Shattered

Parts: 6 - 8

Thoughts are in italics.

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~Part: 6~

Nina heard the music spilling out from behind the dark doors before she got out of the car. The night air was cool as she walked up to the entrance of the club and entered. The loud thumping music washed over her body and she smiled as she felt the beat of the bass drum echoing in her chest. Not the type of place she would have frequented a few months back, but things had changed - Nina was a new woman. She put on her best bad girl smile and sauntered into the nightclub, looking like what she was - a woman on the prowl. Her cool gaze casually swept across the crowded room, taking in her surroundings. Her stare would pause every now and then when something interesting caught her eye, but soon moved onto the next target.

This is the third club tonight and so far I’m coming up empty. Nina had strict criteria that needed to be met, and she wasn’t going to settle for less than perfection - not tonight anyway. Sure there had been many who would suit her needs most nights, but tonight she had special desires -- not just anyone would do. She was looking for someone specific - unique.

Moving lithely through the crowded dance floor, Nina continued to scan the room, taking in the people sitting at the tables, those dancing, and the ones congregating at the bar. Bodies jostled against her as she made her way across the floor. She didn’t try to change course, but moved with the flow of the crowd. Occasionally she would stop, once dancing with a couple for a few minutes. Nina liked the girl. She’d thought about taking her, but decided it would be more trouble than it was worth. In the end, Nina had let the girl rub her perky breasts against her while her boyfriend ground his hard dick into her ass.

By the time she made it to the bar, she was nearly ready to give up and move on to the next club when she saw him enter through the front doors. Nina couldn’t believe her luck. He’s stunning and just perfect for what I want, she thought gleefully. Nina watched as he strolled over to the other end of the bar and ordered a drink. Her eyes glided over him appreciatively. She took a distinct interest in everything about him - from his platinum blond hair and his body hugging red t-shirt to the black jeans that molded to his lower body. She could almost feel her mouth start to salivate at the thought of the damage she could inflict on him tonight. Nina couldn’t have planned it better -- he’d fit in her plans perfectly. As she brought her eyes back up to his face, she inhaled sharply when she took in the icy blue eyes and lush mouth sliding into an easy smile. When he returned her look with a quirk of an eyebrow, Nina almost fell off her bar stool. It was obvious she wouldn’t have to spend much time coaching him.

She stood and walked over to him, a suggestive sway to her hips and a sultry smile on her face. He didn’t break his stare until she was right in front of him. Then his eyes travelled the length of her body, definitely enjoying how his luck was improving tonight.

“Hello…” she said huskily, “…I’m Nina. I’m not normally so forward, but when I saw you I just had to come over and introduce myself.”

“Hello Nina. I’m Stephen,” he responded with a slight British accent. “I happen to like forward women.”

He’s British!Nina chortled gleefully in her head. Her smile broadened considerably, “Nice to meet you Stephen.”

“Can I buy you a drink?” He asked.

“Thanks, I’d like that. I’ll have a Margarita on the rocks.” Nina sat down on the stool next to him.

Stephen signalled the bartender and gave their order.

“So Stephen, by the accent I’d say you aren’t from around here. Are you just visiting or are you here on business?”

“Business. It’s just my luck - I meet a beautiful woman the night before I have to return to London.”

Nina leaned forward, placed her hand on his shoulder and whispered in his ear, “But that still leaves us with tonight.” She slipped out her tongue and ran it along the rim of his ear, gently nipping the lobe.

When the bartender returned with her drink, Nina sat back up and took a sip, checking Stephen out through lowered lashes. Bulls eye, she thought giddily. This was just too easy - men could be so predictable.

Stephen looked at Nina interested, “So what did you have in mind, beautiful lady.”

“Depends on what you’re up for.” Nina moved her other hand to his thigh and ran it up to his crotch.

Stephen watched with interest as her hand moved closer to his rising erection. “For you…” He laughed suggestively. “…I’m up for anything. Your call.”

