Willow awoke to the sound of thunder. She quickly realized William was not in bed with her.
She sat up, his name on her lips.

"Morning Red, I thought I would set out some food" he explained placing the hamper in front of the roaring fireplace.

Willow took in her husband's bare chest, and nearly nude body. "Hungry" she smiled lasciviously < God, Will your insatiable, the poor man's gotta recharge>

William body stirred as he looked as his wife's naked breasts. Willow rolled out of bed, and bent down to retrieve her lost nightgown. William felt a surge of lust in his loins. < God, the poor girls got to be sore, give it a rest>

Willow slipped on her gown and joined her husband by the fire. "Morning darling" she kissed him lightly. " What's for breakfast?" William opened the hamper and removed fruit, cheese, bread and chicken. Willow reached for the strawberries, " My favorite" she said popping one into her mouth.
She picked up another and lifted it to William's lips. He bit and sucked juice and Willow's fingers into his mouth. "Taste's good" he grinned.
"Better than me?" she asked coyly
William pulled her into his arms and licked her lips with his own; He sucked and nibbled on her lower lip.
"No, oh no" he groaned before plundering her mouth.

Willow and William lay face to face and naked upon their bellies by the fire feeding each other morsels of food.

"Do you think, you'll ever tire of me," Willow asked kicking her slim legs casually.

" Probably", he teased, "In a hundred years or so." William reached over and touched Willow's silver locket, dangling between her breasts.
William noticed a small bruise on Willow's breast, " Are you...? sore... have I been too.."

Willow took his hand, " a little but in a good way" she smiled "You look the worse for where, Will, I've left some nasty marks on your back," she replied. "Keep the nails clipped from now on", she smiled sheepishly.

They finished their brunch and Willow moved to get dress.

"Come here, my love slave," William waggled his scarred eyebrow. "You shall sit with me near the fire" he pulled her on to his lap and covered their legs with an afghan.

They snuggled on the settee and talked comfortably. Willow learned from William about his difficult childhood, growing up in a whorehouse and living on the streets. William also admitted to her with embarrassment that he was unable to read. William expressed his fear that Willow would think less of him, but he knew she would likely find out and he was tired of carrying around his guilt.

Willow reassured William that neither of these things effected her love for him. She explained how impressed she was with his being able to survive and become such a wonderful man. She offered to teach him to read, if he wanted to learn.

Willow felt guilty herself, she wanted to tell William more about her travel through time, and her Wicca exploits. Willow was very afraid to do or say anything that could change the timeline. She berated herself for her selfishness, but didn't want to risk changing something that could alter her life here with William. Willow, sighed and ran her finger over William, silver crucifix.

She missed everyone in Sunnydale, but this man was her home now. She shared with him, stories about her childhood adventures with Xander. He listened and laughed at her childhood stories.

William asked about her friends Buffy, Angel and Guiles. William wanted to ask about the Spike bloke that she had spoken about, but couldn't bring himself to.

Instead he tried to ask casually, if she were ever in love with her male friends.

Willow expressed her affections for Giles and Angel.

Willow admitted that she had always loved Xander, and probably always would, but that she was not in love with him.

" You're the only man I have ever been in love with, heart, body and soul" she declared kissing him softly.

