Couple: Willow/Spike, other pairings later
Rating: NC17-probably-eventually
Italics is carpathian mind speak
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~Part: Six~
Willow woke up cuddled against the warm body of her lifemate. Her body felt drained from the previous evening. She didn’t remember Spike bringing her home, but she was glad. She liked her new friends but she just needed some quite time. Willow crawled out of bed stretching her aching muscles before making her way to her closet. After grabbing some clothes she walked to the bathroom to take a shower.
Willow let the hot water run down her body, hoping that it would wash away the feelings of disgust. She could still feel the man's hands on her body and his breath on her neck. She could still hear his threatening words. Then the blood, there was some much blood. She had not remembered Warren bleeding so much. Willow picked up the lofa and started scrubbing her skin as the images played out in her head once more.
It was here fault, she knew that more then anything. How could she have been so stupid as to let her emotions cloud her senses? She should have heard him, or sensed him before he attacked. Yet she was not aware of him till she found herself on the ground. All her years of training and you’d think she'd know how to defend herself.
Willow got out of the shower, noticing her skin was a angry shade of red from the scrubbing. Sighing she applied some lotion before putting on her blue bra and underwear. Over it she put on a comfortable pair of midnight blue slightly baggy pants, pulling in the drawstring. With them she wore a matching tunic with a semi-low neckline, sleeves that belled at the elbow and small splits up both sides.
She wore with it a matching cloth wide headband pushing her hair out of her face. Her eyes shadow was well applied, and her black eyeliner perfect. Her finishing touch was her frosted pale blue lipstick. Willow walked past her door checking in on Spike before making her way downstairs.
After rummaging in the kitchen she brought a bowl of grapes and a glass of juice into the living room. Sitting on the couch she flipped on the tv. After flipping through the channels she settled on Jerry Springier laughing at the topic. ‘Women dating men who think they’re vampires.’ Shortly into the show she heard a knock at the door. Getting up slowly she got up to answer it. She was not surprised to see Buffy standing on the other side.
"Hey Wills, can I come in?" Buffy asked.
Willow ushered the Slayer into the living room. She was very thankful that Gregori had been able to heal her the night before. Willow noticed that Buffy appeared to be nervous. Sighing heavily she spoke.
"Buffy, I’m sorry about last night. I have been ok for the most part but I lost my temper. I said some pretty horrible things and I’m sorry." Willow replied to the blond.
Buffy smiled.
"Thanks Wills. I came over to say I’m sorry too. I should have never pulled the third degree on you. If you have friends and things outside of the scoobys that is helping you out then I’m happy for you." Buffy said before hugging her friend.
"Thanks Buffy. That means a lot to me. Was research ok after I left. Sorry I split without really helping." Willow replied.
"It’s ok. Yeah we got some done, but we could sure you your help tonight." Buffy said.
"I’ll even supply the coffee." She finished smiling.
"There’s gonna be coffee, I’m in." The redhead replied.
Pet what is the Slayer doing here? Spike asked the redhead.
Willow was slightly startled. She still had to get use to she and Spike speaking to each other’s minds.
Apologizing and asking if I wanted to go research tonight. Willow replied back in the same manner.
Are you?
Yes
Then bloody well send her away so I can spend time with you before you go.
Ok Spike, I’ll do get her out, hold on.
Willow looked at the Slayer and noticed that she had a worried expression on her face.
"What was that Buff?" Willow asked, knowing the Slayer must have said something when she was talking to Spike.
"I said are you ok, you just zoned out or something." Buffy replied.
"Yeah I’m fine, I just remembered that I had some errands to run before I see my man later." Willow said.
Buffy wiggled her eyebrows.
"So when do we get to meet this mystery man?" Buffy asked.
"When I ready to start sharing him." Willow stated causing the blond to grin wide.
"Ok well I’m gonna go. Got to go meet Riley anyway. Have fun. See ya around eight." Buffy replied as she got up heading for the door.
After Buffy left Spike came down stairs planting a fierce kiss on the redhead lips. Willow moaned slightly as her body heated at the simple contact. Spike pulled back grinning widely.
"Red, you naughty, naughty girl." Spike said with a smirk on his face.
Willow blushed. She loved being is Spike’s arms. It was funny, when she had first seen Spike on her balcony door, she never dreamed that this would be the outcome of their relationship. She thought that at very best they might be distant friends. But hey she wasn’t complaining.
Willow’s heart jumped as Spike pushed her against the wall. His tongue was dueling hers as he reached up and pulled her shirt above her head. Willow gasped as she found herself on the floor. Spike was on top of her his hands everywhere as their passion grew. Spike slid down her body this kisses leaving a trail of fire in their wake. Willow lifted her hips when Spike undid the drawstring to her pants. He slid the off gently. Willow was in suck a state that she had not noticed had removed his boxers until she felt his bare hardness pressed firmly against her.
"Oh Spike." She whispered throwing her head back.
Spike looked into Willow’s eyes, he felt like he was falling deep within them. Their minds began to merge as the two explored each other’s body. Willow could fathom how it was possible to feel this good. She felt everything Spike felt as he shared his mind with her need, desire, lust, pleasure, pain, and most of all love. No she realized it wasn’t love, it went far beyond love. Her whole body ached with desire as Spike’s hands continued to move over her body.
"Take me Spike, please, claim me again." Willow whimpered through shallow breath.
Spike could hear the desperate need in the redhead’s voice before he thrust into her filling her completely. Spike felt Willow shudder beneath him before she began rocking with him. Their bodies were consumed with unbridled passion only meet in comparison of the fire that raged through them.
Spike kissed Willow’s neck and shoulder as his one of his hands found her breast. He kneaded it gently moving his mouth to the other teasing the hardened nipple. Willow threw her head back as she arched into him. As her need grew Willow could decide if she was in heaven of an erotic form of hell.