“Well Stephen, let’s have a few drinks and discuss it. I’m sure we can figure something out if we put our heads together.” ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

** Warehouse on the Outskirts of Sunnydale **

Angel had regained consciousness a few minutes before, but his mind was taking longer to catch up with his body. He blinked several times, slowly trying to focus his eyes. They darted nervously around the room, searching for Nina. He finally gave up trying to see her and sniffed for her instead. Relieved for the moment that she was gone, Angel tried to get his feet underneath him. Instantly, white-hot pain shot through his body when he tried to put weight on his broken leg. Of course he hadn’t expected the leg to be healed, but his body had withstood far more damage before this and he had always been fine. However, this time things were different.

Angel wasn’t accustomed to being so vulnerable. He hadn’t been completely helpless -- since Connor. Angel had promised himself that he would never be caught unaware again. Before Connor, and now Nina, the thought of being at the mercy of someone else was foreign to him. What about your father? The words seemed to float in the darkness of the room. Angel jumped. Who said that? Is the voice in my head? He turned, his head frantically searching for the source of that voice. Did I say that out loud? He shook his head and gasped at thepain Of course he hadn’t spoken. He never thought about his human life. There was no need to dwell on memories that had gone to dust. Angel relaxed as much as his restraints would allow and went back to his musings.

Since becoming a vampire, Angel knew that he never had reason to fear for himself. He was concerned for his friends and his son -- yes, but never for himself. No? Have you forgotten Connor’s betrayal and the months in the ocean?

Angel ignored the intrusion and prepared to stand. The weakened vampire knew that he had no choice but to grit his teeth and deal with the anguish. Favoring the damaged leg and placing almost all of his weight on the other one, Angel stood. The scream that rent the air was agonizing to hear, but no one was around so it didn’t matter. He sucked in ragged breaths of air; a thin sheen of sweat covered his dirty body.

His leg shook badly, but once he felt he had his balance, he tried tugging on the chains that held him suspended from the ceiling. Every pull on the chains sent more pain coursing throughout his badly beaten body. His skin hung in tatters. It never had the chance to heal properly from the previous beatings, and certainly not from the most recent round of torture. Angel bitterly gave up his efforts, knowing that in his debilitated state, there was no way he was going to be able to free himself.

He let his body sag in the restraints, all his energy exhausted. The only hope sustaining him was the thought of Spike and his friends finding him soon, but even that hope was beginning to wane. It had already been a week according to his calculations. Spike was an expert tracker and if he hadn’t found him yet - Angel didn’t want to think about the alternative. That didn’t stop his traitorous mind from thinking about it anyway. If I don’t feed soon, I won’t last much longer. Even though he recognized the truth of his grave condition, he also knew what it would take for him to accept Nina’s offer of blood. It would be like making a bargain with the devil - again. Angel was tired of clandestine deals made in desperation.

As he turned the possibilities over in his mind, he had two options - give up or feed from Nina. While the first option was welcome, he knew that he couldn’t give up - not yet. Angel had to control his despair to give Spike and his friends a chance to find him. They would be looking, of this he was certain, and he was willing to gamble what little time he had left. With his mind firmly decided, Angel drifted back to the moment he had realized there was something seriously wrong with Nina.

It was soon after he had returned from Italy. Nina had been so happy to see him, but soon he noticed a change in her behavior. They had talked about his trip and for once he actually did most of the talking, sharing with Nina how disappointed he had been at not seeing Buffy. It didn’t occur to Angel, until now, that his words might have hurt Nina. She seemed to prefer his honesty, and Angel tried to be nothing but truthful with her. He even went so far as to tell her about his past, not in gory detail, but enough so that she could protect herself if it ever came to that. Angel had learned the hard way that he couldn’t pretend to be something he wasn’t, and he tried his best not to stray from that truth. So why the hell didn’t I see the signs of Nina’s deterioration sooner? How did I let things get so out of control so fast, he wondered morosely.

