Spike's Obsession

Rating: NC-17

Disclaimer: Right now, none of them belong to me. Most belong to Joss Wendon and Anne Rice. More disclaimers are still to come but, I'll be sure to post them.

Couple: Willow/Spike

Summary: Willow's Recovery, and Spike Returns

Author's note: I don't know much about Carpathians. Most information in my story may be made up or not. I can't be sure.

Dedications: This is something I am writing for a college course. I want to dedicate this to all fanfic writers. I'm posting this because I want your feedback on any mistakes or any corrections I may need to make before submitting it in the beginning of August. It has to be at least 500 pages. So, I'm not really clear on how many chapters that will be. I wanted to dedicate this to Lady Alexia, because she gave me a good idea to write this. You should read her fanfic. It is amazing.

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Chapter 1 Willow's Recovery

      Six months later, on a Monday night in October, Willow sat at Tara's gravestone wiping the dirt and replacing her roses.

      "Oh Tara. I wish you were with me. Who will love me now?" Willow said to the silent grave.

      She pulled back her long jet-black hair, which had turned jet- silky black after her breakdown. Willow's eyes were never green again either.  They were the darkest brown, which could fool you for black.  She dressed differently as well. She only wore black, and she dressed a bit sexier.  She had turned into a full-grown woman, but she was still a bit confused as to who she was now.  The old redhead Willow had died last summer with Tara. She wasn't sure if she would ever be able to resurrect the old Willow again. Pulling her mid-back length hair into a ponytail, Willow could sense someone near.

      Entering the graveyard, a handsome man entered with a beautiful woman.  The man was tall dark and handsome.  His hair was short and black like Angels.  He had black eyes matching his black Armani suit with a long black trench coat.  The woman accompanying him, had shoulder length straight blond hair.  Her eyes were blue as the sky on a beautiful day.  She wore a white gown.  She also wore a tattoo on her hand, the same as the male by her side.  They entered the cemetery holding hands.  Willow could sense that whoever entered wasn't human, so she put her defenses up to fight.  The man and woman walked over to her confused.

      "We are not here to fight." The man slowly stepped to her.

      "We are new here to Sunnydale.  We don't want to get off at a bad start." The man said as he pushed the blond girl behind him.

      "Why should I believe you?" Willow said as she kept her guard.

      "Because I know how you are feeling. My life mate and I could feel such a strong pain.  We came here to see what it was." The man said.  Willow was confused. She slowly put her defenses down.

      "What are you? I can feel a vampiric vibe in you, but it's strong. Too strong for a vampire.  And you also have a soul. I don't understand what you are. What are you?" Willow asked.

      The man smiled.  "Let me start by introducing myself.  My name is Louis. And this is my life mate Claudia." The man said as the blond stood from behind him.  "We are Carpathian." Claudia spoke with a soft voice. Claudia smiled at Willow. I can see that you will be one of us soon." Claudia said.

      Willow made another smirk of confusion.  Louis pulled Claudia behind him once more to speak. "What my life mate means is that you should be careful. I feel something in you. Something very powerful. We have come here because a Carpathian Prince was sensed to be here. He is young, and without a Princess. And, once he finds out what he is, that will be the first thing that he seeks. You are a beautiful girl, and you have a scent on you that lays deep in your heart. The scent of pain and innocence. I can tell you right now as I stand before you that you must have lost someone dear to you for the last time. Now, you have given up on love. And, your vulnerability is amazing. As soon as the Prince arrives, he will smell this too. No matter where he is. He will smell you." Louis explained.

      Willow looked at him with fear.  Louis read her thoughts and could see that she didn't understand him. He reached into one of his trench coat pockets and pulled out a small black book.  "I was saving this for our young Prince, but I can see he is not near tonight.  "Read this book. It is our bible. Every Carpathian must have it by there side. This will help you understand us, as well as our ways." Louis said tossing the book to Willow as she caught it immediately. Louis took off his trench coat, and put it around his life mate.  "My life mate is tired.  I must get her home to rest. It was nice to meet you. I get that we may be seeing you again Slayer's friend." Louis said as he and his life mate turned away to leave.  "Willow. My name is Willow" Will said as they disappeared into the fog.

      "Wow. That was weird." Willow thought. "I hope it's not a bad thing that just met them." Willow looked at her wrist to catch the time. "Shit! It's almost midnight." Willow shouted as she quickly put the small book in her bag, and hurried off to the magic box. She was two hours late. She was supposed to be there to look up some spells.

      That night, at the Airport, Spike got off a private jet disoriented from the trip.  Through all 8 hours of flying Spike thought of only one what the oracle demon after he was turned. "You are now a Carpathian Prince. Use your power wisely." Spike walked through the airport to exit still pandering what that meant. He never heard of Carpathians before, and he was their prince.  He could already feel himself changing.  He realized that he hadn't thought of Buffy once during his whole trip back home. His crypt had caught fire the last time he was back in Sunnydale, and he really didn't have anywhere to stay. Spike wondered why he didn't miss Buffy. She was the reason he had changed. He could feel that he had a soul, but he felt no guilt for his victims, like Angel.  Although, he could smell that his people were near. He wasn't sure, but his instincts told him so. He could also smell such a attacking smell. The smell of innocence. A woman. A Special woman.  "Is this Buffy I feel?" Spike wondered as he exited the airport and began to walk the streets of Sunnydale. He wasn't quite sure why he didn't have any feelings for Buffy anymore, because the smell of this woman was so soothing. Spike did feel bad for the way he forced himself on Buffy six months ago. He wasn't himself.

      At the magic box, sat the Scooby gang impatiently waiting for Willow. Buffy stood by a nearby window to see if she saw her. "Willow is two hours late!" Buffy shouted.  I'm so worried about her dawn said walking towards Buffy.  Willow entered in a quick rush. "I'm sorry I'm late guys."  She ran immediately to the table pulling out her laptop.  Buffy sat down in the closest seat to her with a frown.  "Willow, what's going on? You are never late. In fact, you are the first person here.  And suddenly, you're two hours late?" Buffy spoke.  Willow stared at her. She showed no emotions for what Buffy said. She just stared.  "I was visiting Tara and got caught up with new friends in town." Willow explained.

      "What friends?" Buffy asked.       "Carpathians." Willow answered.

      Suddenly, all conversations were stopped when they heard the shatter of Giles's coffee cup hit the floor. "Carpathians! Are you sure they said Carpathians Willow?"

      Willow stood out of her seat to calm the watcher down. "Yes Giles. They said they were Carpathian. And they were very nice. I can say one thing. As a witch I felt a different vibe on them. At first, I thought they were vampires but when they got closer to me they gave me a different vibe. And they spoke to me. One said his name was Louis, and he had his life mate with him. Her name was Claudia. They said that they will soon have a Prince Carpathian here in town and they were out looking for him. Then, they gave me a book. They said it was there bible.  Giles, they also said something else to me. They told me to be careful.  I have a smell of innocence or whatever. But they said he is a young prince and soon, he will be looking for a princess and he will smell me. What does that mean Giles?"

      Giles stood up from his seat. "Xander! I want you to take Willow home right now! It's not safe for her to be outdoors." Giles loudly commanded.

      "Giles. Calm down. Tell me what's going on. What are Carpathians? I'm not leaving until you tell me!" Willow demanded.

      Giles sat down by the steps. "Willow. You are the princess. Go home Willow.  Go Home. You can't be here anymore. It's not safe. That's all I can tell you right now."

      Willow got angry. "Fine! I'll leave then. And don't call me!" Willow shouted as she left the magic box crying.

      Buffy walked over to Giles angry. "What the hell was that all about?" She asked.       "Buffy. She's not safe, and I think she'll never be now." Giles said.

      Willow entered her new apartment. After all the crazy stuff that happened six months ago, Willow decided that it might comfort the others if she lived elsewhere.  Willow wiped her tears, and walked over to turn on the radio.  Then, she walked into the bathroom to take a shower.

      Walking down the streets of Sunnydale, Spike thought of the smell of innocence he smelled. He had followed it all the way to an apartment complex.  The more rooms he walked by, the closer the scent got.  He finally reached a apartment door, where the smell was so intense.  He knocked on the door.  "Who could that be this late?" Willow said as she tied her robe to answer the door. As the door opened, his eyes grew big as he saw who opened the door.  "Spike?" Willow asked. "Willow?" Spike responded. Her smell was so intense, not to mention the new makeover he thought she had gotten. Spike could smell her country apple scent. Willow felt the cold chill in the air. She was still damp from her shower.

      "Come in Spike." Willow offered.

      Spike entered.  Spike sat down at the nearest couch as Willow sat on her polished wood floor. "You look very different Willow." Spike said.

      Willow took that as a compliment. "Thank you. You look different too. I heard about what you did to Buffy Spike." Willow said softly.

      "Then why did you let me in? Is this a set up to kill me now?" Spike asked.

      "No Spike. It's no set up. I let you in because you're probably the only one who could understand me." Willow said.

      Spike listened to her as she confessed her skeletons. He wasn't the only one who had been bad. Willow began to cry as she finished. Spike somehow, felt sorry for her.  He walked over to her, and sat down next to her to wipe her tears.

      "Stop crying Luv. Everyone has done something that they regret. It's okay. It doesn't make you a bad person. I know you Will. You've done some great things for people. You are a good person." Spike spoke.

      Willow looked into his eyes. "Why was he being so understanding?" She thought.

      "Because you are so wonderful." Spike said. Willow got up from him immediately.

      "How did you know what I just thought? I didn't say that to you. But I was thinking it in my mind." Willow said.

      Spike got up as well to face her. "I don't know Willow. But that is part of the reason why I'm here." Spike lied. "I need your help Willow. I am not the same Spike you knew when I left. I am changing. I went to an oracle to take tests to prove my worthiness so that I could get the bloody chip from my head removed. After I passed the tests, he turned me. And then he told me I was a Prince Carpathian. I don't know what that means." Spike said.

      Willow's mouth began to drop open. They were right." She thought.

      "Who was right? Spike said.

      Stop reading my mind Spike! I know you don't have anywhere to sleep, so you'll sleep in here in my bed for a few nights until you can regenerate. I know a little bit what Carpathian means. I'll give you a book to read. It should help you understand." Willow said.

      Spike smiled. "I wonder why she is so nice to me? I've never given her anything but pure hell. And she is such a angel to me. I respect her completely. Spike walked into her room and laid on the bed. He was exhausted. "Where will you be sleeping luv?" Spike asked.

      Willow gave a smirk of happiness/anger. "On the couch. Goodnight." Willow said as she closed the door.

Chapter 2 Dark Prince

      The next night, Spike awoke in Willow's bed, wandering it was all just a dream.  Her smell of innocence was amazing. He cursed himself for not noticing it sooner.  He got up from the bed and left the bedroom to get the book off the coffee table.  There he saw a pillow on the couch, and realized that she had slept there.

      "She really slept on the couch? Wow." Spike thought.  He grabbed the book and laid down where she had slept to read it.

      After two hours, of reading non-stop, Spike closed the book fully understanding who he was now. He was anxious to meet his people. He also understood now why the smell of innocence lured him to Willow's place. It all made good sense to him now. Willow is my life mate. He couldn't believe what he was true. He wasn't going to tell her yet, because he was unsure.

      Willow walked in soon after, coming home from a hard day at work. She was a corporate bilingual boss for Ford Motor Company. Spike stood up from the couch to greet her.

      "Hey Spike. Did you sleep well?" Willow asked as if it were her first concern.

      Spike was impressed. She had worked all day, and all she was concerned about was how well he had slept. She was truly his princess.

      "I slept very well luv. How was your day at work?" Spike said as if he were concerned.

      Willow gave a confusing look. "Okay I guess. Why do you care?" Willow responded.

      "I was just trying to be nice." Spike Said.

      Willow smiled.  "Sorry Spike. My defenses are wacky right now. I'm hungry and tired." Willow said sitting down in the chair taking off her shoes to rub her sore feet.

