~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
~Part: 81~
"Quit squirming," Angelus told the redhead that was tossed over his shoulder.
"If you don't like it, let me go," Willow replied, deliberately squirming more.
"Let me think about that," there was a pause, "No!"
"Bastard," she muttered under her breath, glaring at his luscious ass and thinking how terrible it was that he had to be so damn good looking. She was musing over how tempting it was to give his butt a nice squeeze when she felt his hand fondling her own rear. Suddenly, he raised his hand and swatted her, "Hey! What was that for?"
"I'll have you know that I had both me parents around my entire life, until I ate them," Angelus said, his lips twisted into an amused smirk that Willow couldn't see.
Spike rolled his eyes over Angelus' antics, winking at an amused Drusilla before he slowed his pace down so that he was no longer walking beside his grandsire. Leaning over, he gave Angelus' rear a nice pinch before resuming his place, giving the dark haired vampire an innocent smile when chocolate brown eyes swung around in surprise. He looked at the beautiful redhead that was staring at him with a mixture of surprise and, hmm that was interesting, envy.
Angelus arched a brow, having little doubt that Spike had been responsible for the delicious twinge of pain he'd just felt, but he decided to play with Willow a bit, rather enjoying the idea of flustering the feisty redhead. His lips curved into a sensual smile as he turned his head to look at her, seeing the wide eyes that she refused to let show her fear at his response to the pinch she had not done. He purred, "Do it again, Willow."
"Um, uh," Willow found herself unable to form coherent words or sentences as she saw the blatant look of desire in Angelus' eyes. Desire. Oh my, she now understood what the fuss was all about. Her body felt as if it were on fire just from that *look*.
"Daddy, quit teasing Kitten," Drusilla scolded playfully as she laughed at the game her pretty pet was playing with William and Daddy. She had seen the lusty looks, knew that her boys wanted to play naughty games with her new friend. She also knew that her lovely Willow had had naughty dreams about her boys, hearing the pretty redhead saying their names as she slept. She was ever so excited, knowing that Willow would be a match for her Angelus and William. The stars had whispered it, it would be so. She was amused at her sire's actions, knowing he liked to play but never seeing that particular gleam in his eyes before, confirming to her that the stars were very knowledgeable.
"But, Princess, I like teasing Kitten," Angelus said as he rolled the word teasing off his tongue in a way that gave little doubt what sort of teasing he'd like to do with the gorgeous redhead on his shoulder.
"This isn't funny," Willow scowled at him when she saw the amusement in his eyes, deciding that she had been imagining the moment between them. Reading too many stupid romance novels, she decided, knowing it was ridiculous to think that Angelus or Spike would ever think of her in that way. She glared at Spike who was openly smiling, amusement in those beautiful blue eyes. It was all his fault! Him and his darn stupid pinches.
"Better stop that. Your face might freeze that way," Spike told her with a smirk, watching as the mature redhead stuck her tongue out at him before glaring again. Bloody hell, she was adorable. Damn it if he wasn't half smitten already. He wasn't sure what Angelus had planned, knowing the dark haired vampire had taken her to get Drusilla back home since his stubborn sire had refused to leave the pretty redhead, something that he now understood completely. She was unlike any mortal he'd ever known, not that he'd really known many since his turning. Gorgeous and smart and sexy and powerful and strong and not afraid. Did he mention sexy? Those beautiful green eyes and that long red hair and those full lips that just begged for a kiss and that graceful neck that made his fangs itch to taste her. Course, he was itching to taste her in a variety of ways, had been since she'd first come downstairs and he'd looked into her eyes. He'd have a chat with his lover, he decided, knowing that Angelus seemed to want her, too. He'd love to just sit and look at her, listen to her, knowing somehow that a conversation with her would never be dull. Fuck, maybe he was past the halfway mark. He wanted to keep her, Spike decided.
"Funny vampires. Just my luck to be kidnapped by aspiring comedian vampires," Willow mumbled as she glared at Spike before glaring at Angelus, seeing the amusement in their eyes. Great, just great. She'd been taken from her home for who knew what purpose by two sexy as sin vampires that had haunted her dreams for months and they found her amusing instead of sexy and desirable and no, Willow! She shouldn't want them to find her sexy. That was okay for erotic dreams but this was real life. Real life meant that they were evil and sadistic vampires that ruled Sunnydale and she shouldn't want them to look at her as a potential lover. Green eyes looked away from them, not wanting to be tempted any more. She saw Drusilla smiling at her, seeming to have no worries in the world. The redhead sighed as the pretty vampire came closer to her.
"You must trust the stars, pretty Willow," Drusilla said softly, her hand reaching out and brushing along Willow's cheek. She looked at the sky and then back at the redhead. "Daddy, my kitten can walk on her own. She won't leave me."
"Dru, Princess, I don't think that's a very good idea," Angelus said, reluctantly to release the redhead, rather enjoying the feeling of her body against his, even if it was just her tossed over his shoulder.
"Please Angelus?" Drusilla asked as she moved beside him.
"Willow, if you try to escape, I'll catch you and make you regret making such a stupid decision. Are we clear?" Angelus asked as he moved the redhead from his shoulder, looking into her eyes and wondering if shagging her for hours counted as a punishment. He honestly didn't mind the surprising turn of events that had occurred this evening. He'd wanted Willow for what felt like forever, had intended to seduce the redhead into his bed and share her with Spike, and now he had his opportunity and hadn't even had to work for it. As it was, he'd also learned that she was far more than just a potential pet. She was beautiful and smart, which he had known, but she was also loyal to his daughter, a feisty spitfire that wasn't as scared of him as she should be, and she smelled delicious.