For one thing their sex had gotten rougher, but since he liked it that way, he hadn’t paid too much attention to that. Nina was young, but not inexperienced. He was able to be more himself and not hold back like he had to do when he was with Buffy. Angel hadn’t allowed himself to let go like that since before he had gotten his soul. The release had felt good. The fact that Nina also had a monster inside of her and relished the rough sex play had helped to make him feel almost free. Being with her had finally given him an outlet, but too soon the tables turned. He knew there was something wrong with Nina, but he couldn’t quite put a finger on it at first. By the time he figured it out, it was too late.

One night she came to him with the smell of blood on her breath. She had tried to mask the familiar scent with perfume, but the smell lingered. Physical signs of it were caked underneath her usually clean fingernails. He was used to her coming over with smudges of charcoal and paint on her hands, not this. At first Angel didn’t know what to do. He didn’t want to say anything rash and scare her off, but he also knew he couldn’t permit her to kill again. He would help her. Angel never got the chance to tell her this. He believed that if they were intimate, it would be easier to talk about what was happening to her. That had been a costly mistake. That same night she attacked him worse than ever before, keeping him gagged for an entire weekend. By the time he made it back to the office, things had spiraled out of control. Spike confronted him about the signs of the abuse and now here he was being held against his will. The words he had planned to say to Nina still lived on in his head, trapped with no way of being heard. He’d missed his chance -- that was nothing new, he thought bitterly. Now they were both caught up in this game of pain and destruction. Time was running out for him.

Angel would have given anything to be asleep or unconscious again, but even that eluded him. His mind was too fevered to rest and flitted from one thought to another. A slow procession of faces passed before his eyes - some fond, others painful. He couldn’t seem to turn his mind off and soon gave in to the barrage of memories. Angel felt like Alice falling through the looking glass and waiting for him was his Mad Hatter -- Spike. Thoughts of William, newly turned, his blue-eyed, browned haired boy flooded his senses. Angel smiled wistfully as the memories numbed the constant ache of his body. The images were so vivid that he could smell Spike’s scent wafting through the room. Sad brown eyes closed, seeking the comfort that only existed in his mind. Those had been simpler times -- food and love was all there was to hunger. No fighting for redemption; he revelled in his damnation. No thoughts of perfection, because he already was -- perfect destruction. Spike had complimented him - the light to his dark. Spike always knew how to shine, and there were days when he had blinded the darker vampire basking in his glow.

The night the younger vampire had beaten him for the cup came to mind, but Angel wouldn’t allow himself to think of that. It still hurt too much. Angel frowned sadly at what had become of them -- an empty hollow ache now existed where a relationship had once been. Angel thought he wanted to connect with Spike again, or maybe it was the pain talking. The older vampire honestly couldn’t say, but he did know that Spike had been there for him. After all the pain they had put each other through - torture, rejection, Dru, Buffy - he was still willing to help Angel. Spike made him reveal all that was going on. It had been such a relief to finally be able to unload everything that had happened since he accepted the deal with Wolfram & Hart. After they talked, Angel felt closer to Spike than he had in years, but now it was too late. Angel remembered dejectedly all the time he took for granted - so many words never said. And I may never get another chance.

You don’t deserve any more chances. You’ve used them all up. You were always so selfish.Angel lost all track of time and didn’t even bother to respond to the voice taunting him.

~Part: 7~

** Wesley’s Apartment **

"This is different."  Oz watched the others watching him.

"So, let me get this straight -- Angel is the CEO of a demonic law firm; Wesley doesn't wear glasses anymore; and Doyle and Cordelia are both dead."  Although he hadn't known Doyle that well, the man he met on his previous visit to L.A had been friendly and loyal.  Cordelia, on the other hand, could never be described as friendly, but she too was loyal to Angel.  Oz had known the ex-cheerleader at her worst, but to no longer have her around just didn't feel right.  In the short time he had spent with the others, Oz could feel that her presence was missed.  At the mention of Cordelia, the others thought for certain he almost changed his facial expression -- almost.  The sentiment was there in his eyes, where it counted most.