Spike knew Willow needed release as much as he did, so he sank his fangs into the tender flesh of the breast were his previous mark had been. Both exploded into orgasm as Willow raked her nails down the Spike’s back leaving angry welts in their wake as she mumbled his name over and over again.
"Mine." Spike growled voicing his claim out loud.
Willow lay beneath him panting hard. Spike looked at his lifemate. Looking up at Spike Willow smiled lifting her head to give him a gentle kiss.
"Bloody hell Pet, I will never get enough of you." Spike said.
"Hey Spike." Willow drawled.
"Yes Red?" He asked.
"Ya know I got a couple hours till I have to start getting ready to go." Willow stated.
"Really and what do you propose we do till then?"
"Well I figured we could go another round or two, I like three or maybe fo…" She said before Spike stopped her with a kiss.
"I love you Red."
***************
Willow pulled up to the Magic Box. She got out pulling her jacket off from over her black leather pants and her skin tight low-cut midnight blue sweater. Quickly securing her care she walked toward the door.
***************
Angel sat at the table talking to Buffy, he was glad Riley had to go to somewhere. Apparently something came up and he would be out of town for a few days, and Angel was glad for that. He just did not like the boy. Xander was listening to Buffy as Anya and Giles when over a few shop reports.
The small group heard the bell ring bringing their attention to the door. Everyone stared at Willow. For everyone but Angel had seen her in similar aatire, but it still took getting use to. Angel had been informed that Willow was changing a few thing, but he had not been prepared to say the least.
Willow looked up to see Angel sitting at the table.
"Angel, hey, how are you? What are you doing here?" Willow asked her friend.
"Came to help out with the recent murders." He replied as he watched her sit down and grab the cup of coffee she knew was hers.
"Thanks Buffy." She said to the blond, after she took a sip.
Angel was about to open the book before him, which Giles had given him to research when a familiar scent reached him. He inhaled deeply, then began coughing uncontrollably. He couldn’t mistake that scent if hew tried.
"WILLOW! You sleeping with Spike?!?!" The vampire asked in shock.
They room filled with gasps as the group looked at the redhead in question.
"Angel, how did you know?" Willow asked.
"I can smell him on you. Willow what are you thinking?" Angel questioned.
"Don’t start Angel you have know idea of what you are talking about or what is going on." Willow said.
"What!!! Wait a minute. Spike is your new guy?" Buffy interrupted. "Willow how could you be so stupid, he tried to rape me not to long ago?" Buffy said breathing hard.
"Buffy he’s different." Willow said before she heard Xander snort.
"Yeah, that’s what he want you to think Wills. Vampire’s can’t change Will." Xander stated angrily as visions on Spike and Anya flew threw his head.
"Angel changed." Willow replied.
"Angel has a soul Wills." Buffy countered.
"So does Spike." Willow said calmly.
The room fell silent, until Buffy found her voice.
"What?" The Slayer questioned, knowing she had not heard right.
"Wills. Dammit he’s playing you. He wants you to think he has a soul. He’s playing some sick twisted vampire’s game." Buffy reasoned.
"That’s not possible." Willow replied.
"Why not?" Giles asked curiously.
He had been quiet during the entire confrontation, but the redheads look at Buffy’s reasoning peeked his curiosity. One look at her face told him she was about to reveal something big. But what ever he may have thought she might say never prepared him for the words that came out of her mouth when she finally spoke.
"Because he’s not a vampire."
~Part: Seven~
Everyone looked at Willow as if she had grown another head. Willow looked around wearily at the group as she sighed heavily and closed her laptop. Sitting back in her chair she waited. Then it came an eruption of questions from the entire group all at once. Willow held up her hand.
"One at a time please, I’d rather my head not explode." She replied.
The room fell silent until Giles cleared his throat. He pulled his glasses from his face and began cleaning them as he spoke.
"What do you mean?" Giles asked.
"Exactly what I said." She replied. Giles looked at her wearily.
"I mean, if he’s not a vampire, what is he?" The watcher asked.
"All I have to say about that is that you will have to talk to him about it. It is not my information to give. But needles to say he breathes, he’s warm, and he loves me." Said Willow.
"He-he’s alive." Buffy butted in.
"Yes." Willow replied.
"Where is he, I need to talk to him?" Buffy continued.
"When he is ready to see you he will." Willow said. "He has to adjust right now so, just give him some time." She finished.
"Wait, even though this is all still shocking, I have yet to move from the you and Spike part Wills. What about Tara, I thought you were well, you know." Xander put in.
"Xan, I loved Tara very much. I still do and she will always be in my heart, but Spike and me belong together. I am the other half to his soul. That is why we both have had such difficulty keeping relationships. Because all the time even before his soul a part of us was searching for each other." Willow said.
"Willow wait. If that is true then why can I smell the claim on you Willow?" Angel asked suspiciously.
"Wait." Buffy interrupted looking at Angel. "Didn’t you tell me that when vampires claim a pet, that they are under their control?" Buffy asked the vampire.
"Yes." Angel replied as he and the Gang all looked at Willow sadly.
"No you guys it’s not like that. He’s not like that." Willow replied.
"Wills, he tried to rape me I know what he’s like." Buffy said, before gasping as her hand flew up to her mouth.
Angel went into game face.
"What?!?!" He asked thinking he may have heard wrong.
"Um Angel, it’s ok, I mean don’t worry about it." Buffy replied.
"Don’t worry about it! My childe tried to rape you and you tell me don’t worry about it!" He roared. "Well, I will worry about it and when I’m done no one will have to worry about him again." He finished.
"NO!!!" Willow said jumping from her chair. "Dammit Angel, you had better go some were and calm your self. Because Spike’s changed Angel and it would be like me killing you for what Angelus did." She finished. "I’m not being controlled, or threatened, and I’m not lying. So get off that horse of yours and deal with this like a man." Willow finished.