      Spike couldn't help himself. He knew what she was to him, and she sat before him unaware of her beauty. Before Spike even knew it, he was already on his knees helping Willow remove her shoes.

      Willow was shocked. She didn't know what to do. Spike began to rub her soft feet. It was so relaxing. She couldn't believe how good his hands felt. Willow rolled her eyes back and tilted her head as if she were in heaven. Spike looked at her and he could see that this gave her pleasure. He knew she wanted more. So, he began to kiss her feet.  Willow moaned when he did this. She had to get a hold of herself. She pulled her feet from his soft and soothing hands to speak. "Thanks Spike." She looked at the coffee table to gain her consciousness, and noticed that the book was gone.  She looked at Spike trying not to look into his beautiful dark-brown eyes.

      "So you read that book?" Willow asked.

      Spike could see that she wanted him just as he wanted her. But there was something in the way. He read her thoughts to find that she was worried about Buffy. "What would Buffy think if she found out that I have always secretly loved Spike" Willow thought.

      "Yes luv. I read the book. I understand completely who I am. But now I must find my people. They need me. I can feel them." Spike said.

      "Spike raised himself slowly to look into Willow's dark-brown eyes. I completely understand who you are too Willow. But I don't want to confuse you yet. I still don't understand. I know that you've met them. You're thinking about them right now. You're thinking about what they said to you. They are right. I did come looking for you." Spike said not letting her eyes leave his.

      Spike was beginning to scare Willow when he said those things to her. Willow got out of her seat, eventhough it meant bumping into Spike. He grabbed her. "I know you feel me Willow. I am still confused as to why I feel the same. I know some much more about you than I have ever known. I took you for a bookworm, when this beautiful and precious woman deep inside. And look at you now. You lost someone that you loved for the last time, and your body emerged into that girl. I'm sorry about everything Willow. I wish things could have been better for you. I could make them better if you let me." Spike said holding her arms.

      "Spike, I don't know what's wrong with me. Yes. I do have feelings for you. You were big bad Spike. But you never saw me. I was too good for you. Besides, you have Dru, and Buffy. They were most special to you. I can't compare to that. Not even now. I am nobody Spike. Nobody.

      Spike couldn't help himself any longer. He lightly pressed his lips against hers to end his yearning pain.  He wanted to make love to her so badly. But he respected her and he wanted her to make the first move. Willow tried fighting, but the kiss was so good. Her body began to allow him to please her. She wanted this. She needed this. Spike began to see that she was cooperating and pulled his lips from hers. Willow looked pleased/yet disappointed that the kiss had to end.

      "Willow, I am aware that things about me were not good, but I want you. I don't want anyone else. And no, you are not like Buffy or Dru, but you are special. You respect what I give you. That means a lot to me. They'll never compare to you. Ever.  You need to know that.  You're hungry. Let's go put food into your stomach." Spike said.

      Willow agreed letting Spike put her shoes on her feet. He held out his hand and she took it without question.

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      Spike entered a new club called "The Motor" with Willow by his side. They came here because Spike said that he could feel his kind here in the club.  Spikes instincts became to take over him again. He grabbed Willow with great force and gave her a punishing kiss forcing his tongue to touch hers. Willow didn't fight. It felt so good. They were in such a unknown place for the both of them. Then, he pulled out his pocket a knot of hundred dollar bills.  "Get whatever you'd like luv." Spike said kissing her forehead as he handed her the money.

      Willow smiled. She pulled a hundred dollar bill from the knot and put the rest in the pocket of his black trench coat. "Thanks Spike, that I'll only need this much." Willow said as she began to walk away. "Spike pulled Willow back to him. "Stay where I can see you luv." Spike demanded. Will didn't answer. But he knew she would obey him. Willow walked away to get food for her hungry stomach.

      Spike found a small booth behind the DJ. He walked over to it to claim it. While waiting for Willow.       Louis felt the young prince near him. He grabbed Claudia. "My precious one, our prince is here. Don't you smell him?" Louis said happily.

      "Yes my love. I do. I smell him very well. They followed the smell to Spikes seat.  Spike got up from his seat. "You are my people." Spike spoke. Louis and Claudia bowed proudly.

      "It is a honor to meet you my lord." Louis said as he got up from bowing.

      "This is your club?" Spike asked.

      "No. My lord, this club is yours. And so is everything else my lord. My name is Louis, and this is my life mate, Claudia." Louis spoke.

      "My name is William. But as a vampire, my name is Spike. Claudia is such a beautiful name. You must be the two my beauty's thoughts?" Spike said.

      "My lord, you must be talking about Willow. She is beautiful don't you think. We met her last night at the cemetery. We immediately knew who she was. That is why we gave her the up most respect." Louis explained.

      Spike began to worry about where Willow was. It was beginning to take too long for her food to be done. "Willow is here with you my lord?" Louis asked.

      "Yes." Spike said.

      Willow walked over to them. "Oh hi Louis. Claudia?

      Hello Willow. "I told you I would be seeing you again." Louis said with a smile.

      Willow's pager began to beep.  She looked into her bag to see what who it was.

      "It was nice to meet everyone. I have to go. It's Buffy. She might be looking for me."

      Spike grabbed Willow's arm as she tried to leave.  "Don't go luv. Stay here with me. Please?" Spike desperately pleaded.

      "Spike. I can't I have to go back to Buffy's. Besides. You have found your people. You should be alone with them. Don't worry. I won't say anything to Buffy. I promise." Willow said.

      Spike still didn't want to let her go, but his hands loosened when Willow kissed his lips. As Willow ran off, Spike tried not to run after her. He looked at Louis.

      "So, where do we begin?" Spike said.

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      Two week's later, Willow walked into the Bronze with a gift for Buffy. It was her Birthday. Willow wore a Black spaghetti-strap gown with two splits, starting at her ankles.  He long black hair was pulled into a unique bun. She looked hot.

      Willow walked over to the bronze to greet Riley.

      "Hey Riley. How's it going?" Willow asked in a soft but sexy tone.

      Riley was stunned. Not even he could believe how hot she was.

      The music was playing. The mood matched Willows gothic look. Looking around for Buffy she hadn't even noticed that Riley was staring at her eyes.

      "Willow? Wow. You look great." Riley said as he was lost for words. He never thought Willow could look this good. "So you died your hair? It looks really good." Riley Complimented.

      "No colors. It changed on it's own. Just like my eyes. Have you seen Buffy?" Willow asked.  She finally stopped looking for Buffy and looked into Riley's eyes. She could see that he was drunk.

      "Buffy is over by the punch bowl talking to Angel."  Riley said.

      Willow walked away from Riley giving him a sexual smile.  As she walked through the crowds, friends and family of the whole Scooby gang staring at Willow. Willow had mostly disappeared from town after losing Tara. More than likely, people thought Willow just had a huge makeover, and some surgery. They couldn't consume that the witch in her had made her beautiful. Not even Buffy had realized that Willow had gotten so pretty.

      Angel stared too. Buffy had told him about what was going on in Sunnydale and about Willow. Willow saw Angel first and walked slowly over to him to greet him.

      "Angel. When did you get in town?" Willow said as she gave him a passionate hug.

      "Just about an hour ago. I came as soon as I heard. But now is not the time or place to discuss this. It's Buffy's 21st birthday." Angel said.

      Angel began to smell beyond her innocence. He could smell Spike on Willow. "Willow? Is Spike in town? Angel asked.

      Willow was shocked. How the hell did he know? Willow thought to herself.  She knew he had to be honest. "Yes Angel. He's been in town a few weeks now. I didn't want to say anything Buffy because I knew what you two had went through. So I kept to myself. He's done a lot of changing too." Willow explained.

      "Buffy, I hate to be rude, but a lot of the people in here were friends with Tara too. I can't stay. But, here's your gift and I just wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday Buffy. I have class tomorrow. I will need hit the library with the famous laptop to study." Willow said. Buffy gave her an understanding look as she gave her a friendly hug, and kissed her cheek.

      Willow left for home. She entered her dark apartment, and turned on the lights. There Spike sat. She hadn't seen him in weeks. She wasn't angry at him for not seeing her, but she wasn't happy either. "How did you get in here Spike? I want you to leave." Willow said calmly as she sat her keys down onto the coffee table.

      Spike didn't respond. He just stood up to walk towards her. Willow couldn't move. She wanted to, but she couldn't. Spike rapped his arms gently around Willow's waist. For some strange reason, she wanted this. She looked deep into Spikes eyes. She didn't know what he was going to do. She could feel his hands traveling down the splits of her dress. Slipping under her dress to touch her warm spot. Gently touching her, he felt her get warmer, and wetter. Willow couldn't take it anymore. The pleasure was too intense. She began to collapse when Spike picked her up to guide her to her bedroom. He laid her on her bed, pulling her silk black panties. Willow lifted herself up to help him remove them.  He began kissing her feet, guiding his tongue up her leg passionately kissing her thighs. Willow's moans of pleasure were getting much louder now. Spike went up higher to kiss her passage as he felt her flinch from an instant orgasm. Spike moved his lips from her passage to grab her breast to kiss her lips.

      The kiss was filled with so much passion. A tear came down from Willow's eye. Spike licked her tear. He sat up to look into her eyes.

"No more pain for you Willow. You have had enough. How would you like every night to be like this? Do you want me to stop?" Spike asked.

Willow could only answer in her thoughts. Spike heard her thoughts asking for more and so he continued traveling back down between her legs leaving a trail of aching kisses behind. This time his tongue went deep into her passage.  Willow screamed out of fear and passion. Spike felt her fear and held her hand as he continued. Willow calmed down but the pleasure was so intoxicating. No one had ever made her feel like this. She hoped that it would never end. Willow squeezed Spike's hand as hard as she could to inform him of her second orgasm. She filled him with herself this time. Willow couldn't bare another. Spike moved up to her to kiss her forehead.

"Can you see how special you are to me? You are my princess now.  You won't want to fill anyone but me now. You're mine." Spike said as he moved off of her. Willow began to fall asleep.

Spike left the apartment. Walking down the streets of Sunnydale wit Louis he felt so powerful. So strong. "The world is ours Louis. Soon we well have a kingdom here in Sunnydale. I promise you. As long as I get my princess, I shall keep my people happy." Spike said.

"Yes my lord. I will personally make sure that her change with you will go smoothly with no interference. I promise. "Louis said.

Chapter 3 Torture

      Later that night, Willow walked the streets wondering why the men in Sunnydale, vampires and all were acting very weird around her. She knew that the best place to go to get relief was to go to go see Tara.  At the graveyard, Willow laid down on Tara's grave thinking of her. She missed her so much.  She closed her eyes to think about Spike. She couldn't understand why she felt this way about him. Maybe because he was different now, but he belonged to Buffy not so long ago. She thought about that as well, hoping that she would come to her senses about Spike.

"Why am I thinking about spike? I hate Spike." Willow thought

      Willow felt a presence near her. She knew it was Angel.  She stood up to greet him.

"Angel? What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be with Buffy?" Willow asked with concern.

      Angel walked closer to her and it made her nervous. She backed away as he walked closer.

      "Is there something you need Angel? Can I help you with something?"  Willow asked with fear in her voice.

      Angel stopped after she said that. He finally broke from his desire for her and brought himself to ask her what he wanted to at Buffy's birthday party.

      "Willow, you met the Carpathians haven't you? I can smell them all over you." Angel asked.

      Willow was in a shock.  But she answered him with the up most respect.

      "Yes Angel, I met them here a few days ago. They were very nice. But they scared me a little. They told me that I would become one of them soon, and that there is a Prince Carpathian here in Sunnydale."  Willow explained.

      "I know why they told you that you would become one of them Willow? Angel said.

      Willow stared at him waiting for an answer. "Why?" She asked.

      "Because what I saw in you tonight as I see in you now is the true Willow. Not some girl with a mask, but a real Woman, and she is full aware of her existence. Willow, you must be careful. You have no idea what a Carpathian Prince is capable of. And, it's sorry to say that you qualify for the position as his Queen. Willow." Angel Said.

      Willow sat down by Tara's grave listening to Angel as he sat down next to her.