"And Spike wore a necklace..."  Spike gave him a piercing look.  "..Burned up, saved the world, was mailed to Angel, and used to be a ghost."  Somehow Oz found that to be the most unbelievable out of everything they had told him -- Spike a ghost.  He was the most tactile person, after Xander, that Oz had met.

"Don't forget, had a thing with the Slayer."  Spike threw in since Oz was keeping a tally.

"Yeah, Willow mentioned that, .  Never understood Buffy's fascination with the dead."  The others watched Spike, trying hard not to laugh.

Oz turned to look at Fred.  "So what's your story?"

"Well, all I did was get sucked into another dimension and was treated like a cow – you know the kind that moo, for five years, until Angel finally saved me."  She finished with a shrug of her slender shoulder.

"Oh, and I used to date Charles."

Oz turned to stare at the tall black lawyer, lounging in the corner.  "Gunn."  Most people would have been expecting more, but Oz nodded as if Gunn had said plenty, and moved on to stand in front of Lorne.  He looked Lorne over, taking in the slightly mottled dark green spots on the sides of his face and hands, and the tall lean frame slouching casually against the wall.  The ruby-eyed demon watched him with ease.  Lorne's yellow shirt clashed horribly with the purple of his suit.  Next to his skin it resembled old urine.  Yet some how it all managed to look good -- on him.  He reminded Oz of a picture he had drawn as a child because only a child could put those colors together with confidence.

"I sing, you read my destiny, and place me on my path?"  Lorne shook his head and took a drink from his Sea Breeze.  "Cool."  He stood eyeing Lorne's face closely.    After a while he said, as if coming to a decision, "Yeah, I think I'd like to be your color green."

Fred let out a loud squeal.  "That's what I'm always telling him!"  She liked this Oz.  He was small and unassuming -- completely laid back.  No one at W&H would suspect why he was there.  He would completely fly under the Senior Partners' radar.

Oz shoved his hands in his pockets.  "So introductions are done..."  He trailed off listening, head cocked to the side, looking to the entire world like a small dog.

Wesley broke the strange moment.  "That about covers it.  Would anyone like some tea?"  For a moment Wesley thought Oz would say more about him, other than he didn't wear glasses any longer.  Wesley was still a little worried that maybe Oz held him responsible for that unfortunate incident a few years ago with Willow.  Then he caught himself.  Oh who am I kidding, I haven't thought about that in years, Wesley scolded himself.  If I had to do it again today, I would suggest the same thing.  Only difference is I'd be more afraid of Willow this time.  Wesley knew that the witch was very powerful; he had witnessed the display of power she had put on before she re-ensouled Angel after the fiasco with Angelus and the Beast.  The light show worried him more.  It had been spectacular, but in a very low-key way.  She hadn't exerted herself; she'd just done it with the ease with which one breathes or thinks.

The former Watcher knew that the spell required a lot of power to work – the greater the distance, the more power needed.  Not for the first time, he wondered if Buffy and Giles hadn't made a mistake activating all of the Slayers at once.  There was a reason the Watcher's Council had never attempted anything like that, besides not having the means or power.  Not all Slayers would be as Buffy was – well adjusted and fairly normal.  There were bound to be a few more Faith's and Dana’s in the bunch.  Even though Faith was working hard at redemption, she still had a long way to go.  The thought of an army of Slayers with broken shards of glass played briefly across his mind.  Wesley found himself a little disturbed and a lot curious.  He hadn't experienced these many memories of his time on the Hellmouth in years.  Why out of the blue was he suddenly thinking of Sunnydale again...constantly?  Wesley felt he should know the answer, but every time he tried to grab a hold of the thought it would dissolve.  His face creased with worry...there was something he was missing.

"Wesley!  Are you alright?"  Fred was standing beside him at the kitchen sink.  The water was running and Wesley was holding a teakettle loosely in his hands.  He hadn't remembered walking to the kitchen or noticed when Fred had joined him.

"Fred, I'm fine."  Then he thought better of his fast response.  "Although I do find myself recently thinking more about Sunnydale.  It's rather disturbing actually."

