Disclaimer: I am poor, so I obviously don't own these goldmine characters. But I will take them and the plots and mangle them to meet my needs. Joss, you okay with that?
pairings: W/S
rating: To be safe NC17
Spoilers: none really season 2
summary: A spin on a Lover's Walk.
A/N: Angel is Spike's sire as usual.
Feedback is a good way to know that someone is out there reading and makes me stay up half the night writing more parts. No feedback makes me think that no one cares (sniffs) and it could be weeks before I post more By My Side!
Now pay attention boys and girls....
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
~Part: 1~
Willow sat up, her head pounding furiously; she looked to where her partner in crime lay- unconscious on the insane vampires’ bed. Great, again she needed Xander and again he was unavailable. Jerk.
She raised her head slowly as the rummaging sounded closer. Ah that would be why she felt the impending sense of doom.
A bleached blonde Vampire stomped over to the bed and dumped a cardboard box next to Xander.
Willow scooted over and away from the vamp.
“A spell. For me. You're gonna do a spell for me.”
What was he talking about? Her head spun and he thought she was going to be sick, “Uh, what kind of spell?”
Apparently that was the wrong thing to say, Spike’s temper flared
“A *love* spell! Are you brain dead?” he stalked over to the dresser “I'm gonna get what's mine.” He picked up a bottle of what clearly wasn’t milk “What's mine.” And uncorked it “Teach her to walk out on me.”
Willow watched as he took several swallows of the brown liquid, her brain trying to make sense of what he was saying. Spell, love spell? Wasn’t he already in love?
Spike realised that Willow was staring at him “What are you staring at?”
Willow immediately looked away; let’s not piss off the drunken Vampire “Nothing.” She managed.
Spike moved closer and asked “You can do it, right? You can make Dru love me again? Make her crawl!” his voice was almost desperate and Willow felt her head begin to clear as she made sense of the conversation. Drusilla had stopped loving Spike and he wanted her back. As he looked at her she realised he wanted an answer.
“I-I can try.”
Once again this seemed to be the wrong thing to say, Spike grew incensed and grabbed her by the neck. “What are you talking about, trying? You'll do it!”
Oh goddess, “Yes, I'll do it!” anything to get him away.
Spike let go of her in such a hurry she fell against the bedpost banging her elbow. He broke his bottle against the opposite bedpost letting the liquid fall all over the floor and grabbed for her again. He thrust the bottle at her. “You lie to me, and I'll shove this through your face! You want that?”
The misty haze cleared and with it came terror. “No...” she pleaded.
Spike took delight in her accelerated pulse and scent of fear. “Right through to your BRAIN!”
I like my brain, willow thought desperately “No, please, no...”
Spike stared at her pretty face wreathed in terror and forced himself to calm down. He pushed her away and leaned on the bedpost, able to smell the alcohol on the floor and wished he had some to drink.
Then it wouldn’t hurt.
“She wouldn't even kill me.” He dropped the broken bottle, his anger leaving and despair settling in. he walked around and sat on the bed next to the witch.
Drusilla, why did you leave me? “She just left. She didn't even care enough to cut off my head or set me on fire. (sniffs) I mean, is that too much to ask? You know? Some little sign that she cared?”
Willow watched in shock as Spike sighed heavily and carried on.
“It was that truce with Buffy that did it. Dru said I'd gone soft. Wasn't demon enough for the likes of her. And I told her it didn't mean anything, I was thinking of her the whole time, but she didn't care. So, we got to Brazil, and she was... she was just different. I gave her everything: beautiful jewels, beautiful dresses with beautiful girls in them, but nothing made her happy. And she would fliiirt! (sniffs) I caught her on a park bench, making out with a *chaos* demon! Have you ever seen a chaos demon? They're all slime and antlers. They're disgusting.”
Willow shook her head; she hadn’t seen a chaos demon. Was Dru mad? Well okay yeah she was but Spike did form a truce with the Slayer for her and he wasn’t exactly hard on the eyes. Once he calmed down and wasn’t threatening her with a broken bottle. Her thoughts came to an abrupt stop as Spike reached up and began stroking her hair.
“She only did it to hurt me. So I said, 'I'm not putting up with this anymore.' And she said, 'Fine!' And I said, 'Yeah, I've got an unlife, you know!' And then she said... she said we could still be friends.”
He laid his head on Willow’s shoulder and began to cry in earnest. “God, I'm so unhappy!”
Ok that did it. She was used as an emotional doormat and research machine for her friends and the rest of the time they ignored her. She had Oz/Xander guilt, Cordelia and her band of evil bitches were still horrible to her and her parents were never home. On top of that she had to put up with a Vampire moaning about his love life all over her? Screw that.
“Well, boo hoo.”
Huh? Spike’s head shot up to pin the irate witch with a glare. “What?”
She stood up and moved away to face him.
“So she left you. You’re over a hundred years old, act like it.”
“Watch your mouth little girl.” Spike growled.
“There, that’s much better.” Willow beamed at him “You’re a Vampire, not a child. So she left you- more fool her.”
Spike put his head on the side considering the witch, was she really insane? “What are you dribbling about?”
“If you ask me she is the one missing out. You’re loyal and you love her and…and… you’re very cute- in a demonic way. She is the fool for leaving you.”
Willow’s words managed to deflate the last of Spike’s anger as he stared bemused at the redhead. “But I love her. Have done for a century, I want her back. So you’ll do the spell for me?”
“No.” Willow decided.
“What?” Spike growled again.
“You said Dru left because she thinks your not demon enough for her, right?”
“Right.”
“Well, by all this crying and pouting, you’re just proving her right. What you have to do, is not get some love spell, but prove her wrong. If you do it right- *she’ll* come crawling back to *you*.”
Spike was gobsmacked. That had never occurred to him. The mental picture of having Dru crawl on her hands and knees back to beg his forgiveness was enough to almost sober him up and a grin spread across his face.
“I like that.”
Willow smiled “Knew you’d see it my way. So I’ll just take my unconscious friend and be on my way....”
“Not so fast, little witch.” He grabbed her arm before she could leave.
Shit, thought Willow.
“What is it Spike?” Willow’s voice wavered.
“You look like a smart chit. Plus I’m still a little hung over, you can help me.” Spike nodded sagely.
“M-me?” that was not part of my plan. Willow tried to think of a way out of this.
“Yeah.” Spike was pleased.
“What do you want me to do?” Willow asked hesitantly.
“Well, you help me. I want her to crawl back to me. What do I have to do?”
“How should I know?” Willow replied flippantly and immediately regretted it when he vamped out.
“It was your idea, pet.” He bit out “So you tell me how to do it.”
Willow stumbled as he let go of her and she sat down on the bed again. He really doesn’t know.
“Ok, you need to set yourself up as Master- somewhere.” Please not Sunnydale “Somewhere big, like LA. Make minions- clever minions.” Oh god I just told him to kill people. Willow winced. “But not too clever, because then they’d challenge you for power. Um then I guess you’d need human servants.”
“What the bleeding hell would I need humans for?” Spike said sitting down next to her again.
“Oh, humans are useless,” Willow replied sarcastically. “Not like they can go out during the day or go shopping or go into private residences or anything.” Her temper flared. “You vamps are all the same, if it doesn’t have fangs it’s fair game, not useful for anything. Bah!”
She folded her arms and glared at him.
A grin spread its way across Spike’s face. This one was full of fire and so smart. She’d make a great vampire.
“Don’t sulk, pet.”
“Not a pet.” She mumbled.
“Want to be?” he leaned closer and Willow scrambled off the bed.
“What?” she screeched and Spike clutched his head.
“What part of “I still have a hang over” confused you?” he moaned.
“S-sorry.” She whispered contritely until she recalled why she’d jumped off the bed “Look, I’m giving you a plan here. So there will be no Vamping or pet-ting of any kind, with me.”
“Alright.” Spike smiled “What then?”
“Huh?” Willow was lost at his conversation jumping.
“I make smart minions and then…” he prompted.
“Oh, make a name for yourself keeping order and generally ruling your little domain.
Strike fear in the hearts of all demons that dare cross your path. General demon stuff.”
Willow rubbed her head. I want to go home, she thought miserably.
Spike put his head to the side considering her plan, sounded great. When he scared the local demon population, word would get around and soon Dru would know that Spike was back to full demon-ness and would come crawling back, and in the meantime he’d get to have a little fun.
The little witch was a clever one that’s for sure. And handy to have around. He measured her up. “Ok witch, I’ll do you a deal.”
“What?” she responded tiredly.
“I’ll let coma boy here live,” he thumbed over his shoulder at the still unconscious Xander “If you come with me.”
“What? I don’t want to be a snack.” Willow trembled.