"Yes," Willow said softly, her body reacting from the look of lust that had flashed briefly in his brown eyes.
"Let's listen to the stars, Willow-mine," Drusilla said as her arms went around the redhead from behind, her chin resting on the young witch's shoulder. She smiled as she saw William's eyes narrow at the embrace, realizing that her lovely boy was jealous of her touching the pretty redhead. A knowing look flashed in her blue eyes as she realized that it had already started, just as the stars had whispered. Oh, this would be ever so much fun!
~Part: 82~
Buffy Summers finished staking the vampire, a pleased smile on her pretty face. She'd enjoyed her evening with her Mom, having dinner and watching a movie before sneaking out to patrol. She wondered what Willow was doing, if Dru had returned home as planned or if the vampire had remained with Willow. The slayer couldn't help but think that Drusilla would be reluctant to leave Willow. She understood completely, the redhead being one of those people that you felt lucky to call friend and just enjoyed being around. She didn't know what she'd have done without her friendship with Willow, and she had a feeling that Drusilla would feel the same way.
She laughed softly as she walked through the cemetery, twisting her hair into a sloppy knot on top of her head and securing it with one of her extra stakes, thinking how odd it was to realize that she actually hoped Drusilla didn't just disappear and go away. She had been shocked when she'd found the vampire at Willow's house the previous morning, but she'd soon gotten to know Dru a little and had started to care about her. A slayer caring about the somewhat crazy daughter of the master of Sunnydale. Yep, she was definitely unpredictable. No wonder the council couldn't stand her. Not that she cared, having discovered that the world was not black and white, that there was no such thing as complete good and complete evil. Everything was gray, leaning towards one or the other, but it was still all fuzzy and gray and that realization had helped her become as good as she was.
Slayers weren't supposed to have friends. They weren't supposed to have lives outside slaying. They definitely weren't supposed to hang out with vampires, or become involved with them. Okay, so the mess with Angel had been horrible, but it wasn't a mistake. She couldn't think back and make herself believe that knowing him, caring about him, sharing her life with him had been wrong. He'd saved her, saved her friends, during their time together. He'd challenged her and made her think, which was something that she rarely did except when Willow forced her or the circumstances warranted it, and he'd helped her become the woman that she now was. She regretted being the reason he'd lost his soul, felt guilty for Jenny's death, felt as if she were to blame, in some way, for everything he'd done since losing the soul, but another part of her knew that he had never been himself with the soul, the man she had fallen in love with not being the real Angelus at all, and that losing the soul had released him from his curse. She felt even more guilty for sometimes thinking that everything that had happened between them had happened for a reason. She was a slayer, believed in destiny, and she wondered sometimes, usually when she was patrolling alone and had time to think, if she hadn't been meant to meet Angel and fall for him and if he wasn't meant to lose his soul.
The blond slayer rolled her eyes, thankful that Angelus had no idea that she kind of believed that he was meant to be around, knowing that he'd definitely call off their tentative truce if he thought she had accepted his presence. As long as he believed her to be scared, which she was, he'd be content to make her life miserable without killing any more of the people she loved. Okay, so she hadn't really cared all that much for Jenny, hating to admit it now that the woman was dead, killed because she was trying to find a way to help, but it was true. Buffy moved to sit on a headstone, her hazel eyes looking towards the sky as her lips twisted into a soft smile. She could still hear the stars, she realized, feeling as if she wasn't alone any longer. She could practically feel Willow and Cordelia and Drusilla around her. Her eyes closed as she got to her feet and started to spin for the stars, relaxing and smiling as she began to hum along with the stars' song.
********
Cordelia Chase parked her car and walked around to the back of her house. She'd just dropped Xander off after an evening spent soaking in her hot tub and eating pizza. She'd told him about Drusilla, laughing at his disbelieving expression and explaining how wonderful the dark haired vampire was. He'd still been skeptical, but he said he trusted them so he'd try not to worry about their sanity. The cheerleader smiled as she began to clean up around the hot tub. The pizza box was empty, Xander able to eat more than anyone she knew which was annoying because he was still slender no matter what he ate. She wondered if Drusilla had made the chocolate shakes, making a mental note to call Willow tomorrow to find out. She also wanted to talk to the redhead to find out how everything went after she and Buffy had left, knowing it must have been difficult for Drusilla to leave.
The brunette sighed as she found herself wondering if Drusilla would just become crazy vampire enemy again or if she'd remember their day together and be friendly. Of course, Cordelia wasn't sure how it would all work, her still being their friend as Angelus continued to be Master and Buffy's primary enemy. She didn't think that Angelus would be thrilled with the knowledge that Dru had hung out with them at all, rather hoping that he never found it if it meant him threatening and terrorizing them again. She wanted things to get back to normal, to just have the routine fears that accompanied living on the Hellmouth and being friends with the slayer. No special circumstances of a revenge crazed evil vampire that wanted to make them pay for whatever silly reasons he could come up with. Angelus was dangerous and she could relax a lot more if he was just the normal bad guy Master vampire without the whole vendetta thing.