"Well, that doesn't surprise me what with all that's been going on – Buffy, Willow and now Oz.  It must be very strange to have to speak with them all within a few days"  Wesley noted that Fred hadn't mentioned Angel.  Although Fred hadn't known them then, she was aware that he and Angel had briefly been in the now destroyed town at the same time.

"Perhaps you're right."  He smiled weakly at Fred's beaming face.  When she left the kitchen and went back to the others, the smile slipped from his face.

** Later at the Night Club **

Nina and Stephen spent the next few hours drinking and talking, with a few dances in between.  As Nina listened to Stephen tell her more about himself and his business, she thought that she couldn’t have found a more perfect person for her plans. He got better and better as the night went on.  Now all she had to do was figure out how to get him to agree.  Nina didn’t think that he would consent, but she had a way to make him more malleable, and that way was sitting in her purse.  She had the means, now she was just waiting for the right opportunity.

She didn't have to wait long.

“Nina, will you excuse me for a moment?”

“Sure,” she replied.  “Should I get us another drink?”

“Go ahead, I’ll only be a few minutes.”

When he left, Nina called the bartender over and ordered another round.  Once the bartender returned with their drinks, Nina reached into her purse and pulled out a vial of clear liquid.  She poured the contents into Stephen’s drink.  This should do the trick very nicely.  Just as she was putting the empty vial back into her purse, Stephen returned and took his seat.  Nina handed Stephen his drink.

“I’d like to propose a toast.”  She raised her glass and Stephen did the same.

“To fortuitous meetings.”

“Can’t argue with that.”  They slowly finished their drinks while Nina kept a close eye on Stephen, waiting patiently.

The effects of the drug kicked in immediately.  His eyes took on a slightly sleepy look, which only made him even sexier.  Nina decided to test him.  She leaned over to Stephen and whispered in his ear, “Kiss me, baby.”  He didn’t hesitate pressing his lips against hers

When they finished, Nina asked in a low voice, “Are you ready to go?”

“Where are we going?”  Stephen asked.

“My place for some fun and games.”

“Oh yea.  Let’s go.”

Nina took his hand as they made their way out of the club and to her car.

“Mind if we take my car?”  She asked, taking her car keys from her purse.

“Not a problem sexy lady; I took a taxi here anyway.  Lead the way.”

They got into her car, and she drove towards the warehouse.  Nina kept a close eye on Stephen during the entire drive.  Stephen saw no problem with this, especially since he enjoyed being watched.  She removed one hand from the steering wheel and placed it in Stephen’s lap, gently rubbing his thigh.  He leaned his head back and sighed.  He especially loved being touched there more.

“That feels nice.  You have great hands."  He turned sensual bedroom eyes to stare at Nina.  "I wonder what else you're great at?”

“Oh you’d be surprised baby.  I’m good at a lot of things, you'll see.  I have plenty of surprises for you tonight.”  She continued to rub his thigh, slowly moving her hand up to the bulge in his jeans.  She stopped for a moment, took his hand and placed in her lap.

“Go ahead baby, don't you want a taste?”  He looked at her, then down to his hand.  His fingers crept down to the hem of her short skirt and dragged it up to reveal her silky thighs.  Stephen pushed the material up as far as it would go.  He reached between her legs and tentatively ran his fingers over her mound.  He raised his brows appreciatively when he realized she wasn’t wearing anything under her skirt.  She smiled at his surprised look.

“You are a delightful surprise,” he said huskily.  He continued running his fingers through her curly pubic hairs, parting her folds and sinking one digit into her wetness.

Nina moaned softly, opening her legs farther.  Stephen stroked her clit while undoing his seatbelt.  He leaned over to kiss her neck.

“Mmmmmmm…you smell so good.  What did you have in mind for tonight?”

“How are you with a bit of role playing?”  Nina moaned softly.  Stephen leered at her.  His hands were very good, but she was saving her true excitement for when  she got back to Angel.  Nina couldn't wait. Warm thighs suddenly closed tightly around Stephen's hand.

“So you like playing games?"  Nina slowly moved up and down on the fingers inside of her.  "Ah, my kind of lady.”  He replied.

