Summary: This is a sequel to my story 'Questionable Magic'.
Distribution: TPWFLD; Angel of Mine; otherwise please ask.
Disclaimer: Characters don't belong to me. They belong to Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy. No copyright infringement intended.
Rating: NC-17; if not legally considered an adult, DO NOT READ!!!
Author's Note: There's no sex in this part, but I swear it's coming. Just have to get some pesky details out of the way first.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Willow walked into the library and was relieved to see that no one else was there yet. She needed time to try to figure out how to explain to the gang about her relationship with Angelus. {How do I explain something I don't understand myself?} She had managed to avoid having any prolonged conversations with Buffy and Xander during school, but Willow knew she had to tell them.
"Willow, I didn't hear you walk in."
Willow jumped at the sound of the watcher's voice. She had been so lost in thought that she hadn't heard Giles emerge from the stacks.
"Hi, Giles. Where is everyone?"
"Xander and Cordelia had to run to her house for something, and Buffy needed to spend some time with her mom before going on patrol. They're planning to meet back here later."
"Oh, I guess I'll just do some research on the computer."
Giles watched the young woman and noticed she seemed nervous about something. Her eyes kept glancing towards the door.
"Willow, is everything alright?"
"Of course it is, why wouldn't it be? Everything's peachy." Willow answered, but refused to look at Giles.
"Whatever's bothering you, it might help to talk about it."
"Not in this case, Giles."
Giles went over to sit next to Willow. Something was definately bothering the hacker.
"Why not?"
Willow finally met the watcher's eyes, "Because you guys are not going to like it. Not one little bit."
"But you're planning on telling us when the others get here, right?"
Willow nodded slightly and turned her head, but not before Giles saw the tears gathering in her eyes. "Whatever it is can't be that bad, Willow."
"You are *so* wrong."
"Willow, I don't really think......"
"I slept with Angelus!"
Giles stopped midsentence, his mouth hanging open in shock. He couldn't have heard her right.
"What?"
"You heard me. And before you say anything, you need to know that I don't regret what I did. I know I should be ashamed, but I'm not."
Giles got up and began pacing. This was not good. Willow was right, the others wouldn't understand this at all.
"Did he hurt you, Willow?"
"No." Willow whispered.
"I don't know what to say."
"I won't apologize, Giles. But you should know that this could help you."
"Help? How?"
"Angelus is willing to make some compromises in order to establish a truce. If you can get Buffy to accept it, we wouldn't have to worry about Angelus attacking anymore."
"Willow, I don't know what he told you, but it was lies. Angelus can't be trusted."
"Giles, you don't understand."
"No, I don't. Look, I think it would be better to wait till the others get here to continue. I....I need time to think about this."
Willow watched as Giles entered his office. She knew that his reaction was mild compared to how Buffy and Xander were going to react.
Angelus waited impatiently for the sun to set. He hated being confined to the mansion, having to put up with Dru and Spike. His mind drifted to the time he spent with Willow. She had proven to be an extremely passionate lover. And as soon as the sun set, he'd go to reclaim her. He knew she'd be at the library trying to convince the Slayer to accept his truce. Angelus smirked at that. That had been quite a clever ploy for him to use. By making the offer, he made her think he was willing to change for her. But, he also knew there was no way in hell the Slayer would agree to a 'truce', thus making her seem like the bad ass. That would serve as one of many wedges he planned to create between Willow and her friends. When he was through with them, Willow would be his alone.
Spike approached his sire, and was unnerved by the glint in his eyes. Angelus was plotting something.
"You look like a caged animal."
"Spike, wonderful night, isn't it?"
Spike stared at the vampire before him. He hadn't seen Angelus like this for a long time. It kind of reminded him of centuries past.
"Why in such good spirits? Did the Slayer bite the dust and you didn't tell me?"
"Nope, even better."
Spike eyed Angelus wearily as his sire approached him.
"Tonight I claim what's mine. You won't have to get your knickers in a bunch about Dru anymore."
"Claim what's yours? You mean the Slayer?"
Angelus laughed, and shook his head.
"No, my dear man. Willow."
Spike was rapidly losing track of the conversation. Why would Angelus want someone like the Slayer's friend? Unless it was to cause the Slayer pain. But, if that was the case, what was that crap about claiming what was his?
Angelus enjoyed watching the confusion on Spike's face.
"I have a few minutes before sunset. Let daddy tell you a little story."
As Spike listened to Angelus, he was amazed at his sire's plan. The great Angelus actually had a thing for the little red-headed hacker, and a bonus would be hurting the Slayer. Very ingenious. But the part that really pleased Spike, was that Angelus wouldn't be using his charms on Dru anymore. Spike was liking this plan more and more.
"And after you've turned her against everyone, will you change her?"
"Of course. She's mine forever.....she just doesn't realize what that means......yet."
The two vampires discussed more of the plan, and when Dru entered and began yipping about someone taking away her daddy, Angelus made it clear that he expected her to comply with his wishes. Once Willow was changed, the four of them would be able to have such fun. Thoughts of having a new 'sister' and playmate put Dru's mind at ease. She now couldn't wait for the newest member of the family.
End Part 1
Willow was staring at the computer screen when she heard her friends arrive. Looking back into Giles office, she saw the Watcher look at the new arrivals, then back to her. With a deep sigh, she watched him walk over to Buffy. The look on her Watcher's face was enough to alert Buffy that something had happened. Xander and Cordelia soon realized something was wrong.
"Giles, what's happened? Why do you look like someone died?" Buffy asked.
"I think you all better sit down. Willow has something she wants to talk to all of us about, and I don't think you want to be standing."
Buffy turned to look at her friend. Willow's face was pale, and she saw the hacker was fighting back tears. Buffy walked over to the table and sat down. Xander and Cordelia followed.
"Willow, what's this all about?" Xander asked.
Willow looked at the faces of her friends, and tried to memorize their concerned faces. She knew that concern would change to something else once she told them what she'd done. Then, Willow stood, and turned her back to them. This would be easier if she wasn't looking at them.
"Willow?" Buffy had the feeling that whatever was about to be said wouldn't be good.