Cordelia finished cleaning up the remains of dinner, picking up their discarded towels and putting them over two chairs to dry. Tonight had been nice, just being with Xander and talking. If you would have told her last year that she'd end up falling in love with Xander Harris, she'd have never believed it. He had always been such a gangly, awkward, silly boy, easy target to make fun of because he had no fashion sense and hung out with Willow, who was the smartest thus nerdiest girl in their class, and Jesse, who was just as awkward and silly as Xander. She'd started to look at Xander in a different way the previous year, having seen him step up and risk his life to help others, finding herself growing attracted to him even as she was freaked out at the idea, knowing such a thing would be social suicide. She'd ignored her growing admiration for him, ignored her belief that he could actually clean up into a handsome guy with the right clothes, ignored the fact that he was funny and not as stupid as she'd have guessed and loyal to his friends in a such a way that she envied and sensitive in a way that most boys his age would never admit to being.
Finally, she'd had to accept the fact that she, Cordelia Chase, head cheerleader, May Queen, most wanted girl at Sunnydale High, had a crush on him. She wasn't used to getting crushes, not really knowing how to act or behave. She'd tried being friendlier to his friends, not being as rude to Willow and Buffy, hoping that he'd notice and realize that she was a good person, deep down underneath the image she'd perfected over the years. Stupid moron hadn't noticed, though. She'd been shocked when they'd been trapped together and kissed, the kiss electrifying and sweet and unlike anything she'd ever experienced. From that moment on, she didn't care if she lost her circle of snotty friends, didn't care what anyone else thought, didn't care about anything except how happy Xander made her. Since then, she'd tried so hard to make up her past behavior to Buffy and Willow, not blaming Willow for hating her. She'd been a horrible bitch, saying some really mean things during their years at school together. Now, after last night, she knew that they had finally accepted her. She was part of their group, one of their friends.
Cordelia was happy that Willow and Buffy had included her in their sleepover. She had lost her other friends, not that you could really call them friends, when she'd chosen Xander, and she missed having girlfriends to talk to and shop with. She also respected Willow and Buffy, admired them, thought that they were brave and strong and intelligent, well Willow was the latter at least, and she wanted them to like her. She sat down beside the hot tub, a smile on her face as she realized how great it was to have friends, real friends that cared about her and listened to her and respected her. The brunette sighed happily as she looked at the sky, noticing all the stars that were out that night. She began to hum, her brown eyes closing as she listened to the stars' song. She didn't understand why she could still hear them, but she was glad. Their song was so pleasant, a calm feeling spreading over her as she stood up and began to twirl around, feeling as if she were surrounded by her new friends, glad that she was no longer alone.
********
Angelus and Spike watched Drusilla take Willow's hand and lead the redhead down the street in front of them. Angelus glanced at Spike and said, "Did she say they were going to listen to the stars?"
"Yeah, and Red seemed happy at the idea," Spike nodded, his blue eyes watching his pretty sire and the beautiful redhead. He shrugged as he moved to catch up with them.
"They're happy tonight," Willow said softly as she followed Drusilla into the park.
"They are ever so pleased," Drusilla laughed as she spun in a circle, "singing such a lovely song. Just for us, my pretty pets and I!"
"Da da de da," Willow began to sing softly as she allowed Drusilla to spin her around. She began to laugh as she and Drusilla spun and danced, both of them humming and singing along with the stars. She caught sight of Angelus and Spike watching them with curious expressions and tender smiles, closing her eyes so she could concentrate on the stars and their special song just for them. She held Drusilla's hand as she listened, feeling as if Buffy and Cordelia were with them. She felt happy, safe, protected, alive. It was wonderful, like she was being hugged by her friends as they danced for the stars.
~Part: 83~
"She can hear the stars," Spike observed quietly, surprise and confusion in his blue eyes. He looked at Angelus, resisting the urge to laugh at the dumbfounded expression on his lover's face.
"How?" Angelus wondered as he watched his childe dance with the redhead. He glanced at Spike, rolling his eyes when he saw the smirk on the blond's lips.
"Dunno, but she's out there humming along perfectly with Dru," Spike pointed out, a tender smile crossing his face as he watched his sire happily dance for the stars. He'd never understood her fascination with the stars, having tried shortly after his turning to hear their song but failing completely. Angelus was convinced that the stars only sang to Dru because she imagined the entire thing, having no faith in things he could not understand or that could not be explained well enough to suit him. Spike knew that his sire wasn't completely of sound mind, but he refused to think she was crazy. She was intelligent and strong and special. Hearing the stars, well, that was just one of her many unique gifts. Angelus refused to believe it, chalking it up to insanity, an outlet for the voices inside Drusilla's head, like the silly dolls. Spike didn't much like the dolls, annoying things always seemed to be watching him, but he liked the stars.
"I just don't understand," Angelus muttered with a frown, hating that he was unable to figure out what was going on. The idea that Willow was pretending to make Drusilla happy had crossed his mind, but he honestly didn't see the redhead being that cunning. Besides, the girl was out there dancing around and smiling at the stars just like Drusilla, obviously hearing something neither he nor Spike could hear. He couldn't remember a time in the century plus since he had turned Drusilla that he had believed that the stars were actually singing. Spike, foolish boy, had tried to hear them after he'd been turned. Spending hours outside, staring and then glaring at the twinkling bits of light in the sky. Drusilla had been pleased that her William had tried hearing the song, giggling as she informed them that the stars approved of her pretty childe but did not wish for him to hear their song. Further evidence, in Angelus' opinion, that she was crazy. Now, though, Willow, one of the most level headed and intelligent people he'd ever met, was out there listening to the stars sing. Was it possible that they really had been speaking to Dru all these years?