" Lucky for me Red, all your friends are bloody fools"

~~~~~~~~~
 
 

William raced the black steed across the lush moor. Willow clutched his chest tightly. He could feel her heart beating rapidly against his back. William spurred the horse to jump over a small rock fissure. Willow squealed in delight, her hair whipping about her face and neck. Her fear of horses had dissipated since the first time she and William rode together. Willow liked the feel of two powerful creatures against her body. The horse's warm strong haunches against her legs and ass, and her husband's muscled chest under her hands, and his strong back and tight ass rubbing against her breasts and core. Willow felt the three, existed as one, joined together under the hot sun. The fragrant air an intoxicating mix of male, female, animal and plant.

Willow's laughter was music to Will, ears. He was so blessed. He wanted to believe that this bliss was his reward after years of struggle and unhappiness. Deep down he, was worried that something awful would happen to ruin his happiness, to take his life.. Willow away.

William stopped the horse among a large outcropping of eskers. Willow jumped off the horse, "lets play hide and seek tag " she said jumping in place. "See someone hides and the other person tries to find that person before the .. hidee, can get back to home base." "Horse will be home base." William laughed out loud; "I'll close my eyes and count to ten".

Willow dashed behind the smallest rock, thinking William would not check here first and she could dash back to the steed.

"Here I come Red?"

William headed for the large boulders. He caught sight of Willow dashing out of the corner of his eye. He pivoted and sprinted after her. She began to squeal and giggle. "I won.. I won… she chanted.

"OK, luv" he panted my turn. "No peaking"

William headed for the tall grass to the left of the boulders. He plopped down on his back to catch his breath. Willow screamed, "Here I come"

William peeked his head up a few minutes later; Willow was nowhere in sight. He lay back down smiling, got her. Several minutes later he peeked his head up; he was going to dash back to the horse.
Willow spotted him. He ran right to try and go around her., she sprinted right, then left. She was fast like a rabbit he thought. She was yelling and screaming, " your mine" She was gaining on him, she tackled him, they both hit the ground a mess of arms and legs. She righted herself quickly, sitting on his hips.

They both laughed and panted trying to catch their breath. " Mine… Mine. I win" she gasped. He pulled her into his arms, "always" he replied kissing her deeply. He rolled her under him, pinning her with his body. "I love you, Willow, he said eyes glistening, running his hands through her tangled red silk. She thrust her hips against him, " Show me, she pleaded". He kissed her lips, danced with her tongue and nipped the skin along her neck and collarbone.

"William", she gasped more breathless than before. She pulled his shirt and pushed her hands under the waistband of his pants gripping his firm ass.

He raised his head and kissed her breast. She mewled; he lifted his head and ravished her mouth, lips and tongue as he worked the button of her blouse.

He gazed at her bare breasts, she wore no chemise, only a corset, which lifted her breasts into tempting peaks. < No wonder I felt her buds burn my
back>

She cried out, arching her hips against his heavy arousal as he laved pinched and sucked at her breast.

He slid down her stomach, unbuttoned her riding breaches. She lifted her hips so he could slide off her pants. His labored breath caught in his throat as he realized she was not wearing any knickers. His eyes feasted on her red curls, glistening with desire.

He used his mouth and kissed her core. Willow, shouted his name and pulled at his hair. He took her clit between his teeth and pulled gently. She screamed and convulsed.

He quickly unbuttoned his pants and slid his cock deep inside her. Her hands clutched his shoulders. Her mouth kissed and nipped at his neck. He felt himself climax, slamming into her one final time.
Willow followed, biting his neck to muffle her cry.

William lay his head upon Willow's beating heart. Their bodies sated sleepy, they napped in the midday sun.

~~~~~~~
 
 

Willow and William were headed back to Leeds on the train. The week flew by in a flash. The newlyweds went riding and hiking on the moor's most every day. They spent the rest of their time making love. Their emotional and physical intimacy continued to grow. Willow had begun to teach William to read. He was a quick student and had learned his alphabet quickly.

The couple was greeted warmly by Mary and Randy. Mary chided Willow for her sun burnt complexion.
Willow exchanged a look with William and they both started to giggle. < Their sexual adventures outdoors had resulted in both getting sun burns in places the sun usually don't shine. They also had fun trying to remedy the situation by taking a cool bath. This lead to more strenuous sex in a small copper tub. They took turns applying lotion to one another's affected parts and ended up shagging one another so most of the lotion ended up on everything else but their bodies.

Willow and William feigned tiredness from their trip so as to escape upstairs to their room. William insisted upon carrying Willow to their room. She shrieked in surprise when he tossed her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. Everyone in the pub roared. Willow threatened him with bodily harm. As they approached the entrance to the room, Willow retaliated by biting her new husband on the ass. He groaned and responded in kind by butting her ass. It didn't take long before the couple had christened their room.

As they lay in one another arms Willow commented; "What ever am I going to do tomorrow without you to make love to me all day. William was already fast asleep. " I guess the honeymoon's over" she sighed.