"Something happened this weekend. It wasn't something I planned, but I didn't stop it either."
"Stop what? Willow, you're scaring me here." Xander said. He knew it was bad when Willow refused to look at them.
"And I won't apologize for it either. I know I should feel bad about it happening, but I don't. I won't be ashamed of what we did."
"We?" Buffy asked.
Willow stood silently for a moment.
"Willow, what exactly did you do.....and with who?" Buffy asked suspiciously.
"I slept with him, and I enjoyed it. God help me, but I won't pretend that I didn't."
Buffy went to Willow, and forcefully turned her around. The tears had begun falling down Willow's face.
"WHO!?" Buffy yelled.
"Angelus." Willow whispered, trying to pull herself out of Buffy's grip.
"WHAT??" The question echoed by Xander and Cordelia.
Without even thinking about what she was doing, Buffy began shaking Willow.
"What the hell were you thinking? Were you so desperate that you had to screw our worst enemy?"
Buffy's words cut Willow deeply. She knew her friend would be angry, but she never thought she'd verbally attack her like that. Willow began struggling to get free from Buffy's grip.
"Buffy, that's enough. Let go of her before you hurt her."
Buffy realized how hard she was shaking Willow, and stepped back.
"I think we all need to take a moment and settle down. This has been quite a shock to everyone."
"A shock? That's an understatement. Geez, I should've known this day was going to good. But, shit, I walk in here and get hit with the news that my best friend fu....."
"Xander, stop it!"
"Me? I'm not the one who did the horizontal lambada with a damn demon!"
Cordelia said nothing, but the look she gave Willow clearly showed what her opinion on the subject was. The look was full of disgust and anger.
"How could you do that to me?"
Willow had had enough. They weren't showing concern for her safety or trying to find out why it happened. All they were concerned about was how it affected them.
"To you? This has nothing to do with you. What happened between Angelus and me is our business. You don't figure into this. Any of you!"
"Oh, don't be so damned naive. Why the hell do you think he slept with you in the first place? Because he wanted you? I don't think so. It was to get back at me. Another of his games to make me suffer, and you played right into his hands." Buffy yelled.
"Have you ever stopped to consider that maybe he wanted me for me.....not as a way to get back at you. That maybe he finds me desirable."
Buffy made an unladylike snort, and shook her head.
"If you believe that, you're more foolish then I thought."
"God, Willow, is that why you slept with him? Because you wanted to believe that he desired you?"
Willow looked from one face to the other. She couldn't handle anymore of her friends accusations. She turned and ran out of the library. Once in the bathroom, Willow slid to the floor and cried.
"How long have you known about this, Giles?"
"Just a couple hours. Angelus told her he was willing to make a truce, and make some compromises."
"And she believed him? Shit, this just keeps getting better and better." Xander yelled.
"He's lying Giles. The only reason he's after Willow is to get back at me."
"I know that, Buffy. And you know that, but he has Willow convinced that he's sincere. What we need to do is prove that to her."
"What was she thinking?" Xander asked.
"Enough, both of you. What we don't need is anymore name calling and cruel insinuations. Angelus is using Willow as a pawn, and we must figure out how to free her from him."
Biting back her words of anger, Buffy sat at the table. "How?"
Unknown to the occupants of the library, Angelus was listening to every word they said. He smiled as he listened to them lay into Willow, pushing her away from them. Everything was going according to plan, until Giles talked about freeing Willow. {That'll never happen, Watcher. You fools are only partly right. I do know this will hurt the Slayer, but that's not my main objective....Willow is. And I won't allow you to do anything to take her away from me.} Angelus headed to the bathroom, knowing he would find Willow inside. He would take her away, while the insults and ugly words were fresh in her mind. Then he would feed those feelings, turning her against her friends.
Willow didn't look up when she heard the door open. She wasn't up to hearing more insults from Buffy. Suddenly, the person was kneeling beside her, pulling her into his arms.
"I'm here, Willow. I won't let them hurt you anymore."
Willow didn't question why Angelus was there, she was just glad he was. Wrapping her arms around him, Willow sobbed into his jacket. She was comforted by his arms tightening around her.
"Take me away, Angelus, please. I can't stay here anymore."
Angelus took off his jacket, and wrapped it around Willow. Then picked her up in his arms. Raising her face to his, he kissed her.
"I'll take care of you, sweet."
Then Angelus carried his lover out of the building. So distracted by her own thoughts, Willow didn't notice the unholy gleam in Angelus' eyes. Everything was turning out exactly as he planned.
Xander, Cordelia, and Giles were waiting in the library. Buffy had gone to get Willow. They needed to find out the exact details of what happened, and figure out how to keep Angelus away from Willow. Buffy came running into the library.
"She's gone!"
"What? Where did she go?" Xander asked.
"Maybe she went home." Cordelia said.
"Or maybe Angelus took her." Giles added.
The library grew quiet. If Willow was with Angelus, then they were in trouble. With Willow in a vulnerable frame of mind, Angelus could do anything he wanted with her.
"We've gotta find her." Xander yelled, as they all ran out of the library. Previous anger and hurt feelings were put aside, replaced by fear for a friend.
End Part 2
Buffy, Xander, and Giles began searching for Willow. They had sent Cordelia to the Bronze to wait. After the search of Willow's home turned up nothing, they headed to the park.
"I can't believe she was so stupid." Buffy said.
"You don't know what happened. Maybe he kidnapped her." Giles said.
"No way, Giles, not his style. Willow either left by herself or she left with Angelus. Either way it was stupid of her to leave the school. What the hell is going on with her?"
Giles looked at his slayer, and shook his head. He could see that she was afraid for her friend, but that wasn't what was bothering her. She was jealous of the relationship Willow had with Angelus....whatever it was.
"Maybe we would have found out if you hadn't laid into her and made her feel like a whore." Xander said.
"Oh, and you were so much the comforting friend. You said some pretty awful things too."
Giles had enough. A glimpse of Ripper emerged.
"Do you think you two selfish little bastards could stop thinking about yourselves for a moment, and concentrate on finding Willow. She's the one in danger here."
"But, Giles......" Buffy started, stunned at her watcher's temper.