"Some things can't be explained, sire," Spike said softly, his eyes flashing with affection as he watched the two beauties dance, "would have thought someone your age knew that."
"Boy, don't push me," Angelus warned quietly, his eyes flashing with annoyance and lust as he watched Spike smirk.
The blond winked as he whispered, "I like to push you, Angelus. Course, I like when you push into me even more."
"Later," Angelus said simply, dark eyes flashing with promise as he turned his attention back to Drusilla and Willow. His lips curved into a slight smile as he watched them dance and laugh. They looked beautiful in the moonlight, he decided, wishing he had his sketch pad. Perhaps tomorrow he would ask them to dance for him so he could sketch. He had no intention of letting Willow go now that he had her. She would make an excellent companion for Drusilla, that much obvious from the friendship and affection that even he could not deny existed between the two women. He planned to keep her, knowing that would make his daughter very happy. It would also allow him the opportunity to seduce her, to woo her into his bed. She saw him as the enemy, a monster who killed her favorite teacher and threatened her friends, but he was so much more than that. True, after the curse had been lifted, he had been obsessed with only one goal: make Buffy pay. Now, though, the threat of being recursed was gone, and, with it, his obsession with the slayer. He still planned to make her life as miserable as possible, but it was nothing personal. Well, not too personal. After he got rid of Mayor Wilkins, Sunnydale would be under his control and life would be pretty damn good.
"Can we keep her?" Spike asked casually as he watched the redhead spin, loving the sound of her laughter. It was almost like music, sweet and pleasant.
"Aye, boy, we can keep her," Angelus agreed with a wink before he walked towards the women. He caught Drusilla's eye, holding out his hand as he smoothly asked, "Do ye want to dance, my beauty?"
"Silly Daddy! You can't hear the song," Drusilla giggled as she stopped dancing and rested against Willow.
"Why don't you sing it for us, Princess?" Spike asked as he joined the group, "Then we can all dance."
"You really want to hear the song?" Drusilla asked softly, her blue eyes flashing with happiness as she looked from Angelus to William. They had never wanted to dance with her before. She had tried when she was younger, urging her Grandmum and Daddy to dance with her after a hunt, but Grandmum was rude and Daddy never wanted to hear their song. Her sweet William had wanted to hear the song, but the stars did not want to share their words with him. The stars were lovely but they were very choosy on who heard them sing. Drusilla was pleased that her boys wanted to dance, even if they could not hear the sweet song.
"It's a very pretty song tonight," Willow said quietly, not sure what was going on but realizing that Drusilla was very excited that the two vampires wanted to dance under the stars. She assumed they never joined her friend for this light-hearted activity. Probably too busy torturing or killing someone, a voice inside her head spoke, wanting to remind her that they might be attractive and sexy and smart, but they were master vampires. As if she could forget that! She didn't need voices in her head arguing about whether to be scared of Angelus and Spike or to just enjoy the lusty feelings that made her ache and caused such deliciously wicked dreams. She felt three pairs of eyes on her, her face paling as she wondered if she should have just kept her mouth shut. She was relieved when Drusilla smiled at her and kissed her cheek, sighing as she realized that everything was okay.
"I will dance with you Daddy," Drusilla declared, her eyes twinkling with amusement as she looked from Angelus to William, "and Willow will dance with you, sweet William."
Spike didn't mind that at all, moving forward and pulling the startled redhead against him as Drusilla began to sing. He caught Angelus' eyes and smirked, deliberately moving his hand down Willow's back as they began to dance. He felt her slowly start to relax as Drusilla sang sweetly, her own voice joining his sire's as they sung the song the stars were supposedly singing. His eyes darted from the face of his sire to the face of his lover to the face of the bewitching redhead, finally settling there. He was glad that they were alone in the park, knowing how odd it would appear to anyone that might stumble across them. Two master vampires dancing around the park with two beautiful women who were singing some strange song. Definitely an unusual occurrence, but one that he found himself enjoying immensely. He smiled happily as he swung Willow out, hearing her laugh of surprise at his action. Absolutely stunning, she was, and she was theirs. They were going to keep her.
~Part: 84~
They danced in the park for what seemed like forever but had actually only been about half an hour. Spike had been her partner for the first few dances before Angelus had snagged her arm and pulled her close, allowing Spike the chance to dance with his sire. Dancing with Spike had been fun and carefree, he'd twirled her and laughed and spun her in circles, taking every opportunity to touch her and flash her flirty smiles. Dancing with Angelus had been an entirely different experience, the eldest vampire holding her close and guiding her movements precisely, his attention focused completely on her throughout their dances, his hands moving along her body in entirely appropriate ways but lingering and caressing in a most definite inappropriate way. She hadn't minded, though, rather enjoying the feel of his hands on her back and arms. She thought he might be trying to seduce her but quickly tossed that thought away as farfetched and just wishful thinking on her part.