      "Willow you are the only girl in 50 thousand miles that has the desire that you have. And it's natural. Let me tell you a bit about Carpathians. Carpathians, are anti-Christ's. They belong both to heaven and hell. They keep balance with the slayer as well as the demons. You see Willow, in this world, no one is allowed to ever win a battle. This is because it would mean that someone could have control. And that's not what this planet is for. It is for peace. And Carpathian's keep that peace. Things haven't been fair in Sunnydale, and that's why they have come here. They are more powerful than you, Buffy, or I. They are strong like the god you guys killed. Well, try thinking of fighting thousands of them. And a Carpathian Prince well lets just say that you would be fighting thousands of gods with absolutely no flaws. But, a Carpathian Prince may only have a woman who has given up on life. Someone who feels deprived of love naturally. Willow, your innocence and vulnerability sticks out like a sore thumb. I know that he's met you already. Because you attract everyman you walk by. That means, he has already chosen you, and he will come for you soon. He can't right now, because he's bringing order to the town. But, time is getting short. Sunnydale is getting very quite. That means his job is almost complete. And he will come for you. He Will. And that's why you must tell me who he is. Or we will lose you forever, and you will lose yourself. It's not your choice whether you want to go or not. Carpathian's have total control over there women. You don't have to love him Willow. He only cares about loving you. You are in danger. He will do anything to get you, and if he has to torture you by making you watch Buffy and I die, then he will and he won't be sorry for it. Please tell me Willow. Please tell me before he fully regenerates and comes for his queen. Before he comes for you." Angel pleaded.

      Willow was in shock of what she had just heard. She was devastated and scared. She did have on question thought.

      "Angel, what happens when he fully regenerates."

      "He gets you, and he is unstoppable."

      "Angel, I don't know how to say this to you, but the Carpathian Prince is Spike."

      Angel looked to willow in shock. "What did you say?" He asked to her once more.

      "It's Spike. I can confirm it. I'll take you to his castle." Willow said.

      "No Willow. No. You can't come with me. If he finds out that you are going to run, you will be kept there on the spot until it is time. He is weak now, he cannot read your thoughts just yet, but he will soon, and you'll feel him. He will have control of your mind. Their women are there puppets. And you will be his."

      Willow wanted to scream when she heard this. She couldn't believe that almost going insane was going to make such a mess. She knew she had to go to Buffy. Buffy will make it better. She looked at Angel as if she were going to cry. She began to fall to her knees, but Angel caught her.

      "Willow. It's okay. This isn't a bad thing. If we can't stop him, then you will become a Queen Carpathian. You are already a Princess." Angel said.

      Willow wiped her tears and tried to understand what he was saying.

      "I don't get it Angel, why would being someone's puppet be so good?" Willow asked.

      "He will make all the pain go away Willow. All of it."

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      At the Carpathian Castle Spike sat signing the last scroll. Louis stood by him, proud to have Spike as his Prince. Spike had immediately took his place as Prince of the entire Carpathian tribe, and held it with honor. He didn't have to start his duties right away. He could have searched for his life mate. But, he surpassed that and even thought it kills him now to hold a thrown without her, he feels that he must prove his own worthiness to his people. This impressed his people and made them love him more.  They knew that he had chosen his Queen and declared her his princess. No one would touch her. All demons knew her from her scent.  All male humans were idiots to the Prince, so they would instantly die with no mercy if they laid a hand on princess. But, somehow, they knew. Willow had such a love for everyone. She loved everyone, even if the hated her. That's why he must have her. And, there were many other reasons as well.  Prince Spike sat at the table, slipping into a daze of desire for his princess. Louis could feel his thoughts for her.  He put his hand on the Prince's shoulder.

      "My lord, you can still see her even though you cannot have her." Louis said as he smiled and walked away.

      Prince Spike got frustrated because she consumed his thoughts.  How much longer could he last without her? He needs her badly. He decided that he would take Claudia with him to the Bronze. Louis was worried about his life mate being outdoors with out him, but he felt it quite soothing to know that his Prince would never let anything happen to her.  Claudia walked downstairs in a white spaghetti-strap gown. Her hair was straightened, just like Willow's. She wasn't whom the Prince wanted to be with, but just knowing that she whispers things in her ear enchants him. As she made it down the stairs, she took her Prince's hand and left with him to the bronze.

      At the Bronze, Willow sat at the bar with Oz, who hurried back into town as soon as he was informed of what had happened. Oz was somewhat relieved that she was alone. Just the thought of dumping her, and leaving her all alone, made him to guilty to look her in the eye. He was mostly the cause of her change. He could feel the hurt in her body. It consumed his. He wanted to kiss her. But, something restrained him. Her attraction was restrained. As if no one could touch her. Oz wondered if she had put a spell upon herself to keep people from loving her.

      Willow, sat with Oz, in confusion. She was so happy to see him. Yet, she couldn't escape her mind from thinking of Spike. "Spike's a Carpathian Prince? Why would someone make him a Prince of all things." Willow thought in her crowded mind. Oz, tapped her on her shoulder and she broke from her daze.

      "Willow? Are you okay? You just dazed off on me for a minute there. You had me scared. Did you guys tell Giles and Buffy what's going on with Spike?"

      Willow looked at Oz with a sigh of sadness. "Yes Oz. The whole Scooby gang knows my situation. But, there's no use. He wants me. So he will have me. There is absolutely nothing that can be done about it.  I tried to leave town today. But, I couldn't get in the car. My mind stopped me from leaving. You see Oz; it's nowhere near over. It's just beginning. And he will have me. He takes me in my dreams. He lives in my thoughts. I'm losing myself. If I see him, I will let him have me. " Willow explained as she got up from her stool.

      "Willow, everything is going to be okay. Don't worry."

      Willow suddenly got a flash of thought. He was here. It felt so good to have him so near by. Her body tried to fight herself from walking to the dance floor, but her feet were moving on it's own. For some strange reason, she wanted to see him. She wanted to feel his arms around his waist. He could feel Claudia nearby as well. "Why didn't I leave when Louis warned me?" Willow asked herself as she began to unconsciously dance, rubbing her hands all over her body as if they were his.  He was so close. She hoped that he would take her tonight and end her suffering. Willow danced so slowly. She felt two soft soothing hands move around her waist. She had such a hunger for it.  She couldn't control herself. She let the two soft hands rub her body all over. She finally got the strength to open her eyes. It was Claudia. Claudia continued to feel her as she danced. Willow wanted this so badly. She let Claudia guide the way through the dance floor as if she knew exactly every step with perfection. Willow kissed Claudia's lips with such passion.

      At the bar, sat Oz. Watching Willow kiss this strange beautiful woman. Then a man sat next to him. He was a strange man. Oz could immediately smell that this man was Spike. But, he looked nothing like the old Spike anymore. His hair was longer, his body was larger, and his face was manlier. Spike was rapidly evolving.  Oz felt fear. He didn't understand why, but not only did he feel fear, he felt relief. As if Spike would make everything all better. Oz looked at Spike and watched him watch his two women make out and dance at the same time.  The Prince was pleased that she was turning out just the way he wanted her. She was absolutely perfect. Spike looked as Oz sitting still and behaving as if he wanted to please his master.

      "They are beautiful. Don't you think Oz." The Prince said in a deep voice.

      "Yes my lord. They are a masterpiece." Oz obediently replied, but that wasn't his intentions at all. He wanted to stake the dark prince for stealing his girl.

      "Oh Oz. She was never yours. She was born for me. You shouldn't think such nasty things about your future king. You just may need me very soon. And yes, I am your master Oz. And as your master, I want you to give a message to the infamous Buffy.  Tell her you just gave away her plans. She won't be taking my Willow anywhere. And time is getting short. I shall be coming for her soon. I know that she would want her friends to live peacefully, but if they get in between my princess and I. She will watch them die.  You tell her that. Now go!" Spike commanded his new servant.  Oz immediately got off of the stool and ran off to the magic shop.

      Willow and Claudia, still kissing and dancing. Willow was in heaven. Claudia took her lips from hers, and began kissing her neck heading for her ear.

      "He loves you Willow. Be a good girl Willow. Accept your fate. Please accept your fate. Spare your friends and accept your fate. You are my Queen. I need you. I love you." Claudia whispered.

      As Claudia continued to whisper, tears began to roll down her eyes. It was more that she could handle. She had no choice in the matter. As Claudia began to pull away from her, Willow pulled her back with force to whisper into her ear.

      "Claudia, you chose your own fate. They shouldn't control us. I won't let him control me. He won't control me." Willow whispered.

      Claudia pulled violently away from Willow. "Willow, you don't understand. You won't for a while. It's not your choice. It's not yours. Claudia kissed her lips. Willow fell into a trance. He's here now Willow. He's watching us. Please, just know that when your are Queen; you can have whatever you want.  It would literally kill him to see you frown. Please accept your fate Willow. Don't make him mad. Please." Claudia said as she slowly pulled away from Willow.

      Willow stood on the dance floor. Lonely. She could feel that they were leaving. It hurt her heart somehow. Willow began to cry on the dance floor when Angel walked over to her and picked her up and carried her out of the club.

Chapter 4 Accepting her fate

      Willow was carried into the magic box and laid on the nearest table. She was changing too. Her mind was being taken over. Her memories were beginning to belong to him. Buffy walked over to the table nearly in tears.

      "What's going on with my friend?"  Buffy asked crying.

      Buffy became enraged, and headed for the door. Angel blocked her.  "Move Angel. Please I don't want to hurt you." She said in a threatening manner.

      "Then, you must hurt me. I can't let you go. You will die in an instance." Angel explained.

      Giles walked over to Buffy to ease her pain with a hug. "He's right Buffy. Carpathians are not like anything you've fought. And I GARUNTEE that you won't live through this. You will die swiftly, and this will make Willow more insane.  That's what they're doing. They are clearing her mind. Soon, her eyes will turn the lightest green you've ever seen as if they were white, and then she will be gone." Giles explained.

      Buffy wiped her tears and she stopped struggling her way out.  Buffy walked over to the unconscious Willow and stared at her. "I'm so sorry Wills. I didn't mean for any of these things to happen. You don't deserve this. I'm so sorry." Buffy said.

      Buffy turned to Giles as if she wanted him to say something that would make everything all better. But it wouldn't. "Giles how much longer before her eyes turns?" She asked.

      "It depends. Whenever she lets him take in into his/her bed. He finishes her that way. But right now, she needs to be watched. All the signs of the Carpathian Bible we found at Wills are coming true. The next step is for the two of them to see each other. That way he can lure her to a secure place to insure that he will be able to finish her. But just the torture of her waiting is what is hurting her. Willow is very strong. But she is also weak. She welcomes death. She wants that to be her fate. So that mean's she's going to try to ease the pain by taking her life. But, we don't have to worry about that. It seems that he has a pretty strong bond on her mind. We need to get her to a secure place. We need to stay at a catholic church for a few weeks. A catholic church will defeat his mind spells that are making her deranged. But, it won't protect her for too long. But, it will give us just enough time to get out of Sunnydale. She can leave if we can break the mind bond." Giles explained.

      Angel looked at him strangely. "Everyone, we should let her accept her fate.  He has chosen her, and you don't realize that he will kill Buffy immediately if we interfere. Please, stop this. Take her home. She will feel better in the morning." Angel said.

      Everyone began to stare at Angel as if he had become a traitor. Buffy walked up to him to look into his eyes. "What are you saying Angel?" Buffy asked.  Giles interfered before he could answer.

      "Buffy, he's right. There is nothing we can do. We have to let things be. It's horrible, but it's the way things are. You didn't ask to be the slayer, but you had no choice so you just accepted who you were. This is a Carpathian princess. Willow is dead." Giles said.

      Buffy began to scream in tears because she knew that there was nothing she could do. She had to watch her friend become a monsters dog.