"Don't say it, Buffy. The fact that Willow slept with Angelus is not the issue right now. That can be dealt with once we have her safely away from him. Have you considered that he may have changed her already.....or maybe killed her?"
The expression on the teenagers face told him that they hadn't considered that possibility.
"Now, if you two are through acting like complete asses, may we continue our search? Everything else can wait."
Giles regained control, and led the way to the Bronze. Buffy and Xander trailed behind him, neither saying a word.
Willow looked out over Sunnydale. The view from the hilltop was beautiful and peaceful. Angelus walked up behind her and wrapped his arms aound her. Willow leaned back against his muscular chest, and ran her fingers lazily over his hands.
"Do you want to tell me what happened?" Angelus asked.
"It's not worth it. Let's just say they weren't too receptive to the idea of you and I together."
Angelus smirked knowingly. {That's putting it mildly, little one. Now, let's see how convincing I can really be.}
"What about the truce?"
Willow moved out of Angelus' embrace, and shook her head.
"I didn't get a chance to mention it to anyone but Giles. And he didn't seem overly eager to accept it."
Angelus watched Willow intently. As Willow sank to the ground, Angelus walked over to her. He knew she was angry about what happened in the library, but she was also trying to justify their behavior. Trying to get past the hurt, so that she wouldn't hate her friends for what they had said. {Time to drive in another wedge.}
Crouching beside her, Angelus reached out and caressed her cheek. "It was a shock to them, Willow. Maybe they just need some time to think about the benefits of such a truce. And don't hold their words against them, they were said in the heat of the moment."
Willow turned her head to look at Angelus. "Why are you defending them? Being angry doesn't give them the right to say such hurtful things! They're supposed to be my best friends."
"Willow, if you let what happened eat away at you, it'll destroy your friendship with them. Is that what you want? To not have Xander in your life anymore? To not talk to Buffy everyday."
Willow pushed Angelus' hand away from her face. Willow's anger was growing, fueled by the fact that Angelus was defending Xander....and Buffy. Which is exactly what he had planned.
"Why are you so eager for me to patch this up? Unless what they said was true, and you're using me to get to Buffy. It would certainly play havoc with your plan if we weren't friends anymore, wouldn't it? Tell me, was this all ploy to get Buffy?"
Angelus didn't answer. Willow's reaction was just what he had hoped for. Now, he'd let her 'discover' the truth. Angelus stood with his back to Willow. {Damn, I should win an Academy Award for this performance.}
"I'm not going to lie to you Willow. I knew that my relationship with you would hurt the Slayer, and I'd be lying if I said that didn't appeal to me. You know there's no love lost between us, but torturing Buffy wasn't my reason for coming to you."
Willow stood up, but didn't approach Angelus. He wasn't telling her anything she didn't already know. She would've been suspicious if he'd tried to tell her that it didn't matter to him.
"I only have one reason for what I've done, Willow. Coming to you, making love to you, even offering the truce......I did all of it because I want you. Body and soul, I want you to be mine. Do you think I enjoy the way I feel? That I wouldn't walk away from you if I could? I've never needed anyone in my life, and I certainly don't want to start now."
Angelus approached Willow and pulled her tightly into his arms. Backing up, he pressed her against a tree. One hand moved to her shoulder, while the other stroked her hair. Willow laid her hands on his shoulders, waiting for him to continue.
"But I can't help it. Every time I close my eyes, I see you. Even before the night I came to you, I dreamt about holding you in my arms. You are everything I've ever wanted, but also everything I've ever feared. Do you think I'd put myself through this just to toy with the Slayer?"
Angelus captured Willow's lips in a fierce kiss, forcing her to feel the power behind his words. Willow wrapped her arms around Angelus' neck, pushing her body closer to his. Without breaking the kiss, Angelus dropped his hands to her thighs. Wrapping them around his waist, Angelus pulled Willow away from the tree. Dropping down to his knees, Angelus laid Willow down on the grass. Throwing his jacket out of the way, Angelus covered Willow. His lips reclaimed hers as his hands moved to her breasts. Willow's moans pushed him over the edge.
"If the Slayer and that idiot boy tell you I have an ulterior plan, you can tell them that they're right. If they want to believe that I'm doing all this for Buffy, let them. But, *you* are the only thing I want out of this deal. The Slayer is of no importance to me."
Willow wasn't able to respond as Angelus pulled her panties off, and lifted her skirt. Freeing himself from his pants, Angelus entered her in a powerful thrust. Willow wrapped her legs around him, and joined in the rhythm. And when she felt her release, Willow knew that she wouldn't let anyone turn her against Angelus.
Angelus' release followed, and Willow took the opportunity to flip them over. Lying over him, Willow splayed her hands on his chest. Angelus gripped her ass, pushing her more firmly again.
"So, you think I'm yours, do you?" Willow asked innocently.
"Oh, you're mine, sweet. Don't ever forget that."
"Then turn about's fair play. I need to know that you're mine, that you're not still in love with Buffy."
Angelus growled, and flipped Willow back underneath him. Grabbing her arms, he pinned them above her head.
"*I* was never in love with the Slayer, and you'd do well to remember that. I'm not the Angel you knew before. The sooner all of you deal with the fact that he's gone, the better."
Willow became frightened of the intensity of Angelus' declaration. His hold on her wrists became painful.
"Angelus, you're hurting me."
Looking down at his lover, Angelus fought to control his anger. It wouldn't do to scare her off, and whether he wanted to admit it or not, he didn't want to hurt Willow. Angelus immediately let go of her arms, and sat up, keeping his back to her. {Time for damage control.}
Willow sat up, rubbing her wrists. She watched as Angelus sat there, not moving. His silence was almost as frightening as his temper. Hesitantly, Willow reached out a hand to touch his back. He flinched, but made no other movement.
"Angelus?"
"I'm sorry Willow. I....I just......"
Willow got up on her knees, and placed her other hand on his back. "You just what? Why did you get so angry at me?"
Angelus dropped his head, "I just don't want you to compare me with Angel. I need to know that when you're with me, you know who I am."