The dancing had ended when Angelus declared that it was nearly dawn and that they needed to get home. Drusilla had taken her hand and led her ahead of the boys, telling her all about their lovely home and describing her room excitedly. Willow wasn't very surprised that Angelus had moved them from the drafty old warehouse after losing his soul, striking her as the type that enjoyed the finer pleasures in life. Spike would be happy anywhere as long as Drusilla was with him, but Angelus required more lavish surroundings better suited to a master vampire.
As they neared their residence, she began to get more nervous. She trusted Drusilla completely, but, even if she did want them to do naughty things with her, she did not yet trust Angelus or Spike. And she especially didn't trust the minions that she assumed would be hanging around the house. What if one of them was hungry and decided that she'd make a good snack? Okay, so she didn't think any of them were stupid enough to cross Angelus if he told them to leave her alone, but that worry was nagging at her mind as they entered an exclusive area of town.
It was a mansion, Willow decided as she saw the huge house they were approaching. It was the largest home on this street and was surrounded by land, the nearest neighbor separated by a plot of land. It was actually quite beautiful, she mused, noticing a garden on the side of the house. Her steps slowed down as they got nearer, Drusilla turning to look at her with concern.
"Are you okay, kitten?" Drusilla asked, smelling the soft scent of fear as they neared her home.
"Um, yeah, I know you won't let any of them hurt me," Willow smiled as she squeezed the dark haired vampire's hand.
"I will protect you, Willow-mine, forever and always," Drusilla leaned her head on the redhead's shoulder. She confessed, "You are of me, pretty pet, and that will keep you safe."
"You'll have our protection, Red," Spike spoke up as they got closer to the front door. Suddenly, he frowned and looked at his sire, "Princess, what do you mean she's of you?"
"Can you not smell it, William?" Drusilla asked curiously, "I can, ever so sweet. She is part of me as I am part of her."
"Bloody hell," Angelus cursed, feeling foolish for not having noticed the combined scents that indicated a bond. "They're bonded."
"Bonded?" Willow repeated slowly, "Oh, yeah, to hear the stars. But, it was supposed to be only for a little while. Drusilla, why did I hear them tonight? Shouldn't it have gone away?"
"I was a bad girl," Drusilla whispered, her eyes looking into Willow's green eyes, "I wanted to protect my friends so I performed the ritual. It provides my protection and marks you as being of me and mine."
"It's okay, Dru," Willow said softly, "I love you and I appreciate you wanting to keep me safe."
"You are not mad at me?" Drusilla beamed happily, knowing that, even if her Daddy punished her for not asking permission to create a bond to her new friends, she did not mind because Willow loved her.
"It makes me a little scared," Willow confessed, wondering if that meant Drusilla had also bonded to Cordelia and Buffy. Oh wow, a slayer bonded to a very powerful vampire clan was definitely something you didn't hear about, well, ever. She didn't Angelus would be very pleased when he found that bit of information so she didn't say a word about it.
"Daddy, it is not a very strong bond, just enough to offer my friends protection," Drusilla said as she looked at her sire, "the stars told me that it was needed," she leaned closer, whispering in his ear, "the claim from you and William will be much more strong and permanent."
"Princess, we shall discuss this later," Angelus said simply, doing his best to keep his irritation under control. He knew that she had done what the stars told her, but that did not change the fact that she had bonded with Willow without seeking his permission. He arched a brow as he realized she had mentioned Willow being claimed by him and Spike. That was his intention, of course, but he had not said anything to anyone regarding the matter. The damn stars, he decided, were far too nosy and talkative for his liking.
"Personally, I think you did well, luv," Spike told his sire as he gave her a brief hug before walking up the stairs to the front door. Turning back, he grinned at the captivating redhead and said, "Welcome home, pet."
~Part: 85~
Home. It was funny that such a small word, only four letters, could mean so much, could be so important. Willow heard Spike's welcome as he opened the door to the mansion, dwelling on that silly word, wanting to believe that this could possibly be her home, a place to belong, a place where she felt safe and protected and loved. She had done her best to make her parents' house a home, but it had honestly rarely felt like a true home. It was usually empty and most the rooms remained dark and unused. It was lonely there, even when she was comfortable and happy it had never felt like a real home except for the times like this weekend, when Buffy and Xander visited and there was laughter and noise and sometimes even tears. Then it felt more like a home, but they always went back to their homes, leaving her with an empty house and a few rooms that she had tried to make inviting and pleasant but sometimes were just too quiet.
She wasn't entirely sure what vampires would consider home. During the short time she had been aware of their true existence, she had never given much thought to their living quarters. The few she had come into contact with had been newly risen or living in abandoned buildings that were dusty and cold. This house was definitely not dusty and cold, but she had to wonder what awaited her inside. She wasn't scared, okay maybe just a little.
She trusted Drusilla, though, especially now that she found out the brunette vampire had risked punishment, which Willow was going to do her best to try to avoid her friend receiving, by bonding with her and Buffy and Cordelia. Drusilla would not allow any harm to come to her, of that she was sure. Besides, if Angelus wanted her dead, she would be. He wouldn't have taken her from her home and then teased and flirted and danced if he planned to simply kill her. True, his actions seemed very out of character and confused her quite a bit, but she hadn't felt any threatening vibes from him, just the normal dangerous mastery vampire type vibes that surrounded all three of the old and powerful vampires that were standing with her.