William woke Willow in a very pleasant fashion. "That'll have to hold you till I get home Red, he teased.
"I love you William Ashton," she said, kissing him goodbye.

Willow used her break time to return to Mr. Fisk's bookstore. She went looking for some books that might be suitable for a new reader. As was her routine she stayed and had tea with Mr. Fisk. " I saw your friend Aaron last week. He said you had gotten married. Congratulation my dear."
"Thank you," she replied smiling.
"You certainly have a glow about you dear. Marriage must agree with you" Willow purchased two books for William and a book about Druid practices.

As she walked home, Willow thought back to her last meeting with Aaron. In the short time she had known Aaron, he had validated and supported her pursuits in magic. He said she had a great gift and was a very powerful witch. Willow was flattered by his interest in her supernatural studies. Aaron expressed admiration in her natural abilities as a Witch. He seemed disappointed when she decided not to participate in the Beltane ritual at Stonehenge. Willow explained that the 21st was to be her wedding day. At the time, Aaron questioned Willow's decision to stay in this time line instead of returning to her own time. He also tried to discourage her from marrying. He explained that her natural abilities and untamed or uncontrolled emotions could be counterproductive in working magic. He explained these abilities are accentuated by her strong passions. He referenced her time travel spell and how her affections effected the spell. He cautioned Willow, that her powers and emotions could be either a blessing or a curse. He said that 'normal' people she is emotionally involved with could be harmed/ or placed in danger by 1) unforeseen effects or spells gone bad; 2) The magic draws unsavory and evil creatures who in turn could harm those around her. Aaron offered to tutor Willow in magic. Willow thanked him, but responded that if she was a potential danger, she should be responsible and not practice. Aaron explained that, Willow's powers were still a part of her and that not taming/controlling her powers would be potentially more dangerous. He said that her energy, her aura emitted her special nature and that both good and evil were drawn to this power. Willow definitely had experience with nasties since living in Sunnydale. She trusted what Aaron had told her. Willow felt Aaron's magical power's whenever he was near. It kinda felt like static electricity just before you get the spark.
Willow struggled as to what to tell William. She felt confident about the protection spell she had placed upon his crucifix. However, what if nasties were to start showing up around Willow. She quaked with disgust, thinking that she might become like some sort of hellmouth beacon. She reflected upon Aaron's offer to tutor her in magic. He felt that if she harnessed her power, she would be more likely to exert positive influences in her environment. Willow said that she would need to think about all he told her. She also knew she was going to have to tell William something. She worried he wouldn't understand.
 

Willow was surprised when Aaron showed up at the pub around five o'clock. She was busy waiting on other customers, but explained to Randy that she needed to chat with her new friend.
Aaron felt Willow's energy once he crossed the threshold. He knew that she sensed him also.
< It has been many years since I have met someone as unique as her. I shall have her as my disciple. None of these mortal creatures shall stop me. >