“No, you’re too useful to be a snack. And you don’t want to be a vampire, so that leaves my human pet.”
Willow’s eyes narrowed “Why should I trust you?”
“You shouldn’t,” was his wolfish reply. “But I’m giving you the chance to come willingly, I could just kill him and take you, but I’m too damn pissed to fight now.”
Willow thought quickly “Okay Spike, I’ll come willingly with you and be your pet.” She spat out the last word. “Until Drusilla comes back and in exchange you leave my friends alone- all my friends. Buffy, Xander, Giles and Oz.” she swallowed over the last name.
“The Slayer?” Spike whined until he saw the famous resolve face. “Ok fine, but when Dru comes back- all bets are off, deal?”
“Deal.”
“Good, now let’s get out of here, I need a smoke.”
~Part: 2~
They left Xander at the factory- still unconscious- and Spike drove to Willow’s home to pick up a few necessities. Like a change of clothes and her laptop. She also left a message for the slayer to let her know where Xander was.
Spike was waiting impatiently in the DeSoto, since she refused to allow him access to her house, tapping his fingers on the wheel.
“Get all you need, pet?” he raised an eyebrow at her bag. It wasn’t a very big bag, he thought all girls and women packed their house whenever they left it.
“You said be quick. So I got essentials.” Willow explained throwing her bag on the back seat “Besides if we stick around for long, Buffy will be here and there will be a fight and broken deals and badness.”
“Right.” Spike agreed with her supposition.
He threw the car into drive and they quickly left Sunnydale. Willow stared out of the window as they passed familiar houses and shops. In a way she was leaving home and it hurt. She probably wouldn’t see her friends again.
A tear made its way down her face and she hastily scrubbed it away, she was not going to show weakness in front of a Master Vampire, even if it was a drunken one.
As they left Sunnydale Spike made sure to hit the sign making the car jolt and Willow let out a squeak of surprise and glanced quickly at Spike who had a huge grin on his face like it was some huge joke.
Mumbling something about destruction of property Willow leaned against the window and closed her eyes.
~~~*~~~
“Red?” Willow felt her shoulder being shook. “Wake up Red, we’re here.”
Willow opened her eyes and immediately wished she hadn’t. She had been having a nice dream where she was sitting in the Bronze with her friends listening to the Dingo’s and drinking some nice hot tea. Now she was sitting in a bashed up DeSoto with a drunken Vampire plotting to win back his insane lover, and if that wasn’t enough it seemed they were pulled up at the sleaziest motel America had to offer.
“Where?”
“I need to feed and get out of the Sun for a while. You’ve been asleep all night and now it’s my turn, alright?” Oh… he sounded much more sober. Wasn’t that a frightening thought?
Willow climbed out of the car and clutched her bag in front of her. She stared at the place in distaste. Spike joined her.
“Okay, so it’s not the bleeding Ritz, but I’m knackered, so it’ll have to do.” Spike marched up to the reception leaving Willow to follow him belligerently.
Spike glared at the bubble gum chewing receptionist who turned away from her soap opera and looked at him like he was dirt.
“Yeah?” she snapped obviously annoyed at missing what the lead hero (who looked like Angel) had to say to his gay lover/transvestite partner (who looked suspiciously like the Watcher.)
“I want a room. Bed and bathroom.” Spike snapped back. If he wasn’t so tired and hung over he’d snap the bitch’s neck. But that could wait until tomorrow.
“Forty dollars a night.”
“Whatever.” Spike threw the money at her knowing full well he’d get the money back from her cold corpse in a few hours anyway.
“Room 16.” She turned back to her soap ignoring him and Willow who stood a little bit behind him.
“C’mon, pet.”
“Not a pet.” Willow mumbled again as she followed him down the hall and into a grungy looking room.
Willow looked at the room in disgust. There was no way that she could sleep on that bed. The sheets were grey and gross and she was afraid of catching something. Oh plus there was only one bed.
Spike lopped onto the bed and leered at her guessing her thoughts.
“H-how ‘bout I sleep in the car?” she stuttered and his grin grew.
“Nah, smart little thing like you would probably hot wire it and take off.” He patted the bed next to him and waggled his eyebrows.
“I couldn’t!” she thought for a second “Okay... I probably could, but I wouldn’t!”
“And I’m big on trust, ducks.” He yawned “Now get your sweet little ass down here.”
“S-Spike, I know Vampire’s can’t get diseases, but humans can and I –I’m not sleeping on that.”
Spike rolled his eyes and shrugged off his duster. He laid it on the bed next to him.
“Sleep on that.” He ordered. Willow sidled closer to the bed and pulled the duster further away from where Spike lay, ignoring his chuckle of amusement. She perched on the end of the bed and dropped her bag next to her feet on the floor. She closed her eyes and tried not to think of the perilous situation she was in.
Meanwhile back in Sunnydale, Cordelia and Oz ran through the factory and down some abandoned steps to find Xander alone sleeping like a baby.
Spike grinned as he wondered what the witch would say when she woke up. He had gradually pulled her close to him in the night, so that she was snuggled against him, she was tucked under his chin, his arms wrapped tightly around her feeling her soft warm body against his hard cold one. As he dozed, she sighed, her warm breath caressing his neck, and his last thoughts were of how he was definitely getting the better end of the deal.
~~~*~~~
“For the hundredth time, Buffy, I don’t know. I got knocked in the head with a Bunsen burner. Kinda took all the consciousness out of me.” Xander was frustrated. He remembered fighting with Spike and the blonde vampire saying something about borrowing the girl, but nothing else after the blow to the head. “What about the message she left?”
“All she said was to go get you from the factory, that you were hurt and she would call when she could.”
“He just wanted to borrow her, right?” He asked, hope that Willow would be returned to him unharmed fading. “Deadboy, he’s your kid or whatever. What’s he going to do?”
Angel looked up, brow furrowed. “Spike is an emotional demon. It sorta makes him unpredictable. That’s Angelus liked about him. The X factor.”
“So you are just as clueless as the rest of us.” Buffy chimed in, ceasing her pacing long enough to register the look of hurt on his face. “Is there anywhere he would take her?”
“Not that I know of.”
The library doors burst open, to admit Oz and Cordelia, the later waving a sheet of paper frantically. They went to her house in search of the redhead.
“He took her…she left a note.” The brunette managed as she gulped for air. Xander leaped for it despite the slamming in his head.
“Guys, I don’t know if I’ll see you again and I don’t have much time to explain. Spike is waiting for me. I made a deal with him. Don’t look for us. He promised not to hurt me and I believe him. Xander is at that old factory. Please tell Oz not to worry. I’ll email if I can.” That was it.
He handed the note to Buffy who read it over to herself as did everyone in the room.
Cordelia took the note, laid it on the counter and turned to the gang. “So… are we Bronzing tonight?”
~Part: 3~
“Wake up…” he nudged her, towelling his blond locks. When she did not rouse, he grabbed the bucket of ice that was now half melted and poured it on her unsuspecting frame, chuckling madly as she screamed in protest and shock.
“God… WHAT!...SPIKE!” She glared at him trying to slow the pounding in her chest that he found as alluring as she found alarming. “WHAT ARE YOU DOING?”
“Sorry, luv, time to get out of here. Go shower and dress. We leave in an hour.” Spike liked to see her riled up. In his opinion she was glorious when in a mood. He was still in shock that she’d told him off last night. He watched her gather some underclothes, jeans and retardedly bright t-shirt from the duffle she packed. It hurt his eyes to look at it. He could just imagine if he saw it through his demon eyes.
“Pet?”
“Not your pet,” she mumbled.
He ignored her. “You can’t be serious.” The mirth in his voice was unmistakeable, she just didn’t know why he was amused.
“That shirt. It’s a bloody weapon. Can blind a vampire from 20 feet. Throw it away,” he demanding, nearly pouting
“No!” She shrieked. If he found it offensive, then there was no way she would give it up without a fight. <No matter how cute he looks. Stupid, love-sick, egotistical, sensitive-eyed vampire!>
“Throw it away.” A low growl, too low for her hearing, unfortunately, rumbled in his chest as he lounged in the chair by the desk.
“Will not. It’s my shirt and I happen to like the color. It’s a rich a-and vibrant green,” she expounded as she went into the bathroom.
“Throw. It. Away.”
“I’m wearing it, and that is final.” She set everything on the toilet and slammed the door, proud of herself for standing her ground.
She looked in the mirror. Her hair was plastered to her head, thanks to Spike’s ice bath. “Who does he think he is, telling me what I can and can’t wear? I hope it DOES blind him. Stupid vampire,” she mumbled to herself as she undressed. “And I am not a bloody pet,” she said, mocking his accent.
“You are if I say you are.”
