Willow watched Kendra watching her. *Poor thing thinks Buffy's going to save her.* With a smirk, she turned her attention back to Spike and Angelus. She was quite pleased with Angelus' compliance. He still hated her with a vengeance. Possibly more than he hated Buffy. She kept that thought in the back of her mind.

"Pet?" Spike's voice brought her back to the matter at hand.

"Yes?"

"What's our next move?" he asked.

"By now Buffy will have warned the others that hunting season is open. Everyone will be on guard." She tried to think of her plan of attack. An idea formed in her head. "It just might work."

Spike could see the wheels turning in his lover's brain. "What might work?"

"What time is it?" she asked ignoring his question.

"A little after eleven, I think."

"Buffy will be on patrol for a few more hours," she said. Turning to Angelus, she smiled. "Got a present for you, Puppy."

His dark eyes glared at her. He hated that nickname almost as much as he hated her. "Your ashes scattered at my feet?"

"Tsk, tsk, tsk," she said as she moved to his side of the table. "Not quite yet, Puppy. But I'm sure you'll enjoy it all the same. I want you to beat me up."

Angelus' eyes lit up at the prospect, but he kept his enthusiasm in check. If she was giving permission, he was sure he wouldn't enjoy it quite as much. *On second thought, who cares?* he asked himself. His fist shot out and connected to her jaw. He watched with glee as the upstart fell back on her leather clad butt.

Spike stood so quickly his chair flew back to crash against the wall. He was just about to climb over the table to attack his sire when he heard Willow chuckle from her seat on the floor. "Pet?" he questioned.

Willow picked herself off the ground. "Feel a little better, Puppy?" she asked. Angelus grunted at her. "Now this time, show me how you really feel," she said in a stern voice.

Angelus was able to land half a dozen blows before Spike flew across the table to tackle his sire to the ground. Spike pulled back his fist when he heard Willow.

"Stop," Willow said with a wave of her hand. Spike and Angelus froze in place. Her tongue flicked out to catch the blood dripping from her cut lip. With a few silent words she glamorized the results of Angelus' fists on her face. She could have just done a glamour spell to begin with, but as she saw it, if she gave the puppy a reward from time to time he wouldn't be so quick to bite the hand that fed him.

Brushing her hand against Spike's shoulder, she released him from the spell. "I'm fine, Spike. I just needed a little assistance for my plan," she said as she led him away from the still frozen Angelus. "I knew you wouldn't be able to do it so I let the puppy have a treat." She waved her hand in the dark vampire's direction. Angelus jumped from the floor.

Spike played with the ends of her ponytail. "What plan, pet?"

"Nothing major. I'm just going to let Buffy know who she's dealing with," she said as she pressed a kiss against Spike's cool lips. She allowed Spike's tongue entrance into her mouth. They kissed passionately for a few minutes before they heard Angelus making gagging noises in the corner of the room.

"What's the matter, mate? Got a hair ball?" Spike laughed.

"Now I want the two of you to play nice while I'm gone. Wait up for me, lover," she said giving Spike a quick kiss. She left the factory and headed into town.

****
A frantic knocking sounded at the front door. When she opened the door, Joyce Summers found a frightened Willow looking nervously over her shoulder. "Willow?" When the red head turned to face her Joyce let out a gasp. Her pale, innocent face was marred by cuts and bruises. The green corduroy jumper she wore was torn and dirty. "Oh, my God. Willow, what happened?"

Willow hugged her arms around herself as she sniffed back the tears. "Mrs. Summers? Can I come in?" she asked.

Joyce started out of her shock nodded. Pulling the door open wider, she said, "Of course, you can come in. What happened?"

"Buffy's ex-boyfriend wanted me to convince her to take him back. I said no. He didn't like that answer," she sniffed.

Joyce wrapped his arms around her daughter's best friend. "You poor thing," she whispered into the teenager's hair. She felt Willow's shoulders begin to shake. Rubbing a soothing hand over her back Joyce tried to quiet the girl.

Willow had to bite her lip to keep from laughing out loud. *Obviously, Buffy hadn't thought to keep good old mom up to date on what's going on,* she thought. Finally she was able to get her mirth under enough control where she cold look Joyce in the eye. "I'm sorry about that, Mrs. Summers."

"Hush. There's nothing to be sorry about. Come sit on the couch," she said as she led Willow by her hand. *Her hands are like ice,* she thought. "We should call the police."

"I already filed a report with them," Willow lied. *Come on, Buffy. Hurry home,* she called out silently.

Joyce left Willow alone to get the first aid kit and some tea. "Are your parents home, Willow?" Joyce called from the kitchen.

"No. They're away at some conference in New York. That's why I came here, Mrs. Summers. I hope you don't mind. I just didn't want to be alone," she said in a frightened voice.

"Of course not, Willow. You're always welcome here. You know that," Joyce said as she carried a tray with the tea and first aid kit.