"Come along, kitten," Drusilla interrupted Willow's mental discussion with herself. She didn't mind her pretty pet thinking, but she would prefer that the redhead do so inside since dawn was quietly approaching. Besides, she didn't want to risk angering Daddy anymore than he already was upon hearing about her bond with her new friends. She knew he would punish her for not asking permission, even if he was pleased with her relationship with Willow and the stars whispered of a future as a family for them, and she understood and accepted her punishment. She had chosen to share her blood with her friends, to offer them protection, knowing that she would be punished, and she would gladly make the same choice again.
He was never overly cruel with her, even when he was really irritated, and the pain was somewhat pleasurable, the wounds always healing, her sire always in perfect control, knowing exactly how much she could take before the pain would be overwhelming. He did not wish to injure her, the punishment merely a reminder that he was Master and that she should be careful. It had been ever so long since she had done anything that warranted punishment, the last time being years before he gained that pesky soul.
They'd been in Spain and she'd wandered off alone, not telling him or William where she was hunting. She had gotten lost and the stars would not whisper the way home and she'd been so scared. He had found her and, after insuring that she was okay, he had punished her for being so foolish, for nearly getting herself killed. She knew he had been worried and that he loved her, even if he never spoke the words like her pretty William. Even then, he had not allowed his rage and annoyance at feeling emotion to control him. The punishment had been swift and, afterwards, he had come back to the room after calming down and he had bathed her, not saying a word as he had gently washed away the blood and then held her as she had fallen asleep. It was a happy memory for her, though she did not plan on sharing it with her kitten. Not yet, at least.
Willow would not understand, having no real knowledge of their ways. In time, though, the redhead would observe and learn their ways, she would understand the complexity of being family, of being Master, of being sire and childe. And, when it was time, when she was older and ready, Drusilla knew that she would become like them, true family, of their blood, a pretty Mummy who would willingly join their family forever. She did not need the stars to tell her this, seeing the gleam in her Daddy's eyes when he looked at Willow, watching her William flirt and smile at her lovely friend. Until that day, when the redhead gave up her life to be theirs for eternity, they would become a family and love one another. A smile crossed her face as she moved behind Willow, hugging the redhead from behind, whispering, "A real family, my pet. We shall be ever so happy."
"Come along, luvs," Spike said a bit impatiently, ready to settle down before dawn. He was eager to talk to Angelus, to discuss the plans for their cute little witch, to see what the brunet vampire was thinking regarding Drusilla's surprising friendship with the auburn haired beauty with the brilliant green eyes as well as the bloody slayer, and whomever that other chit was that was mentioned.
He was also hoping to distract Angelus from punishing his sire, Spike hating to see his Princess suffer even the slightest bit, even if she did require discipline for her actions. Bonding with a slayer, of all people, and her friends, even one as beautiful as Willow, without permission from the head of the family and Master, well, it was not something that could be completely ignored. Angelus had given his word to that wanker at the bar that he would extend protection to the witch so maybe that would lessen Drusilla's punishment, though bonding with the damn slayer was not something he figured Angelus could accept easily. Spike was hoping that Angelus would not be as rough with his sire if a bit of time passed before the punishment, having no real idea what the unpredictable Master would chose as punishment, though he assumed it would be a beating or torture of some sort.
"Spike, make the preparations," Angelus instructed as he joined them at the door. He had given the situation some thought and decided it would be best to take care of the formal matters before concentrating on finding out everything that had happened over the last two days. He wasn't at all happy about Drusilla bonding and being friendly with the slayer and cheerleader, but he was also curious as to how it had happened, what had caused Buffy to accept his daughter and not simply stake her. Drusilla's friendship with Willow did not bother him at all, though he was jealous that his daughter had shared a bond with the redhead before him. His original plans for Willow had never moved beyond taking her and fucking her until she was hoarse from screaming his name and too exhausted to run from him.
He had never gotten farther than that in his plans, though he had had a random thought now and then about various futures for the girl. Drusilla's attachment to her as well as his promise to Willie and his own feelings, confusing as they were, had given him much to consider, his plans becoming far more long-term, which he honestly didn't mind at all. He would give the matter his complete attention and do some serious thinking about the situation once he had some answers.
"Got it," Spike nodded before he went inside to gather everyone for Angelus' announcement, leaving Angelus with Drusilla and Willow.
"Princess, go with Spike." Angelus told Drusilla, giving her a brief smile as he said, "Help him get things ready for us."
"Yes, Daddy," Drusilla said as she moved to follow Spike. She turned and kissed Willow's cheek, a smile on her face as she said, "I shall see you soon, Kitten."
"Do not leave my side until I give you permission," Angelus told Willow as he moved beside the redhead and took her arm. Looking into her green eyes, he noticed, with satisfaction, fear, concern, resolve, and a slight hint of arousal. He leaned closer, inhaling her scent, his lips curving into a slight smile as he said, "I will not guarantee your safety if you do anything stupid. Luckily, you're a smart girl. You will remain silent and there will be none of that magic nonsense. If anyone threatens you, *I* will take care of them. We shall have a nice discussion later to discuss everything that has happened because I still have numerous questions, my dear. At that time, I will enlighten you regarding the rules and appropriate etiquette for your new situation and you will have the opportunity to ask questions and speak freely. Until then, you will do nothing unless I tell you to. Understood?"
"What's going on?" Willow asked, knowing it wasn't the most eloquent question to ask, but she was pretty darn confused after Angelus' little speech as well as his instructions to Dru and Spike. Preparations for what? Not to mention that the feel of his hand on her arm, with his finger moving in small circles against her flesh, was sending little tremors of awareness throughout her body.