"Willow, I know more then anyone here what claiming a pet or even a mate can do to a vampire let alone a human. I am so sorry for what he has done to you. But I will remedy the situation. I promise." He said as he got up.
"Angel you are not listening to me. Spike loves me, he’s not controlling me dammit." Willow said with a frustrated sigh.
"Willow."
"No, no Angel I’m not going around and around with you." She said as she moved for the door.
Buffy grabbed her arm pulling her back.
"Wills I can’t let you go." Buffy said.
"Buffy, what about this morning? I thought you meant it." Willow said. "I have every right to leave." She finished tring to pull her arm from the Slayer. When Buffy’s hold would not budge Willow grew angry. "LET ME GO!!!" She screamed.
Buffy would not budge. However she was unprepared when Willow twisted around pulling out of the Slayer’s hold.
Willow are you ok? I can feel your heart racing. Spike replied to Willow’s mind.
Angel was here, they think you’re controlling me they won’t let me leave Spike She replied back as Buffy grabbed her wrist pushing her back into the chair.
"Wills, you are going to sit here with Giles, Xander and Anya while Angel and I take care of this." Buffy demanded.
Willow was at a loss, she wanted to leave but she felt that the only way to get through Buffy was to fight her. She didn’t want to hurt her friend. Willow was about to try to reason with them when the door flew open.
Spike entered the Magic Box. He was wearing a pair of black leather pants with a blood red silk shirt. His blond hair was pulled back in a clasp at the base of his neck. His pale blue eyes blazed red. He extruded sheer power as he stalked into the room.
"I would appreciate it if you would let my Red go I’d hate to have to start a conflict Slayer." He said simply.
Angel flew at him, before Angel reached him Spike turned to mist. Angel flew right through him and slammed into the wall. Angel got up shaking his head looking slightly startled.
"Just let Willow go, and we won’t have a bloody problem." Spike stated.
Angel growled as he attached again. Buffy joined in both fighting Spike. Willow panicked jumping up to go to him.
No Red! Spike said quickly to the redheads mind.
Spike let me help! Willow begged.
NO!!! Spike said more firmly.
Spike I won’t let them hurt you! She replied stubbornly.
Willow you will sit down and stay out of this fight. Spike said compulsion lacing him mental voice.
The voice in her head was like honey as Willow obediently did as he said. She felt rage flow through her that he had used compulsion on her. However it was quickly filed away as she helplessly watched her lifemate fight the two equally strong people.
Spike’s movements glided even with his fierce speed of blocking and throwing punches. They all were all a blur of movement as the three other people in the room looked on. Suddenly they heard Spike swear.
Willow’s heart nearly exploded when the three stopped. There Spike was with one of Buffy’s stakes protruding from his chest. The blow rendered his compulsion over the redhead. Willow flew out of her chair to the blond grabbing hold of him before he fell to the floor.
Willow started moving him toward the door before she heard Buffy move up behind her. Willow turned around toward the Slayer, the vampire and the rest of the group. They gasped as they stared at her coal black eyes. Jet black strands ran through her hair.
"If any of you so much as move before we leave I will kill hurt you." She replied before changing her features back to her normal self.
Willow walked out door with Spike at her side. Quickly she got him into her car making him as comfortable as possible and started driving. Willow knew Spike needed help. Despratly she called out mentally.
Gregori, Mikhail, Raven anybody please??? She cried mentally.
What is it little one? Gregori replied.
Gregori thank goddess. Spike, he’s hurt, what do I do? She asked frantically.
Bring him to the house, I will prepare for his arrival. He replied.
Willow changed direction without even paying attention to the on coming car. The driver blared him horn as he shout at her. Willow speeded through the streets of Sunnydale racing to Mikhail’s house. Her heart was racing. Spike looked a pale shade of gray. She had tried to reach his hind, but he had not answered her. She prayed to the Great Lady for Spike’s life. She could lose him, not after losing Tara such a sort time ago. Willow could not understand why these things were always happening to her. It was like some divine power seen fit to not let her be happy.
Willow pulled into Mikhail’s driveway. He, Jacques, and Byron were waiting for them. As soon as she stopped the men got Spike out of the car rushing into the house. Willow went to follow them to the top floor of the house she found Gregori, Shea and Raven waiting.
The men put Spike on the bed. Willow watched as Gregori pulled the stake out of Spike’s chest while chanting. Quickly Raven moved to place the earth/saliva mixture into the wound.
Gregori was having a little difficulty with healing Spike. For one he was a new carpathian so he did not have the strength he and his companions had. Not to mention He had not yet feed and Spike was unconscious and could not feed to replenish his blood loss.
However difficult Gregori was an ancient. Known to his people as the Dark One. He would not give up. Willow watched the group work. She noticed Gregori’s fatigue and her heart raced. She wanted so badly to help him, but she was so afraid that she couldn’t stop. Spike started sweating out blood ad his breath speed. The group worked quickly knowing Spike had less of a chance surviving without blood.
No one was prepared however for what happened next.
Willow moved forward. Her eyes were jet black. She lifted her wrist drawing a line over the vein with her fingernail.
"Open." She said.
At this a cut appeared where she had drawn the line. She placed her wrist over the wound allowing her blood to drip there.
"Absorb this, the essence life which is given freely and out of love." She said.
Everyone watched as Spike’s wound absorbed the blood that Willow gave him. After giving as much blood as she could Willow placed her hand over the wound.
"Heal." She commanded.
Willow’s body began to glow blue as she levitated slightly. Her body was consumed by power as she focused her essence through Spike’s body. Willow threw her head back feeling the gain and loss of energy. The glow went from blue to white. Willow’s head was swimming, suddenly she became very light-headed. Willow’s eyes suddenly went green as she fell from the air. Gregori who was right beside her used his carpathian speed to catch the young girl before she fell to the floor. Willow too was now unconscious.