Willow sat patiently as Buffy's mother cleaned and bandaged the cuts on her face. She felt the Slayer walking closer to the house. A faint grin graced her battered face. The anticipation built inside her.

Joyce turned as she heard the front door open. "Buffy?"

"Yeah, Mom," she answered. She was tired. She'd been waiting two days for Willow to make her move. She entered the living room. Her jaw dropped as she saw her mother tending to Willow's battered face. For a moment, she thought Angelus had regained control and kicked Willow out. Then Willow waved her hand in front of her face. The cuts and bruises disappeared and Willow gave Buffy a smug smile. With another wave of her hand the sad pathetic Willow returned.

"Buffy, that ex-boyfriend of yours beat up Willow. Her parents are out of town so I told her she could stay with us," Joyce explained.

"Okay, Mom. Uhm. Can I talk to Willow alone please?" she asked as she kept her eyes trained on the red head.

"Sure. I'm going to go to bed. I'll see you in the morning, girls," she said dropping a kiss on each of their foreheads.

"Night, Mom."

"Good night, Mrs. Summers. Thank you for inviting me in," Willow said sweetly. After Mrs. Summers closed her bedroom door, she let the glamour drop.

"Get out of my house," Buffy ordered through clenched teeth.

"Now, Buffy, is that anyway to treat an invited guest," Willow said as she leaned back into the couch. She rested her arms along the back of the couch as she propped her feet on the coffee table.

"You tricked her."

Willow arched a brow. "Like I really needed to do that. It's not as if you've told her I'm a vampire and you're the Slayer. I just thought it would be more fun this way."

"I want you out of my house," Buffy threatened quietly.

Willow stood and moved directly in front of the Slayer. "I wanted to be left alone. Kendra wants to be rescued. The Scooby Gang wants to live. It's nice to want things, but we don't always get what we want, do we, Buffy?" she asked.

Buffy felt her nails dig into the palms of her hands. "Get out and stay away from my mother," she spit out.

Willow raised her hand to pat Buffy's cheek. The blonde slapped her hand way. "Be careful, Buffy. I'll be watching you." With a chuckle she let herself out of the house.

Part 5
Spike sat at the desk writing. Ever since he had found Willow had had an unquenchable desire to write. Never before had he written more than a quick note. During the past week he had filled four notebooks. He had started writing just after he encountered Willow, when he knew who she was and what it all meant. Memories of his past lives flooded through his brain. Memories and emotions of five lifetimes would not leave him alone until he started writing.

He looked up as the bedroom door opened. When Willow walked in, he set aside his pen and flexed his cramped fingers. He watched as she removed the ugly green jumper and turtleneck shirt the old Willow used to wear. She pulled one of his red silk shirts from the closet. Her movements were graceful and fluid. As she buttoned the shirt she walked over to him and sat on his lap.

"Miss me?" she asked.

"Every second," he replied as his hands settled on her waist.

Willow glanced at the open notebook on his desk. "Still writing?"

He nuzzled her neck for a few moments to inhale her scent. "I can't seem to stop. So how did it go?"

She snuggled into his strong chest. "Fine."

"What did you do?"

"I paid Buffy's mother a visit."

"I gather then you're not hungry," he said as he held her close.

"It wasn't that kind of visit. I just wanted to let the Slayer know I was still around. Are you hungry?"

"I could use a bite to eat," he said with a chuckle.

Willow pulled back and leaned her forehead against his. "How do you feel about Kosher?" she asked with a grin.

Spike dropped a kiss on her lips before lifting her off his lap. "What are we waiting for?"

Willow quickly put on a pair of leather pants and boots. Together they left the factory and headed towards the Rosenburg residence.

****
Ira Rosenburg opened the door to find his daughter standing on the front porch with a tall blonde man. "Willow."

"Hi, Dad. I forgot my key."

"You should be more careful, Willow." He waited for her to enter the house. "Well, don't just stand there. Come in."

Willow smiled at the invitation. "Thanks, Dad. This is Spike."

Ira looked the bleach blonde over. Not exactly the kind of guy a father would want his daughter to date. *Is that nail polish?* "What kind of name is Spike?"

"Dad. Be nice. Where's Mom?" she asked.

"She's in her office. Have you had dinner yet?" Ira asked.

"I'll get something in a few minutes," she answered. She gave Spike a knowing look. "I'll be back in five minutes." She walked down the hall to have a "chat" with her mother.

"So, Spike. Let's go into the living room and talk," Ira said as he held out an arm showing him the way.

"Yes. Let's." Spike entered a well furnished living room. Willow's father sat on the couch. When he motioned for Spike to sit, the vampire ignored him.

"Spike," Ira started. "You seem a little old for high school."

Spike grinned at him. "You could say that."

"How old are you?"

"Let's see," he said as he thought about it. "A hundred and twenty four. Give or take a year," he answered with his back turned to Ira.