Angelus moved his hand down her arm, pleased at her reaction to his touch, tempted to forget the announcement and simply take her to his room, seduce her, then fuck her until neither of them could move. He had no intention of taking her by force, but it was evident from the way she looked at him as well as Spike, from the sweet aroma of arousal that was rather intoxicating, from the way her breathing increased from her arousal, he would not need to worry about force when it came to having the redhead in his bed. That was only slightly unexpected, since he had noticed he arousal that night at the school despite the threat on her life, but he had never believed she would want them without a great deal of seduction and planning. Again, she had surprised him. And, in all honestly, he rather admired that, her ability to surprise him. Not only was she intelligent and pretty, she was sexy and magically gifted and attractively complex.
Soon, very soon, she would be in his bed and a significant part of their lives. His lips curved into a wicked smile at the thoughts of seducing her, mind, body and soul, knowing somehow that she belonged with them, a mate and lover for himself and Spike, a friend and mother for Drusilla. He wasn't normally a believer in such nonsense, but having her here with them felt right and he couldn't ignore that. He looked into her eyes, noting the curiosity and thirst for knowledge, and answered her question, "It is a small ceremony to proclaim our protection of you, to accept you as our witch, done very rarely for humans to secure their position in a clan. Willow, it is relatively painless, much like the bond Drusilla exchanged with you already, but stronger and more secure. No more questions. I shall answer any others you have later. Remember to stay by my side and do not do anything unless I instruct it. Now, come along. It's time to meet your new family."
~Part: 86~
Spike gathered the family into the living room, noting that everyone was accounted for, including the new guy. He instructed Stephen to make sure that they remained in the room until Angelus declared that they could leave before he turned to his sire. An affectionate smile crossed his handsome face as he moved towards Drusilla, pulling her down the hallway so that they would not be overheard or observed by the minions, but in a position where he could see the front door so he'd know when Angelus and Red entered the house.
"I missed you, Princess," he muttered to Drusilla before his arms moved around her in a tight hug. His lips brushed against her neck in a soft kiss, her arms hugging him back. He confessed, "You had me so bloody worried, Dru."
"My sweet William," Drusilla hugged him before moving her right hand to brush through his short bleached blond locks. She mused, "So soft. I remember when it was long and such a lovely color, like pale chocolate. I am ever so fond of chocolate. I did not mean for you to worry, dear boy. Did you enjoy your visit to the angels?"
"Angels?" Spike usually had little difficulty understanding Drusilla, normally able to translate what she said easily and able to determine what was important and what was just ramblings. Now, though, she had mentioned his hair and how it had been in the past then she'd brought up chocolate of all things and now she was talking about angels. He thought quickly, finally coming to a conclusion. He smiled at his beautiful sire, "Yes, luv. Angelus and I had a productive trip to Los Angeles. We accomplished our goal earlier than expected and hurried home to see you."
"I am ever so glad I did not go with you," Drusilla confessed sincerely, a large smile crossing her face, "I found my very own angel here. My Willow is lovely, is she not?"
"She's smashing, pet," Spike agreed, still a bit confused as to how that relationship had occurred but agreeing that the redhead was not only beautiful but seemed intelligent and cared about his sire. That alone was enough to win his affection even if he wasn't wanting to shag her senseless and keep her.
"My kitten chases away the shadows, makes me feel so warm and loved," Drusilla said quietly, her blue eyes softening as she continued, "I was ever so cold and lonely, my dear boy, the shadows were dark and whispered, pst pst pst. They no longer taunt me, whispering their dreadful words. There is light and warmth where before was only darkness and cold. My Willow is special. The stars have told me that she belongs with us, that she needs us just as we need her. We will be ever so happy, William. A real family once again. Things are going to change," her eyes became clouded as she cocked her head slightly, "but the changes are good. We are going to be very happy, my William."
"I'm glad to hear that," Spike smiled softly, his fingers brushing against Drusilla's cheek. He trusted her and those silly stars, even if they didn't always make sense. Hell, the slayer's little friend making nice with Dru didn't make any sense but he was a witness to that relationship and knew the redhead cared about his sire just as the brunette cared for her. Plus, he was still curious to hear what exactly had happened with the slayer and the other chit that was mentioned, finding it difficult to believe that the slayer bitch had been mature enough to be around a vampire, especially one of Drusilla's strength and power and relation to Angelus, without attempting some kind of slaying.
Patience was not one of his virtues, but he really couldn't give a fuck less about the slayer, confident that they could easily destroy her if they chose and knowing that lessened the threat, which made her inconsequential. Besides, he'd much rather think about Angelus and Drusilla and now the pretty little redhead than that vapid little slut. If she wasn't a risk to him or his, she wasn't worth his time or mental contemplation. Right now, he was glad to have Drusilla back, safe and unharmed. He was also pleased that they were going to keep the redhead, interested in getting to know that pretty little witch much, much better, preferably with her naked and in his bed until he'd satisfied his every curiosity about her.