Willow's tears began to fall as she realized that he thought she was thinking about Angel when she was with him. Pressing against his back, Willow wrapped her arms around him.
"I know who you are. You're my lover....Angelus."
Angelus pulled Willow into his arms, and proceeded to prove that statement. It was neither gentle nor slow, it was a frenzy of sex. Both needing to know that the other felt the same intensity of their feelings.
After lying in each other's arms for hours, Angelus stood up and began straightening his clothing. Reaching down, he pulled Willow to her feet. She hurriedly got dressed, and Angelus walked her home. Standing at her door, Angelus reached out for her hand.
"I'll be back tonight. Will you be alright? You know Buffy and the others will be looking for you."
"I'll be fine. They can't hurt me anymore then they already have."
"I'm just afraid that they'll try to turn you against me."
"Never."
Angelus pulled Willow into his arms, this time kissing her gently. Then Willow went into her house. Walking back to the mansion, Angelus cursed himself for being so stupid. Everything was so perfect, then he'd gone and lost his temper. Why? Because he'd become jealous of Angel! The thought that Willow may have been attracted to Angel made him furious. {Calm down, Angelus. Don't wreck this in the final stages. It is just a matter of time till I rule Sunnydale....with Willow by my side. I'll even give her the pleasure of disposing of Xander....Buffy is mine.}
Angelus entered the mansion, and relayed the night's events to Spike and Dru.
"My sister will be here soon, daddy?"
"Very soon, Dru dear. Then we'll all play with the Slayer and her little friends."
"Oh goody, goody. I can't wait!" Dru began dancing for joy, while Spike and Angelus laughed at the prospect of finally destroying Buffy.
End Part 3
It was early the next morning when Willow heard pounding downstairs. {Geez, they can't even wait till an acceptable hour to come over and harass me.} Reluctantly, Willow threw on some clothes and headed downstairs.
She wasn't surprised when she opened the door to find Buffy and Xander standing there.
"What, Giles couldn't make it at this godforsaken hour?"
"We *so* need to talk, girl."
Willow allowed herself to be pushed back into the house. She led them into the living room, and curled up in a chair. Buffy and Xander sat on the couch, so they could look directly at her.
"So, you're here to call me more names? Or, maybe tell me what an awful person I am?"
"Willow, we want to know what's going on with you? Make us understand why you sl....why you were with Angelus." Xander asked.
"Why should I bother? You weren't interested in hearing what I had to say last night."
Buffy jumped up and began pacing. "Geez, Will. How did you expect us to react? You drop a bombshell like that, and then think everything's going to be alright."
"No, I didn't expect everything to be alright. I'm not stupid, Buffy. Do you think I wanted this to happen? Do you think he did? It just happened, and it's no one's fault."
"Oh, please. Wake up, Will. Angelus knew exactly what he was doing. He saw you as a way to make me hurt. And you fell for his lines, didn't you?"
Willow leaned forward, rubbing her temples. "Don't start, Buffy. I listened to you insult me yesterday, I really don't want to go through that again. Angelus isn't out to get back at you, Buffy. Is he enjoying seeing how this affects you.... yes he is. I know that. But, neither one of us was thinking about you when we slept together. It was him, and it was me."
"Stop it!! Do you think I want to hear the details of how you screwed the man I love!?"
Willow jumped up and faced Buffy. "That's what this is really about, isn't it? Be honest. You're jealous, and so you're lashing out at me. And why? Because I'm doing what you want to be doing.....probably with who you want to be doing it with!"
Buffy lashed out, slapping Willow across the cheek. Willow looked at her friend in shock. Xander jumped up and stood between the two girls.
"That's enough, both of you. We need to figure out a way to get rid of Angelus. The sooner the better."
"Get out."
Xander looked at Willow, tears running down her face.
"Will,..." Xander reached out to take her hand.
"Don't touch me, Xander. I want you both to get out of my house."
"Willow, we're trying to save your life. You're making a mistake by believing Angelus."
"Then it's my mistake, and it's my life. Stop trying to run it. What I do is my business. If I'm wrong about Angelus, then that'll be something I have to deal with, but at least I'm willing to give him a chance."
"A chance to do what? Kill you....vamp you....." Xander yelled.
"Whatever happens you won't have to feel guilty, okay. You've done your duty, warned me about Angelus. Now, I'm making the choice to stay with him. I know you don't understand that, but you have to accept it."
"I can't do that, Willow. Despite the things you've said and done lately, you're still my best friend. Which means I have to protect you from everything....including yourself."
Willow never saw the punch coming. Buffy struck her friend down with one blow.
"What the hell are you doing?" Xander yelled, rushing to Willow's side. He breathed a sigh of relief when he felt her pulse.
"Saving her from herself. Watch her."
"Where are you going?"
"Upstairs to grab her some clothes. If we leave her alone, she'll run back to Angelus. So, we have to find a way to keep her away from him," Buffy looked down at her unconscious friend, "even if it's against her will."
"Giles, we need help!" Buffy yelled as she entered the library. Xander followed with Willow in his arms.
"Buffy, dear God, what happened to her?"
"I hit her."
"Excuse me?"
"She's determined to stay with Angelus. I had no choice. I figure we have about eight hours to get Willow hidden away. It needs to be someplace Angelus can't get to her, but also someplace she can't escape from."
"Are you sure about this, Buffy? You're talking about imprisoning your best friend."
"I know that, Giles. But I don't have a choice. I won't sit back and watch Angelus destroy her. Will you help us?"
"You know I will. Now, where can we take her?"
After picking a destination, they carried Willow out to Giles' car. Everyone was silent, no one wanting to think about what would happen as a result of their decision to kidnap Willow.
Angelus sat in front of the fire. It was still several hours till sundown......till he'd have Willow back in his arms. By now, her anger at Buffy and Xander should've exploded, cutting the fragile bonds of their friendship to pieces. He wished he could've been there to see Willow face down the Slayer. His fiery little redhead would be glorious in her anger. Just thinking about her made him hard. Angelus closed his eyes, allowing images of Willow to fill his mind.
"Angelus!"
"What the hell is it?" Angelus growled angrily.
"Your little plan has hit a snag." Spike said.