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      Willow awoke with a splitting headache. She didn't remember much last night, but she knew that her time to be a free woman was getting short. She decided that she would try to leave again tonight.  But first, she had to figure out where she was. She realized that she was at home. She could smell her prince as if he were there. She got up to look around. There he was sitting on the couch. Willow sat down on the floor at a distance to him as she began to listen to him speak.

      "My sweet princess. This very moment is like a miracle that I immediately found you. You were the first thing I saw before I had even a clue of who I truly was. You took me in immediately in this very place and treated me with respect. But you won't let me return the favor. I know that you know Carpathian rules for women can be somewhat severe, but you know that you will be my Queen. You would never get the worst from me.  I would really hate to take you against your will my sweet, but if you cross me, it will be done. I need you. You are my other half. I will die without you, and you will die without me. I have chosen you. We must unite. We will unite." Spike spoke.

      Willow didn't respond. She remained quite. She wanted to cry out for mercy, but she couldn't. She laid down on the floor when before her head even hit the polished wood floors, Spike picked her up and carried her into the bathroom. The door locked immediately after they entered. Spike gently sat her down on the counter as he started the shower. Spike grabbed her and began to undo her shirt. Willow wanted to fight so badly, but she couldn't. Her body gave in so well to him. She blinked her eyes once, and she was naked and so was he. She became delirious. That was how he wanted her. He put her into the soothing warm shower as he entered himself. He grabbed her face and began to speak to her.

      "My princess, this is how it will be from now on. It's time for you to come home where you belong." Spike said softly, only showing weird emotions of happiness.   Spike's fangs began to form as he gently pierced them into her breasts, sucking the sweet blood that flowed through her body. He drank, and drank, until she almost passed out.

      "No. Don't rest yet "Luv"."  Just a little while longer, and you can receive all the rest you need. He suddenly pulled himself from her breasts and gave her a punishing kiss of blood. She could taste his blood as well. He somehow cut his tongue and enforced in her mouth. She drank from him until she could no more. She opened her eyes and looked and him just once before her body gave out. They were the most beautiful light green you have ever seen. Willow was gone.

      At the Carpathian castle, Spike sat in his royal chair filled with joy. She was his. She gave herself swiftly to him, without a fight. He wanted to watch her rest, but Carpathian business has awaited him when he arrived with his Queen. Louis walked over to his lord to bow.

      "Congratulations on the choosing of your Queen my lord. She is beautiful." Louis said.  Spike gave him a pleased nod and told him to get on with his business.

      "My lord, it seems that we are beginning to have order here at the Hell mouth my lord. Shall we move on to our next destination? Louis asked humbly.

      "No Louis. We won't be leaving yet. The Queen is not well. She is not fit to travel. We shall stay here until she's well. But, in the meantime, I shall send you in command to attend to our business elsewhere. Do not disappoint me. And take your life mate with you. I know how hard it is to be without her." Spike commanded.

      "Yes my lord".  Louis responded before he gave Spike a honorable bow.

      "We shall leave tonight". Louis said.

      "Then take as many men as you need. You are now the Carpathian prince, and Claudia is your princess, while I am king and Willow is my Queen." Spike said.

      Louis bowed once more and left to fulfill his duty.

Chapter 5 Carpathian Queen

      After a week of sleeping, Willow finally awoke from the spell Spike had cast on her.  She felt very groggy, and even more tired. She sat up analyzing the room realizing that she wasn't at home. She jumped in fear when she felt a soft hand run through her hair.

      "Claudia? What's going on? Where am I?" Willow asked.

      "You're home my Queen. Where else would you be?" Claudia explained.

      Willow looked at Claudia with confusion. "What did you call me?"

      Claudia sat down on the bed. "You are the royal Queen of the Carpathians now. We worship just as much as we do our King. Whenever something is needed, or must be done, you shall be the first consulted. Then you will take matters you see fit to the King, who will grant you anything you ask. That is your power Willow." Claudia explained.

      Willow was in shock. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Spike had taken her that night. She didn't even put up a fight.

      "Claudia, did her fully take me?" Willow asked.

      "You will be fully Carpathian tonight, when he takes himself into you as you take yourself into him. You will unite with him, as he absorbs your power into him, while you absorb his power into you. It is a royal Carpathian marriage ritual. It will be a pleasure to see it first hand than read about it." Claudia explained.

      Willow walked toward the door to slowly open it. She peaked around seeing if she could find a way out.

      "Willow, you are here now. You'll never get out of here. Oh Willow, I know how this may feel, for I went through this too. I took the hard route. My life mate claimed me over, and over, and over, until I couldn't take it. I finally gave into and accepted my fate. His claim is very patient now. Although, there are a few times when I'm disobedient and try to run from him. I have my moments Willow. Sometimes, I snap out of his eternal spell, and get the courage to leave. But when he catches me, his claim is so punishing. Please don't run Willow. Please do go through what I've been through. It feels really good to have someone around now, who didn't want this from the start either. Besides, the Kings claim would be far more severe." Claudia said as she walked over to the door to close it.

      "Claudia, I don't understand. What is a claim?" Willow asked.

      Claudia smiled. She felt it was time to show her what powers she had. "You know that night when Spike came over and forced pleasure on you? It gave you two orgasms. Well, that's all a regular Carpathian would have given you. A King will give you more. And I heard you that night. You couldn't bare another. Oh, you'll behave just fine then." Claudia explained.

      Willow was shocked. How did she know about that night?  "Willow, I bet you're wondering how I knew about that night? Every Carpathian is different. We all have some special type of unique power. This gives us meaning to our new place. I have visions of the past. They help Louis solve things. Yours will come in time. But it will be so much more. Don't leave this room Willow. You'll be safer in here with me. There are many men who doubt Spike. And, Spike will have absolutely no mercy on anyone who touches you without his permission.  It will be brutal. Not only for them, but for you as well. Because he'll make you watch. Be a good girl Willow. I know you can be." Claudia said.

      Willow gave up, and sat down in the makeup chair on the opposite side of the bed. She looked at herself in the mirror. "Why did he choose me?" Willow thought.  "Because you've had that smell on you since the first day the two of you met. That's why.  He knows who you are now Willow. And, of course, you must have been always the one who never kicked him when he was down." Claudia said as she began to brush Willow's long black hair.

      Two servants entered the room. One of them walked of to Claudia, to whisper into her ear. Claudia began to whisper into Willow's ear.

      "He's ready for you Willow." Claudia said.

      Willow couldn't stand to see him. She wanted so badly to run. She had to run. Willow jumped out of her seat, and threw herself threw the nearest window. Will fell two stories to the ground. Some of the glass had pierced through her skin as she landed. She shook off her pain and got up to run into the woods.

      Claudia slowly walked towards the window.  "She wants it the hard way." Claudia said as she turned to find Spike standing by her side.

      "I will inform the soldiers my lord. They'll bring her back unharmed." Claudia said.

      "No. Let her go. I want to go for her myself. She's been a naughty girl now. I want to teach her a lesson about leaving her home." Spike said as the walked out of the room.

Willow ran as hard as she could. She ran until she couldn't take it anymore. She knew not to go to her apartment, because he would be there. She ran to the magic box.  Willow entered the building screaming and crying. Blood was all over her hands and feet.

      Buffy grabbed her to calm her down. "It's okay Willow. Everything is okay." Buffy calmly said.  Willow began to get tired and fell asleep in Buffy's arms.

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      Willow awoke in the back of the magic shop cleaned up of all the blood. She slowly walked toward the door to listen.

      "Get her out of here now!" Giles demanded.

      "No Giles! There has to be a way to help her there has to be. I can't let her suffer like this. She doesn't deserve this. She won't leave here until we can find a way to save her." Buffy demanded.

      Giles fell to his knees in tears. Buffy never saw him like this. He was terrified. "Buffy, you can mess with this. This is beyond you. Spike is your father. He is the master of the slayer." Giles said.

      "What did you say?" Buffy asked.

      "Back in time when Jesus was among us. As he was put to death, and angel fell from the sky. She made love to a demon, and gave birth to a Carpathian. Carpathian's were made to join us. To you unite heaven and hell without a war. They couldn't control everything, so to make things equal, they created a slayer. She would fight evil, until they arrived. You see, Spike is your master and he knows that. He controls you. And he can kill you as well. This is the balance. Spike is the balance now. And he wants Willow. There's nothing we can do. Get her out of here before he gets here. Her punishment for leaving will be to watch your torture. Buffy, the Spike you knew is dead. He is a Carpathian King now. He doesn't care about you. He only cares about the smell on innocence on Willow. He doesn't even remember touching or ever liking you." Giles said.

      Buffy had heard enough.  Willow walked out of the room, for she had heard everything. She walked over to Giles to hug him. "Oh Giles. I understand now. I understand completely. But, this isn't what I want. I want to be free from this. I will leave now. I know that I am endangering Buffy, and we need her now. I've always loved you Giles. You were like a father to me." Willow said as she began to hug Giles.

      Giles pulled away from Willow when she tried to hug him. "Don't Willow don't. Your scent is all over the place. Don't make things worse. You really don't understand Willow. This isn't your decision. You were chosen. You were born for him. This is your fate. You can't run from this. You are making things not only bad for you, but for your people as well. He stops everything for you. Things are put on hold right now so he can find you. Don't play with fate Willow. You'll get us killed with your selfishness." Giles said.

      "My selfishness! I didn't ask for this. I never wanted this!" Willow yelled.

      "Stop fighting!" Buffy shouted.

      "Giles, I'm going to take Willow to my place understand. No more of your Carpathian crap." Buffy said and she grabbed Willow and began to leave.

      "Bad idea! Now Dawn is in danger too!" Giles said as they left.

      Giles began to laugh as if he were going insane. He turned around to find Spike standing next to him.

      "Hello Giles." Spike greeted him.

Chapter 6 Punishment

      Willow arrived at Buffy's. She was still exhausted from her escape from the castle. Buffy and Willow had remained silent the entire way there. Buffy helped Willow up the porch stairs as Anya and Xander ran out of the door to help.  They walked Willow to the nearest couch. Buffy looked at her wounds. They were gone.

      "Willow, how do you feel?" Buffy asked.

      "Relived, but I can't stay here. I can hear him. He's looking for me." Willow said.

      "Wills, how did ya go and get yourself into this mess?" Xander joked. Anya smacked him in the back of his head. "She was born into this mess you dummy." Anya said as she pulled Xander away from her.

      "Buffy walked over to Anya. You know about Carpathians?" Buffy asked.

      "Sorry to say but I've worked with them from time to time. You can't beat the King. There is only one way. You have to kill Willow. He only lives and breathes for her. If she dies, he won't want to live anymore. Other than that, you can't stop your master Buffy. "Anya explained.

      "So, it's true. He is my master."  Buffy asked.

      "Its ironic isn't it?" Anya said.

      Willow stood up. "I'd be glad to kill myself. I would be my pleasure." Willow said.

      Buffy grabbed her and began to shake her. "Are you crazy Willow? You can't do that. I won't allow it." Buffy yelled.

      "Buffy, it's the only way. It's the only way I can be free." Willow said.

      "Well find another way Willow. I promise. There has to be someone above Spike. Someone we can talk to." Buffy said.

      "No there isn't. What's done is done. Spike is a good King. He treats his people fair and gives the there justice. They won't deny him this girl. It's part of his creation. Buffy this was planned the day Willow was conceived. She was chosen. The only way out is through Willow's death." Angel said as he began to walk over to her.

      Willow began to fall to the ground. Angel caught her and pulled her back up. "He has Giles. He's taken Giles." Willow said before passing out.

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      At the Carpathian castle, Giles awoke tied to a chair. His head was throbbing as if he had a concussion. As he began to regain his vision, Claudia walked over to him. She kneeled down to her knees, placing her head on his lap.  "Oh Giles. I know you never asked for this. It's such a pity to have you suffer for her ignorance." Claudia said.

      Giles looked at her. He remembered the description in the ancient watcher manuals that he read. "You must be Claudia."  He said as if it were his last breathe.  "Don't worry Giles. He's not going to kill you yet.  He is aware that she will go insane if he harms any of her dear friends. It won't matter when they unite. Then, she won't even care. So, has she always been this defiant?" Claudia asked.

