, here the looks they received reminded them that they were attractive females and that any one of the guys in that club would be lucky to be graced with their company.

The two girls hadn't left the dance floor since they arrived, mostly dancing with one another but occasionally dancing with a partner that would join
them. Most guys would stay a dance or two then move on, others would overstay their welcome and receive the cold shoulder from the two girls giving the impression that it was time to move on.

Their current dance partners were a little too friendly, ignoring the glares and shrug-offs Willow and Cordelia would give them.

"Hands off jerk." Cordelia smacked the offending hand away from her waist as a tall blond tried to pull her close to him.

Willow felt her personal space being infringed upon and each time she'd take a step away the guy would take another step closer. The point might have been taken if the guy had any sense and hadn't drank enough to drown a third world nation.

"Epp." Willow lurched back when the guy who was trying to dance with her made a grab for her ass.

Angel felt the need to start tossing tables and smashing heads as he watched the show on the dance floor but remembering Wesley's speech from earlier that night he held himself back letting Willow fight this fight on her own.

Gunn looked from the vampire to the dance floor and back again. "Man are you going to do something?"

"She wants to fight her own fights." Angel gritted out watching Willow slap the young man who only laughed at her.

"So we're going to just sit here and watch them be molested?"

"No...Yes..."Angel was tied in knots, he wanted to go out there and tear the guy apart but he didn't want Willow to get upset that he was jumping into one of her battles again. "If she wants to fight on her own without my help then who am I to stop her?"

Gunn looked back at him puzzled and Wesley moaned. "Angel, what I said earlier has no bearing now, this is a totally different situation."

"Meaning what Wesley?"

"Meaning that when we're all fighting as a team we need to trust that Willow can hold her own. Watching her struggle to get control of a situation that is out of hand is...well...bloody hell you should just go and help."

"Are you telling me you've been taking relationship advice from this fool?" Gunn sat forward.

With a growl Angel pushed himself from the table and stalked to the dance floor swearing to himself never to listen to Wesley again.

"Touch me again and I swear my boyfriend is going to tear you apart." Willow pushed against the undaunted young man. What she would do for a jealous boyfriend at that moment.

"If your boyfriend is so concerned little girl, where is he?" He leered back as his friend laughed.

"Here." Came a growl from behind that made the two men stop and pale.

"Willow, Cordelia, please join the others at the table, the night is over and we're all going home." Angel didn't look at either girl knowing his voice
held no room for argument. "I'll be right over there."

Taking a menacing step closer to the intimidated men Angel didn't say anything for a moment letting the silence unsettle them a little before he
proceeded. "If I *ever* see either one of you anywhere near those girls there won't be a chance in hell you'll walk away from the pain I will inflict. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes!" They answered in unison eyes darting back and forth looking for the best escape route.

"Fine...leave." The two practically ran into one another to get out of the presence of the dark man.

In a way, Angel was glad that this gave him the excuse to end the night, he hated the way the guys were looking at Willow in her tight black jeans and emerald green halter top. He just wanted to get her home to have her change into something baggy and less attractive.

Angel approached the table slowly unsure how Willow was going to react to him. Was she going to be mad that he demanded her to return to the table? Was she happy that he ended up helping or was she going to be upset that he had waited so long to help?

He wasn't prepared for the huge hug the redhead gave him, pressing herself up against him then stepping back with a huge smile. "My hero."

Women! Who could ever figure them out?

Lindsey offered his hand to help Douglass stand up and was unprepared to be yanked down to the ground, before he gathered his senses Douglass was straddling him her dress riding up her thighs. Her usual slate blue eyes were more cobalt blue and he wasn't sure he liked the way she was licking her lips.

"Ah, Douglass what are you doing?"

"Do you really need me to tell you Lindsey?" Running her hand up his chest she seized his tie and started to loosen it. "I've never seen you without one of these damn things on, have I ever told you how much I hate the suit and tie thing?" When she was able to undo the knot she whipped the tie off him and flung it to the other side of the small room.