“AHHHHH!” Willow screamed, whirling around quickly to find the stupid vampire himself standing behind her. “Spike! H-How long…uh have you been there, behind me, uh… where I couldn’t see you in the mirror?” <Oh God, oh God, oh God…He’s gonna kill me now…help!> She snatched a towel, wrapping it around her tiny frame clumsily. Her face was an open book, as all her fears were displayed for him, and her body was quite amazing under all those weird clothes. If she wasn’t so disrespectful, it would be amusing and alluring.
“Long enough to be blinded by THAT BLOODY SHIRT!” he roared.
Willow grabbed it quickly, while trying to hold her towel up, and handed it to him, looking down. “Sorry.”
He took it and left the bathroom. Through the door, she heard him yell, “30 minutes, pet. I want you ready in 30 minutes.” And then the outside door slammed.
~~~*~~~
Spike drained the motel clerk and emptied the register. A little over $800 was the bounty. Then he grabbed the security tape from the VCR, dropped it in his duster pocket for destruction by fire, and sauntered back to the room, happy and full.
Willow was sitting on the bed, combing through her freshly blow dried hair. Her bags waiting by the door.
“Good to see you CAN follow instructions, pet.” He emphasized the pet since he knew it irked her so, grinning wildly as she struggled to keep her mouth shut. He picked up the bags. “Let’s go”
The Desoto was still full of the same crap, and she was not about to get back in there until he cleaned it out.
“Spike…this is…just…DISGUSTING! What are all these food containers for? Do you eat? I thought vampires didn’t eat. We have to throw all these… empties away.” She held a bottle up by two fingers, wondering at what once occupied it.
He incredulously watched as she gather an armload and headed to the nearest dumpster. With her tiny arms, it would take forever, so reluctantly, and with a sigh, he helped. <Only to speeds matters up. Not to make her more comfortable. Nope. Never.>
~~~*~~~
Los Angeles was very tempting for the demon in Spike. The idea of ruling a city so large appealed to his ego. But it was too close to Sunnydale, and word would get back to his sire all too quickly, once he started to make his presence known there, so they were planning a longer journey. He had a bag of money in the trunk, several hundred thousand dollars from the recently, and not so recently, dead, and decided to store the Desoto in L.A. with a friend, and buy a used car.
He wanted another monster of a car, but Willow convinced him that something less conspicuous would be wiser. So with her help, he decided on a black Chevy Impala. It was not too big, good on gas, and still had style. She even had them tint the windows a ridiculously and illegally dark shade, with triple the UV protection, so they could travel during the day without worry. Spike also had a new 100 disc CD system and DVD player installed.
The paperwork was signed, the tinting dried, and the entertainment was installed and mounted. They took two more days, shopping for DVDs, CDs and other provisions, before they left the City of Angels, heading north.
Spike had expressed to her that he wanted some distance between them and Sunnydale, but not too much in case she needed to go home. He was evil, but not a bastard, and Willow thought that it would be better to be some place that wasn’t super sunny, with his aversion to daylight and all, so Seattle was their destination.
He liked the idea that it was a major city, but had no ruling master that he knew of. There were only a few clans that were gaining power, but nothing the he couldn’t handle.
Another of the many items that the demon and the redhead purchased were cell phones, one of which Spike was now using to call his minions. They were in Chicago, where he’d set them up in a small apartment complex that he owned. They lived well, had plenty of humans to hunt, and were fiercely loyal to the blond. He told them to be Seattle in four days, go to the Days Inn (ha) where he’d reserved three rooms, call him on the cell phone, and wait until he called for them.
“How many minions do you have coming?”
“Ten. That leaves about twenty there to handle things. I’ll make more when we get there, too. Just can’t have them all be fledges. Need some experience.” He grinned as she grimaced. <I am so going to hell for this.>
~Part: 4~
Seattle was wet. Very wet. And Willow found it depressing. The rain wasn’t so bad, and she could even get to like the storming weather. What had her most upset was that Thanksgiving came and went without her even realizing it. She couldn’t remember one without Xander, and because of the stupid vampire, she was all alone, no turkey for comfort.
They arrive on Saturday night, and Spike checked them into the Residence Inn. He wanted to take his time finding a suitable home, but didn’t fancy hotel living for too long.
He watched her come out of the bathroom and could definitely smell the tears. Her face was dry, but the scent was lingering in the confines of the restroom, and true to the rule, the molecules moved to an area of lesser concentration, hence the assault to his overly sensitive olfactory nerves.
“What’s bothering you, pet?”
Deep breath. “Nothing.” She flopped on the sofa and grabbed the remote, changing the channel to “Real World."
“Pet?” Nothing. “Pet? Did you happen to notice the game on the telly?”
“There’s a telly in the bedroom,” she retorted, not bothering to look at him as he got up, grabbed his duster and left the room. When the door slammed, she sighed in relief. Part of her wanted to cower in fear. Spike could snap her neck at any moment and not blink an eye, but she refused to be his ‘pet,’ and he was going learn a little respect for Willow Rosenberg.
She was getting into the program, which she really did want to watch, when the sound of the key card penetrated, interrupting her show. <Oh great, can’t he stay out all night like other vampires?>
“Oh, Willow,” the blond called from the doorway, surprising her as he rarely used her name. <Maybe he’s finally…Oh NOOO!>
“Spike! What have you done?” She whispered, too stunned to move, although she was squeezing the remote enough to crack it slightly.
“It’s a prezzie. For you, luv. Seeing as how you’ve been so bloody wonderful and cooperative. I’d say you get travel companion of the year. Is there an award for that? I’d wager there is.” The smirk was in full force, her fear and distress exciting his demon.
“No. Oh God no…” She shook her head violently, attempting to rid herself of the reality before her.
“So what do you say, pet? No thanks?” The blond eyed her coolly. He was fed up with her belligerence, and it would end tonight. It or her, either way he’d be rid of the attitude. He really didn’t need her to make himself master of a city. He’d done it many times over. It was just a way to get the girl to play along, but if she was going to be a major pain in his ass, then he would eliminate said pain.
“No, Spike…p-please let them go.” Tears filled her eyes as he shook his head slowly, final was his decision, and she knew that she had pushed to far. “Pleeeeease…” She choked out before letting out a full, uninhibited sob.
The ‘them’ in question where a man and woman, probably a couple, perhaps from the inn, unconscious, and the man was already bleeding from the neck and head.
“I’m sorry! Sooo sorry. Don’t kill them, please,” she begged.
“You want them to live?” She nodded furiously, rising from the sofa, finally released from her panic-induced paralysis.
“Alright, pet. Come here.” She walked over slowly, not sure what he would do to her in exchange for not killing the couple on the floor.
Stopping a foot away from him, she waited. To her surprise, he pulled her in a hug, stroking her slick red hair. A question was tossed in the air.
“So what’s bothering you, pet?”
~~~*~~~
They talked for a while, Willow confiding in him about Sunnydale, and her missing her friends and Thanksgiving, and her general sadness about being away. Spike let her ramble on, wondering at her lack of the need for oxygen. Her head was definitely too full, and he would have to find a way to help her empty it.
After nearly an hour, he left, taking the two with him, promising to return them to wherever he’d abducted them. Her relief was tangible, he could nearly taste it as he departed, the load not at all heavy on his shoulders, and he moved at preternatural speed.
There were woods along the north side of the inn, and the vampire entered them with his burden, dropping them roughly, once in deep enough to not be seen or heard.
“Get up,” he ordered. Quickly, too quickly, the pair rose to their feet, looking at the blond expectantly. “Well that went just... swell.” He rubbed his hands together grinning madly.
“Cool. So did we pass? Can we join you?” The male vamp asked.
“Here’s the thing. She’s seen your faces. Would be a bit awkward if you turned up as minions, now wouldn’t it?”
“A deal’s a deal, man.” The young fledglings were desperate to hook up with someone to lead them. The demon with the shocking blond hair certainly seemed to be what they were looking for.
“Fine. You go to the Comfort Inn on Tuesday at dusk, wait around until you see me. If you aren’t there, everything is off.”
“Thanks.” The two could sense the power in the blond vampire, dangerous and deadly, even as he walked away. They didn’t know any vampires like him, able to keep a human face so easily, but they had only been turned a few weeks ago, and the one to turn them was dust, so this new vampire in town just might be their saviour. “We’ll be there.” He yelled. <We’ll definitely be there.>
~~~*~~~
Spike was in a good mood. He’d fool the evil little witch into behaving, at least for a while, and didn’t have to kill her to do it. It wasn’t that he wouldn’t kill the girl, he just enjoyed her company when she forgot to be angry at him.
Now she owed him a favor, and he would use that to his advantage.
He opened the door to their temporary home, to find her sitting at the kitchen table, eating the remnants of her lunch, big green doe eyes searching his for malice or trickery.