      Giles couldn't stay awake much longer. He was exhausted with fear. He knew that Spike had some special torture for him.

      Spike walked the streets of Sunnydale with Louis. Louis seemed to keep him calm. "I miss her Louis. I never knew the bond was this much in depth. Does she feel the same?" Spike asked.

      "Yes my lord. She feels the same. I'm surprised she hasn't run back to you. She knows about Giles, and she also can feel the bond as well.  She's strong. But once the two of you are united, she'll never want to run from you again." Louis said.  That made Spike somewhat relieved.

      "Forgive me for asking my lord, but why can't we just go get her?" Louis asked.

      "Because, I want her to come back to me. She will in time. I can wait for her. We have all eternity to wait. I can't understand the power of our love. It's like I don't care that she doesn't love me. I love her and that's what counts most. She's like my obsession. I can never get enough of her." Spike said.

      "It is all part of the bond my lord." Louis explained.

      "So Louis, tell me how you met Claudia?" Spike said.

      "Well my lord it's kind of complicated. I became a vampire in 1792. Claudia was a child pet of mine through my sire Lastat.   As, the years went on, I grew very fond of my child. I began to love her deeply. To free us from our sire, she came up a plan to kill him. She tried but failed. We met his creators and they had her executed. I didn't think I would ever see her again.  In the year of 1901 when, a Carpathian met me and turned me, I saw that she had been reincarnated for me. I took her immediately. She still doesn't know why she was chosen or why I love her so much. She was so defiant, like your Queen. But I broke Claudia, by claiming her to her mercy. Since then, she doesn't even question me. She obeys me like a Carpathian woman should." Louis said.

      "That was a good story Louis. But don't you ever wonder if she loves you back?" Spike asked.

      "I do sometimes. But, the Carpathian instincts in me are so controlling. There are times when I do, but that makes her defiant, and my Carpathian instincts take over me.  So, to not claim her into insanity, I stopped caring about her feelings. I only cared about her pleasure and her safety. And it helps her well." Louis said.

      It's sad to say Louis, but I think Willow will be needing the same treatment. When she comes back, she'll get a claiming punishment that she'll never forget.

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      Willow awoke in her old room at Buffy's. That place gave her such bad memories. It only made her think of Tara. She quickly got up to exit. Spike entered her mind and she ran into the wall on her side to gain balance.

      "Willow my Queen. Why are you so defiant? Why do want to make me hurt your friends? If you don't come home quickly, I don't know what I might do to him. I am pleading to you. Please come back to me. You're weak and you need me. Come back home so that I may love you." Spike spoke to her mind.

      Tears began to roll down Willow's eyes. "Oh Spike. I do want to come home, I do. But my human defiance takes over me. I want to come back, but I can't. My body won't let me." Willow said aloud as if she were speaking directly to him.

      Spike suddenly appeared behind her and picked her up as she fainted. "You can come home my sweet. You can." Spike said as he picked her up.

      Buffy ran upstairs to see what was going on. She immediately got into her fighting stands when she saw Spike holding Willow.

      "Let her go Spike!" Buffy demanded as she slowly walked closer to him.

      "No. Buffy. Please leave this be. I don't want to hurt you. She's mine. She was born for me. She needs me. She loves me." Spike said.

      "How do you know if she loves you? Did she tell you? Did she say it to you? I want to hear her say it. I'll go away if she can say it." Buffy said.

      "Very well." Spike said.

      He pulled Willow up. "Wake up luv." Spike commanded. Willows eyes began to open.

      "I love you Willow." Spike said.

      Willow tried to fight a reply as much as she could but couldn't. She quickly gave up. "I love you Spike." Willow said her last words before she fainted once more.

      "Now, you see Buffy. Now move out of the way or you'll regret it." Spike said with warning.

      "No. I don't believe you! Buffy charged at him, but he turned into mist still holding Willow.

      They reappeared down stairs, were Louis stood by the door. Xander and Anya were knocked out from the power of Louis. Louis grabbed Dawn. "Let me go! Buffy help!" Dawn screamed. Angel stood there in a trance. He wouldn't dare cross Spike for the consequences were severe enough.

      Buffy ran down stairs but it was too late. They were gone.

      Buffy ran over to Angel to slap him. "Why the hell didn't you help?" Buffy asked angrily.

      "Because Buffy, they would have killed Dawn right then and there. They have no mercy for humans. I allowed them to take her alive, because it wouldn't have mattered to them if they had taken her dead." Angel explained.

      "Do you know where they are now Angel? I need you to take me to them." Buffy asked.

      "Sure. But it's your funeral." Angel said.

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      Willow awoke from the bumpy ride in the car. She was groggy again, but this time Spike held her in his arms tight as if he never wanted to let go. Willow gain her consciousness, and sat up in the limo. She was a little confused as to where she was. She saw Spike and had no questions.  Spike ran his soft manly fingers through Willow's long jet-black hair.  She felt a ease. For some reason, this is what she wanted. She was happy here.

      "Very quite for naughty girl." Spike said as he went over to her to kiss her cheek. Willow looked around the car to see that she was in a limo. Dawn sat in front of her very freighted. "Willow? Willow snap out of it. It's me Dawn. Remember?" Dawn pleaded as Louis began to cover her mouth as he went over to her ear. "Shhhh, pretty one." Louis ordered. Dawn sat quietly in fear of what they were going to do to her. Willow looked over to Spike.

      "No my precious one. I'm not going to harm her. But, she is coming with us. I think you'll be very pleased with your punishment." He said in a spiteful manner.

      Willow became freighted as well. She sat there quietly staring at Dawn while Dawn stared at her.  Spike could smell the fear and he turned her to face him.

      "Don't be afraid pet. I only want to love you. Why is that so bad? I can't help myself when I'm with you. The way you make me feel. So whole, so perfect.  I love you. And, I don't care if you don't love me back. I love you and I'll make you love me. You will love me." Spike said.

      This scared Willow even more. But, before she could fight him, she felt his hands drift inside her spaghetti-strapped dress and it made her quiver. He began kissing her neck while another hand drifted down to her thighs evading her underwear.  As he kissed her, he traveled up her ear to kiss her lobe.  "Love me Willow. Please love me." Spike pleaded as he entered her with his index finger. Willow jumped for a moment, but relaxed and moistened as he began to thrust his finger inside her.  Willow opened her eyes and looked at Dawn.  She began to cry because she knew she was helpless to defend Dawn.

      "I'm sorry Dawn." Willow said as Spike pulled her face to his giving her a punishing kiss.

      "Love me Willow. Love Me." Spike pleaded once more. Willow's eyes turned the lightest green again, and everything was dark to Willow except for the vision of Spike.  She gave into him once more.

      Louis and Dawn watched Spike torture Willow. "Wow. This is amazing." Louis thought.  Spike was so lucky. He didn't have a hard time getting her to accept her fate.

      Thrusting his finger into her once more, he felt her fill his finger from her orgasm. "I want to eat it." Spike said turning her on her back to lye her down.  He quickly removed her panties smothering his face into her passage. Willow screamed with pleasure.  Spike grabbed her hand to comfort her. She squeezed his hand once more to notify him of her second orgasm. He pulled himself up to her.  Her eyes turned brown again and he gave her another punishing kiss.

      "I'm not done with you yet my sweet. This is just the beginning. Tomorrow night,  we will finish your punishment." Spike said cutting his tongue with his fangs. He immediately enforced his bloody tongue into her mouth. She tried fighting it, but she needed it. It relieved a hunger in her. It was very satisfying. Willow drank until she couldn't anymore.

      The limo stopped. They were home.  Dawn had cried herself to sleep after watching Spike torture Willow. A servant opened the door. Willow exited the car first, but Spike immediately grabbed her as he got out. Willow turned to the sleeping Dawn as Spike pushed her to walk ahead.

      "Don't worry luv. She'll be fine just as long as you don't give me any trouble. Everything will be okay." Spike said passionately.

      They entered the castle to find that his people were already having a party in his favor. He gave Willow to a servant girl.

      "Clean her up and then get her changed. I want her back when you're finished. Don't worry she'll cooperate. She has friends in my possession. And, I'm becoming less tolerant with her." Spike said walking away.

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      Back at Buffy's, Anya and Xander had finally awakened. They looked at Angel with disappointment.  Buffy walked over with two ice packs to calm them down.

      "Don't be mad at Angel guys. It was for the safety of Dawn. She is in there possession, but as long as Willow behaves, they won't harm Dawn." Buffy said putting the ice pack on Xander.

      While caring for Xander, Buffy went off into a daze. She remember about how things used to be. For some strange reason she wished she had been nicer to Spike. She could feel Spike's sexual vibe through the house. She felt a bit jealous that he had feelings for Willow now. When she had confronted him earlier with Willow in his arms, she wanted him to tell her that she was the one for her.

      Spike looked so different to Buffy. He was more handsome. She shook off her horrible thoughts.

"Why did I even give a shit about him? He tried to rape me." Buffy thought.

She couldn't help how she felt. She had realized now that she wasn't the only one wrong through that relationship. She felt bad about the way things had gone between them. She had used angel to her advantage. She only wanted him because he was so dark. She never offered a relationship with him even though he begged her for one. She wished she were the one that he so desperately wanted.

"Earth to Buffy?" Xander said angrily.

"How could you be dazing off at a time like this when Dawn is in Spike's possession. Are you crazy?" Xander yelled jumping out of his seat.

"Calm down Spike. Everything is going to be okay." Buffy ignorantly said.

"What did you just call me?" Xander said as everyone stood up with him.

"What are you talking about Xander?" Buffy asked.

"You called him Spike Buffy." Anya angrily said.

Buffy wanted to deny it, but couldn't. He had been in her thoughts since she found out that he was in town.

"I'm sorry Xander. I'm wacky right now. Everyone tells me that Spike is unstoppable now. What do I do then? What good am I then?" Buffy asked.

"I have a plan. Well get them both back, but it will take some time." Angel said.

"I'm all ears for suggestions." Buffy said.

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      Back at the Carpathian castle, Willow walked down the castle steps to show Spike that she had obediently did as he asked. She now wore only a purple see-through shirt, which hung down to the knee length boots, exposing her black bra. Her black skirt ended barely at her thighs. She kept most of her silky black hair pulled back into a small clip.

      As she reached the end of the steps, Spike was already standing before her. He caressed her soft cheek. "You look beautiful Willow." Spike said pulling her to the dance floor. The music played, as the dance floor got more crowded. Everyone seemed to disappear for Willow except her vision of Spike.  He grabbed her waist, and pulled her close. Willow was in heaven. He began to move slowly with her on the dance floor.

      "Willow my sweet princess. Nights will be like this for you for now on. No more sad and sorry Willow. I want you to enjoy yourself tonight." Spike whispered into her ear.

      Willow pulled away and looked into his eyes. "Love me Spike. Love me Please." Willow pleaded as she began to pass out onto the dance floor.

      Spike caught her and picked her up. "It's been a long night for you princess. Let's get you to sleep. I'll love you Willow. I'll always love you. You are my obsession." Spike said as he carried her off to bed.

Chapter 7 United

      The next night, Willow had awakened next to her lover. She was still wearing the out-fit she had only worn for a moment last night. She got out of bed and turned around to head for the door. Spike was already at the door.

      He grabbed her and placed a passionate kiss on her lips. "Where are you going luv?" Spike asked as he unbuttoned her shirt.

      Willow couldn't answer. She tried to fight the feeling she was getting from Spike, but couldn't.  "Spike, please don't do this if you don't love me. It will kill me. I can't handle this. I don't believe you love me. I think you're just doing this despite of Buffy. I'm no addiction to you…" Spike got furious and threw Willow back onto the bed.  He climbed on top of her.

      "I do love you and only you Willow. I'll prove it to you." Spike said.

      "But, how can that be Spike? Just not to long ago, you were in love with Buffy. Are you sure this isn't just a phase that you'll come out of?" Willow said.