Lindsey was speechless, he had never seen Douglass like this... well he'd dreamed about her doing this. He felt his groin tighten, and knew that if he
didn't stop the situation now things were going to get out of hand, putting hands on her hips he tried to force her to remove herself from him but as
soon as his hand encircled her small waste she moaned and wiggled her self on top of his cock stealing the breath from him.
 

Chapter Nineteen

Pushing her off his lap, he helped her up. He was definately unprepared for her hand to rub his hardening cock and run her tongue along his jaw line,
Lindsey closed his eyes and tried to fight the sensations that were building inside of him. This was wrong on so many different levels but night after
night he had dreams about this, well they weren't in Adam Gallagher's bathroom, but she was doing these things to him and now he had a chance and all he could think about was how wrong this was. He didn't want her like this, what ever was slipped to her was making her behave out of character, he needed to get her out of the house and back to her place. Angel would know what to do.

With out a second thought Lindsey scooped Douglass up in his arms and carried her out of the bathroom forgetting his favorite tie lying on the floor.

Aria was surprised to say the least when Lindsey came rushing out of the bathroom with Douglass in his arms tie missing and the top buttons on his
shirt open.

"Well?"

"Tell you father that we left...tell him that Douglass wasn't feeling well." Lindsey brushed past her not slowing his step.

"Is she okay?" Aria followed him down the hall to the entryway.

"I don't know, she's acting weird." To prove his point Douglass started to kiss his neck, Aria couldn't help but stare as the girl in Lindsey's arms
began to nibble on his ear. The poor guy looked ready to explode and Aria wondered what could've happened that would make the strawberry blonde act so strangely.

Helping Lindsey by opening the front door she had no idea as to what she should say, have a good night was out of the question. Thankful he was out of sight she started to close the door when she felt someone behind her.

"Well?" Her father's deep voice questioned.

"Douglass wasn't feeling well so Lindsey drove her home." Aria gave her father the excuse that Lindsey gave her, trying to step around him she
cringed when his hand grabbed her upper arm.

"Why do I get the feeling you're keeping something from me? You know something and I expect you to tell me now."

"I don't really..." Aria lied. She knew she couldn't fool him as he started dragging her to her room, she had never perfected the art of lying to her
father.

When they reached her bedroom he shoved her in, without a word he undid his belt and stalked toward her. Swinging the belt at her back Aria didn't need to be told not to make a sound, the metal part of the belt made contact with her back slicing it open and her mind screamed out in pain, another couple of swings and the pain would dull. She had years of experience to know this then after a few minutes her father stopped.

"Are you going to tell me now?"

Spike had watched Douglass shifting at the dinner table, he could tell by the rise and fall of her shoulders that her breathing was abnormal. He then saw her flee the dining room and the Lawyer boy had followed her.

"Where the Bloody hell is she going?" Spike raced from window to window to catch sight of Douglass, the rooms were all empty and he started to get the feeling that whatever had gotten Lilah's panties in a twist had something to do with Douglass's behavior.

Opening the cell phone the redheaded witch had given him, he thought he had better call to warn the others that something wasn't right. Letting the phone ring several times Spike growled in annoyance when there was no answer.

Circling the house for the second time Spike was ready to start pounding on windows, he heard the front door open and quickly he ducked behind some bushes. Lindsey was carrying Douglass down the sidewalk to the parked cars, Spike couldn't be sure but it looked like Douglass was licking the sod's neck!

Quietly moving up from behind Spike was assaulted by the scent of Douglass's arousal. "What the Hell!?!"

Lindsey swung around at the sound of Spike's voice almost happy to have someone there to assist. "Spike, I can't even say how glad I am that you are here."

"Then don't." Spike watched in horror as Douglass started kissing Lindsey's neck running the tip of her tongue up his jugular and trying to get access to his lips.

"Ah Brat...will you bloody well stop that?"

"She's been acting like this for the last twenty minutes, I think she might have been drugged."