"What are you talking about, you fool?"
"One of our human spies just reported back. The Slayer and her friends didn't react the way you planned. They didn't turn their backs on the hacker."
"What happened?"
"They took Willow away." Spike said, backing away from his furious sire.
"WHAT!?!? She wouldn't go anywhere with them. She knows she belongs to me, and wouldn't betray me like that!"
"She didn't exactly have a choice. Apparently, she was unconscious at the time. It looks like the Slayer kidnapped Willow."
Angelus exploded in rage. Spike jumped out of the way as Angelus began throwing furniture, and swearing enough to make Spike flinch.
"That bitch will die for this. They'll all die for this!!"
Spike watched as Angelus stormed out of the room. He knew Angelus hated having his plans wrecked, but his feelings for the human were a mystery to him. Regardless, he wouldn't want to be the Slayer or that little prick friend of hers when Angelus got ahold of them. Angelus was on the warpath, and he didn't take prisoners.
"Spike, come here!"
Spike shook his head, then headed off in the direction of the shout. Things were about to get very interesting.....and probably pretty brutal. {Shit, I can't wait. It's about time we get to have some fun.}
End Part 4
Willow woke up with a throbbing headache. Her hands immediately went to her head, while she tried to figure out what happened. {I was talking to Buffy and Xander, then my world went dark.}
"Glad you're finally awake, you had me worried."
Willow turned to see Buffy standing by the door.
"What have you done?"
"Saved you from making a complete ass of yourself. I'm watching out for you Willow, whether you want me to or not."
Willow tried to stand, but sat back down as a dizzy spell overcame her.
"Where am I?" Willow asked, not recognizing the room she was in.
"A cabin that belongs to a friend of Giles. We needed someplace away from Sunnydale."
"Away from Angelus, you mean. Do you have any idea how angry he'll be when he finds out what you've done?" Willow asked.
"Oh, I'm sure he'll be furious when he finds out you begged me to hide you from him."
"I didn't run from him. You kidnapped me!" Willow shouted.
"I know that, but he won't. We're making it easy for him to think you ran away. There's no turning back now, Will. Even if you got away from us, Angelus would kill you for betraying him. I'm the only thing keeping you alive."
Willow turned away from Buffy. She couldn't believe Buffy had deliberately set her up.
"This place is in the middle of nowhere, with no phones. Xander, Giles, or I will come by every day to make sure you have food and get outside. But, while we're gone you'll be confined to this room. As you can see, there's no windows, or any other way out. There's a bathroom attached to the room, and we'll leave you some stuff to snack on. Plus, I've brought you some music and magazines."
"So, I'm your prisoner, is that it?"
"If that's how you want to look at it. You'll stay here until we've eliminated Angelus. If you want to hate me, go right ahead. I'd rather live with you hating me, then watch you be destroyed by a demon. Try to rest, and I'll see you later."
Willow refused to turn around. Buffy took in her friend's tense posture, and sighed.
"This is for the best, Willow."
Willow waited till she heard Buffy leave, and then collapsed in tears. How could her best friends have done this to her? As if kidnapping her wasn't bad enough, they had signed her death warrant.
Willow got off the bed, and began pacing the room. As much as she loved Angelus, she knew how he'd react when he found out she was gone. He'd be furious at her for running from him.....and if he found her, he'd kill her before she had a chance to prove her innocence. {Damn you, Buffy! Why couldn't you have just minded your own business.}
As her thoughts drifted to Angelus, she became increasingly depressed. She would never be with him again, never feel his arms around her....his body pressed intimately against hers. By now he had found out she was gone, and his rage would be directed at her. His thoughts would no longer be of passion....but of revenge.
Willow threw herself on the bed, and cried into her pillow. She clutched it tightly to her chest.
"I'm sorry, Angelus. I hope someday you learn that this wasn't my choice. I love you."
Willow finally cried herself to sleep, sinking into a deeper depression. She had no control over her life anymore.
Back at the library, Giles and Xander were discussing the events of the past few days, when Buffy entered.
"How's Willow?" Xander asked.
"Awake, but very angry. She pretty much hates me right now."
"Well, the sooner we get rid of demon-boy, the sooner we can bring Willow home, and she can begin to heal." Xander said confidently.
"Just so you both realize that killing Angelus isn't going to magically make things right. Willow has very deep feelings for him, and his death will be traumatic to her. She's not going to just forgive and forget. The damage Angelus has done will take a long time to fix." Giles stated.
"You make it sound like she's in love with him or something. He brainwashed her or something, but she's not in love with him. How could she love *him*?"
"Xander, Angelus is a master at manipulation. He picked out Willow's weaknesses and used them against her. Just like he's done to Buffy....to all of us."
"What weaknesses?" Xander asked.
"Her need to be loved. To have someone love her for herself, to desire her as a woman. He showered her with attention and sweet words, and she was charmed by him. He let her see only what he wanted.....and said only what she wanted to hear."
"Poor Will."
"This ends here. I couldn't bring myself to kill him before because of my feelings for Angel, but I realize now that Angel would want this monster destroyed. I'm going to kill him, and smile while I do it. He's going to pay for all the people he's hurt."
With that exclamation, Buffy stomped out of the library.
"Should we go after her?"
"No, Xander, she needs to work out her aggressions."
"What if Angelus shows up?"
Giles picked up a book, and glanced at the boy. Shaking his head, he put his glasses on.
"Then pity Angelus."
Giles went back to his books, while Xander went to call Cordelia. She was going away for a couple days, but would see him when she got back. He thought it best not to mention the problems with Willow.
Buffy had dusted several vampires, when she felt a presence behind her. She knew who it was even before she turned around.
"Hello, Angelus."
End Part 5
Buffy turned to see Angelus standing a few feet behind her. He stood glaring at her, not saying a word. Buffy tightened her grip on the stake.
"Do you think that'll save you? You'll be dead before you get that stake anywhere near my heart."
"Awfully cocky, aren't you? Come on, if you're so tough, take me out right now."
"Don't tempt me, Slayer. Where is she?"
"Gone. She finally came to her senses about you, and begged me to get her away from here."