~Part: Eight~
Willow was lying in the greenest field she had ever seen. Getting up she walked through it savoring the feel of the long grass brushing against her legs. She walked toward the lake she seen in the near distance. Finally she made it. The lake was beautiful. The water was an eerily familiar color of blue. She walked along the edge until she came upon a boat.
"Will you be crossing the lake Miss?" The Ferrion asked.
Willow looked across the lake, on the other side she seen children playing at the lakeside, and some people having a picnic. She smiled. She could not remember the last time she had a picnic. Willow thought about it for a moment.
"Sure why not." She replied as she stepped on to the boat.
The Ferrion smiled as she stepped up.
"Do you have your fare?" He asked Willow.
Willow looked up at him confused before reaching into her pocket. She pulled out two gold coins holding them out to the Ferrion. Looking at them he smiled shaking his head. Willow was about to hand them to him when she heard the voice.
Come back to me Pet. Please, I need you. You can’t leave me here not after I just found you again. Please wake up Willow. Please I love you. The voice said.
Willow looked up at the Ferrion, he smiled at her gently as he reached for her hand. He helped Willow up and out of the boat. Willow looked across the lake again. It looked so inviting, so peaceful. She looked back at the Ferrion.
"Don’t worry Miss, I will be here and the lake will be here when you return. Just remember to make sure you keep your fair." He said.
Willow turned around walking back too the field. As she walked through it she came to a bright are. The voice she had heard earlier was coming from it. Even though she was a little scared she walked toward it anyway.
***************
As Willow’s eyes fluttered open Spike sighed with relief. The redhead had been unconscious for two days. Her life signs had been irregular. He watched her closely as she looked around.
"Spike! You’re alive!" The redhead exclaimed as she moved up to hug him fiercely. "You scared me to death." She finished punching him in his arm.
"I scared you? I wasn’t the one unconscious for two days." He said in mock exasperation.
Willow looked slightly startled. She had no idea she had been out that long. Willow was moving her way back through her memories when she finally moved back to her previous night’s anger.
"You used compulsion on me Spike." She stated hurt and anger strongly laced in her voice.
Spike heard the feelings in Willow’s voice and his heart nearly broke. However he did not feel any guilt over what he had done. He felt justified in the protection of his lifemate. He brushed her face gently.
"Pet I had to protect you at all cost." He justified.
"Spike you would have never got hurt as badly had you let me help Spike. I can fight you know that," Willow said.
"Pet, you don’t truly conceive the true complexity of our relationship. If I lose you I won’t want to live anymore. You see most lifemates choose to seek the sun or turn vampire if they lose their lifemates." Spike said.
Willow looked up at Spike in shock. True they had talked a little brought what Lifemates meant, but Willow had never realized the extent. Then something popped into her mind.
"So what about me Spike. What do you think would have happened if you had died. After all you seen what happened the last time the love of my life died Spike. You think that because I’m not Carpathian it won’t react similarly. Well guess what you have no idea how I feel when I’m away from you. When I could touch your mind. I felt so lost Spike. When I seen you dying in this very bed I released my magic. That is what I did Spike, even with all my fear of what may happen." Willow said as she got out of the bed hastily.
"Pet…" Spike tried to calm the redhead.
"No Spike. Last night I almost lost you. I could not help you because you used compulsion to try to control me. Right after I told Buffy and them that our relationship wasn’t like that." She stated. "You know how I feel about other people trying to control me especially after Racks and my psycho witch trip." She continued heading for the door. "I love you Spike but I don’t know if I can be with you knowing that you are willing to do that." She replied.
Willow was about to walk out the door when it slammed before she could get to it. She heard Spike growl behind her. Her heart speed up.
"Spike open the door." She said.
"You are not leaving Pet." He stated calmly. The gentleness of his voice scared her more then anything else.
"You intend to keep me hear against my while?" She asked not looking at him.
"You are mine Pet." He stated simply.
Willow turned around angrily. Her green eyes blazing with anger.
"I am not some sort of property to be used and controlled at your discretion." She seethed.
Willow suddenly found herself pinned against the wall, her hands above her head. She was not in any pain but whimpered out of fear. Spike pressed his body firmly against her as he moved his lips to her ear.
"I don’t see you like that. But I will do what ever it is in my power to keep you, and keep you protected. And if last night is such a problem I can easily wipe it from your mind if you’d like." He said both gently and harsh at the same time.
The thought of her memories being altered scared the hell out of Willow. She shook her head frantically.
"No, Spike please don’t do that. She said.
Spike softened his grip and sighed.
"Willow, don’t you realized how much I love you?" He asked. "Every word to the lifemate binding ritual is true all of it. I cannot let anything happen to you. I can feel you fear. You don’t ever have to worry about me harming you or leaving you Willow. You are my other half. To do these things is to do them to myself Pet." He said genuinely as he released her wrist. "Now come on Pet, your bloody stomach is growling we need to get you fed." He said as he opened the door.
Willow walked down stares with Spike into the kitchen. There they found Raven, Shea, Mikhail and Gregori sitting talking. When the group seen the couple enter they smiled.
"Willow how are you? You gave us quite a scare." Raven said.
"I’m fine, my body just needed to heal." She replied as she sat in an empty chair.
"What was quite amazing what you did." Gregori said his velvet voice void of any emotion. "You are a witch." He stated.
***************
Willow had been sitting in the car while Spike had went into Willie’s. He had been in there for about thirty minutes. She finally got frustrated and decided to go inside against Spike’s previous request. As she got out the door she felt herself shoved against the car.
"Well, well. I was looking for a quick meal. Guess I found one." The vampire said going into game face.
Before he could react Willow slammed her foot down on his. The vampire screamed out in shock and pain. Turning back to her he looked up angrily.