“Oh yes, I like games and I have the perfect one in mind.  I’ll tell you all about it in a moment.  Nina stopped the car as they had reached their destination.  Stephen looked up and saw they were parked in front of an abandoned warehouse.  He looked at Nina questionably, his fingers going still.

“This is all part of the game baby.  Trust me.”  Her walls briefly tightened around his fingers and then let go.

The lustful look was back in Stephen's blue eyes, replacing his moment of doubt.  He smiled and eased his wet fingers from between Nina's thighs.  Then he slipped them into his mouth, licking off her juices. That's more like it.  Nina adjusted her skirt before she got out of the car and led Stephen to the front door.

~Part: 8~

** Wesley’s Apartment **

Wesley brought refreshments to his guests and produced a shot glass for himself.  When he thought no one was paying attention, except Spike of course, Wesley poured a good amount of whiskey into his glass.  Oz's nose wrinkled for a moment and Lorne casually glanced in Wesley's direction, but no one said anything  Wesley savored the taste before downing the drink in one swallow and quickly refilled his glass.  He polished off two more shots, and then reached for the bottle again.  No one knew what brought on this sudden change, but it was making everyone a little uneasy.

"Care to share that with the rest of us?"

Wesley passed the bottle over to Spike without a word.  Spike took the bottle, stood and disappeared into the kitchen.  Fred watched Wesley closely; she was beginning to worry about him.  He had seemed out of it in the kitchen and now he was drinking.  That was never a good sign.

Spike called from the other room.  "Wes, speak to you in the kitchen?"

Wesley rose and went into the kitchen.  Strong hands immediatelyslammed him into the wall.  "What the fuck do you think you're doing?

"Spike, take your hands off of me."  Wesley warned.

"Not until you tell me why you're suddenly falling apart here."

Wesley struggled against Spike's grip, but couldn't budge him.  He and Spike were close in size, but of course the vampire clearly had the upper hand.  It was easy to forget that Spike was very strong.

"I'm not letting go until you..." Wesley's head bounced off the wall. "...tell me what's going on?  I don't intend to ask a third time."

Gunn walked into the kitchen to see what the commotion was about.  "Spike, man, you might want to lay off Wes."  It was said casually, but Spike knew that Gunn was capable of making it more than that.  The tense vampire warily watched Gunn out of the corner of his eye, and then let Wesley go with a shove.  Spike wasn't about to start trouble, but if Wesley thought he could come undone on his watch before they found Angel, he better think again.

Gunn turned to Wesley. "Now, you want to tell us what's going on?  You come out of the kitchen looking like maybe you saw a ghost and start drinking, doesn't make me feel good Wes."

Wesley unconsciously rubbed his throat.  "It's n…"

"And don't say it's nothing, we all can tell something's wrong"  Fred and Lorne had come into the kitchen as well.  Oz stood in the doorway, but didn't enter.  The hairs on his arms were standing on end and he had his head cocked to the side in that weird way again.

"Yeah, spill it."  Lorne chimed in.

Wesley felt like they were all turning on him...but why would he feel like that?  These were his friends. "Alright then.  I've suddenly been having thoughts of Sunnydale…"

"Sunnydale is gone, nothing to think about."

"Spike don't interrupt, let him finish."

"And other memories I don't remember experiencing."  He looked around at the others, confusion swimming in his tired blue eyes.

"You mean like false ones?"  Fred asked.

"I-I'm not sure.  It feels like there are two sets of memories, but I don't know which is real."  Wesley scrubbed his face with his hands. " That's not it either...it's more like there are two memories overlapping one another."  They looked at him unsure of what to say.

"I can't explain this, but the thought of Sunnydale won't go away."  Wesley slid to the floor with his knees pressed against his chest.

"Why don't you sing for me, maybe that'll help?"  Lorne offered.

"That might work.  We need you to pull it together Wes.  Will you do it?"  Gunn didn't show it, but he was worried.  The last time Wesley had cracked...when exactly had that been?