“Come on, pet. You need a better meal than that.” He held out his hand while still standing by the door, waiting for her.
One, then another tentative step, before she spoke. “Is this another joke? I’m very hungry, so please, if you have another ‘prezzie’ for me, I’ll pass.” The words spilled out devoid of emotion, she couldn’t risk pissing off the vampire and him hurting anyone else.
“No games, luv. Just food. I promise.” She moved forward again, taking his hand as expected, like a good pet.
“Where are we going?”
“We’ll drive until you see something you like. Your choice, pet.” He opened the door for her and she got in. Once settled behind the wheel, they drove while she made up her mind. His mind was on other things as he turned corner after corner. Soon he’d seek out his minions and begin his take over. She would have to be claimed before that, or they’d lose respect for him. No master would allow a human to remain alive unless claimed and under his protection. Now that she was being a bit docile, he would have to explain to her what was required, and if she fought it too much, then he’d just have to force her. The very thought delighted his demon, distracting him as he swerved.
“Spike, you okay?” She looked concerned, not about her but him. “YOU need to sleep more. After all the driving, it’s no surprise you’re tired.”
“’S alright. I am a bit knackered.” He didn’t correct her. “Soon as you eat and we shop, so that you have some snacks and such, I’ll turn in.”
She gave him a little nod of approval before returning to her vigil at the window, looking for a place to eat.
~Part: 5~
The restaurant was Italian, and spike was pretty certain that the evil little pixie chose it purposely to annoy him. The stench of garlic permeated every cell of every person, and he would have no snack here.
But she sat there, doe-eyed and seemingly innocent of any mal intent, devouring a plate of ravioli and French bread. She knew to not reach for the garlic bread again. The first time it ended badly, the bruises on her wrist evidence of his extreme displeasure.
"Spike, really. I wasn’t thinking. It was just the first place that looked good,” she defended again, between bites. When he just rolled his eyes and looked away, she gave up and shovelled more into her mouth.
The waitress came again, to see if he would like anything at all. She blatantly ignored the redhead, in favour of the handsome blond, and Spike revelled in the attention.
“No thanks, luv. I’m straight.” Dreamy eyes roamed over her amble bosom, then locked onto her steel grey eyes, tempting him to get her outside, fuck her, and drain her slowly, like a lover, in his patience to kill her sweetly. She deserved nothing less beautiful.
“Take a picture. It’ll last longer,” Willow spat, breaking the spell, and waitress left, feeling cheated by the small redhead, unaware of how close she came to dying.
“Do what?” Brow creased, he turned his attention to the girl. <What is she yammering about now?>
“You were staring. Take a picture.” He remained impassive, so she continued. “I mean, you were practically salivating over her big ole, well, you know. A-and she was all panting like a dog, a-and hey, uh… I’m trying to eat here, so stop with the seduction thing. Besides I’m sitting right here. How does she know we aren’t a…a.. couple…together. It was rude. And you would be a very bad boyfriend, flirting like that right in front of me….No tip for her, and you sleep on the couch tonight. I mean…. If it were real…I mean us. If we were...I…not that we sleep together, sleep together. Or that I want you…cause, hey….I am friends with the slayer, and there will be no sleeping with vampires…nope. Unless you are the slayer, then you might sleep with one, and then he goes all crazy and tries to kill EVERYONE. And my fish…did you know he killed my fish?”
<oh Satan, this chit’s a loon!>
“What about your fish, luv?” It was the last coherent thing she said, so he’d start there.
“Angelus killed them. Why would he do that?” She felt a few tears spring up, and swallowed them back. <I really liked those fish.>
“Can’t say why Angelus does most the things he does. I remember him coming in, giggling about it one night. Thought it was stupid, myself.”
“Giggling! Ohh, when I see Angel…” She sighed, shoulders slumping. “It wasn’t him. I can’t get mad at him.”
Spike looked at her like she grew a third tit. “What do you mean it wasn’t him? Angel, the Angel you know, is still Angelus. The shiny soul is the badge he wears to play in your little club, but whenever he feels like it, he puts that soul right away, and does what his demon wants. He’s still a vampire, luv. He did it. And somewhere underneath all that brooding he does to fool everyone, he is still giggling about it.”
“No way. He…is …wow! Really?”
“He’s a right bastard.” He watched as she retreated into her thoughts, processing what he told her.
“You know, you can call them tonight…if you’d like. Let them know your okay.” Her head jerked up, and a slow smile that turned into a bright beacon graced her features.
“Oh can I? I promise not to tell them where we are. I swear.”
He laughed at her enthusiasm. “I trust you pet. There are no chains on you. I think you’re a woman of her word. You said you’d help me get Dru back, and you will.”
“Cool. But I better use the cell phone. Everyone has caller ID. These have LA numbers, so they’ll remain clueless.” Spike was pleasantly surprised that her thought process could be deviant and sneaky.
“Yeah. I’d hate to have your slayer and her pet vampire after us before we even get started. She caused me a lot of trouble.”
“And she hates you, too.”
He quirked an eyebrow at her.
“What I mean is, she…well she hates you, but she’s also scared of you. You and Angelus. Angelus scared her because he wore Angel’s face, and she couldn’t kill him.”
“So why’d I scare her?” He took a sip of Willow’s soda and motioned for the waitress, who was ever so attentive, to bring a refill.
“Because you beat her.” She shovelled her last forkful into her mouth, so he had to wait for elaboration.
“I beat her?” He chuckled. “I don’t think the organ and my spine would agree.”
“Oh, before that. At the school. She said you were about to kill her when her mom hit you in the head with an axe. If she hadn’t come back for her, you would have bagged your third slayer.”
“Huh…Guess so, and there would have been no organ, no freeing of Angelus, not stealing Dru and no kidnapping you. Although I probably would have killed the lot of you that night too. Oh well. Spilt milk and all.” He shrugged in a manner that she found to be endearing.
“So it’s not too late. Can we go somewhere? We’ll be stuck in the room all day, and I’m not in a hurry to get back yet.”
“What? You suddenly develop an aversion to daylight?”
“What? No…But I thought…”
“I trust you… ‘sides if you betray me, I’ll come after you, so what’s the point? But we can do something… a movie?”
“Bowling.”
“Bowling? The Big Bad doesn’t bowl.” He scowled.
“Or maybe he can’t bowl. Did they even have bowling when you were human? Me thinks not!” She ignored his playful growl. “Besides…I was SUPPOSED to go BOWLING when a certain drunk vampire decided to abduct me. So you owe me.” Her eyes were lit with determination and a spirit that enticed him. He would do as she asked and go bowling.
“Fine, you little pixie. I just hope none of my future minions catch me at this. It’s not very demony.”
“You can always say you were scoping the place as a future vampire hangout, since its open all night.”
“HA!” He laughed, a real belly laugh, and she smiled, having never heard that from him. “You are a real treasure. I like how you think. You are more devious than that group of yours knows.”
Willow frowned at the twenty he tossed on the table which more than paid for the food and a generous tip.
“Whaaaat?” He pouted.
“It's too much. She never asked me if I needed anything. All she did was show you her…her…boobies, and for that she gets twelve dollars???”
“Well, I can wait till she’s off and kill her. Take the tip back. Would you feel better then?”
“Noooo! Nevermind!” She stormed out, him laughing behind her, catching her angry mumblings.
~~~*~~~
The look on his face was of sheer horror, as if he’d been forced to sit through an Easter Vigil. She was close enough to hear the growl building, and stepped back instinctively.
“Spike?”
“What the fuck is that?” He pointed with the hand holding a cigarette, careful not to get too close.
“Bowling shoes. You have to wear them to bowl. Its like a law or something.” She sat down and began changing her shoes. “What size do you wear?”
“I’m not wearing that!” His voice nearly broke as a panic set in from the imagery of him in that outrageous footwear.
“Spiiiiike! You have to or they won’t let you bowl!”
“No. I’ll watch then.”
“That’s no fun! Pleeeease!”
“NO!” he yelled. “I’ll bowl, but not in those. They’ll just have to try and stop me. Might make for an interesting night, a little violence.” He grinned evilly.
“Please don’t hurt anyone.” She was sincerely concerned about others, and it irritated him to no end. “Come on. We’ll leave if the try to make you get the shoes, okay? Just…no violence.” Without thinking she pulled on his arm, leading him to the lane.
“I make no promises, witch.”
~Part: 6~
“Spiiiike!”
“Whaaaaat?!” If she yelled his name one more time, he was going to throw HER down the lane.
“I told you…Not so hard.” She slipped next to him, speaking in a top-secret-mission hushed tone. “People are starting to stare.”