Once he knew every sound she made when he was shagging her, every expression on her face when he touched her, how she tasted everywhere, how she looked when Angelus was shagging her, how long she could take the teasing torture of his tongue licking every inch of her body, well, after all those questions were answered, then he'd think about watching her work her magic, something that aroused him nearly as much as the idea of her naked and begging for them. While Angelus was a bit anxious around magic and tended to avoid it, Spike found it exciting and stimulating to watch a real witch, especially one as beautiful as Red, the magic fascinating him and the power arousing him. His main contact with magic was through his sire, Drusilla being adept at a few spells and using it when necessary. Throughout the years, he had met a few witches, though most of those hadn't even been as strong as Drusilla.
He'd never observed a witch with the extent of natural power that he felt from Willow, the very idea of watching her practice even the most minor spell enough to cause his cock to harden against his jeans. What made it even more thrilling was the fact that the girl had no idea the extent of power she possessed, it was still untapped, and he was going to be there as she discovered her skills, learned them, mastered them. Angelus was not likely to observe Red's training with magic, which meant Spike would have her all to himself during those lessons. That was definitely something he could be happy about it. He didn't mind sharing with Angelus, the elder vampire being his lover and mate, but he was selfish enough to like the idea of being the one to watch over Willow as she practiced her magics and mastered her talent. He pulled himself from his thoughts, giving Drusilla a sheepish smile when he saw his sire looking at him, a knowing look in her pretty eyes. He said, "I was just thinking about your girl, Princess. She's a powerful little witch, but she has no idea, does she?"
"No she does not, but I shall help her. I shall teach her what I know and help her learn," Drusilla smiled slightly as she looked into Spike's brilliant blue eyes. She knew he was not only thinking about Willow's magical abilities, feeling his naughty bits through his jeans and knowing they were aching from thoughts of her kitten. She was ever so pleased that he found Willow arousing, knowing that he and Daddy were what her pretty pet dreamed about, what had her waking from dreams with the scent of arousal surrounding her. Drusilla personally was not fond of the naughty games Daddy and William played, enjoying them at times but preferring that they play with each other instead. Willow was not like her, though, and would enjoy their naughty games. They would not hurt her kitten as Angelus had hurt her that first time, nor was Daddy as fond of the painful games as he had been when she was younger. He was not as gentle as her William could be, but he would not harm her Willow.
"That's nice of you, luv," Spike told her, his eyes glancing at the door and narrowing as he wondered what was taking them so long. It was nearly dawn and he'd like to get this ceremony finished so they could go upstairs and get a few answers so everything that had happened while they were in LA would finally make some sense. He had recognized the witch from the many sketches around Angelus' room, knew his lover had been fascinated with the girl prior to this evening, having his own moments of looking at the beautiful sketches of the slayer's friend and finding himself curious and interested in her, and he wouldn't doubt that Angelus was out there right now flirting with her and possibly already beginning his game of seduction. Spike hoped the seduction had started because, as he'd said earlier, he was not a patient man and really wanted Willow sharing their bed and lives sooner rather than later.
"They are coming," Drusilla smiled as she turned to look at the door, taking William's hand as they walked to meet Daddy and Willow. She saw the redhead enter the house, noticing the bit of fear flash in those familiar green eyes before being replaced with resolve and strength. Drusilla looked at Angelus, knowing that he was not Daddy at the moment. He was their Master, her sire, the power rolling off him and causing her skin to tingle. He was smirking slightly, his eyes dark and cold, prepared to demonstrate his position and prove his control should any dare oppose the induction of Willow into the family as their witch. Drusilla knew that none would dare speak against Angelus, fully aware that he would sooner kill them than waste time arguing. Besides, every strong family had a witch and Willow was one of the strongest she'd ever met, even if the teen had no idea of her true talents yet. Willow already possessed her claim, her acceptance evident to them all, and there would be no opposition.
The ceremony was minor, though formal and serious, not as lengthy or traditional as a claiming ceremony, that ceremony rarely performed because most vampires simply turned their intended mate rather than leave them human for an unspecified amount of time. Willow would experience the formal induction into their family this evening, earning their protection and securing her position as their witch. In time, her kitten would perform the claiming ceremony. The stars had whispered this to her wanting her to be prepared to perform this rare claiming ceremony when the time came for Willow to join the family as Angelus and William's mate. It would be many years later that the redhead would become one of them, the stars had assured her, willingly giving her life to join them for eternity. Angelus caught her eyes and nodded once. The smile faded from her face as she became serious, lowering her head slightly before entering the room where the others were waiting silently, curiously, not knowing what was happening. She wondered for a brief moment if she should have changed into something more formal, her Princess T-shirt and jeans seeming slightly casual for such a serious ceremony, especially one involving her Willow, but there was no time for such trivialities now. For the claiming ceremony, she would wear something beautiful and formal, she decided before concentrating on the current ceremony.
She calmly looked at the minions, noting with satisfaction that many looked scared. Spike came up behind her, his fingers brushing against her back, letting her know silently that Angelus was ready. He moved past her, taking a seat to the side, giving him a position to keep an eye on everyone, allowing her to perform her expected duties as the childe of the Master. She spoke clearly, aware of the importance of these various ceremonies of their kind and appreciating the history and significance of every single one. Her words were distinct, her accent giving them a melodious tone as she began the process by speaking ancient words long forgotten by many. She could feel a change in the air as she spoke, knew the words were working their magic. When she was finished, she turned her head and faced the doorway, her eyes catching Angelus' dark gaze. A proud smile flashed on his lips before he turned serious, his hand moving to Willow's shoulder. She nodded once, saying simply, "It is time."
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