Angelus shook his head, and moved forward a step. The look of fury on his face caused Buffy to back up several steps.
"Lying to me won't help your situation. Now, be a good little Slayer, and tell me where Willow is."
"She's somewhere safe, and she'll stay there until you're no longer a threat to her. Just accept that she left you, and move on. Let's end it right here....right now."
The fragile hold Angelus had on his temper broke. Angelus grabbed Buffy by the neck, slamming her against a tree. The stake went flying as Angelus used his body to pin her, and Buffy looked fearfully into Angelus' eyes.
"I told you not to push me. You're a lying little bitch, and I'd kill you right now if I didn't know you'd suffer more by living. Now, I'm not going to ask again. Tell me what you did with Willow!"
"She left. I told you....."
Angelus slammed Buffy's head against the tree, and moved one hand to tightly grip her hair.
"I already know that Willow was unconscious when you took her away, which means you kidnapped her. So stop lying, and tell me the truth."
"NEVER!!!" Buffy gasped, as she felt Angelus tighten his hold around her neck.
"You'll live to regret that decision. If Willow isn't back home by tomorrow night, then you'll be faced with the consequences."
Angelus let Buffy drop to the ground, and began walking away. He'd gone only a few steps when he turned back to Buffy.
"And I promise they won't be pleasant. Tomorrow night.....or you'll find out what happens when you piss me off."
Buffy watched Angelus disappear into the night. Absently she began rubbing her neck. For a moment, she had believed that Angelus was going to snap her neck. Pushing herself off the ground, Buffy ran back to the library.
"What kind of consequences?"
"I don't know, Giles, but whatever it is, it won't be nice. He was majorly ticked off."
"Then we all have to be extrememly careful. We have no idea how Angelus will respond." Giles stated.
Buffy was silent, then glanced at her Watcher. "How was Willow?"
"Not very good. She's fallen into a depression, and refused to touch her food. She barely even acknowledged I was there. If her condition worsens, we'll have to bring her home."
"No, Giles, we can't. If she comes back, he'll get her. We can't risk it."
"Buffy, we can't risk Willow's health, either. I'll keep checking on her, but if she hasn't eaten in the next couple days, I'm going to return her home."
"You're right. I just hope I'm able to get rid of Angelus before then."
Giles watched as Buffy went home to get some much needed sleep. He had sent Xander home earlier, and was now alone in the library. Giles couldn't help but think about Angelus' warning. When Willow didn't show up tomorrow night, what would the vampire do? Giles hadn't mentioned it to Buffy, but he suspected that whatever Angelus wanted with Willow, it was more then just a way to hurt Buffy. His behavior had gone beyond just tormenting the Slayer. Had Angelus formed an attachment to Willow?
Spike watched as Angelus stared into the fireplace. His sire had been quiet since his return earlier in the evening. The only thing Spike had been able to find out was that Angelus had given the Slayer till the following night to bring back the hacker. Angelus hadn't said what would happen if the Slayer didn't comply with his demands.
"Be ready to move as soon as night falls. We're going to attack when they least expect it."
"You don't think the Slayer will bring back the girl?" Spike asked.
"I know she won't. She thinks she's being so damn smart, that she can anticipate my next move. But, she'll find out that she's wrong.....dead wrong."
Spike nodded, then watched Angelus leave the room. Spike hadn't been sure about having Angelus back again, especially around Dru. But, now that he had a new obsession, Spike was looking forward to the mayhem they were going to be causing. He couldn't wait to see what else Angelus had planned for the Slayer.
End Part 6
Cordelia entered the library, and was upset to find it empty. She had just gotten back from her trip, and had come directly to the library to see Xander, and he wasn't even here.
"Oh, that's just great. I get back, and no one's here to welcome me home." Cordelia said to herself.
"Welcome home, Cordelia."
Cordelia spun at the sound of the voice. She watched in horror as Angelus emerged from Giles' office. Never taking her eyes off Angelus, Cordelia began backing up.....until she backed into someone else.
"Hello, pet." Spike said, as he grabbed Cordelia around the waist, pinning her arms to her side.
"What are you doing here? What have you done to Xander?" Cordelia cried.
"I'm the one who's going to ask the questions, and you're going to give me the answers I want. If you don't....you die."
Cordelia's eyes widened in fear and she struggled to free herself from Spike's grasp.
"Now, tell me where they took Willow, and I'll let you leave. See, very simple."
Cordelia looked at Angelus. What was he talking about? Who took Willow? Xander hadn't said anything to her about Willow being in trouble. Well, other then the obvious problem that she had slept with Angelus.
"I don't know what you want from me. When I left town, Willow was at home."
"Don't play games with me, Cordelia. Xander must've told you about Willow." Angelus said.
"No he didn't, I swear. I can't tell you what I don't know!" Cordelia said, tears running down her face.
"What do you think, Spike?"
Spike thought for a moment. Then smiled as a thought came to him.
"I think she's telling the truth. Why would they trust her with that information, they know she'd give Willow up in a second to save her own neck. But, I think she could be useful."
"Useful how?" Angelus asked.
"Leave her to give Buffy a message. Let the Slayer know you weren't bluffing."
Cordelia couldn't see Spike, but the look of evil amusement on Angelus' face sent shivers down her spine. She didn't know what was going on, and it scared her to death.
"That's a good idea. You'd give Buffy a message for me, wouldn't you?" Angelus asked sweetly.
"Yes, anything you want." Cordelia begged.
"Good."
Angelus nodded to Spike, who snapped Cordelia's neck like a twig. Spike picked her up, and laid Cordelia's body on the table. Angelus walked over to her body, and brushed a piece of hair out of her eyes.
"This will show Buffy how serious I really am. I think she'll get the message, don't you Spike?"
"Loud and clear." Spike said as the two vampires left the library.
It was a couple hours later that Xander, Buffy, and Giles returned to the library. They had gone to see Willow, then done a patrol. None of them were prepared for the sight that greeted them.
"CORDELIA!!!" Xander yelled, running to the table.
Buffy walked over to the table, looked at Cordelia's still form, then turned to Giles.
"I.....I never thought......."