"You will pay for that Bitch." He replied as he attacked.
As he lunged Willow ducked. Then she spun around delivering a firm kick to his face. The vampire stumbled. Getting back his balance he turned back to her, he punched her in the face. Willow fell to the ground. She was about to pull a defensless act on the vamp when out of no where came a raging Spike.
"How dare you hit my mate you bastard." Spike yelled as he punched the vampire much the same way he had done to Willow.
Willow sat on the ground in complete surprise as Spike continued. Spike picked the vampire off the ground and hit him again. When the vampire fell to the ground once more Spike began kicking him.. Willow heard the vamp cry out for mercy as Spike savagely beat him. Spike only grinned.
Willow gasped as Spike grinned, the beast was in full control. She watched with a mixture of revulsion and fascination as Spike literally tore the vampire apart before it turned to dust. Once he was done he turned to Willow, the beast in full control.
He walked over pulling her up he sank his fangs into her neck. Spike dank deeply fully aware of his vampire audience. He turned his blazing eyes to the group as he pulled out of her neck and closed the wound.
"Mine!" He stated to the group. Make sure you inform all who have not seen this. Because if such an occurrence bloody happens again. I will make this seem like child’s play." He stated looking toward the dust on the ground.
**************
Willow knew that Spike had given her his blood again. She tasted when she had wakened. Spike had taken too much in his claim. She had tasted his blood twice and liked it. She could not understand why he would not let her drink more often. They had made love earlier. She looked at her lover next to her. She did love him, but everything was so extreme. ‘I can’t handle this.’ Willow thought as she remembered what Spike had to the vampire. What would keep him from doing the same thing to her friends if they interfered. When he was around she just could think straight. Then she made up her mind.
Getting up she gently brushed his lips with a gentle kiss. Then she got up packing her laptop, come clothes, some spell books and her checkbook. As she moved to the door quietly she looked at him one last time.
"I love you Spike." She said as she left him sleeping soundly.
~Part: Nine~
When Spike woke up his heart was pounding in his chest. He knew she was gone and he could not reach out to her mind. He quickly got out of bed and got dressed. He pulled his long hair back in a ponytail and quickly grabbed his keys before heading out the door.
***************
Buffy, Riley, Anya, Xander, Giles and Angel sat around the magic shop table. Riley had came back the previous evening and jumped into the gang’s search for the redhead and her lover. Riley had to contain his joy of the first real lead to the blond vampire. Even though the group had informed them of the events last time they had see the two together, he knew that Spike was a vampire. Demons couldn’t change, he had tricked them somehow, maybe even manipulated Willow into using magic to help him. He knew only one thing, that they had to save Willow and kill Spike.
As the group discussed what would happen next the Magic shop door flew open and in entered Spike. Power rolled off of him in waves even Xander and Giles could feel it. Both Buffy and Angel gulped, Spike scared Buffy more then Angelus ever could. They all saw Spike’s blue eyes flash red flames.
"Where the bloody hell is she!?!" Spike raged as he stalked up to the table.
"W-who?" Giles asked the enraged man.
"Willow you wanker, where is Willow?" He asked as if Giles question was the most stupid thing he had ever heard.
"Uh Spike the last time we saw Willow she was helping you out the door threatening us if we followed." Buffy said.
They saw Spike’s expression turn from one of anger to one of worry. Before they could say anything else he was gone. The group looked around at each other before Xander said what they all where thinking.
"Well that was just weird."
***************
Willow was sitting down eating at the table in the little inn. She just loved mountains. She had finally used her flyer miles and went to Europe she ended up in a little town in the Carpathian Mountains. She figured it was the name of the mountains that attracted her to them, something that reminded her of Spike.
She missed him greatly. She cried the night before and earlier in the
morning when she had woken. She knew it would hurt when she left, but she
had no idea it was like this. She had even had thoughts of ending her pain,
something she had never thought about even in her most desperate times.
She was angry that Spike had not told her that the bond was this in depth.
Vlad, Eleanor, Eric and Celeste walked into the little Inn they were there to visit the Innkeeper and congratulate her on her new child. They noticed the young girl at the table by herself immediately. The strong bond between her and her mate was undeniable. Eric and Vlad shared a look remembering Mikhail and Raven when she was human. They watched the woman get up and go out the door.
Willow walked through the woods her bag on her shoulder. She moved deep enough in to cover any view from the Inn in case there was a light show. She arranged the stones from her bag into a circle. She quickly set up her altar. Willow then pulled off her dress, underneath she was wearing a simple white shift. She pulled her green robe from her bag putting it on before leaving in on the ground before stepping into the circle.
Placing herself on the ground she opened the circle.
"Hail to the guardians of the East by the power of Air and Invention I call you. Hail to the guardians of the South by the power of Fire and Feeling I call you. Hail to the guardians of the West by the power of Water and Intuition I call you. Hail to the guardians of the North by the power of Earth and Mother I call you." She cried out pointing her atheme in each direction as she called the corners.
Willow opened the small box setting on the pentacle. She pulled out a silver ring with a jade shone setting and placed it on her finger.
"Blessed Great Mother and Glorious Father I call on you to bless this instrument of power that I may use it to better serve you." She cried.
Willow picked up her atheme holding it over her head.
"Fill me with the power I seek that I may heal and become strong and independent. Help me in my time of need to not stay from the path that you have set for me. Grant me wisdom that I may fight the evil that threatens this precious gift that you have set before us. This I ask in you honored presents. This is my will so mote it be." She finished as a flash of white light flashed threw her.
Willow felt the warmth of the energy running through her body. It was so pure like when she had first begun with magic, before she began abusing it. Willow for the first time in a long time felt at peace as the power filled her.
The four Carpathian’s neared the clearing hearing a woman’s voice clearing casting a spell. They watched in amazement as her body was filled with a white light. They had never seen a human use magic before.