      When Spike heard her doubts, it nearly broke his heart. He knew she couldn't understand the changes that went on in him. He wanted Buffy dead more than ever now. She was interfering with his love for his life mate. He decided he would show her how much he loved her that way.

      "Willow. Buffy will never compare to what you have. I'll prove it to you. I'll end her life. That way, nothing can come between us in that department." Spike said.

      Spike began to climb down from her to leave. Willow chased after him and grabbed his arm. "Spike wait! I do believe you. I do. I'm just afraid. I'm afraid I'll get hurt. Please don't hurt Buffy. I promise I'll behave." Willow pleaded.

      "I'm trying to save our love Willow. Buffy is in the way. Let me get rid of her." Spike asked.

      Spike opened the door and Willow closed it back. She didn't have much strength left after that. She grabbed Spike and kissed him fiercely invading her tongue into his mouth.

      "I love you Spike." Willow said.

      Willow began to finish unbuttoning her shirt. She pulled it off exposing her bra.

      "Are you sure you want this Willow?" Spike asked.

      Willow kissed him again. "Love me Spike. Please love me." Willow asked.

      Spike picked her up and laid her down on the bed. He began kissing her thighs, pulling off her black silk panties.  He began kissing her passage making her scream out his name.

      "Oh Spike. Oh Spike." Willow moaned.  She grabbed his head confirming her first orgasm. Spike pulled up to kiss her sweet lips. She could taste herself all over him.  Spike stoped to look into her eyes once more.

      "Do you have any idea what this means? If I take you fully? You will be mine forever. There's no turning back. Understand?" Spike asked.

      Willow answered him only by giving him a soft kiss. Spike smiled. "You are my obsession Willow. Forever mine." Spike said as he pulled out his throbbing member slowly entering it into her tight moist passage. She dug her nails into his back, leaving scars even though he wore a shirt.

      Willow squeezed him tight as he began to thrust into her faster and faster.  It had been a while since she felt this way. She began to remember that the only person who ever made her feel this good was Tara.  Willow began to cry as she could feel that her second orgasm was near.

      Spike could hear her thoughts as if she were screaming them out to him. While quickly thrusting into her, he ripped her bra right off her shoulders. He quickly stretched his fangs out to their natural length, and pierced them into her breast.  Willow quickly gave in as well as her second orgasm.  Spike drank until she was almost empty. He pulled his fangs out of her quickly cutting his tongue and gave her a punishing kiss enforcing his tongue into her mouth.  Willow was so weak now. She had no choice, even though now she began to have second thoughts. She quickly gave into him, drinking letting him enter her mouth.       Willow had drank too much of his blood this time. Her body began to glow as Spike continued to thrust into her. Her eyes turned light green once more as she began to grow fangs. Her skin began to turn paler. Her skin became softer.  A tattoo grew on her arm of a Carpathian in-gravement that she saw mostly on all of the Carpathian women in the castle.

      Willow could see Spike start to glow with her as he had his orgasm, filling Willow with his semen.

      Every Carpathian, below or above them stopped to feel the creation of their new Queen. They paused for honor, and respect for their King.

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      Dawn awoke from a hard sleep. She opened her eyes gain sight to were she was. She was in a dark cellar surrounded by spiders, roaches, and rats. Dawn quickly got off the floor and sat on the bed pulling her feet up from the ground. She looked around the cell. She saw something big come out of the shadows and she began to scream.

      "Dawn. It's okay. It's me Giles." Giles said trying to calm her down.  "Giles! I'd never thought I'd be so happy to see you." Dawn said giving Giles a hard hug.

      "Do you think they're going to kill us Giles?" Dawn asked.

      "No. We were only a decoy to insure Willow cooperation.  They will be letting us go soon.  When he takes her fully. When he turns her into his life mate she won't want to leave him. That is the Carpathian curse. They take one soul and cut it in to. That way, one can't live without the other." Giles said.

      "I understand all that Giles, but how are going to get out of this scary place?" Dawn asked.

      "We have to be patient. I have a feeling he's turned already. How could I be so stupid? A Carpathian princess stood before me for years, and I didn't even notice the smell of innocence on her." Giles rambled.

      "Giles! Snap out of it. We are locked up like zoo animals, and all you can think of is Willow? Snap out of it!" Dawn demanded as she analyzed the cell to find a way out.

      "You don't understand Dawn.  As a watcher, I should have known this. That's why she is such a powerful witch. She had a deep power within. A Carpathian power. The power of Arch Angels. She was so special and I didn't even understand why she was so different. There is a way to break the bond. There has to be. I just can't remember. As if someone was blocking it out of my head." Giles rambled more.

      Dawn gave up trying to find a way out of the cell. She sat down on the bed and began to cry again.

      "Giles, you should have seen the way he was with her. It was like he was so different. He had so much power over Willow. He was so powerful; he made her feel like she couldn't remember how to fight. Spike had made love to her, right in front of me in the car. She didn't want him, but he made her want him. She cried. I wanted to help her so bad. I'm so sorry Willow. You don't deserve this." Dawn said as she kept crying.

      Giles sat down next to her on the bed.  "Did her body glow?" Giles asked.

      "No. Just her eyes." Dawn answered.

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      Back at Buffy's, the remaining Scooby gang rambled through old books, searching for an answer. Buffy believed that Angel's plan would work, but how would they be able to carry out their plan with a witch. Willow was always there when they needed one.

      "How do we bring Tara back without a witch?" Buffy asked.

      "We need to see an oracle." Anya muttered.

      Buffy stood up, angry at herself for not confiding in Anya, for she knew more about Carpathians, than any of us.

      "Anya. You've been sitting there all this time, and you couldn't bring yourself to tell us that from the beginning?" Buffy said angrily.

      Angel walked over to Buffy to calm her down.

      "Anya. Do you know how hard it is to find a oracle?" Angel asked.

      "Actually, I know one that owes me a favor. They live in a realm that lye's right under the streets of San Francisco. But we have to hurry. Time might be running out." Anya said.

      "Well everyone. What are we waiting for? Let's go." Buffy said quickly running to the door.

      The Scooby gang left for San Francisco taking not one overnight bag with them.

Chapter 8 Condemned

      Two nights later, Spike sat in his black royal chair, listening to Louis, ramble on about the demon activity in Sunnydale.

      "Sire, the vampire population here in Sunnydale is evening out. I think we are doing pretty good keeping the death levels down." Louis said.

      Spike thought about what he had just heard from Louis. It brought back memories of his nights as a vampire. He wondered how a brilliant power like this could fall in his hands. He had done nothing but bring more death to Sunnydale, since his first appearance in town.

      He always noticed the smell of innocence on Willow in the past, but he passed it off because he thought he was in love with Drusilla. Then, his heart fell for Buffy. She took his heart to his advantage and crushed it. And, this is his result?

      "Louis. Is this low death rate from the slayer, or from us?" Spike asked.

      "My lord, Buffy hasn't been patrolling lately. We've been doing most of the work." Louis replied.       Spike could feel Buffy wherever she was. She wanted him back in her life.

      "Louis, my prince. Could you explain to me why I can feel the slayer's feelings?" Spike asked getting out of his seat to walk to the window.  The moon was full, and it seemed to consume much of the sky. It wasn't like a normal moon.

      "My lord, the slayer is part of our creation. Carpathians created the "slayer" to uphold the balance of good and evil. Since you are a king, you have some leverage over her. Buffy has a watcher. The watcher has some above him. And it goes on and on. Eventually, matters concerning her will come to you. You control everything now, my lord. But, be careful. It's only to a certain extent." Louis kindly explained.

      "What do you mean a certain extent?" Spike asked as he turned to face him.

      "Don't take advantage of your power. You have the power to rule the world. But, that's not why it was given to you. Concentrate on keeping the balance, and you'll be fine my lord. My lord, we too have someone above us. Remember that." Louis said handing forms to Spike to sign.

      "So. I can control Buffy. If I wanted her dead, it would be at my will." Spike said.

      "No my lord. You don't understand. Buffy is part of that balance. Her death must not be by her creators." Louis said.

      "I should have known that Louis. If I could get rid of her, then that would be too easy for me." Spike said.

      Louis looked at him confused. He had wanted to ask him about something, since the night they first met.

      "My lord, forgive me for asking, but it wasn't too long ago that you had feelings for this girl. If so, then why do you hate her so?

      "Oh Louis. Yes, as a vampire, I began to have feelings for the slayer, but things are so different now. If things were different, if I had a second chance, I wouldn't even had eyes for that girl. I feel like I made a huge mistake and I'm paying for it now. I wish I never touched her. It makes me sick to my stomach that I can feel her wanting me. As if she wanted me all the time, when she didn't. She only took me in when she was down. She can be very selfish at times. Besides. My heart is only for Willow. She is my wife, my queen, my lover, and my child. I want nothing more than this girl." Spike said as he signed the papers.

      "Well my lord, you have her. You'll always have her." Louis said, and he put the signed papers into a folder.

      "Well my lord. There is much more work to be done. I'll be away for a while. You should spend time with your queen. She doesn't really know what she is. I forgot to tell you that, she is at a stage now where she is going to give you complete defiance. Its just part of her change. It won't last long. She'll come around once she understands the magnitude of her bond with you. So keep her safe. She is going to put herself in danger. I just wanted to warn you about that. I learned a lot from Claudia's change. She still becomes defiant from time to time, but I think she understands now." Louis said.

      "Thank you for the information Louis. When you return we will announce you're thrown, prince Louis." Spike said as he wished him luck on his journey.

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      Willow awoke from a pair of soft hands caressing her face. She opened her dark brown eyes to see whom those hands belonged to.

      "Welcome Carpathian Queen. How do you feel?" Claudia asked excitedly.

Willow realized that she had been cleaned up. She now wore a white gown, with a split beginning at her thigh. Her black silky hair hung down her back. As Willow looked around, she began to remember what happened. She didn't feel much change in her, but she could see her difference.  Her skin was so pale and softer than it had ever been.

"Claudia, how long was I resting?" Willow asked.

"You were out for a few nights." Claudia answered.

Willow began to feel a hunger in her that she could not bear. She didn't know what she wanted to eat; she just knew she was hungry. Claudia could hear her thoughts.

"My Queen, you are hungry. I know where you can satisfy your hunger. Follow me." Claudia said as she walked out of the room.

Willow slowly followed. She still felt weak from all the crazy stuff that happened a few nights back. She hoped that the suspense could end for a moment.

They walked down 8 floors of the castle before they reached the main floor. Willow was quite surprised that the castle was so big. Willow had been quite the entire way down. She was still exhausted. She listened to Claudia ramble about how happy she was that there was another woman around that could understand her.

"I'm so happy that you are with me. Now, I don't feel so alone. Most Carpathian women are mean. They don't really consult with other women of their kind. I really don't know why that is. But, as Queen you could probably end this." Claudia said.

They walked threw a crowd of Carpathians standing around the main floor. They stopped and stared in silence as they watched their new Queen walk by them. Willow kept walking, not making any eye contact.

They finally entered a huge kitchen, filled with maids and cooks, cooking and serving delicious dinner dishes. They walked through the kitchen and entered a dining room filled with Carpathian couples. Willow could feel all the true love in the room. Everyone stopped and stared in silence as Willow walked to the nearest table to sit down.

Willow became nervous as they continued to stare. Claudia gently grabbed her hand.

"They want you to command them." Claudia said.

Willow was surprised at the honor Carpathians had. She didn't want to command them, but she didn't want them staring at her any longer.

"You may continue." Willow said.

They immediately continued as they were after her command. Willow began to feel at ease.

Claudia began give a sad look on her face. Willow grabbed her hand back giving her a concerning look.

"What's wrong Claudia?" Willow asked.

"My life mate is gone. I hate the bond. I hate it." Claudia said.

"What are you talking about Claudia?" Willow asked.

"I'm talking about the bond. The bond between Carpathians.  If you ever tried to leave, you'd feel it. And I'm sure that a Queens bond feels much worse. I know my Louis has things to tend to, but leaving me here for my safety doesn't make things any better. I miss him already. I felt him the moment he walked out the castle front doors. I feel him drifting off further and further. It feels like my heart is crushing. He's punishing me again." Claudia said.