Xander looked up at Buffy. "You never thought what? What the hell are you hiding?"
Buffy told Xander about her run-in with Angelus. Xander's rage grew as he looked from his dead girlfriend to the Slayer.
"And you didn't think to mention this to me? Christ, I would've called to warn her. This would never have happened!"
"I didn't want to worry you."
"Gee, thanks." Xander said sarcastically.
Giles went to the phone to call the police, while Xander sat holding Cordelia's limp hand, glaring at Buffy.
"The police are on the way, so you two better go home. It would be kind of hard to explain what you are doing here at this time of night." Giles said.
"I'm not leaving her. I wasn't here to protect her, but I won't leave her now."
"Xander, you have to. I know this is hard, but we must hold ourselves together. Angelus has proven what lengths he's willing to go to. We underestimated him, now we have to learn from our mistake."
"None of this would've happened if she'd," Xander pointed to Buffy, "killed him when he first arrived!"
"That's not fair, Xander." Buffy said.
"Truth hurts, don't it, Buff."
"Enough, we'll discuss this later. Go!" Giles said as the phone started ringing. Buffy answered it.
"Did you get my message?"
"Angelus, you bastard!" Buffy yelled into the phone, as Giles held Xander away from the phone.
"I warned you, Slayer. Now, are you willing to reconsider your decision?"
"I'm not letting you anywhere near Willow! What do you suppose she'll think of you when I tell her what you did? She'll hate you!" Buffy said.
"Trying to turn her against me isn't a good idea. Your little stuck-up friend was only the beginning. If you don't do as I say, more will die." Angelus taunted.
"Go to hell!"
"Buffy, how many innocent people will have to suffer because of you?"
"You'll never see Willow again!" Buffy screamed.
"Have it your way, Slayer! Guess the next question is......who dies next?"
The line went dead. Buffy threw the phone against the wall.
"What did he say, Buffy?" Giles wanted to know.
"Give him Willow, or he'll kill someone else."
They stood in silence. Giving Willow to Angelus wasn't an option, but how could they protect everyone? Angelus could attack anyone he chose. Seeing the looks on the teenagers faces, Giles ordered them home. They'd be no good to anyone if they collapsed from exhaustion.
Xander bent and placed a kiss on Cordelia's forehead, then walked away. Buffy followed after him. Giles covered Cordelia's body with a blanket, then plopped down in a chair. {How much more of this can we take? Angelus is tearing the group apart.}
End Part 7
Willow sat on the bed facing the wall. She heard Buffy arrive, but wouldn't acknowledge her. All Willow wanted was to be allowed to go home. And it was Buffy's fault that she was being kept hostage.
"You can ignore me if you want to, but you better be thanking me Willow. Angelus has dropped his little innocent act and killed someone."
At the mention of Angelus, Willow turned to Buffy. Her eyes met the Slayer's but she still refused to speak. Buffy lost her patience and grabbed Willow.
"Do you understand what I'm saying? He killed Cordelia, for God's sake! Snapped her neck just like he did to Ms. Calandar. Then left her in the library for us to find. He's a killer, Willow."
Willow pulled herself away from Buffy and sank back down on the bed, shaking her head. The news of Cordelia's death had been a blow, but she couldn't believe that Angelus had killed her. But, she did realize he probably knew it was going to happen.
"Why?" Willow asked softly.
"Why what?" Buffy asked.
"Why was she killed?"
Buffy didn't answer the question. She didn't want Willow to know the true reason.
"Because he wants me back, and you refused. Isn't that right, Buffy?"
Turning to look at her friend, Willow knew she was right.
"Are you happy with yourself now? Cordelia's dead because of you."
"What are you saying, Willow? I'm protecting you."
Willow shook her head sadly, "No you're not. You're trying to play God, and you're going to get people killed. This shouldn't be a problem. Angelus was willing to agree to a truce, but you wouldn't even listen. Then you kidnapped me. You can't exactly blame him for retaliating."
"I don't believe I'm hearing this from you!"
"Look, Angelus wants me, and I want to be with him. Let me go and no more people will die. Can't you see that's the only thing to do?"
"No, it isn't an option. Have you ever considered that he may vamp you? That's if he doesn't kill you first."
"Have you ever considered that I don't care? I want to be with him, and I'm willing to take the consequences of that. What I don't want is to see any more friends die because you won't allow me to make my own decisions."
"Look, you're delerious or brainwashed or something, but you're not thinking clearly. I've got to get back, but just think about what I said." Buffy said as she walked out of the room, locking the door behind her.
Willow curled up on the bed and cried until sleep finally claimed her.
"Willow?"
Willow opened her eyes, and the sight that greeted her made her heart rate accelerate. She reached out a hand to touch his face.
"Angelus? How did you find me?"
"I followed the Slayer." Angelus said as he pulled Willow into his arms. He captured her lips in a passionate kiss, as Willow wrapped her arms around his neck.
"I've missed you, Angelus."
"Me too, lover."
Angelus stood to remove his clothing, then got under the covers with Willow. Pulling her beneath him, he framed her face with his hands, and gently wiped away her tears. Willow gave him a small smile, then reached up to touch his chest.
"We'll never be apart again, Willow. I promise."
Angelus kissed Willow deeply, then removed her nightshirt. His hands greedily cupped her breasts. Willow arched into her lover's touch. He slid down her body, capturing her breast in his mouth while his hands moved to her core. Willow laced her hands in Angelus' hair. Spreading her thighs, he entered her quickly, then recaptured her lips. As they began their rhythm, a sense of rightness covered them, and they exploded together in passion.
Later, lying in Angelus' arms, Willow begged him to take her away. Before he could answer, the door was kicked open and Buffy entered.
"I'll kill you.....you son-of-a-bitch!"
Angelus jumped out of bed to face the Slayer. Willow knelt on the bed, watching in horror as Buffy and Angelus fought.
"Stop it, please! Both of you, stop it!" Willow yelled.