The day had passed quickly for William. He spent most of his time thinking about his bride. He couldn't wait to get back to the pub to make love to her. He never dreamed she would be so passionate or responsive. William entered the pub a smile on his face. He saw a large dark haired man, with his hand on Willow's wrist, talking to her in what looked like an intimate manner. Will felt like he had been kicked in the gut. He felt like someone had just walked on his grave. Willow was talking so intently she was unaware he was here. William's smile died. He felt a cold rage build in his gut.
He walked over to his wife, and placed his hand on her shoulder. Willow twirled around and hugged and kissed him warmly. " Will…. I didn't expect you home so.. . early.." Aaron arose, < This whelp can't be the object of her affection, I shall have no problem in removing this pimple from her life. She shall be mine in no time> He smiled broadly and introduced himself. Willow felt a bit guilty as she introduced William to Aaron. She explained he was an old friend.
William felt Willow's nervousness, and knew his wife was lying to him.

~~~~~~~`
 
 

Aaron sensed the young man's jealously and anger. < Young mortals so predictable, he thinks I'm after his wife's body, I wonder what he would think if he knew I was going to possess her soul. I'll give the little whelp some rope and he'll assist in his own demise> Aaron smiled broadly, "Pleasure to met you, Willow has told me all about you."

William just glared at the man.

"Willow my lovely sortilege, I've another engagement, until next time" he said kissing her hand.
< He grinned evilly once his back was to the couple. That ought to set the whelp off. >

William felt murderous. < What the bloody hell is going on. My wife MINE> He turned away from Willow and growled, "Willow" as he headed for the stairs.

Willow felt slightly sick to her stomach, she knew she was going to have to explain somehow about Aaron and his tutoring her in her magic. She followed Will up the stairs to their room. He was pacing, his hands clenched.

"I forbid you to see that man every again" he shouted irately.

Willow was taken aback and her anxiety blossomed into defensive defiance. " You forbid me she repeated.... How bloody Victorian..." she stammered.

William's anger mushroomed into cold fear. < Mine! How dare she... she won't choose him over me>
William wanted to rip her clothes off and savagely possess her. I'll make her cry out. He stepped forward his face a mask of rage. He saw Willow's eye's flash in fear. He stopped. < I won't ever hurt her> he felt utterly helpless.

< Great Willow, get all defensive, you been lying via sins of omission, ... you start swearing like a Brit and tell him he acting Victorian. It's the damn Victorian age you idiot... how the hell is he going to act. Just keep projecting your guilt and shame unto your husband. >

Her eyes welled up with tears, " I can explain "

William, was angry and afraid, < I can't listen right now> He had to get away, anywhere. He headed for the door.

" Will, please wait," she cried reaching out to touch his arm.

He pulled away like she had burned him. His impulse to take her by force scared and frightened him.
He felt disgusted with himself.
He slammed the door so hard, the windowpanes rattled.

Willow saw the disgust in his eyes, and assumed it was for her. She sobbed, leaning up against the still vibrating door, "William".

He stormed down the stairs and out the pub in a blur. Randy and Mary caught sight of him and looked at one another. "Lover's quarrel" Mary mouthed.

Willow's anger at herself and her situation boiled. She looked at her tonics and herbs. Three vials shattered
Explosively, her new found powers frightening her. "Oh Goddess, what am I going to do she wailed."

Aaron saw William leave the pub in a rage. He began to laugh. < soon>

Mary went upstairs to see to Willow. She heard her loud weeping and the sound of smashing pottery. < My both those two are passionate>. Willow didn't respond to Mary's voice. Mary opened the door to find Willow a crying heap on the floor.

She tried to sooth the lass with kind words. " It'll be all right lass, you've just had a lover's quarrel s'all. It perfectly natural, the adjustment of just the two of you being together, and then having the whole world intrude"

"It's all my fault" Willow wailed.

"I doubt that, it always take two luv" Mary offered
 

Meanwhile William had walked several miles and was drinking heavily in a pub. < S'all my fault, acting like a bloody ass. Can I blame the lass? > William got so drunk he could barely see straight. He was closest to Tent City, and decided to crash at the railway yard for the night.

Willow, pulled herself together at Mary's bidding and came downstairs to work. Willow's heart sunk lower and lower each time the door opened and William was' t there. After the pub closed, Willow insisted in cleaning and setting up for the next day. Mary tried to get her to go to bed, but she explained she couldn't sleep without him, and started to cry again.

Willow cleaned the entire pub in three hours and had readied it for next day's business. She dragged a trash receptacle up the stairs and threw away all her spell casting supplies. Cried and pleaded with the God and Goddesses to return William to her, and she would give up magic forever. Willow then proceeded to clean the entire room.

Randy commented to Mary, "What's that lass doing up there?" "Shsss she hurting she's working some hurt out."
 

Willow had nothing else to do. She threw herself upon their bed. She clutched William's shirt and cried herself into a fitful sleep.

Willow was up long before Mary and Randy, cooking in the small kitchen. Mary took in Willow's swollen red eyes and unkempt appearance.

" Did you get any sleep Pet?"

Willow, eyes teared again, hearing Mary use a familiar endearment.