Willow was afraid to ask more about Carpathian bonds, but she did as she tried to comfort Claudia.

"Why would he be punishing you?" Willow asked with a soft voice.

"Because, I tried to run again. From time to time, I slip out of his spell, and I get the courage to run away. I don't know why I continue to try. He finds me every time. But, this time, he's showing me first hand how it feels when I put myself in danger by putting himself in danger. It's driving me crazy. I tried to talk to him, but he's so angry with me that he won't speak to me. Be careful Willow. If Louis can get this upset, there's no telling what Spike would do. You don't want a Carpathian punishment. It would be really bad." Claudia said.

Willow was really scared now. She couldn't believe the words Claudia just told her. Willow gained enough strength to comfort Claudia. She scooted over to the closet seat to hug her.

"It's okay Claudia. You can cry. I'm here for you. I'm sure he will be coming back soon." Willow said.

Willow began to remember most of the things that happened those past few nights. She remembered that Spike had captured Dawn and Giles. She could feel them both. They were somewhere in the castle.

"Claudia. Do you know where Spike put my friends?" Willow asked.

"They are in the cellar. But you can't go down there without Spikes permission." Claudia asked.

"Women are not allowed to enter the cellar without permission." Claudia said.

"Well, Claudia my dear friend, I must see them. With or without Spikes permission." Willow said getting out of her seat.

"Willow wait! You don't even know how to get down there." Claudia said chasing after Willow.

"I don't need directions. I can feel them. I'll find them." Willow said.

"Well, there's no use in you going alone." Claudia said.

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Willow walked down the creepy steps to the cellar.  She walked towards the cell where Dawn and Giles sat.  Claudia stood quietly by her side.

      "Willow!" Dawn said running up to the bars. As Dawn approached the bars, she paused with fear.

      "Willow?" Dawn said with confusion. Willow looked very different to Dawn. So pale. So quite. She looked dead.

      "Willow. Are you…?" Willow cut her off before she could finish her sentence.

      "Far from it Willow. I'm condemned. I let him take me. I belong to him forever now." So, I might as well be dead." Willow said as she began to hold her head down in shame.

      Giles walked up to the bars as well. "Willow. Your situation may sound bad, but it's for the best. This was your fate. There isn't a better explanation.  I should have told you more about this before Spike found you. He will take care of you Willow. He would give the world up for you." Giles said.

      Willow began to cry. "But how can that be Giles. It hasn't been long since he and Buffy were lovers. And now you're telling me that my fate is to spend an eternity behaving, or I'll be punished? Well, I'm not going for it. This is ridiculous. It's like I'm some child of his. Why doesn't he just leave me alone like I want? Willow asked wiping her tears.       "Willow.  You really don't understand. You are his child. You are everything to him. That's why he treats you like your everything to him.  It's beginning to feel like Spike is going to take Sunnydale as his home. You'll always be with us." Giles said sticking his hands through the bars to wipe the tears from her face.

      Claudia walked over and smacked Giles's hand away from her face.

      "Don't touch her. Don't ever touch her! Claudia screamed.

      "Giles you know good and well that Carpathians never stay in one place. We always move around. I should know. I've traveled all over the world. He's just letting Willow go through her change. When it's over, we will be leaving." Claudia said.

      Claudia turned to Willow, she took her soft hand to pull Willows long hair away from her face. "Be careful Willow. If you don't behave, he will erase your memory. You won't know Giles or Buffy ever again. Don't push him Willow. Please don't. I really like your personality. You're so nice. Don't let him make you a Popsicle. We have to go." Claudia said.

      Willow looked at Giles. She grabbed his hand and kissed it. "I have to go Giles. I love you." Willow said.

      She then walked over to the bar to see Dawn. Dawn stretched her arm out to touch Willow's face. Willow welcomed it and kissed her hand as well. "I'm sorry Dawn. I'll get you out of here.

      "Willow come on!" Claudia yelled as she ran quickly up the steps.

      Willow traveled slowly behind.

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      In San Francisco Buffy stood outside on the balcony of the motel. She thought more about Spike. "How dare he use my friend to try and get at me?" Buffy thought.

      Buffy went out to get fresh air, after they were unsuccessful with bringing Tara back.

      Angel went outside to comfort her. "Hey Buffy. Are you okay?" Angel sincerely asked.

      "No Angel I'm not. I forgot all about not being able to bring Tara back if she died a natural human death. Besides, I was being really selfish even thinking about doing that. Tara is in heaven. Why would I go and snatch her from such a beautiful place?" Buffy asked.

      "Sometimes, we all can be a little selfish. You're just trying to get your sister back and save your friend. That's all you're doing. I don't see anything bad with that." Angel said.

      "And what the hell is up with Spike. A Carpathian King? Oh that really scares me." Buffy arrogantly said.

      Angel turned to Buffy. "You should be Buffy. You don't know the magnitude of this. He's your master too you know. He won't keep Dawn and Giles for too much longer. He's just keeping them there to insure Willow's change. Once he's changed her, he will release them. If fact, we should be heading back to see if he's already released them." Angel said.

      Buffy gave a petty smile. "Spike's not any master of mine. I'll kill him before I let take Willow away." Buffy said in a scary way.

      "And if he's already turned her, what are you going to do? Will you kill him anyway, and make Willow insane? Will you defy you duty as the slayer and kill your master because your best friend happened to the master's chosen life mate. Buffy, he didn't choose her. She was born for him. You have to remember that. This isn't all is fault you know." Angel said.

      "We can't save Willow. She can only save herself from him. She if she truly doesn't love him, the spell will break and Spike will die. There's no doubt in my mind that Spike doesn't love her. I believe he does. But, if Willow truly doesn't then he will kill himself. It is something natural about Carpathian men. Once and a while, a Carpathian female doesn't love her life mate. She lives on happy, but he doesn't. He wants to end his life. He doesn't want to live know that she is happy with someone else. So he ends his pain." Angel said.

      All we can do is wait Buffy. All we can do is wait.

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Claudia walked Willow to the study room. She hoped that books would put her mind at ease.

Willow was indeed pleased with the room she entered. It looked like an old-fashioned library. Willow walked over to the nearest table to work on one of the twenty laptops that were in the room.

Claudia walked over to the servant. "Bring your Queen food." She ordered. The servant quickly did as she said.

"Claudia, this place is great." Willow said.

"I guess. I've never been much for technology. Since I was born in 1901 as a Carpathian, I guess my tolerance for technology isn't all that great. Besides, there is one on every floor of the castle." Claudia said sitting on the couch to write in her journal.

Willow was curious of what she was writing so she went over to see. "What are you writing?" Willow said as she sat down in the nearest seat.

"I'm adding notes to my journal. When I begin to remember what he did to get me, he erases my memory. Whenever I remember my past, I quickly jot it down. Soon, I'll be able to put the pieces together. Sometimes, when he plays with my mind, I forget where I hide this stupid book. Then, I spend months trying to find it without my life mate finding out.  You know, that I'm being defiant. You'd better get away from me right now." Claudia said.

      "Willow got up from her seat to see the lovely red parrot in the cage. So you're stuck her to birdy?" Willow asked.

Suddenly, she could feel Spikes presence, as he stood right behind her. He ran his soft fingers through her hair.

"So, my queen is awake, and she didn't even bother to look for me?" Spike said as he began to kiss her neck.

"So my queen, where have you been most of the night? I went upstairs to look for you and you weren't there. I've been looking all over for you. Where have you been?" Spike asked.

Chapter 9 Condemned

Willow was too scared to answer. She simply continued to stare at the parrot remembering that her hair used to be as red as the bird.

Spike read her thoughts. He knew she missed her old self and she wished things were the way they used to be. Spike planted a soft kiss on her head, still rubbing his fingers through her hair.

"My queen, your hair is perfect is the way it is. I like it better black. It's so natural." Spike said as he inhaled her scent.

"There's no need to lag off the subject sweetness. You can tell me. Don't lie sweets. I don't want to have to punish you. You don't know how much it hurts me to have to do that to you. I'll do anything for you." Spike said as passionately kissed her neck giving her pale skin passion marks.

Willow wanted to lie anyway. She didn't really know Spike as much as she thought she did. She didn't want to take any chances.

"I hear all these thoughts going through your head sweet. Share them with me." Spike whispered. Spike grabbed her waist. She was beginning to lose herself in him again. Spike quickly turned her around to face him. She knew he was waiting for an answer that he already knew. There was no point in lying now.

"I went to see my friends Spike. I went to see them without your permission. It's not like you didn't know where I was. Why are you testing me? You know I'll do whatever you ask." Willow said walking away from Spike.

Spike grabbed her arm and pulled her back. He looked into her beautiful dark brown eyes.

"My defiant Queen. I wouldn't have you any other way." Spike said picking her up.

"I haven't seen you all night Willow. I would like to spend some time with you." Spike said as he carried her out of the room.

Willow held him tight. Whenever she was around Spike she felt so weird. She felt like she needed him. Spike carried her outside the back of the castle, putting her down by the fountain.

"It's so beautiful." Willow thought. Spike grabbed her face to kiss her lips.

"You're beautiful, my sweet." Spike said.

She couldn't understand why he was so compassionate. Did he really care about her? She just couldn't believe that he cared about her so quickly.

Willow gently caressed his face. She could feel him giving into her. He wanted her to want him back so badly. When Willow touched his face, she could feel that pain at ease. Spike looked into her eyes desperately.

"Willow. When I told you I understood everything when I read the bible, I did. But I didn't understand the magnitude of it. The way I feel for you. It feels so good. You feel so good. I don't know how to get you to love me back. But, just having you here makes me feel so good. The pain of our bond is unbearable. I don't know what I'd do if I found out that you truly didn't love me. I'd die if you didn't love me." Spike said.

Willow felt so guilty. She felt bad that she didn't see that he felt just as weird. He hid it with his power, but when he was with her, his spell would shatter into pieces.

Willow kissed his forehead. Spike looked at her as if he were going to burst into tears. "Spike. My king. I'm yours forever. That night when you took me fully, I wanted it. I wanted all of you. I'm so sorry that I'm afraid to love you back. It's just that I feel that Buffy does somehow conflict our love for each other. I feel like she's in between us somehow. Oh Spike. I do love you. I love you with all my heart………." Spike cut her off with a passionate kiss.

He sent thousands of his thoughts for her through her mind with that kiss. He kissed her long and hard.

When the kiss ended, Willow could feel what he had been feeling since he was turned. She understood now that he was never doing this to get back at Buffy. He had never had a thought of her while returning. He only cared about the smell of innocence. Her innocence. Willow made him regret ever having feelings for Buffy because she was her best friend. Spike felt horrible about it. He felt horrible knowing that his life mate watched him love other woman. He was dying for forgiveness inside. Willow knew she had such a great power over him now. But, she chose to use it to comfort him.

"Oh Willow. What could I possibly do to make you believe that I'm truly sorry about everything? I love you to the core of my heart. To the depth of my soul. My feelings have more control over me. I don't really know why you make me feel so good. I know about how you're my destiny. But, the extents of my feelings are above me. I can't control them. I know that I've made many mistakes in my past. Please forgive me for that. I would spend an eternity proving to you that you are my only love." Spike said as he held his head down in shame.

Willow gently lifted his chin. "Spike. You really do love me? I can't believe this isn't a joke. You really do have feelings only for me." Willow said.

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The next night, Buffy got out of the car after a long ride back home. She didn't sleep for days. She was exhausted, but she continued to fight her tiredness and walked into the house to shower.

Cordeila and Wesley were already there after Angel's desperate call. Wesley, being a former watcher already knew about the Carpathians. He quickly called the Watcher's council to inform them of Spike.

Buffy walked up the porch steps to inform Buffy and Angel of the information he received about the Carpathians.

"Angel, I've talked to the council already. They are on their way." Wesley said.

Buffy walked in the house eager to shower. Angel stayed out on the porch to talk to Wesley.