“THEY can sod off. I’m working on another turkey,” he said, nodding at the general populous. He picked up the ball, launching it easily down the lane, nearly too fast to see. He grinned as they all fell down again.
“That’s three hundred for me again, pet. What’s your score?” He glanced around innocently, as if he didn’t realized he’d beaten her miserably. “Hmmm?”
“Oh, shut up. 144. Now let’s go.” She pouted again, pulling him along, this time gripping his bare bicep below his tee shirt sleeve. <Saints below, her hand is like fire.>
“But, I was just getting the hang of it, luv.” Truthfully he was having a nice time, teasing her and learning the game, which turned about to be much too easy for him with his vampiric strength and coordination. “Don’t tell me you’re a sore loser.”
She stopped and whirled on him, eyes flashing with irritation. “You cheated.”
“CHEATED?”
“YES CHEATED? You…you …vampire. I mean so what…I’m a master vampire.” She said in a false male voice. “Big deal. You’re stronger than like… almost anything else ever and you use it to beat me in bowling!”
“What’d you think I’d do, pet, play down to your level to make you feel better? Lift cars off of babies for their distraught mums?” It was decided – he was never going to bowl again. < I hate this soddin’ game. Too many rules. Don’t cross the line, Spike. Don’t throw it too hard, Spike. Don’t do better than me, Spike. What? Oh for the love of Satan, she better not start the bloody waterworks! I hate this fucking game!>
“I can’t win at anything,” she sobbed, as another couple walked past, gawking at the blonde.
“What are you looking at?” He growled, eyes flicking from gold to blue as the nosey pair took off at a fast jog. Satisfied, he focused his attention on the obviously miserable redhead. “Pet, what’s really wrong?”
He was holding her by the shoulders, but she kept her head down, not wanting to share her tears with him. She knew it wasn’t his fault, but she was tired of not being first or best or prettiest or sexiest. She was just Willow, and not even that to the vampire. To him she was just a pet, a toy for his amusement. And a way to get his beloved Drusilla back. <That skanky ho!>
“Willow. We’re not here for you to feel lonely or used. I could use you, true, but I can do this without you as well. I want you here because you…you’re intriguing.” She peeked up at him, hope and disbelief swirling in her huge green orbs. “Forever is a long time, luv. When you find something that is above the rest, out of the ordinary, you learn to appreciate it. And you don’t let it slip away.” He cupped her chin in his hand forcing her to meet his penetrating gaze. “If I’d left you behind, it would have been a mistake. And I don’t like making those. So I have you now, with me, where you belong.”
Part of him was startled by his admission, still fighting it, while another part felt everything he said was right. His demon and the man he once was would battle this out as he’d done on numerous occasions before, mostly over Drusilla, but he could not determine who would be the winner. It was too early in the game for such predictions. Sensing that he’d said more than he should have he walked out, not looking back.
~~~*~~~
She found him in the parking lot, smoking and pacing. There was a slight crease in his brow as he puzzled over what was on his mind. The duster was thrown over the hood of the car, and for the first time, she took in his appearance. His skin was pale, almost translucent and marbled with tiny veins. He was compact, thin and powerful, the well sculpted muscles obvious beneath the fabric, and every muscled moved and jumped as he moved. He was graceful like a wild jungle cat, significantly deadlier, and there was something about him that made you want to touch him, even knowing that it would cost you your hand.
He felt her looking at him and stopped his silent ranting to stare back, tongue behind his blunt teeth and perfect lips, before breaking into a full grin.
“You are a strange one, Spike.” She finally broke the silence and the staring match.
“That so, witch?” He dropped his cigarette, smashing the butt underfoot.
“Yep.” She held out a hand. “Can I drive?”
“Do you know how?”
“Oh yeah. My father taught me last year. I have my licence too.”
He fished the keys from his pants pocket, clicked the unlock button on the remote and dropped them in her waiting hand. “Show me your skills, luv.” He challenged as he hopped into the passenger seat. For a second she stood there, stunned, but quickly got moving, in case he changed his mind.
~~~*~~~
They had no clue how to get back. It was getting late, for Willow, but the ride was pleasant as she made erroneous turn after turn. Spike, it turned out, was as impatient a rider as he was a driver, so he bombarded Willow with questions about school, slaying and Oz to alleviate his rising boredom. Willow actually enjoyed the attention, as she rarely got a chance to talk about herself or what interested her.
“So what makes it okay for you to date a wolf, but kill us vampires without discrimination?” The question was tossed out nonchalantly, but the implications behind it were serious.
“I…We…don’t kill vampires indiscriminately.”
“Oh, pu-lease.” He rolled his eyes and Willow was amazed again at how not like a vampire he really was. “Her title is ‘Vampire Slayer’. Why are we the only demons mentioned in that title? Why not Slutty the Werewolf Slayer? Or Bitchy the Demon Slayer in General? You know… cover all the bases.”
Willow giggled. “Well, Oz wasn’t trying to kill us. And he wanted to help.”
“Yeah, but one scratch or bite from the mutt and you become Willow the dog-faced girl next moon. While I can bite you over and over and you won’t be turned unless I want you to. He’s more the danger.”
“Why would you bite someone more than once? Once they’re drained, they’re drained, right” She frowned at the image of him gnawing on a bone.
“Because sometimes someone tastes so bloody good you don’t kill them. You feed from them over time.”
“Oh,God Spike…That’s gross and painful!” <Hence why we kill vamps!>
“Or you claim a human. Put it under your protection. And it’s not always painful, luv. I’m a master. I know what I’m doing and can make it terribly pleasurable.”
“Right. Oh please, Spike, rip into my throat and make me swoon!” She mocked.
“Willow…” He growled. “I’ll bet you… a trip back to Sunnydale to visit your pallies next weekend…that I can make you like it.” The blond demon smirked at her.
“What? Bite me? Nooooo…no way. I like my blood on the inside, thank you very much.” Willow shivered, almost able to feel Spike’s mouth on her neck.
“I won’t take much.” He wiggled his eyebrows. "What do ya say?"
“Is this a trick? Are you gonna just kill me?” Fear rolled off of her in waves, and he inhaled deeply, loving it. He could never get enough of that, and her fear was especially sweet to the demon.
“Luv, if I want to kill you, I will. No tricks. That’s Angelus’ thing, not mine, alright?”
She nodded, relaxing a little.
“Now, let me show you a little fun. After all I, did try your bowling and will admit that I had fun. Now you can try my kind of fun.”
“Well…”
“Great, pull over.”
“What? Why?” She was suddenly nervous.
“Well, it will be very distracting, and I don’t fancy myself wrapped around a tree.”
“Oh…so you’re gonna do this now?” She turned into a gas station and parked the car close to the restrooms, but away from the bright lights.
He could not believe that he’d talked the chit into letting him bite her, but wasn’t about to give her time to change her mind. He’d slip a little claim in there while he had the chance. He didn’t like the idea of forcing her, since it would probably mean her best ideas would not be forthcoming when it came to him taking over this city. No, he wanted her as a willing ally.
“Yes, Willow, WE are going to do this now.” His voice, deep and resonant, sent a chill down her spine. <What spine?>
He got out and pulled her from her inside to stand against the car, the heat of the engine warming her legs.
“Just relax, pet. Not gonna hurt you.” He caressed her cheek, leaning in and pressing against her frame as he let his cool lips dance over her temple and ear. The effect was instantaneous as he felt intense heat radiate from her small body. Her heart quickened, but no fear tainted the air. It was desire that he smelled. Taking a chance, he grazed her lips with his, and was rewarded with a sigh as she opened her mouth to allow him in. He took the opportunity presented, exploring her mouth slowly, as his hands wandered underneath her sweater, settling on the scorching skin of her waist and back.
She tentatively put a small hand on his head, flitting over the blonde locks that she discovered were silky and soft, so unlike his hard essence that she felt pressed into her belly. For a second, she wondered at what was wrong with him. This was not a bite, but something much more, involving more of her soul that she should be giving. He licked her neck, peppering it with kisses, each one sending bolts to her center, eradicating all thought and she surrendered to what was happening, a whimper escaping and evolving into a loud moan as sharp fangs slid into creamy flesh.
He was astounded by the taste of her, nothing about her hinting that it could have been this amazing. He growled, biting deeper, forcing his demon in check, silencing it’s demands that he drain her and turn her, taste her forever. Willow cried out, his name on her lips, his hand moving up to tangled in her tresses. He sucked gently, slowly, his cock throbbing, and she felt the pull in her center, her head falling back into his cradling safety as she gave herself over to the sensations assaulting her.
He retracted his teeth, licking the new mark, delighting as she quivered and whimpered with every touch. This is just the game, part of the plan, he told himself, even while the demon roared beneath. <MINE!>
He smiled at her flushed face, watching as the clouds cleared and reality returned for the young witch. Her tiny fingers played over his ridges, curious and longing in their touch.