She nodded her head bravely. Willow busied herself with customers.

William woke up, with a splitting headache. He wanted to throttle Henry and his asking all sorts of questions he didn't want to think about. William groaned, and heaved himself up to start the day's labor. He knew he would not be laying many spikes today.

Just after the crew's lunch break, the Forman directed several of the crew to unload a railroad car full of track and ties. Henry saw the accident happen in what seemed to be slow motion. Two bindings let loose sending heavy pieces of track hurtling towards William's head. Henry cried out warning. He saw the two ties veer sharply away from William's head and scrape his shoulder and arm. The impact sent William crashing onto the ground.

Aaron's eyes narrowed, < I'm impressed my little sortilege, a powerful protection spell. Aaron grinned; this is going to be more challenging than I thought. > He felt a surge of desire for his disciple

William's arm was on fire with pain. His mates helped him up. Henry was babbling how he had never seen anything so freakish before. He said that he thought William was a goner as the metal rails looked like they were going to crush his skull, and then appeared to hit an invisible barrier and bounce off.

"Well they bounced off my damn arm, might have faired better if they hit my hard head," William retorted.

The Forman decided to send William home for the rest of the day. William didn't think anything was broken but he had a nasty looking scrape down his shoulder and arm. He also knew he was going to have bruises for weeks to come.

Mary sent William upstairs for her afternoon break. She told Willow to take a hot bath and clean herself up. She explained that her husband would be home, tail between his legs looking to make up with her and she wanted to be presentable, didn't she.

Willow hoped Mary was right as she climbed into the tub. She washed her hair and pinned it up after combing it out. She shaved her legs, not an easy thing to do without a safety razor and ended up cutting herself repeatedly with Will's straight razor.

Willow lay her head back and closed her eyes for a moment. She drifted off into a light sleep.

Mary was glad to see William home. She knew Willow would be beside herself over her husband's injury. Mary smiled to herself, as she didn't think his injuries would prevent the two from making up. Mary doubted she would see them again until tomorrow.

William opened the door to his room and saw his wife asleep in the tub. The throbbing in his arm began to beat in tempo with the throbbing in his groin.

Willow stirred and opened her eyes and looked into her William's. Her eyes flew open and she took in his appearance, torn shirt and dried blood upon his arm. She cried out in alarm and jumped up out of the tub like a shot.

William no longer felt the throbbing in his arm, he was only aware of the throbbing in his cock as his wife dripping wet and nude ran towards him looking like she was going to slam into his arms. She stopped short, crying, " Your hurt, Oh God, your hurt, are you ok….. " William reached out and pulled her into his arms, and hugged her fiercely. She was crying and hiccuping," I'm so sorry it's all my fault.. I love you.. please be ok.."

He pulled her head back twined his finger in her damp hair and kissed her. He felt his hot tears mix with hers as his tongue dueled with her mouth. She pulled away from his embrace, "Let me see, Pulling at his shirt buttons. She led him over to the bed and grabbed a wet washcloth from the tub.

William saw the concern in her eyes, still dropping wet jewels. "Hey I'm fine, it's just a scrape" he pulled her into his arms and kissed her again. < He need her so badly>

Willow's mind registered her naked state as her breasts hit William bare chest. She gasped and returned his kisses with abandon. He kissed his way down her neck and began to tease her nipples with his tongue and teeth. She moaned and pulled back just out of his reach.

She kneeled before him, and removed his shoes, and pushed him back onto the bed to divest him from his breeches. Her heart rate excellerated as she freed his large cock glistening in readiness. She whimpered and reached for his member carefully grasping his base and proceeded to kiss and lick him. William cried out her name, and clenched the blankets trying to keep himself from thrusting into her hot mouth.
Willow sensed his need and took him deeper into her mouth, forming a seal between his shaft and her lips with her hand. She softly squeezed his sacs with her free hand. William knew he was going to climax. He gasped for Willow to stop. She began to suck harder, William yelled loudly as she swallowed his juices.

He felt like he lost consciousness for a moment. He came back to reality with Willow raining soft kisses over his face he captured her lips with his own." He felt himself begin to harden again in desire for this women. He caressed, pinched and blew upon her erect nipples. She held his head and pulled at his hair. He licked and nipped down her body to her apex. She had juices running down the inside of her thigh. He used his tongue to follow the trail back to her center. She keened and wailed in pleasure as he lapped at her core. He used his fingers and thrust into her while sucking savagely upon her clit. She reared off the bed, with her orgasm. He continued to devour her center bringing her over the edge yet again. He thrust into her; she clenched his cock with her tight passage. He thrust into her; both panted and growled their gazes locked as they both came undone together.

Willow lay against William's uninjured shoulder. She caressed his chest I love you so much, Please don't ever leave me again. I can't stand it. William assured her he would not ever leave her in anger again and held her close. Both drifted off into a peaceful slumber.