"You think? Take a look at her you sod, is this how she usually acts around you?" With a sigh he walked over to the couple and tried to pry Douglass out of the lawyer's arms, the harder he pulled the more she clung to Lindsey.

"Brat, you're not helping here." Her scent was distracting and the thought of her getting all frisky with Lindsey made him want to hurl. "Think of whose throat you're trying to shove your tongue down. Remember the jackass who has you cussing in three different languages every time you have to be around him? " Yanking at her again he finally ripped her from the other mans arms only to trip to the ground on top of the witch.

Out of Lindsey's embrace and into Spike's, Douglass tried to look past Spike to where the object of her obsession was standing. "Get...Off...Me.I need him...NOW!" Squirming beneath him Douglass tried to claw her way out. Spike held tight trying to keep her where she was but her nails scraping down his face hurt like hell. "DAMN IT BRAT!" Spike yelped and jumped off her when she had been able to bring her leg up to make contact with his groin.

Lindsey couldn't decide to laugh or be concerned for Douglass's mental state, she was getting more aggressive and the time they were wasting was
just making her worse. "I was trying to get her to Angel, the guy has the knack for solving these things as annoying as it may be."

"Tell me about it." Spike watched as Douglass made her way to Lindsey again on her hands and knees. "But I think what Douglass is experiencing has only one cure, not something anyone with half a brain would want the poof to do."

Lindsey watched Douglass wearily as she crouched in front of him running her hands up and down his legs. "What are you talking about Spike?"

"I'm thinking that the little witch has a healthy dose of an Aphrodisiac running through her, usually a person wouldn't care whom they shag but she
has her sights set on you. She just needs a few hours of a good pounding and she'll be fine." Spike was trying to sound nonchalant but what he wanted to do was tear Lindsey apart. Douglass was his adopted little sister and he wished that there were another way to help her that didn't involve the lawyer, he just hoped that whatever Douglass was slipped would wear off after she was satisfied. "Worse case scenario? You have a great night of sex with the little witch."

"You have got to be kidding." Lindsey's eyes popped open when Douglass licked the outside of his pants where his growing cock was, Spike lifted a brow in answer.

"I have a feeling your friend Lilah knows something about this. I'll be waiting for her when she leaves." Spike turned to head back to the house.
"Take care of her Lindsey, chip or no chip I will tear you apart if you hurt her."

Lindsey tried to step away from Douglass's assault, this was going to be one looong night.
 

Chapter twenty

Spike decided to take another lap around the house just to see if any of the previously empty rooms were occupied, if he was lucky he might catch Aria alone and could get that invite he needed. He was turning the corner of the house when he could hear a strange sound coming from one of the upper windows, it almost sounded like a whipping sound, curious, Spike looked around for a way to climb up to the second floor so he could get a look. His eye fell on a flimsy trellis that reached up to the window. 'It'll never hold my weight.' He grumbled but headed to it anyway to test it out, deciding to take the chance he tried putting his weight on the wood hoping it wouldn't snap and seeing that it held he slowly climbed up.

When he was eye level with the window he saw that the sound had indeed been a whipping sound and it was Aria who was on the receiving end, his Demon was enticed by the sound of the leather belt flying through the air to connect with the girl's back. The room was dim but he could see that her back was a bloody mess and Spike's mouth nearly watered, before his thoughts went too far the vampire could almost hear Willow or Douglass scolding him that he should be helping not enjoying the sight of an innocent being hurt. What could he do with out earning a mind splitting headache? The muffled sound of a male's voice caught Spike's attention.

"So Aria, are you going to tell me what you know or do I have to continue?" Looking up at her father Aria couldn't remember the last time he had beaten her this bad, a part of her wanted to spill any bit of information she had, little that it was to her father. The other part had had enough of this treatment, what good would telling him do now? Later on down the road he'd just beat her again, for a different reason maybe...but a beating was a beating no matter how you looked at it.

"I already told you I don't know anything. Douglass got sick and Lindsey took her home." She watched as her Father raised the belt again to bring it down across her shoulder.