“Was it so awful, witch?” He asked once he trusted his voice, knowing it wasn’t.
“Oh no. I…wow.” She touched the bite with her other hand, her eyes rolling back as a wave of delicious ecstasy threatened to drown her. Her knees gave out and the blonde caught her, rounding the car to putting in her the passenger seat.
Once he was inside and all were securely buckled in, he turned to her, taking in her heated appearance. “So, pet, we never discussed what I get if you DID enjoy it.”
~Part: 7~
“Well, what do you want?” Willow asked warily.
“What are you willing to give?” He smirked, eyes flashing gold.
“A tour of Sunnydale?” She asked, ignoring his innuendo.
The vampire chuckled. “Oh, now that’s a novel little prize for me. So how about…No.”
“Fine, then you decide.” She began to question her sanity as the last word spilled from her mouth. “Uhhh…”
“MY choice? This is interesting. Okay…You will be a perfect pet. Do as I say and no backtalk.”
“Not for the whole time I’m here! I was only getting a trip home for a weekend. You only get a weekend too!” Her eyes were blazing, and for the first time, Spike caught a glimpse of the vampire she would be.
“Until next Sunday.” She opened her mouth to protest and he pressed a finger to her lips, eyes never leaving the road. “Next Sunday, and it’s over at midnight,” he growled, and to the redhead’s credit she wisely remained silent on the subject.
~~~*~~~
Willow closed the French doors that lead to the bedroom, leaving the vampire to make them both cups of hot chocolate. She ran into the interior bathroom, flicking the light switch and peering into the mirror at her injury, if you could call it that. The bite was crescent in shape, with two holes where his fangs punctured her flesh. She touched it tentatively, instantly gasping as the nerves from the bite seemed to be directly connected her core. <What the hell have I done?> She shuddered and turned on the shower, deciding to get cleaned, drink her chocolate and go to bed.
Spike heard the shower and held off on adding the boiling water to her cup until it stopped. The girl was an enigma, all shy and passive one minute, and aggressive, bordering on dominating, the next. He would have to tame her a bit, but not break her entirely. Her fire would be useful to him in his mission to conquer this city.
The object of his musings came out of the bedroom wearing a pair of flannel pajamas, jasmine pouring from her.
“Sorry, pet. Didn’t hear the shower stop.” He poured the still piping hot water from the kettle into the mix in her mug, stirring slowly to avoid lumps. Handing her the mug, he returned to sipping his own, the heat warming him nearly as much as blood.
She waited for it to cool, staring at the wall, wanting to ask him what he’d done to her, but afraid to anger him. After a few moments her pensive look got the better of him.
“What’s on your mind, Willow? You’re too bloody quiet.” He eyed her over the top of his cup.
“I’m just…I don’t understand what happened…In the gas station…You know, when you…when we…Why did you kiss me?” She suddenly discovered the most interesting marshmallows in her cocoa.
“Did you like it?”
“Ummm…I…it…yes.” It was almost a whisper.
“Me too.”
“But that’s not an answer, Spike.”
“Master.”
“Huh…?”
“You will call me Master.”
“Excuse me?” Her confusion over the kissing and biting was momentarily displaced by a slow growing anger.
“I won the bet, luv. You agreed to be a good little pet. Well, rule number one is I am your Master. I own you in all ways: mind, body and soul.”
She jumped up to go to the bedroom.
“Willow!” She ignored him and kept walking.
“WILLOW! Come. Back. Here. NOW!” He roared, and was in front of her before he yelled the last word. She screamed, startled and frightened at his sudden movement and change in mood. Well maybe she pushed him a little.
“Spike! No...Stop!” She pleaded as he dragged her into the bedroom, tossing her roughly on to the bed. He ripped the bottoms of the pajamas from her shaking form. “Pleeease no!”
He stilled his motions, leaning over her. “The begging? I love that part, pet.” He secured her struggling hands by the wrist over her head and began licking his mark, sucking gently on the tender, healing skin until a small amount of blood broke through, her fear mixed in for an intoxicating treat. “You belong to me, now and forever.”
And for all her protests and anger, Willow realized that she was turned on, by his hands holding her down, by his hard cool body pressed against hers, by the scent of him, by his possessiveness <his forever>, and most definitely by that mouth. She could come just from his kissing <Wait! His forever?!>.
“Spike…” She wiggled trying to get free of him, even as her walls started to quiver, the orgasm taking her by surprise. “Oh God...Spike….what...” She babbled, falling over the edge, her tiny body bucking. The blond thought his pet was exquisite in her rapture. He release her wrists, and kissed the bruises that were forming
“Cor, Willow, you are beautiful. I love marking your perfect skin, making you mine,” he confessed, his darkness more apparent to her now than when he killed.
When she could speak she asked again. “What did you do? To me, I mean?”
His fingers were toying with a lock of her hair, stroking it rhythmically. “Made you mine, luv.”
“What does that mean to you? That I am yours forever?” She had to understand why she was reacting to the vampire this way, although if she was truthful she would admit that she was reacting to him before he bit her. Now it was just intensified.
“It means that I have claimed you…as mine.” He stared at her, resting on one elbow, his icy blue eyes unreadable.
“B-but…I…This is a temporary deal, Spike…you can’t claim me forever. W-what happens when I go back home.”
“IF you go back…”
“SPIKE! You promised!”
“I’m a demon, luv, evil and breaking promises is part of the fun. But you may still get back to Kansas, Dorothy. And if you do, then no vampire would dare touch you since you belong to me.”
“Oh…” <That might actually be a good thing.> “So how do I make sure I get back to Kansas?”
~Part: 8~
The next morning was Sunday, and Willow was sorting through the huge newspaper she’d snagged form the lobby earlier.
Already on her growing list were four large houses, a four-plex, and a 10-unit apartment complex. Spike told her he anticipated needing room for 25 minions, which made her cringe inwardly, but she hid it from the vampire, or so she thought.
It seemed that the four-plex would be ideal, 3 units for the minions, and 1 for Willow, Spike and his most trusted. But the largest home had six bedrooms, plus a master <how fitting>, so she was inclined toward that one as well.
The vampire was still sleeping, and she wanted to have appointments scheduled, to view the various places that might suit their needs, before he awoke. The night before, or earlier that morning, to be accurate, he told her the formula for getting back to Sunnydale: Simply help him, and stop fighting him at every turn, and then he would ship her back to Sunnydale, safe as houses.
So help him she would.
He was not as bad a demon as she originally thought. Not driven by the bloodlust and hatred. She was certainly afraid of him, probably more afraid of him than Angelus. Her fear was not sparked by the demon itself, but more by the man in control of it, able to wield it like a fine sword, and not be its victim, like so many other vampires, like his own sire. No, what Willow feared with an overwhelming intensity was the combination of charming personality and a drop-dead sexy face, voice, body, everything, and a mind that was as evil and depraved as it was intelligent. She feared him, and was inexplicably drawn to him. A realization that inspired her to work all the more at getting his “ripe, wicked plum” back in his strong, irresistible arms.
Around noon, feeling satisfied that she had a decent list of prospects for the evening, she made lunch and picked up the cell phone to call Giles.
~~~*~~~
“I’m fine,” she assured them, again. Giles was on one extension, with Buffy and Xander alternating on the other. She’d pressed *82 before calling, not wanting them on their trail in L.A. Angel was resourceful and could pick up a lead on the blond vampire that she protected.
“Has he hurt you, Willow?” The concern in Giles’ voice gave her pause, nearly breaking though her resolve to see this through.
“No, not really, not like he could,” Willow sighed.
“What does that mean? If he touches you,…” Xander yelled.
“You’ll what? Yell a lot?” Instantly she felt bad. He was just worried, and she shouldn’t lose patience. “Come on, Xan, trust me. I’m okay. He’s sleeping right now and I could leave. He told me I can come and go as I please. I made a deal with him, and I am not breaking it. As soon as he gets what he wants, then I’ll be home.”
“Willow, are you sure? Tell me where you are and we can come get you, stake the bleached menace and end everything.”
“No! Buffy, no…It’s not necessary. He’s not like other vampires. He’s smart. I mean really intelligent. I think you better have a good talk with Angel about him before you ever try to go after him again.” She was whispering now, in case the vampire was up and feigning sleep, not that it would do much good with his heightened senses. <Stupid bionic hearing.> “And don’t let him get out of it. I love you Buffy, and I don’t want him to kill you. Don’t come looking for me.”
“Okay, like he could. But you’ll call if you get in trouble?”
“Of course. But I won’t be in trouble. I know it sounds crazy, but I trust him.”