Willow was packing up when she became aware of a presence close to her. Turning around she seen a small group of people looked at her. Willow backed up moving into her fighting stance.
"Do not feel threatened little one, we are the same as your mate. We are here only to offer you our protection in his apparent presence." One of the men spoke. "My name is Vlad, this is my lifemate Eleanor." He continued. "And this is Eric and his lifemate Celeste." He finished.
Willow’s stance eased slightly.
"My name is Willow." She said as she pulled her bag on to her shoulder. "But I don’t need your protection I can take care of myself." She replied.
"But you are unprotected why, where is you lifemate?" The one called Eric asked.
"He is on his way he had to take a later train." Willow lied as she started to walk back toward the Inn.
The four people walked with her talking. Willow gave as little information as possible to the group while staying friendly. After they all walked in together Willow walked toward the stairs to her room.
"Well it was nice talking to you, have a good evening maybe me and lifemate will see you again sometime. Be safe." Willow said.
"It was nice to meet you as well. We just wanted to offer you protection in the absence of your lifemate and if you need it at any point until your lifemate arrives just call out to us. We will not bother you otherwise. We hope to meet you lifemate when he arrives. Good evening as well." Vlad said before they watched Willow walk upstairs.
Willow flopped down in her bed. She could not believe her short time with the other Carpathians had been so soothing. But she could not take a chance with Spike fining her. So she pulled out the train schedule. The next train left in three days. She would take that one to the next town and hope that there were no Carpathians there.
***************
Vlad, Eleanor, Eric and Celeste had talked about the odd behavior Willow had displayed. They were worried about the young human. As soon as they got in to Vlad’s house Vlad picked up the phone to call Mikhail.
***************
Mikhail sympathized with Spike. He knew what it felt like not to be able to touch his mate’s mind. They had finally calmed him and started calling in contacts and favors to find the young woman. As they all talked, the phone rang. Raven answered it.
"Hello?" She answered. "Oh hello Vlad, how are you and Eleanor. Is your son doing well?" She asked the Carpathian male.
Everyone watched as Raven talked to Vlad on the phone. Then they suddenly saw her perk up.
"Willow, you have seen Willow." She said.
Before she could say another word Spike had the phone from her hand in a swift motion. He smirked as she looked at him with irritation in her eyes.
"Ello Mate, Vlad isat your name? Well Vlad I’m Spike and I need to find Willow, where’d ya see her? No I won’t bloody give the phone to Mikhail, until you tell me where she is you Wanker." Spike yelled at the phone.
Spike found Mikhail standing beside him. He looked at Spike before speaking.
"He will not tell you until I confirm that you are not a threat to her. It will take only a brief moment Spike." Mikhail said extending his hand for the phone.
Spike reluctantly handed Mikhail the phone. He watched Mikhail as he got on the phone.
"Vlad tell him whatever he wishes to know about Willow he is her lifemate." He said before handing the phone to Spike again.
"Ok Mate, where is my Willow?" Spike demanded.
****************
Willow finished packing the last of her things. Her train left five-thirty the next evening. She was still having problems with missing Spike but it was more tolerable with the spell. She had basically avoided the Carpathians she had meet the two nights before.
Willow put on her nightgown and moved to the bed she laid down after praying to the Old Ones for a peaceful sleep. She closed her eyes. Her last thoughts were of Spike before she drifted off to sleep.
***************
Spike looked down at his beautiful goddess. He had missed her so much in the short time she was gone. Part of him was angry that she had ran from him, but he could not stay mad at her for anything.
Willow stirred as she felt a soft caress on her cheek. Her eyes flew open when she felt lips on her own. There he was her lover he who had haunted her dreams. She sat up quickly before rolling herself off the bed. She stood up looking into Spike’s eyes.
"Spike." She barely breathed. "What are you doing here?" She asked a little louder.
"I came to get my mate." He stated softly with no emotions coming across his face.
That fact was what scared her most of all. Before she could move Spike had her in his arms. His lips claimed hers in a punishing kiss demanding entrance into her mouth. Willow felt like she was once again losing herself in him. When Spike was around she could never keep her thoughts straight. She could never keep her head clear. Suddenly her mind went full alert at what was happening. She backed up.
Willow saw Spike arch his eyebrow at her sudden movement. She went to run for the door only to find it would not budge.
"Red, where in bloody hell do you think you are going?" Spike asked only a tenge of anger in his voice.
"I have to get out of here Spike. I can’t think straight with you around me." She said frantically.
"Willow you can not leave me its not possible. Even if it were I would never allow you to leave." He stated.
Spike watched Willow panic and for the first time realized that she had hidden some of her fears so deep within her mind that he had not caught them. He swore at himself for being to stupid. Of coarse she would be afraid. Her whole world was changing and she could do nothing but go with it or go insane.
"Spike open the door please." Willow pleaded.
"No Red, open you mind to me, show me your fears how you see them." Spike said a hint of compulsion in his voice.
Willow felt alarms going off in her head at his attempt to use compulsion on her. She had done a spell for it when she had left. Willow suddenly grabbed the door handle chanting under her breath.
Spike was unprepared when the door came open, he had a strong hold on it. He swore again at his underestimation of the woman he knew as his lifemate. Finally coming out of his shock he moved to the door.
"Dammit Red." He said before moving out of the room.
***************
Willow ran through the woods. She wasn’t sure of where she was going, just trying to get away, clear her mind. As she ran she felt the barrier in her mind shatter. She fell to the ground as the pain of the powerful spell broke. Quickly she got back up running faster.
Willow stop running from me. Spike spoke softly.
Leave me alone Spike, please. Willow pleaded.
I can’t do that. Spike said desperation clear in his mental voice.