~~~~~~~~
 
 

William's shoulder and arm were throbbing in pain. Willow was curled up asleep her head upon his chest and her legs intertwined with his. He petted her hair and listen to her soft breath.
Willow stirred and opened her eyes sleepily. She lifted her head and kissed William softly.
" Morning love" she crooned.
"How, your arm? She asked sitting up. " Oh God it practically black with bruises. I'll just whip up some liniment to help with the pain and restore the circulation" she chirped rolling out of bed. Willow stopped in her tracks as she realized that she had thrown away all her supplies and had vowed not to use magic any more.

She sat back upon the bed, with last evening passionate lovemaking she and William had not really talked about their fight. Willow knew she was going to have to apologize and explain; she only hoped William could forgive her. < I can't lie or deceive him. No Secrets>

"What is it Red," he said sitting up and drawing her back into his arms.

" I need to explain some things to you. I'm sorry about the misunderstanding... I haven't explained about Aaron or been as honest with you as I should have been. I'm just been scared, you.. wouldn't understand or.. want anything to do with me.." she said tears filling her eyes.

" Willow love, I'm sorry I got so angry, I didn't mean to frighten you, I frightened myself. I.. felt so jealous... and I was afraid you would realize you had made a mistake in marrying me.. and leave me."

"Oh no, no, you're my only choice, I love you body and soul, nothing will ever change that." She said hugging him tightly.

"Darling, It's the same for me. There is nothing you could tell me that would make me stop loving you."
He replied.

Willow took a deep breath; " I'm a witch" she rattled quickly.

William looked like he was going to laugh< strange time to crack jokes>. He saw how serious her face stayed and his eyed narrowed.

"What?"

I'm a witch, a good witch" she added quickly.

"I see" William replied trying desperately to keep his expression neutral. < He didn't see at all> " I'm not really sure what that means " he admitted. " I mean I know you're not evil... I've never known a sweeter more gentleperson..."

"Well, I explained how I was trying to help my friend Angel. I was casting a spell to try and help him. Something unexpected happened and I ended up here in Leeds. I think I was meant to be here though. I fell in love with you." She smiled.

William nodded his head, "All right"

"Well I 'm not as well trained as I should be to use my powers and Aaron is a very powerful Druid; a type of witch" she added. He says my untrained powers are dangerous to others. I agreed to start working with Aaron to keep a handle on things. I don't want anything to happen to you."

" I don't trust the man Will, can't we find someone else to help you?" "Your not in any danger are you from this witch stuff?" he asked.

"Oh no, not really, besides I decided to stop practicing. I'll explain things to Aaron," she said with her resolve face.

" Willow, I just want you to be happy and safe, darling." William said kissing her forehead gently.

Willow tilted her head and sought out her husband's lips. She felt a tremendous weight lift from her heart.
She nuzzled his neck and kissed his throat, " How's your arm?"

"Well enough to make love to my wife" he purred capturing her lips in a passionate kiss.

William's arm and shoulder were too stiff to work. He decided he would go to the railway yard and speak to his boss about taking a couple of days off until him arm and shoulders were healed. Willow saw William off and he replied he would be home in the late afternoon as he was going to tend to some errands while he was out.

Willow asked Mary for a few hours off to go and pick up her Wedding pictures from the photographer. He promised he would have them ready. Willow also was going to see Aaron and explain her decision to forgo magic.