“Oh pu-lease. He is a soulless demon. He has to betray you eventually. It’s in his nature.” Buffy had to convince her naïve friend to be on her guard and not be fooled.
“I can trust him to be true to his nature, something I think I’m understanding a lot better than you.”
“What’s that supposed to mean? I understand vampires. It’s my job.” The slayer would not let the redhead fall victim to whatever scheme the blond vampire had devised.
“You don’t understand HIM. Talk to Angel. I have to go. I’ll call soon. I love you guys.” She pressed the ‘end’ key before her friend could say more. Holding the phone tightly, a sob escaped her shaking form as she began to rocked back and forth.
What would Buffy say if she knew what she’d done with the vampire. That he claimed her, and she was basically his, and that some twisted part of herself enjoyed it immensely. Will they be able to tell? Will Angel?
She was startled and tensed a little as Spike surrounded her with his strength, and as foolish as she knew it had to be, she felt safe, like nothing could touch her. She leaned back into him, allowing his scent to calm her frazzled nerves.
“You alright?”
She sniffled, nodding, thankful for the handful of tissues he provided. “Buffy is…she wants me to come home.” She said with a sigh, turning to face him. “She is so worried about me and thinks you’ll hurt me. She doesn’t trust you.”
“She shouldn’t. I’ll kill her as soon as the opportunity presents itself. Don’t let our little agreement lull you into a false sense of security, luv. And if I keep you with me for too long I’ll destroy you. I have to.”
“But don’t you see? You tell me what will happen, the worst of things, and you share them with me. What’s not to trust?”
“Saints below, you are a quirky one. That reasoning will get you turned, pet.” His gazed was dark, and she felt his baser instincts rising, like a chill in the air around them.
“But you won’t, right?” Her tiny voice trembled, but her emerald eyes locked onto his, finding turmoil in them. She relaxed as they became the crystal blue that fascinated her.
“No…I won’t.” He told her what she wanted to hear and hoped it to be true, for her sake. “But you shouldn't let the slayer get to you. Right now you’re with me, free to do and be anything you’ve ever wanted, and no harm can come to you. I don’t judge either, pet. So stop letting them get you down, or I won’t let you call again.”
“I have to call them or Buffy will send Angel after us. I know she will. And he can find you, can't he?”
“They are over a thousand miles away love. It would be a while before he found me.”
“But he could.”
“Given enough time, yes he would. I can never hide from him completely. I’m his, pet. Luckily he’s never cared enough to try to find me.” There was a bitterness in his voice, unexpected by the redhead, as she thought they hated each other. He retreated into his thoughts, a scowl on his perfect face.
“Spike?” She touched his arm gently and he smiled down at her. “Do you really hate him?”
“Hate who, pet?” He was confused about the turn the conversation was taking.
“Angel or Angelus?”
He clenched his jaw before speaking. “I hate them both for different reasons.” He release his hold on her and stood, stretching like a cat, his flat abs peeking out from below his t-shirt. He was a god in the flesh, albeit dead flesh, and knew it. <Stupid vampire distracting me from…something I can’t remember right now!>
He picked up her list, admiring her initiative. “Nice work. We’ll leave at sunset and grab a bite,” he cast a feral grin her way, “Both of us can get a treat.”
“Gee, thanks for that Spike.” But she giggled despite the gross imagery. Tonight someone would die by his hand, and she was helping him. Hell was certainly in her future.
“Meanwhile, I’m up early thanks to your bloody boo-hooing, so now you have to entertain me.” He sat on the sofa, that feline grace showing itself off yet again, and clasped his hands behind his head. “So what wicked things do you have in store for my pleasure?”
~~~*~~~
“You know, luv, this isn’t what I had in mind.”
“I’ll bet. But just because you’ll live forever and don’t age, doesn’t mean you can neglect proper skin and hair care.” She giggled at the green mask on his face. <If the demon population could get a look at him now. Big Bad my ass!>
“You tell anyone about this and I am going straight to an elementary school. Kill me a bunch of 1st graders. That’ll make me feel right demonly again,” he confirmed with a nod, taking a drag from his cigarette, while Willow went into a fake coughing fit.
“What? I. Am. A. Demon. Giving you lung cancer would make my day, so lay off the hacking.” He smiled at her. “Now get this goop off so we can leave soon. I’m starving.”
~Part: 9~
They decided on the home that Willow liked, finding it large enough to house all the minions and a few humans that he planned to recruit. Part of her felt guilty about that, too, since it was her idea that he use humans for daytime missions and to gain access to places he otherwise could not.
The real estate agent was giddy. The vampire didn’t haggle over the price, a rarity in her experience, not that she knew he was a vampire, so she was already counting her commission.
“Sylvia, we’ll come to the office tomorrow to sign the papers,” Willow advised her. She had some major hacking to do tonight regarding Spike’s accounts.
“That’s fine. Anytime before six is great.” The young witch eyed the blonde demon.
“Well, luv,” he started, his voice deep and resonant. “I have some affairs to tend to, and won’t be back in the area till evening.” He was standing in front of her, well into her personal space, and bit his bottom lip, the baby-blues penetrating her He knew what he was doing to her. “Can you accommodate my needs?”
Sylvia stammered, the sudden need for a fan overwhelming her. “Of course.” It was a mere whisper. The vampire smiled. Willow rolled her eyes.
“See you around 8 then, pet.” He sauntered out, arm linked with the redheads, leaving the woman flustered.
Once in the car, Willow turned to him, fire dancing in her green eyes.
“Do you have to do that?”
Spike started the car and drove off into a late traffic jam. “Do what, pet?” He asked absentmindedly.
“Flirt…with HER?”
Spike glanced at her, impressed by the venom in her voice. “No, I don’t have to do it, but I like to do it. Does that bother you, Willow?” His face was the picture of innocence and concern, and the witch wonder how many have died because of that exact _expression, trusting it, even as she yearned to caress the sharp angles of his cheeks.
“No, Spike. It doesn’t. I’m only asking because I don’t want her getting the wrong impression and calling all the time.” She proclaimed, tossing a lifesaver in her mouth.
“So then can I do it with you?”
“WHAT!?” She squealed, nearly choking on the candy.
“Flirt, luv. It IS one of my favorite pastimes. You don’t want to know about the others.” He chuckled, lighting a smoke.
She was red, embarrassed that she took the bait so easily. “You do what you like, vampire. I’m not your keeper.”
“Thanks, pet.” He drove and smoked in silence the rest of the way, stopping briefly for a snack.
~~~*~~~
“Spiiiiike!” <Fuck... she can whine right up there with the best of them!>
“What? Must you screech like that?” His mood was fair enough, but he liked messing with her head a bit.
“What name is your account in the Caymans under?” She tapped away at the keys while waiting, and the blonde left the room. When he came back, he had an old metal box, which he dropped on the table by Willow and her laptop.
“That has every bankbook and account number that I have. There’s more, but I don’t know where the records are, so sod ‘em.”
Willow sifted through at least thirty bankbooks and numerous scraps of paper with nothing but a bank name and an account number on each.
“Spike…. This is…my God, Spike…” Everything was under William St. Claure. <Was that his real name?> She went about the task of contacting the banks and holding firms, and gathering his funds.
~~~*~~~
“Are you sure?” The demon asked gleefully.
“Oh yeah! A-and I'm not even finished, but I need to sleep before we go to see Syyyyylvia tonight.” The bleached blond just rolled his eyes, not to be distracted from the screen with all the pretty numbers. “I still have to contact the bank in Prague, and then do these accounts on slips of paper. You know, you could have been a little more organized.” She peeked over her shoulder at him, admiring his features while he was occupied with the screen.
“Ha…I think I did pretty well for a demon. Most don’t plan for a future, they just take what they need for that moment…..So I have $3,493,777.12?”
“Yep…and the house is only $355,000, so you have plenty left. You should think about investing some. Let your money make money.” <Maybe that'll keep you from killing for cash, vampire.>
“Well, you should be rather pleased, pet. I know I am.” He smiled shyly, causing the witch’s heart to race as she saw what the human in him must have looked like. He was a handsome, striking specimen, but that smile was breathtaking. “Thank you, Willow.”
And he meant it. The redhead was proving to be a real treasure. One he wasn't sure he could let go.
“You are very welcome, William St. Claure.”
~~~*~~~
With the tedious part of home buying out of the way, the actual buying ,Willow went online and purchased furniture, appliances and other household necessities.
According to Spike, minions weren’t too particular and would sleep on the floor if he ordered it. While Willow didn’t doubt this, she decided to put 2 sets of bunk beds in 4 of the bedrooms, sleeping 16 that way. There were two more bedrooms, not including the master bedroom and office. She ordered 3 queens for those rooms, liking the idea of a large bed for herself. Spike said they would convert the gameroom into a sleeping area for the newer fledglings as well, so she ordered 2 sofa beds. The only things Spike specified a preference about were his bed and entertainment center.