But neither were listening to her. The enemies were concentrated only on each other. Willow watched as Buffy kicked Angelus in the stomach, knocking him to his knees. Then saw him grab her leg as she tried to kick him again, and pushed her into the wall. Buffy attacked again, and was thrown hard into the dresser, and crumpled to the floor. Angelus walked over to the fallen Slayer, but never saw the attack coming. Willow screamed as she saw Buffy strike with a stake to Angelus' heart....and watched her lover explode into dust.
"NOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!"
Buffy stood, and brushed off her clothes. She looked at Willow, and smiled.
"It's over Willow. You didn't think I'd let you have him, now did you? Get dressed." Buffy said then left the room.
"NOOOOO!!!!!!!" Willow screamed, and sat straight up in bed. Her clothes and the sheets were soaked with sweat and her heart was racing. Looking around the room, she saw nothing out of the ordinary. No signs of a fight.....and no Angelus.
"It was a dream.....only a dream." Willow whispered. She tried to block out the image of Buffy killing Angelus, but it remained vivid.
Willow walked to the bathroom to take a shower. She prayed that what happened in her dream never became reality. She knew she wouldn't be able to handle that.
After showering and changing the sheets, Willow curled into a ball and buried herself under the blankets. Her life had turned into a living nightmare, and she was powerless to stop anything. She didn't want to think about what else Angelus had in mind. {Why can't Buffy just butt out? I don't want anyone else to pay for what I have done.}
It was a long time before Willow was able to fall asleep again. This time it was a dreamless sleep.
End Part 8
Angelus was sitting watching the fire. Willow still had not been returned. He was amazed that the Slayer was so selfish as to risk the lives of people around her just to keep Willow away from him.
"The Slayer is at the library with her Watcher and that idiot boy."
"I guess it's time for another message."
"Hate to point this out, but have you ever thought that maybe Willow doesn't want to come back." Spike asked.
Angelus glared at Spike, but Dru entered before he could respond.
"Daddy, you must bring sister home soon. She's drifting away from us."
"What are you talking about, Dru?" Spike asked.
"She's weakening. The sleep will claim her if Daddy doesn't find her soon." Dru said, then left the room as suddenly as she had appeared.
"What the bloody hell did that mean?" Spike wondered.
"I don't know, but if Dru thinks Willow is in some kind of danger, then that pushes the timetable up. If the Slayer isn't going to bring her back, then I have to find her myself."
"And how do you plan to do that?" Spiked asked.
"Grab the boy, torture him till he tells me where Willow is. He's weak, he'll break soon enough."
"Miss Edith says it would hurt the Slayer more if you changed the boy."
Angelus and Spike both jumped at the sound of Dru's voice. They hadn't heard her come back.
"Damnit, Dru, don't sneak up on us like that! And why the hell would we want to change that little prick?" Angelus yelled.
"She says he'd make an evil addition to the family." Then Dru disappeared again.
"That's one crazy bitch." Angelus said.
Spike refrained from mentioning that she was what Angelus had made her. The more he thought about what Dru said, the more sense it made.
"Probably, but she's right. We change him, and he's a living reminder to the Slayer that she failed. Plus, he'd willing give you Willow's location. And who knows, maybe he'd be a better vampire then he is a human." Spike added sarcastically.
"I don't know....."
"And if he's a pain, we can always stake him ourselves." Spike said.
"Alright. Let's go hunting."
Dru watched from the shadows as Angelus and Spike left. The boy would be a valuable asset, and his evilness as a vampire would impress both daddy and Spike. She smiled, and walked back to her room.
Buffy found Giles in the library. He was reading through some of his books.
"How was patrol?"
"Slow, a couple newbies, but no sign of Angelus. Where's Xander?"
"At home, Cordelia's death and worrying about Willow is taking its toll on him. He's about ready to crack. I insisted he stay home tonight."
"Does he still think I could've prevented what happened to Cordy?"
Giles looked up at her, but didn't respond. Buffy could see from his expression that Xander was still angry at her. Buffy dropped into a chair and leaned her head back. {All I'm trying to do is protect my best friend. Why does everyone think I'm doing something awful.}
Giles got up to answer the phone, then handed it to Buffy. "It's Xander." Buffy took the phone, while Giles went into his office.
"Hey, what's up?"
"Wouldn't you like to know?"
"Angelus! What have you done to Xander?"
"Oh, so many interesting things so far. I must say he has a very low tolerance for pain. Such a pity, I don't think he'll hold up much longer."
"Let him go. Let me take his place, just let him go."
"Bring Willow home. That's all I want."
Buffy dropped her head to the counter. She had been hoping that Angelus would allow her to switch places with Xander. She was willing to do that, but she couldn't do what he wanted. The tears began to fall as she realized that she was leaving Xander to his death. {He wouldn't want Willow to be hurt. This is what he'd want me to do.}
"I can't do that." Buffy said softly.
"That's a shame."
Before Angelus hung up the phone, Buffy heard Xander scream in agony. Then the line went dead. Buffy dropped to the floor, and began sobbing uncontrollably. Giles came out and she managed to get out what had happened. Giles sank to the floor, and sat silently. Two friends lost to them......how many more would die?
Spike approached Angelus. "He should be up in a few hours. How did the Slayer react?"
"She wanted to switch places with him, die in his place. Really, what was she thinking? Like that would've been any fun."
"Does she have any idea that you changed him?" Spike asked.
"Nope, she thinks I tortured him. Then ended his miserable life. I can't wait to see her face when finds out the truth."
"When do you plan to do that?"
"Not till after I get Willow back. As soon as Xander wakes up, he's going to take me to Willow. While we're doing that, you are going to raise some hell here, so that Buffy and her Watcher stay out of my way. Then, after I have Willow safely back with me, we face the Slayer and introduce her to our newest recruit."
"I just hope Dru was right about Xander making a good vampire." Spike said.
"That doesn't really matter. It'll be worth it to watch the Slayer's reaction."
Angelus and Spike went their seperate ways. They would rest until it was time to welcome Xander to the family. Spike went to find Dru, and Angelus laid in his bed. His thoughts consumed about finally having Willow back in his arms.
{Soon, lover. Soon you'll be back where you belong. And the Slayer will pay for what she's done.} Angelus thought angrily. No one took what belonged to him and got away with it.
End Part 9