Willow was surprised with how easily Aaron acquiesced to her decision. She picked up the pictures. She placed a small picture into her locket. She framed a large photo and placed it by their bedside. Willow decided to place the last picture with her journals and letters to send home to Sunnydale. She had written back Mr. Giles, great uncle of Rupert, member of the watcher's council; to keep the journal and letters safe until they could be delivered to Giles in the beginning of May 1999. Willow wrote that she would periodically add to the letters and journals. She had bittersweet thoughts about her loved ones in Sunnydale. She knew she would be long dead before the letters were every delivered. She smiled happily if she and William had children; perhaps their grandchildren could visit her loved ones. Willow knew her friends would feel better about things if she knew how happy she was here.
Willow left to post the package to London.

Aaron was vigorously fucking the winsome female vampire. He had cast a protection spell so as neither she nor her sire could drain him. Aaron knew from his dealings with the male vampire Angelus, how sadistic, and possessive he was of his childe. Aaron spilled his seed into the demon. He need only start with phase two of his plan to ensure the whelp's demise. Aaron knew he himself couldn't kill the sod himself; as much as he would like to. He recognized the strong bond Willow had with the moron. Her powers were great, as he turned her and fed off her soul he was vulnerable to her thoughts. She may sense his duplicity in the whelp's death, he knew from previous experience that humans were often plagued with guilt and remorse. He didn't want any barriers to impede his mastication upon his disciple soul.

Aaron had cast an illusion spell over the loony vamp. Angelus would smell another's scent on her.
Aaron counted on Angelus punishing Dru to gather information on what man dared to take what was his. He had filled the vamps head with visions of the Ashton chap. She believed she had been pleasured by him. As usual, Aaron would prove useful to the powerful vamp and offer up this impudent mortal.

Aaron was waiting for William as he approached the pub. William was unhappy to see the man. He gave William the willies. Aaron quickly explained he was there because he was worried about Willow's safety with the magic. Aaron said he understood Willow's decision to stop practicing, but that perhaps William was unaware of how she was a beacon for evil.
Aaron said he thought he could help with the situation, and approached William as opposed to Willow to reassure William he had the couple's best interest at heart. William was very concerned with what Aaron said. Aaron asked William to meet him at Midnight to discuss what would need to happen to ensure Willow's safety. William wanted to hear more about this now, but Aaron begged off claiming he needed to consult in a few more books before he was sure what the best course of action would be.

It began to rain as William entered the pub. William and Willow retired early. Willow worked with William on beginning to read an easy primer. William decided to exhibit his appreciation to his wife by making slow, passionate love to her. He held her in his arms as he listened to the rain on the roof. He gently moved out of her arms and quietly dressed slipping out to meet Aaron.

Willow awoke with a start. She had had some terrible nightmare, which she was unable to recall upon waking. It left her with a terrible foreboding. William was gone. His place in bed was still warm. She quickly jumped out of bed and looked out the window. She saw him walking towards the canal.