He told her to order a satellite system, and that a 40 inch screen was mandatory. He said that he absolutely needed a DVD player, CD player and 200 watt home theater sound system. A four-poster bed, solid wood, traditional king was also a must, sparing no expense on the mattress and boxspring. He wanted her to buy an entire suite of furniture in a dark wood and no poufy colors. Otherwise, she was free to decorate as she liked.
All the furniture she purchased was to be delivered on Tuesday, and the satellite would be installed the next day. Having made sure all aspects of living were taking care of, down to towels and toothpaste, Willow was tired.
Exhausted, she flopped onto the couch, too tired to move to the bed. As she drifted off she felt herself being lifted, and opened sleepy eyes, gazing lazily at the vampire. He was stunning, she decided, and her sleep-impaired mind was malfunctioning. So it didn’t stop her when she reached up to touch the nape of his neck. He gave no indication that he was pleased or displeased by the feather-like strokes, but she liked it so she continued. The short hairs were soft and silky.
“You smell good.”
“You think so?” He replied, the deep voice making her shiver slightly, enough for him to notice.
“Mmmm hmmm.” She moaned dreamily. “And you’re very handsome. Too handsome. It’s just not fair.” She pouted, resting her head on his chest just as he sat down on the bed still cradling her.
“Not fair that I’m such a good looking bloke?” He chuckled at her ramblings, and laid her down on the covers, pulling a blanket over her.
“No…” the redhead mumbled. “Not fair that when I find something I want, he’s a vampire and I can't have him.”
Spike froze, listening. Her heart and breathing were evened and steady, indicating that she was asleep. And while falling, she told her secrets.
Confused about how he felt about this little revalation,he stormed from the room, grabbing his duster, and went out to terrorized the city.
~Part: 10~
Spike dragged his victim further into the alley. He was a college student, rather attractive in the vampire’s esteemed opinion, and a likely candidate for the clan.
“Stop struggling and I’ll release you, let you breath. Do you understand?” The boy nodded, long black hair swinging wildly. “Try to run or scream, and I’ll break your neck,” he promised as he lessened his grip on his prey’s throat and pushed him against the wall, smiling like the devil.
“W-what do you want?” His voice was strained as he rubbed his already bruised neck, wincing.
“What’s you name, mate?” The demon lit a smoke, offering one to the boy who declined.
“Josh. What do…”
“Now Josh,” the blond interrupted, “I have some business in this town and will be recruiting some…people…to help me.” He chuckled, looking the boy over. He was strong and well built for a human, and the fact that he kept glaring at him, showing little fear, was a bonus. “What do you do? Work? School?”
“I-I go to the university.”
“How are yours marks?”
“Good. I study. I’m passing easily.”
“Major?”
“What?”
“What is your major?” He repeated slowly.
“Oh …world finance, minoring in history.” Josh understood enough to know that he was in real danger. The blond before him was inhumanly strong for his size, and there was a strange glint in his eyes that disturbed the young man more than he would admit. His senses screamed that everything about the blond was wrong, yet he was at a loss to find a way out of this predicament. He would have to ride it out and pray for a distraction.
“So you know about money?”
”Yes. If you need…”
“I do need. What are you offering?” He licked that bottom lip, trying to decide between, eating and turning. He would make a good minion. Willow told him to make them smarter, so he would be sure to give him more blood than most, but not enough to make a childe.
“I can help you set up a financial portfolio…get you into some money market accounts, you know… to start out.”
Changing into his demon visage, Spike tossed the cigarette and stalked the human, “Well, that’s good enough for me,” he said with a shrug, before sinking his fangs in and draining his newest minion slowly.
“Fuck, stop…God…” He struggled as Spike bit deeper, marking him as his and deterring the boy from more movement. He growled into the flesh, savouring the taste. As he weakened, he moaned, and the vampire smiled into his neck, taking more of him into himself.
When he was near death, Spike sliced his wrist and fed his blood to the dying human, giving him much more than he would normally give a minion. To make a true childe, it is allowed to drink until the Sire cannot give more without harming or endangering themselves, usually about 3 or 4 pints, and the sire must be a master. But to make a minion, it only takes a few ounces of blood, so allowing the boy to drink a pint or two would make him stronger, more intelligent, and in better control of his demon. He would also be better at maintaining a human face, which comes easily for a master or childe.
He pulled away from the human, watching as he took his last breath, wondering what he would be like as a demon, and lifted his dead body. He carried him to the car and laid him across the backseat to take back to the inn.
<I wonder if she’ll like this prezzie better than the last.>
~~~*~~~
When Willow woke, it was pitch black in the room and quiet in the livingroom. Spike normally watched TV all night, so it was strange, this silence. She scooted to the edge and reached to turn on the lamp.
“Spike?” She called, not really excpecting an answer. All her senses told her he was gone. It surprised her that she could feel his absence with such certainty. Glancing at the clock, <3am and too late to call Buffy>, she went to the breakfast bar, and booted her laptop. A few emails would set them all at ease, and buy her and the vampire more time before Buffy lost it and sent Angel to find his errant childe.
She was finishing her email to Oz when she heard the key card sliding in the door.
“Pet, what are you doing up?” He was pleasantly surprised to see her awake. He thought he would have to wait hours for her companionship and to show her the fruit of his labour this evening.
“I woke up and you were gone, so I decided to email the gang. Let them know I’m okay.” She was still typing and hadn’t looked up yet.
Spike laid Josh on the sofa and came up behind her, attention on the screen. “Not telling our secrets, are you luv?”
“We have no secrets, Spike. Now stop hovering over my shoulder. It’s creepy.” She shivered and nudged him away, but of course, he refused to comply, and began stroking her hair, nuzzling her neck.
“We could… have secrets. From them all…from your wolf.” She stiffened, but didn’t move, and her heart began slamming in her chest.
“Uh…Spike…I…”
“We can have the most delicious secrets….Secrets that you will blush about even when you’re a grandmother, reminiscencing about the times you spent with the vampire. A vampire who recognized the fire in you, helped you release it. Taught you how to be alive.”
He’d turned her from the computer, smiling when he saw that she didn’t hit send, and was kissing her lightly, over her eyes, her nose, her cheeks, her lips, down her jaw to her neck, licking and sucking gently, until she moaned and ran her hands up under his shirt, drinking up the coolness of him as he drowned in her heat.
“Fuck, Willow.” He bit into her lightly, sucking slowing, enjoying the rush of blood below and her arousal that filled the air. She whimpered, her body and soul in turmoil. “Let me be inside you, pet…give you what you need,” he growled, stunned by his own rising need for this mortal.
“God…Spike...” She clutched at him feverishly, hands touching him everywhere. “What are you doing to me?” Her head was spinning.
“This is only a taste, Willow. I can make you feel like this forever.” His hand roamed under her blouse, cool and inviting to her hot flesh.
“Forever…” It wasn’t a question. She opened her eyes to look at the vampire, trying to make sense of what he was saying to her. Her attention shifted from the blond to the dark lump on the sofa, that wasn’t there before. She willed herself to focus and reality crashed, halting her desires instantly.
“Oh Spike, what did you do?” She tapped him and he could tell she was not in the mood anymore, so sighing he pulled away from her, letting his gaze fall to the boy in question.
“Only what you said, pet. That’s Josh, and he is our first minion. Smart bloke too. Student,” he announced proudly.
Willow was shaking her head. “No..no..no..Spike. I…Oh I…” She saw flicker of hurt pass over his face, but it was immediately masked by a cold, stony _expression. She was not in the mood to deal with this Spike, so she changed her tactics quickly.
“I thought you would wait until we moved into the house. Where will he sleep?”
“Oh, he can stay on the couch, and I’ll bunk in with you, witch.” He brightened a bit, accepting her concern as genuine.
“Oh…Al-right…Soooo why him?” She asked, masking her sadness.
“He's a good looking bloke. I hate having ugly minions. And he is smart…world finance major. And he said he can help me with those investments you recommended earlier. And he was brave, didn’t even snivel or beg. He’ll be strong....So do you like him?”
Her guilt was pressing on her, but she continued the façade. “Well…I don’t know him yet. I’ll have to decide after he…uh…rises. Hey don’t you have to bury him or something?”
“Nah, it’s an old tradition, and I REALLY hated that part. Right scary it is waking up in a coffin six feet under.”
“What about me? He’ll think I’m food!” Her hand went protectively to her neck.
“He’ll learn different real quick, pet.” The deep threatening tone set her at ease. In her heart she knew that Spike would let anything hurt her...except him.