Willow cried out in frustration. She moved as fast as her legs would carry her. She ran through some bushed and stopped in a dead halt. There before her stood Mikhail, Raven, Jacques, Shea and Gregori. She saw the understanding looks on Raven and Shea’s faces. She was about to run in another direction when she felt a pair of stong arms wrap around her.
Willow struggled against Spike fiercely. Willow continued her struggle as she looked at the group. Her eyes were pleading.
"Someone please help me!!!" She cried frantically.
Willow saw both Raven and Shea about to move before their own lifemates grabbed a tight hold of them to keep them from aid. Mikhail was a smart man he could only offer her his protection. But one look at Spike’s eyes told him that he would have to fight Spike to the death to protect the girl and then she would suffer for the rest of her life. Mikhail also knew how hard it was at first for a human lifemate simply from what he had gone through with Raven.
Willow went to pull herself out of his hold when she twisted the wrong way. Losing her balance she quickly found herself on the ground beneath Spike. She panicked as both a waves of fear and arousal spread through her. Spike had each of her wrist pinned on either side of her head.
"WILLOW, stop it." Spike demanded causing Willow to become even more angry and struggle harder.
"I want you to LET ME GO SPIKE!!!" She screamed.
"No you will talk to me Willow, you will talk to me now." He said, his voice was black velvet sending a shiver up her spine.
Willow cleared her mind quickly thanking the goddess that her spell had worked before. She calmed herself before speaking again.
"Spike please let me up." Willow pleaded softly before her head flew back slamming into the ground as she went threw a violent vision.
Spike was overwhelmed when the vision hit the redhead, it was strong and fast he had trouble catching the pictures fling across her mind. This was something Willow had told no one something she never wanted known. Spike knew that much but off all the pictures that he had seen only one stayed in his grasp. Willow laying on a bed covered in blood. What caught him the most just wasn’t the picture but his Sire’s voice laughing in the background. He looked deep within Willow’s eyes knowing that she knew what it all meant. He quickly controlled his rage before calmly speaking.
"Red, what was that?" He asked quietly lifting the redhead from the ground.
Willow looked in Spike’s eyes, she seen only concern but that would change, just like everything else in her life. She didn’t know if she could tell him. As she was about to speak it caught her throat and Willow simply gave up fighting and ran into Spike’s arms. She wasn’t ready to face it yet.
Spike knew something was wrong, and it scared him to think that his Sire had anything to do with it. But he did no one thing what ever it was he would help her through it and no one would ever make her fear again.
"Don’t worry Red, I’ll make it all better."
~Part: Ten~
Willow woke up feeling groggily drained. She remembered the events that happened the night before and shot up in the bed. Spike was beside her in a second his arms wrapped around her. She shuttered in his arms as she lived through the memories she had buried in cheerfulness these past years. The memories she had told no one even Tara, the memories of Angelus.
"Luv, what is it? Please tell me." Spike said trying to comfort the redhead.
"I can’t Spike, I just can’t." She said through her tears.
"Pet, listen you don’t have to say anything just open you mind to me completely. Let me see what you can’t say." Spike said.
Willow was scared, more scared then she had ever been when Angelus had taken her that night. What would Spike think of her if she revealed the truth about why Angelus had grabbed her in the school that night? Or why she had given him back his soul. Would he abandon her? Willow didn’t know but what she did know is that they could not move forward, she could not move forward till she told someone.
What no one knew was when Oz left she was glad she could hardly bare him to touch her. Then Tara came along and for the first time in a long time she wanted to be held. Then when she was taken away Willow lost it, the dark spark deep within her spawned by Angelus. It gave her the power to kill Warren but it also consumed her. People never really understood that when you have a dark secret you can’t keep it for long because it eats away you insides. But she could not hold it inside any longer
Spike felt Willow lower her mental walls as she did so he eased his way slowly into her mind. His mind began to wrap itself around hers moving deeper into her mind till he came across a very dark area.
Spike noticed how Willow visualized this part of her brain and it made his heart pound. He stared at the Mansion of Crawford street it was a lot darker then it was in reality. The trees around it were dead, jagged and ugly. Spike could smell death all around it. All the plant life was black with death and the iron gates were rusted as well as covered with spider webs.
Spike walked through the gate up to the house. As he opened the door to the mansion he stepped inside and found the room just as dark the only light coming from the dying fire. His carpathian sight however was just as strong in her mind as in the physical world.
The room was thick with dust, the furniture worn and musty. Spike could hear the spider, and bugs crawling around as he moved through the room looking around. Suddenly he heard a scream from upstairs it was unmistakably Willow’s. He quickly took the stairs two at a time rushing toward the redhead’s sobs. He came to the room that was Angelus’ privet room. Even when he was around with Angelus neither he nor Dru could enter this room. He reached for the door.
Spike’s breath caught in his throat at the sight before him. Willow was tied to the bed with Angelus on top of her thrusting into her violently. Spike saw Angelus flip her over quickly twisting her arms painfully over one another as he did so. Angelus then pulled her to her knees and with no preparation for the redhead he rammed his full length into her tight ass. Willow’s screams were renewed at this new violation. Spike saw Angelus sink his fangs deep into her neck as he violently came. Spike watched Willow’s body still as Angelus weakened her.
Coming out of his shock Spike tried to move forward but found something preventing him from entering the room. He angrily started yelling at Angelus as he helplessly watched him untie Willow. Neither heard him even as Spike continued to bang against the invisible barrier. Angelus pulled Willow to her knees before shackling her wrist in the cuffs of the chains hanging from the canopy bar.
"My little whore why do you cry. Was it not good for you? It was good for me." Angelus purred silkily as he pulled his trademark leather pants on.
Willow’s head hung low as she sobbed under her breath. Her head flew back as she felt a sharp pain due to the crop’s connection with her back. Angelus gripped her hair tightly as he moved his lips to her ear.