Wesley remained on the floor with his arms wrapped around his knees.  He felt as if the room was closing in on him.  There was something wrong, make no mistake about that, but why was it happening now?  Did this have anything to do with Angel? There was only one way to find out.  Wesley took a deep breath and sang in a soft whisper from his place on the floor.

Lorne listened to Wesley sing, keeping a steady eye on him.  His friend looked lost but determined to go ahead and get this over with.  His voice was rough from the alcohol, but soft and pleasing.

The usually chatty demon listened intensely. He was having trouble getting a read, so with a nod he encouraged the former Watcher to continue to sing.  The words were laced with a buried hurt that seemed to always hang around Wesley.

Lorne may have been the one doing the reading, but Spike had the answer. Seems to me maybe Wes here is starting to remember what really happened to him in the last two years. Dammit Angel!  We need you here.  This house of cards you set up is about to come crashing down on our heads.

Lorne finally held up a hand for Wesley to stop. "Definitely thinking about Sunnydale for a reason."

"I know that." Wesley practically hissed.

"Hold your horses, you're thinking about Sunnydale now, not then."

"There's nothing in Sunnydale to think about.  I told you people, the town is dust.  Brought it down myself."  Spike had been quiet long enough.

"That may be the case, but there's something calling to me from there, and I think maybe we should investigate."  Wesley sounded more certain than he felt.

"Investigate?  You've got to be kidding me! We need to find Angel.  I don't think we have time to run off to a ghost town looking for your brain mate!"

"What about the memories?  Did you get anything on that?"  Gunn asked, ignoring Spike's outburst.

"Nothing that's reliable.  Just a lot of hazy images of Angel and all of us really.  But nothing to pinpoint what's causing Wesley to feel like this," the anagogic demon replied.

Oz, who had been standing on the outside of the kitchen, suddenly spoke up.  "Does anyone else hear that sound?"  They all looked at him for a moment.

Fred wrinkled her face.  "What sound?"

"Banging...like someone trying to get in.  I've heard it for the last hour or so.  At first it was faint, but now it's getting louder."  Oz cocked his head to the side again, this time turning to look over his shoulder.

Spike came off the sink and slipped into game face. "I hear it now.  Does sound like banging or like something is being torn down."  He sniffed the air and let out a low growl.

"Time to move boys and girls."  Spike was heading for the door before the last word had left his mouth.

"Spike, wait.  This place has a protection spell cast on it, nothing can get through."  Wesley was certain they were safe.

"Yeah, gotta tell you not feeling safe here.  The air is starting to get hot.  I think the blonde one is right, we need to leave."  Lorne grabbed Fred's hand and followed Spike.

"Now, people let's go!"  Spike shouted.

Everyone scrambled into the living room, gathering up whatever they could carry.  Wesley, always prepared, had two duffle bags packed in his bedroom closet.  Inside the first one were the most important of his books, a bundle of money he kept stashed away in case of emergencies and a change of clothes.  In the second was a loaded sawed off shotgun with extra ammunition, a handgun and a key to a safe house he and Angel had found this year that they hadn't told anyone else about. It was to be a last resort, just in case things went wrong at W&H, they would at least have a place to go.  The former Watcher came out of his bedroom prepared to leave.  Lorne stopped him before he reached the others.

"Who's Connor?"

Wesley looked as if he might answer the question, but then frowned in confusion and shook his head.  Thin fingers rubbed restlessly at his throat.  "I don't know."  He finally whispered and walked into the living room.

Time for a drink; I need it. Lorne felt like pulling a Wesley and drowning himself in drink.  They still hadn't found Angel and now Wesley looked like he was on the edge of a psychotic precipice. The green demon massaged his temples and went to join his friends.

"I think it best if we don't use the front door or the windows." Wesley advised.

"Then how the hell are we supposed to get out?"  Gunn wanted to know.

"Charlie, this is Wesley we’re talking about here.  Must have a secret bat entrance or some such nonsense like that.  Too many years of working with Angel will do that to a bloke." Spike remarked, glancing at Wesley for confirmation.