"Why are you being so stubborn? You're protecting people that don't mean anything to you. Where's your family loyalty?" He threaded the belt through his belt buckles. "I have guests downstairs, you are not to leave this room, we are not finished. You've known something since the night you disappeared at the Charity Ball and before I am done with you you will tell me."

Spike watched as Adam Gallagher left the room and pondered a moment on the weeping woman lying on the floor, she had taken a pretty good beating and most likely wouldn't be able to handle much more. She really didn't know all that much that Adam Gallagher could use but the unexpected ally they'd found in Aria wouldn't reveal any information. He thought of different ways he could possibly be any assistance to her, under different circumstances he, with an invite could tear her father limb from limb, now he was useless. He couldn't just walk away, if anyone in the group found out he did nothing he'd be exiled, damn bleeding hearts, plus after watching Aria he knew there was more to her than some pampered debutant, the girl had spunk and she'd fit in nicely into the little wacky family at home.

Tapping on the window he waited until he caught the girl's attention, he had to wait for awhile for her to hear over her sobbing.

"Let me in. I can help." He watched as she tried to crawl over to the window, she got a foot from her original spot and couldn't move any further.

"I just need you to invite me in, I can do the rest from there." Aria's eyebrows knitted together, he wasn't making any sense. It took a moment to
clear the cobwebs then it finally dawned on her, of course he needed to be asked in. He was a vampire after all, she nodded weakly.

"No pet, you need to say the words." Spike was growing impatient, any moment he could be spotted hanging on to the trellis, that or the damned wooden thing would break.

Aria whispered the words and Spike shoved the window up and climbed over the windowsill. He walked over to her hesitantly surveying the damage up close, how in the hell was he going to get the girl out of the house? He couldn't carry her without causing her anymore pain and walking was out of the question. Magic, plain and simple, but Willow was being policed by the damn Poof, Aria was out cold and Spike knew that as soon as the party was over her father would be back up.

Using the cell phone again he tried calling the number Willow said he could reach them at if there was any trouble, once again there was no answer. "Why give this contraption to me if they aren't going to answer when I call?"

Now he was confined to her room and he was getting antsy. 'I hate being stuck...If I wasn't going soft I wouldn't be here...could be worse, I could
be the Great Big Poof.' Spike sat on Aria's bed and laid back, he'd wait for another thirty minutes then call Willow again, if She didn't answer the
bloody phone then he'd have to come up with another plan.

Willow sat in the car squeezed between Angel and Cordelia, they were on their way home from the club. Angel hadn't said a word to her since he told the girls to leave the dance floor, Wesley and Gunn kept shooting sly grins toward the vampire's back and Cordelia had fallen asleep. Willow was
wondering if Angel was upset at her about what had happened and if that was the reason why he wasn't talking.

She had been so relieved that he had shown up when he had, the enraged look on his face almost made him seem to be the jealous boyfriend she had warned her pursuer about. Willow allowed herself to daydream that he had been jealous of the unwanted attention she was receiving, that he considered her his and off limits to the male population. 'Yeah right little girl.' She thought bitterly. 'That kind of response is reserved for Buffy or girls like her.'

Angel sat and reflected on the way he felt when he observed the way the guys at the club responded to the redhead, he hadn't liked it, in fact he was glad to have a reason to call it an early night with out sounding like a party pooper. He had no claims on her and until he did he really couldn't do anything about the attention Willow got from the opposite sex. Claim. That was what he wanted to do. Claim her entirely, body, mind and soul, have her search for him first whenever she walked into a room, be her first thought when she wakes up every morning and her last thought before she went to bed.

He wanted something more than he had had with Buffy, their love had been a dark love, filled with misery and despair. Willow was laughter and the
promise of hope, if he didn't tell the witch how he felt, and soon, his feelings would become an obsession.

'Tonight.' He thought. 'The games end tonight, I'm going to just tell her and hope that she doesn't turn her back on me.'
 

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