Cordeila walked upstairs to Buffy's room to talk to her. She sat on the bed watching Buffy pull out some fresh clothes.

"Buffy, where's Anya and Xander? I would really like to see them." Cordeila said.

"We dropped them off on the way here. They were tired, and they wanted to shower. They'll be back tonight." Buffy said walking to the bathroom.

Angel sat down on the porch steps to gain strength from there long trip back to Buffy's.

"Angel. I know things seem bad and all, because a Carpathian princess just happened to be a good friend of the slayer. But, it has some great advantage. Instead of trying to be enemies, why don't we work together? You know that Spike wants nothing but peace. He's not trying to hurt anyone. He's just trying to fulfill his destiny. Out of all people, I'd think that Buffy would understand." Wesley said.

"I think she does. But she's jealous. I don't think she really wants to admit it, but she loved Spike and she still does. I don't think she's very happy to see Spike all over Willow. I just don't get it. I really don't understand why Buffy continues to defy fate. You know, she is going to try to take Willow away from the castle too." Angel said.

"That's impossible Angel. She'll get us killed. Did you tell her how strong her is?" Wesley said.

"I did tell her. But you know how thick headed she is about things that aren't going her way." Angel said.

Angel held his head down, to get relief from the feeling he was getting.

"It's very ironic Wesley. One minute, I'm Spikes Sire, now he's my Sire. I honestly don't know what kind of King he will be to us." Angel said in fear.

"Angel. As a Carpathian, he will be a good king. He only worries about keeping the balance. It's his nature to be good to all. As long as his life mate is not in danger." Wesley said.

Wesley sat down net to Angel. "Angel, I think it would be good if we just let him have her. She is rightfully his by destiny." Wesley said.

"No she isn't." Buffy said. She had heard the whole conversation. She had showered and changed into fresh clothes for patrolling. She had her short blonde hair pulled back into a ponytail.

"I'm not jealous Angel. I don't even care about Spike. I want him dead. I'm so tired of him harassing my friends. This time, he dies." Buffy said jumping over the balcony of the porch.

"Where are you going!" Angel yelled.

"To patrol. I need some time alone." Buffy said.

Buffy walked through the cemetery. She started to remember how she felt about Spike. She felt bad for the way she treated him. She was always mean to her. But, they never started out as friends, but enemies. She missed the smell of him. He was so powerful now. She desired him more than ever. She missed him so much. She didn't want the gang to know her feeling for him. She kept them deep inside her. She admitted in her mind that she was jealous of Willow. She wanted to be in that place. In Willow's place.

The cemetery was very quite. She hadn't patrolled in that past few night's. She walked over to Tara's grave.

Sitting down, wiping the dust from her stone, she talked to the silent grave.

"Oh Tara. Since you've been gone, things have been so different. Willow has changed, and so have I. How could we both be in love with the same man?" Buffy said to the silent grave.

" So you still love him?" A voice said.

Buffy got startled and hopped into a defense position holding the stake in her hands. Once she that that it was Willow, she calmed down.

"Willow?" Buffy asked.

Willow rushed over to Buffy to hug her. Willow could feel the jealousy in her heart. She pulled away from her.

"Buffy?" Willow asked.

"Where's Dawn and Giles Willow?" Buffy said getting back into her defense mode.

Willow was shocked. She watched her best friend become so defensive towards her.

"Spike had them released not too long ago. While he was busy with that, I snuck out to visit Tara's grave. What's wrong Buffy?" Willow asked.

"Nothing. You're one of them now. I can tell by my slayer senses. You let him change you? Stay away from me Willow. Don't ever come near us again." Buffy said angrily.

Buffy walked away. Willow was so shocked from hearing what Buffy had said to her. She passed it off, and grabbed Buffy's arm.

"Buffy wait. Please talk to me." Willow said.

"Buffy pulled her arm back with force. The force of Buffy pushed Willow to the ground. Buffy looked to Willow and began to cry.

"How could you Willow? How could you do this to me? Spike loves me. Not you. He'll never love you. Can't you see he's just using you to get back at me?" Buffy said.

"Buffy, I'm not trying to take him from you. I never asked for this. If we could trade places, I would be more than glad. But I can't. Because I was born, I have to spend eternity with him." Willow said getting up from the ground.

Willow reached her hand out to touch Buffy. Buffy angrily moved back. I told you Willow. Stay away from us. I never want to see you again. I can't believe you Willow. You haven't changed at all. So, you're using magic to lure Spike into your bed? You are such a whore and a liar. I hate you Willow. You'll never change. Stay away from me." Buffy said as she began to walk away.

Willow began to cry. She was in so much pain from hearing Buffy's jealousy. She didn't mean for things to happen the way they did, and she knew she couldn't change the future. Willow sat down next to Tara's grave, crying herself to sleep. She felt like she wanted to die. Since her change, everyone has been acting weird toward her.

She just wanted all the hate to end.

Chapter 10 Hated

A black limousine pulled up to Buffy's. Angel and Wesley stood up from the porch steps to see who it was. The door opened, and Dawn and Giles were thrown out of the car. The limo sped off very quickly after that.

Angel and Wesley quickly ran to them both, helping them up from the ground. They both smelled as if they hadn't washed in days.

Dawn had a look of horror in her eyes. Angel picked her up and carried her into the house, while Wesley helped Giles into the house.

Soon after, Anya, and Xander arrived. They both screamed with joy as the saw their two friends back home in safety. They ran over to hug their friends.

After they both got there selves cleaned up, they began to explain where they had been. Dawn pretty much kept quite, and this worried Angel. He knew she saw much more horror than Giles did.

Angel gently put his hand over her shoulder.

"Dawn. Is everything okay?" Angel asked.

"No. Angel. I saw Willow. I saw what he did to Willow. It was horrible. He made me watch." Dawn said as she began to cry.

Angel comforted her by softly rubbing her back.

"Where is Buffy?" Angel thought.

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Buffy walked right to the castle doors and they allowed her to enter. Buffy wasn't quite sure why they didn't bother her. She thought it was a set up and she walked right into. But, then she remembered what Giles told her about being their loyal warrior.

Buffy walked into their library admiring how lovely it was. She examined the room, looking at the books. She didn't realize that Spike was in the room.

"Are you here for Willow." Spike asked.

He startled her as she dropped a book and quickly turned around. "Spike. You startled me." Buffy said.

"Willow's not here Buffy. I don't know where she is. Her mind has been blocked, so I can't find her whereabouts. What do you want?" Spike said worriedly.

"I'm not here for Willow, Spike. I'm here to see you." Buffy said.

Spike got out of his chair. He knew that she still had feelings for him.

"Why now Buffy? Is it because my heart is strictly for Willow, and not you? Go home Buffy." Spike said.

"No Spike. I've always loved you. Please be compassionate and take me back. I know I was never the best to return love, but I did express that I cared about you. And you just want to throw away all your feelings for me? I don't believe that. I won't." Buffy said as she went to kiss Spike.

Spike let her kiss him for a moment, and then he remembered his bond with Willow.

Spike pushed Buffy away. "Stop this Buffy. I don't feel for you like that anymore." Spike said as he walked away.

Buffy walked behind him. "What do you mean? How can you just forget about me like that? How can you act like you don't even know me?" Buffy said grabbing his arm.

Spike roughly pulled away from her. "Don't you see Buffy, I don't want you. I want what I was destined to have. I love Willow. She's the only one for me. Besides, you've never wanted. Until now. What's up with that? I know I was a good lay for you, but this is way beyond your behavior." Spike said angrily.

"I love you Spike." Buffy said as she slowly walked up to him.

Spike began to remember how he used to feel about the slayer. He realized that he didn't want her. He never wanted her. He began to think about his life mate.

"Have you seen Willow Buffy?" Spike asked.

Buffy moved back from him. "Why do you care about her so much? What about what we had? Why do you want to throw that away so quickly?" Buffy asked.

Spike walked up to her slowly. "Because Buffy, I don't love you anymore, and I'll never love you again." Spike said.

Spike walked out of the study room, leaving Buffy all alone.

Buffy stood there nearly in tears. She couldn't believe what she was feeling. Spike had broken her heart this time. She wasn't going to let him get away so easily. She looked at her watch. It was almost 6:00am. She rushed out of the castle to go home, knowing that her friends were worried.

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Willow awakened from the alarm of her watch. It was almost sunrise. She remembered about what Claudia said about Carpathians, not being able to stand sunlight.

Her eyes were sore from all her crying and her face was dry. She got up from Tara's grave to run into the crypts of the sewer, knowing that she wouldn't make it home before sunrise. She walked through the sewer, inhaling its horrible smell. Her feet were very wet from walking in the nasty sewage water of the sewer. She began to get tired from the sunrise, and sat down in the water of the sewer.

She thought about her life mate. As a Queen, she had the power to block her life mate from reading her thoughts. She secretly learned how to control her powers without Spike ever knowing. She missed him so. She could feel the magnitude of their bond as she sat in the wet sewer. The dripping water from the sewer hit her hair, soaking it and her body, as she sat down to exhausted to walk any further. She was so sad from what she heard from her best friend.

She didn't truly mean for this to happen. She just wanted to be alone. She felt even more guilt when she cried by Tara's grave. She didn't miss her anymore. She had forgotten all the love that they had. She knew that Spike erased all the love she was ever given from her mind and her heart when he changed her.

Spike wanted her know or feel that anyone had ever loved her but him. Willow wanted to cry more, but she had no tears left for what she was feeling. The pain of her distance from him made her feel sick. She felt like she didn't want to breathe anymore.

She needed to feel his arms around her body. His lips touching her soft neck. She could feel him calling out to her. She didn't answer. She was so upset and tired. She wished that she never snuck out of the castle. She wouldn't have known how jealous and hurt Buffy was. Buffy loved Spike too and she felt like she was in competition with the slayer. Her best friend. Willow's guilt was destroying her.

Spike's call out to her became more powerful. Willow's eyes began to glow light green.

"Willow my queen. Where are you? I know you're weak. Tell me where you are so I can make you well again." Spike whispered to her mind.

Willow was too weak to respond. She ignored his calls. She continued to think about her friend. Spike's love spell on Willow was starting to back fire.

Willow loved him so much; that she thought the best thing was for him to be happy. Thinking that Buffy was before her in his heart, she wanted him to have her. She would leave and let them have each other.

Willow began to fall asleep, breaking the contact from Spike.

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Spike began to become destructive, kicking the chair he sat in across the floor, and flipping the table.

"Dam it! I lost her. She fell asleep. Where is she?" Spike angrily said.

Claudia walked up to her king. "King William, calm down. She's just going through her change. You'll find her. If she leaves, she'll be found. There are Carpathians, everywhere in the world. They'll see a Carpathian Queen walking the streets alone without her King, and will definitely suspect that something isn't right." Claudia said. Spike got comfort from his Queens confidant. Claudia was always calm. She knew what Spike was feeling because her life mate too was away. She was so enchanting. He was a bit jealous though. Willow shared her thoughts only with Claudia.

"She's weak Claudia. She needs me. She can feel the bond. Why won't she submit to her feelings?" Spike asked.

Claudia put her hand gently over her wild king's shoulder. "That mean's something is wrong. She must have saw one of her friends, or family member's. She didn't understand why they rejected her now." Claudia said.

Spike looked at Claudia as if she had completely answered his question. He began to think about Buffy. "Willow saw Buffy." Spike said.

"The slayer? By the way king William, why was Buffy here? Was she here to make a truce?" Claudia asked.

"Don't worry about that Claudia. When she was here I could feel Willow all over her." Spike said.

My king, the sun is rising. You should rest. If anything, Willow is somewhere safe from the sun. You will find her tonight." Claudia said leaving the room.

Spike sat there alone. He couldn't sleep. He needed to find his Queen. He began to feel the bond as well. He wanted her back as much as she did. He was determined to find her.

I'll find you my sweet. Everything is going to be okay. You won't ever have to leave me again. Because I'll never let you." Spike said as he watched the sun rise.

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