"You will answer me when I speak to you or you will be punished bitch!!!" Angelus growled in her ear before throwing her head forward and moving back to whip her again.
It lasted for hours Willow had screamed until she finally went horse. Angelus had broken her innocents and marred her spirit. He felt Willow’s want to die and his heart absolutely broke. He listened as Angelus laid down the rules to Willow as she laid in the bed covered in blood.
"You will come to me when ever I ask you. You will keep this from the Slayer that is why all your marks can be covered with clothes. And my mark will be covered with this choker. You will do anything I ask without question or you will be punished." Angelus stated simply.
Willow barely shook her head to acknowledge that she understood. Spike could feel her pain and raged that he had been so stupid. Granted all that time he knew Angelus had a secret pet but he never knew who it was. He swore he figured out why she smelled so familiar when he first made love to her. He had never questioned her virginity due to her relationship with Oz. He had figured her scent was so familiar from being around her some much when he was chipped. But it was before that when he had walked past the room and on Angelus when he had finished a session with her.
Spike watched through scene after horrible scene at what the redhead had been forced to endure. He understood a lot more about how the redhead had changed after those months with Angelus. Part of her had died in that room the first time his Sire had taken her, the part that was pure. But however much both Angelus and Willow both believed that he had broken her Spike knew the truth. However deep the wound he a marred the redhead with she still had more then enough light in her heart. She still had compassion.
Spike realized that it was going to be much harder on her then he thought. Being with him had forced these horrible memories to surface. She needed to understand more about their bond and she had to know that she was his lover and his lifemate not his possession. Willow had to heal and Spike would be the one to help her.
Spike slowly extracted his mind from that part of hers but still stayed connected to offer her comfort. He looked down into Willow’s eyes there he seen pain, uncertainty and fear. She was afraid that he would abandon her. Spike smiled as he embraced her tighter to console her.
"My precious, precious, Willow you have nothing to fear. I will never ever hurt you. No one will again or they will have me to deal with me such my Sire does." He said anger in his gentle voice.
Willow’s eyes grew wide at Spike’s words. He wasn’t angry at her but at Angelus.
"Yo-you not mad at me?" She asked for conformation.
Spike looked at the redhead in shock.
"Why in bloody hell would I be mad at you Luv?" Spike asked in confusion.
"Because, you seen all the encounters, yo-you know that I-I-I well you know." She replied turning crimson.
Spike knew what the redhead was talking about. Later in her little relationship with Angelus he got her to start enjoying it, the violence. She thought that it was because there was something twisted in her. But Spike knew his Sire better then anyone and knew that was not the case.
"Willow Luv, listen, Angelus is known for making his victims enjoy the violence as well as his Childer. It was not something wrong with you Angelus just has a way of molding people to his will. But I will take care of him don’t worry." He said.
"NO!" Willow said frantically. "You can’t Angel doesn’t know." She finished.
"What do you mean? He has his memories." Spike stated.
"Because when I did the spell to give him back his soul I entered a secondary spell to capture the memories deep with in so he would not have to live with the guilt of what Angelus had done." Willow stated.
Spike looked at her in awe. This woman who doubted her purity had not only helped the man who carried her assailants face but also prevented him from suffering guilt for the crimes. She was truly the most compassionate creature he had ever seen. Willow had not restored Angel’s soul to hurt Angelus but because it was the most compassionate way to save her friends and Angelus.
Spike moved off the bed to the dresser were he picked up a bag. He brought it back placing it next to Willow. She looked up at him with curiosity.
"What is this?" She said pointing to the large bag.
"Just something for ya part of a present to show you how much I love and cherish you. I suggest you open it we have a plane to catch soon and I want you to be prepared for our departure." Spike said.
"What do you mean plane we have to take a train to the airport first?" She asked.
"Luv, we left there on Mikhail’s privet plane we stopped off here in Ireland to let you rest while Jacques and Shea visits her mother’s burial sight.
Willow looked around the room finally catching the massive difference of the room. Then her attention was once again drawn to the bag. Willow pulled five boxes from the large bag she first opened one of the large ones and gasped.
There in the box was a forest green stretched velvet dress that would fit to her curves perfectly. It was short with thin straps and a low-cut v bust-line with Celtic knot work embroidered around it. She squealed in delight at the beautiful garment. She opened the other large box and looked up at Spike in awe. In this box was Spike’s very own trademark leather duster. She was about to say something when he told her to open the rest first.
Willow moved to open the next box to find a pair of matching Prada sandals. In the next she found a silver choker with a heart shaped emerald in the middle on either side of the stone was Spike and Willow’s names engraved. With it was a pair of silver dangling earrings with little heart shaped emeralds at the bottom.
In the final and smallest box Willow found as set of keys. On the chain she found a key chain with her name engraved on it, another with her birth sign and one with a pentacle on it. Willow looked closely at the keys she recognized her house and car keys but heir was a third set of keys she had not recognized. Holding the two keys up she looked at Spike.
"Spike what are these?" She asked.
"Keys to our new home." He stated smiling gently.
Willow stared at Spike for the longest time unable to speak.
"We, we have a home?" She asked as tears of joy ran down her face.
"Yes Luv a home I bought you, for me, for our family." He said.
"Family?" Willow asked curiously.
"Yes Willow one day I hope that you may consent in having my children." He said.
Willow’s head was swimming.
"We can have children together. Spike?" She asked excitedly.
"Yes Luv." Spike replied.
Willow jumped in his arms tightly holding him. For the first time in her life Willow was joining to be truly happy and have the family she had always dreamed of. She looked at the man who was once her enemy and now her lover and knew with him at her side she could do anything. He loved her unconditionally and made it known that he did. He shared her deepest memories and still wanted her. Willow knew how lucky she was. Looking up into Spike’s eyes she kissed him fiercely.
"I love you Spike."