"Excuse me? Did you say one hundred and twenty four?" Ira asked.

Spike turned. "Sure did, mate." His face morphed to his true nature.

Ira jumped off the couch. "What the hell?" He stood frozen in fear as Spike moved closer.

Spike moved slowly and deliberately, waiting for the mortal to make a run for it. He frowned in disappointment. With little effort and even less pleasure, he sank his fangs into the petrified man. Draining him quickly, he let the dead man fall to the ground. Shaking his head, he stepped over him and moved down the hall to find his lover.

****
Willow knocked before opening the office door and walked in. "Mom?"

Sheila glanced up from her paper work. "Hello, Willow," she said distractedly. Returning to her papers, she mentally dismissed her daughter.

Willow grinned at her mother's response. *Typical.* Walking casually around the room, she tried to draw her into a conversation. "When did you and Dad get back?" she asked.

Sheila shuffled some papers on her desk. Finding the report she wanted, she placed it on the pile in her briefcase. Realizing someone had asked her a question, she looked around. "I'm sorry. What did you say?"

Willow rolled her eyes. "When did you and Dad get back?" she asked again.

"Oh, on Tuesday." She returned to her papers.

*Three days ago. Bet you didn't even realize I haven't been home for three days,* she thought. She moved to stand behind her mother. "Leaving again so soon?"

"Yes. You're father and I have a week long conference in Brazil," she said.

"Such a shame," Willow sighed as she rested hand on the chair back.

"What is, dear?"

"That you and Pops are going to miss it."

Sheila turned to look at her daughter. "What are you talking about? Why would we miss it?"

Willow shook her head. "Cuz I said so, Mother."

"Are you on drugs?" Sheila asked.

"No, Mother. I'm a vampire."

She gave her daughter a disapproving look. "Willow, if you start with these kinds of anti-social behavior, you'll never make any friends."

Willow released an unneeded sigh. "Bored now." With a growl she pulled her mother's head aside and bit into the tender flesh of her neck. She drank deeply. Surprisingly Sheila Rosenburg put up a struggle. Willow tightened her grip on her shoulders as she sank her fangs in deeper. Finally she heard the heart beat slow almost to a stop. Sheila Rosenburg dropped back onto her desk of paper work.

"How did those two ever produce a spit fire like you, Red?" Spike asked from the doorway.

She moved to embrace her lover. "I've asked myself that everyday," she said as she kissed him.

Spike wrapped his arm around her waist. "No offense, luv, but Kosher just doesn't do it for me."

"Me either. Let's go find something better for desert."

Part 6
Willow and Spike laughed as they walked through into the factory. Willow paused a moment as she felt something in the air. Something was different. She moved into the main room. Her eyes were immediately drawn to the corner where Kendra hung. She walked over to the dark skinned girl. Immediately, Willow knew she was dead. In a rage she threw back her head and screamed. "ANGELUS!!!"

"What's the problem, Red?" Angelus asked as he casually entered the room.

Spike watched in awe as his red head pointed a finger at his sire and sent a bolt of energy to knock Angelus flat on his ass. She stormed across the room and set a foot on his chest.

"You are a fool. Always were."

Angelus looked up at the angry red head. His body still tingled from the bolt she sent through him. "What are you talking about?"

"The Slayer is dead. Care to explain that one?"

"I got hungry," he said with a slight grin.

Willow slid her foot lower to dig her heel into his groin. He winced slightly as she applied pressure to his balls. "You got hungry? That's it? You got hungry. There is a whole fucking town out there filled with happy meals on legs," she yelled as she pointed to the doors. "And you have to snack on the Slayer. How did you ever survive two hundred years, Angelus?" She applied her entire weight to his groin as she stepped over him.

Angelus curled up to cup his aching balls. *What the fuck is her problem?*

Spike noticed sparks crackling in her hair. He remembered when they were Romina and Julian she would do that. Her anger became a tangible thing. He knew if he touched her right now, he would receive an electric shock. "Is it really that bad, pet?" he asked.

She glanced at her blonde lover. "Yes. I knew all the players. I knew their strengths and weaknesses. Now thanks to Angelus, we will have a new Slayer that we know nothing about. Now we have to sacrifice more pawns to find out how she'll work."

Angelus realized his mistake. His act of rebellion had cost them, maybe not the game, but definitely it took a chunk out of their loyal fighting forces. He tried to think of some way to put a positive spin on his fuck up. Sitting up on the floor, he said, "They don't know she's dead, yet."

The red head glared at her grandsire. "The council will know. How long do you think it will take them to contact Giles?"

Angelus lowered his gaze to the floor.

Willow sighed at the dejected vampire on the floor. "Come on. I need to go kill something. You might as well come along," she said as she moved to the door.

Spike followed her closely. "You're still hungry?" he asked.

"I said kill not eat." The two men looked at each other as they followed the fiery red head out of the factory.
 

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