The main reason Wesley had taken this apartment was the opportunity it afforded him of never being trapped, if he couldn't make it to the front door or the windows.

"Follow me."  They trailed behind Wesley to what they thought was a hall closet. He opened the door, threw the clothes that hung there onto the floor and stepped inside. The others listened as a door was unlocked and a weak yellow glow came from the dark interior.  They listened as footsteps descended the stairs.  Everyone shared a quick look and then stepped into the closet after Wesley.  Oz was last, shutting the door behind them.

** Abandoned Warehouse Outside of Sunnydale **

Nina and Stephen stopped in the hallway, which was off to the side of the room where Angel was bound. Nina wasn't worried about him overhearing her plan and alerting Stephen to what was going on. The formerly powerful vampire was in really bad shape.  Even if he did hear, there was nothing he could do about it.  Still she lowered her voice just in case; no need to ruin the surprise before they got started.

She reached over to the table in the entryway for the silk blindfold that she had left lying there and held it up.  Time to give lover boy the rules.  She stood close enough to see that his eyes were still dilated from the potion she had given him earlier.  She held up the blindfold so he could acknowledge that he knew what she was talking about. “Okay baby, first things first. Once I put this on, at no time are you allowed to remove it, no matter what.  Do you understand?"

"Yes."

"Good."  Let's see how he reacts when I do this.  She wrapped the blindfold around his head, cutting off his sight.  He stiffened slightly, but didn't try to remove it.

“Relax baby.  This is just part of the game.  I have a surprise for you and I don’t want it spoiled.”

Stephen visibly relaxed.  "Now for the game.  I picked you up tonight because you look like someone I know.  I mean you could almost be his twin, the resemblance is uncanny."  Stephen flashed a smile in her direction.  "Well, this person that I know, his name is Spike."  Stephen's lips twitched at the strange name.  "Tonight I want you to be Spike for me, okay?"  Nina watched him think about it for a few seconds, the tip of his tongue touching his top lip. Take your time; I'm not in a rush.  Finally he agreed. That part was easy.

Nina made certain the blindfold was secured; then she placed a soft kiss to his lips.  Soon the kiss deepened.  Nina ground her pelvis into his groin.  He moved his hands down to her ass and slowly inched the fabric of her skirt up to cup and squeeze her bare bottom.

"Mmm, yeah, I like that.  I promise, this will be a night to remember."  She whispered into his hot mouth.

For a moment, the frantic sounds of panting and wet mouths being kissed filled the air.  Then Nina pulled away.

"We better slow down, I don't want to come right here before we even get started.  I still have things to tell you sweetie before we can play."  She ran her hands up and down his arms, squeezing as she went.

"At some point I'm going to take the blindfold off you.  I can't have those gorgeous blue eyes hidden forever."  Nina moved back to stand close.  Stephen could feel her breath tickling his lips.

"Don't act surprised by anything you see or hear, just follow my lead."  He nodded again and she slipped her hand down to grip his raging hard on. Never let them lose focus.  Strong hips jerked against her, seeking friction.  Nina unzipped his jeans enough to put her hand inside and really get a hold of his cock.  It felt thick and heavy in her palm, but he wouldn't come for a long time.  She had seen to that with the potion.  She went back to the game, ready to unveil the last piece.

"I have a friend in the next room who gets off on kinky games like this.  Once or twice a month, he asks me to go out and find someone who looks like an old lover.  I do and then bring him back here where we all can have fun.  He loves to watch."  She purred in his ear, rubbing stiff nipples against his chest.

Stephen moaned and pushed Nina back, hoping to hit the wall.  He wanted to bend her over and fuck her hard.  It didn't matter who watched or what he had to do.  His dick felt like it was on fire and he wanted release.

Nina answered with a moan of her own and maneuvered Stephen down the hallway towards Angel's open door.

“Here we are.  You ready to play Spike?”

Nina proceeded to remove his clothes, looking over her shoulder to see Angel’s startled reaction when he heard the name Spike.

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