Willow's heart started to pound. < Where is he going., danger, danger her heart seemed to beat> She quickly slipped her woolen cloak over her nightgown and followed him out into the rain.

~~~~~~~~
 
 

William entered the alley, and heard Aaron call his name.

"William, here"

William walked deeper into the alley. "This better be important, I'm not in the habit of leaving my wife at an ungodly hour to meet some wanker in the pouring rain."

"I explained to you, Willow's in trouble and this involves her life and your death man!"
Aaron was upon William; he reached out and through the protective spell barrier. Blue flame sparked as Aaron's hand grasped the silver crucifix, neutralized the spell and snapped the chain, pulling it brutally off William's neck. William was momentarily stunned and blinded by the flash of light and savage wrenching on his neck.

Aaron retreated quickly into the shadow.

Angelus moved in quickly, game face in place.

Willow had followed her husband. She was having a difficult time seeing where he disappeared to with both the heavy hood of her cloak and the pouring rain impairing her vision. She heard sounds from the alley.

Lightening flashed and Willow's heart stopped.

A Vamp was growling at William, " Here's a lesson for you Wanker. Keep your cock out of my Dru."
He snarled holding William up by the throat. He leaned in and ripped open his throat.

Willow screamed, " Angelus, No, and charged into the dark alley toward her husband.

Willow saw William struggle to escape from Angelus, as the demon drained the life's blood from him.

Willow plowed into Angelus, screaming and swinging furiously. He let go of William and attempted to grab Willow. He laughed, "dessert." Willow saw her husband slide down the wall. "Nooooo she wailed."

Angelus attempted to grab his next meal by the neck, but succeeded in gripping a chain and a handful of hair. He pulled sharply. The chain snapped and Willow fell backwards.

"No shouted Aaron moving out of the shadows, She's my disciple."

Both the Vampire and the Warlock were stunned to see the girl disappear in a vortex of white light.

A battered and bruised Dru crawled from the shadowed mumbling. "Daddy bought baby a new toy"
She bit her arm and placed the bloody wound into the nearly dead man's mouth. " Toy needs to drink so we can play" she laughed eerily.
 

Angelus howled in rage. His demon strength clenching the silver locket in his hand.
 

Willow fell hard upon her ass; the full moon illuminated the clearing. Willow scrambled to her feet, looking around in panic for William... Angelus. GODESS NO. She saw only the clay chalices with candles still lit upon the ground. She was standing in the middle of the circle. She reached up for her locket, gone. Angelus had broken it when he grabbed for her. NOOOOOO, ...WILLIAM.... WILLIAM she screamed. She was flooded with incredible rage. She dropped to her knees, William... William she sobbed over and over again. Her William was dead. Angelus had killed him. Willow fell upon the grown weeping and crying her beloved husband's name over and over until she was hoarse.

Las Vegas Nevada
April 29th, 1999 12:05a.m.

Spike was having a fitful dream. He and Dru were arguing as usual over her affections for Angelus.
Suddenly the dreamscape shifted.
He was standing on a windswept moor
A redheaded woman was standing in a diaphanous cream colored garment. The wind was buffeting her red hair about her face He couldn't see her face she was too far away He heard her husky voice carried by the wind:

"Yet in an hour to come, disdainful dust, You shall be bowed and brought to bed with me. While the blood roars, or when the blood is rust
About a broken engine, this shall be.
If not today, then later; if not here
On the green grass, with sighing and delight, Then under it, all in good time, my dear,
We shall be laid together in the night, And ruder and more violent, be assured, Then the desirous body's heat and sweat That shameful kiss by more than night obscured Wherewith at length the scornfullest mouth is met. Life has no friend; her converts late or soon Slide back to feed the dragon with the moon."

Her voice, words, and transparent gown were powerfully erotic. He felt himself harden in desire for this creature.

Her voice changed and she began screaming his name over and over in a panic:

"WILLIAM, WILLIAM WILLIAM"

He ran towards her, yet she was farther and farther away

Spike woke in a cold sweat from his dream.

< I had better lay off the Italian's too much garlic in their blood is giving me bloody nightmares>
Spike rolled out of bed, placing his cold feet upon the even colder floor. < Bloody nightmares about Dru and.. some strange redheaded women, calling him by his given name. Although he had not drunk any alcohol, the strange dream left him with a hangover. His stomach was in knots and his brain felt all fuzzy. Spike didn't recall much of his life as a mortal. The demon liked it that way. Spike had an inkling he was once a wuss. Well nothing cures a hangover better then fresh blood. < A blue moon, a good time to hunt>

Spike had been in Las Vegas for two months. He had done well at the gaming tables and had won a shitload of cash from the casinos. He frequently spent his days in the dimly lit casinos and his night pounding the strip for prey. Las Vegas had such a varied assortment. Spike thought he might stay here permanently. He had left Dru behind in Brazil yet again. He told himself it was for good this time.
He enjoyed the scantly clad showgirls, the brightness of lights at night, and the wide assortment of people.
Spike was careful not to drain anyone dry, no need to draw any unnecessary attention to himself.

He showered and tried to clear the last vestiges of the dream from his head. "He began to sing along with the radio in his suite.

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