The Viking Hunter

By JamesChick

Chapter One

Spike stumbled into the Magic Box and almost fell on the floor. He would have if Buffy hadn't been close enough to catch him. She helped him to the back room of the shop and sat him on the sofa.

"What happened Spike?"

"New master in town ducks. Old one too. Ran into him and some of his boys outside Willy's"

"How old are we talking here? Angel old? Or the master old?"

"This bloke makes Angelus look like a pre-schooler. Probably older than the master, but no bat-face. Strong though. Could feel his power radiating off of him. His minions are tough too. At least one Childe with him as well. You might want to round up the rest of the cartoon gang luv. This isn't going to be pretty."

Buffy went back out front and picked up the phone. She called Willow and Tara, who were sitting with Dawn, asked them to come to the shop as soon as they could and to be careful. She then called Xander and Anya. She left a message on their machine, they went away for the weekend together but they should be home that night.

When Buffy finished making her phone calls she went up to the loft and told Giles what had happened to Spike. She filled him in on what Spike had told her.

"Oh dear, this certainly doesn't sound good now does it."

"No. Then again, I guess it's never good, is it."

"True. I suppose we should research, try to figure out who the new 'big evil' is. Did Spike give you a name? Or perhaps a description at least?"

"No. He was pretty beat up. I'll get him blood and then I'll ask him."

"Very good. I shall get my books then and join you in the back. Are Willow and Tara coming?"

"Yeah, they're on their way with Dawn. Xander should be by later, I left a message on his machine."

"Right then, off we go."

While Buffy got blood for Spike and headed into the back room Giles went to the shelf in the far corner of the loft and pulled out the watcher diaries he still had. Shaking his head ruefully he descended the ladder to follow his slayer.

Spike opened his eyes and looked up when Buffy entered the room. She handed him the oversized mug of warmed blood. Spike took it gratefully and flashed her a warm grin.

"Thanks slayer. Right womanly of ya, serving me an all."

"God! Why do I even try to be nice to you Spike?"

"Sorry slay...Buffy. I do appreciate it."

"Okay, can we just get past the part where we're nice to each other and get down to business?"

Spike raised an eyebrow and leered at her.

"So not what I meant Spike! Do you know who this new 'big bad' is?"

"Oi! m'still the 'big bad' here pet! But no, I never seen this un before."

"Well tell me what he looks like then, maybe Giles can look him up in one of his watchery books."

"Uh, tall. About 6 foot 5 maybe? Blonde hair, shoulder length, kinda wavy. Blue eyes. Was wearing real expensive clothes. Oh, an' he had a large silver ring on his middle finger, left hand."

"Okay, good description to start with. Did he say anything while he was kicking your ass?"

"Hey! I resent that. He actually never touched me. Had about six of his boys work me over. He and his Childe watched from a few feet away. He never said anything except 'that's enough. Let him go now.' then they just left an' I came here."

Giles who had been standing in the doorway long enough to hear the description Spike had given Buffy as well as the story on how he acquired his injuries, now stepped into the room.

"Um, how exactly is it that you know his companion was his Childe?"

"Can just tell is all. Look mate, it's a vampire thing. We can sense the difference between Childer and minions. Plus they scented almost the same. They're close, very close it you get my meaning."

"Oh, yes well, I'll take your word for it. Could you tell us what his Childe looked like?"

"Sure, not quite as tall, muscular build, not bulky though. He had brown hair, 'bout the shade of the whelps. Didn't see his face, so I couldn't tell you much more. Except that he was wearing jeans and a coat. Didn't match what his Sire was wearing at all."

"Hmm, perhaps the two of you should do a quick patrol, nothing dangerous. I'll have the girls help me with the research when they get here."

Buffy got up and headed for the door. Spike followed, muttering under his breath about having to patrol while injured. As soon as Buffy and Spike were out of the shop Giles picked up the phone and dialled LA. He hated having to involve Angel in this but he had a sneaking suspicion on the identity of this master vampire. If it was who he thought it was they might need some help.

"Angel Investigations. We help the hopeless."

"Ah, Angel? Is that you?"

"Rupert? Is everything okay in Sunnydale?"

"No, things are possibly as far from okay as they have been in a long time."

"Tell me what's going on. Is it Buffy?"

"No, Buffy is fine. Spike on the other hand, well he may be in considerable danger."

"Spike is no longer my concern."

"Have you ever met up with a vampire that goes by the name of Thor?"

"Oh shit!"

"My sentiments exactly. By the description given, not to mention how they roughed Spike up and then let him go, I'd say it was him."

"Do you need me to come there?"

"No, not just yet. But be ready in case I change my mind."

"Of course. I don't have to tell you to be careful."

"No but you just did."

"I'll wait for your call. Goodbye Rupert."

"Goodbye Angel."

Chapter Two

Two days earlier

"Hurry up Xander! I want to get there in time to have a late dinner before the restaurant closes!"

"I'm going as fast as I can Ahn. I had to shower first you know. Unless you want to drag me around LA smelling like sweat and sawdust."

"Eww, of course not! But your done now so hurry up and get the bags. It's dark outside and I want to leave now!"

"Alright I'm coming. let's go, don't forget to lock up."

Xander headed down stairs to put the bags in the car with Anya following behind him. He never heard the silent footsteps approaching. When he felt a hand on his shoulder he turned around expecting to see his girlfriend. Instead he was met by deep blue eyes and dirty blonde hair. He watched as the man in front of him turned to game face. He looked over and saw Anya sprawled on the concrete, a vampire bent over her body. He could hear the slurping noise it made as it drained his lover. Resigned to his fate he inclined his head and offered up his neck to his killer. The last thought that crossed his mind was 'Funny, I always thought it would be Spike to kill me. I feel sort of gypped.'

Present day

Willow, Tara and Dawn entered the shop and found Giles sitting at the table with a cup of tea and several books in front of him. He looked up and smiled faintly at them before returning to his book. Willow and Tara exchanged a look and went to join him. Dawn shrugged her shoulders and followed.

"Where's Buffy? She sounded kinda urgent on the phone."

"I sent her and Spike to do a short patrol. It seems we have a new vampire in town. An old and powerful one at that. I would appreciate it if you girls could help me find any information on a vampire named Thor."

"Thor? Isn't that a Viking name?"

"Yes Willow, it is. It's rather fitting as that is what he was when alive. Or at least that's what the legends say."

"Do we know why he's here?"

"No, so far the only information we have is that he had some of his minions work Spike over pretty hard before releasing him. That and he has a companion with him. A Childe."

"Um, Mr Giles? Wh what's the bi big deal a about him h.having a Childe with him?"

"Well, in vampire clans, one makes many minions, they are like foot soldiers. They exist to fight on your behalf, die in your stead, and well...warm your bed for lack of a better term. But Childer, they are only made very rarely. It's a heavy commitment to sire a Childe. Most vampires only make a handful of Childer over their lifetime. Angelus made two. Penn and Drusilla. Drusilla herself only made one, Spike. Spike has never made a Childe. He had the responsibility of caring for a damaged Sire to keep him busy. Angel's sire Darla only made one Childe. That of course was Angelus. I'm sorry if I'm confusing you Tara. To put it simply, if this new vampire is in town, and has brought his Childe along, it is likely that he plans on staying for a long time."

"Can't Buffy and Spike just hunt them down and kill them?"

"Under normal circumstances yes Dawn. But this is a very old and powerful vampire. His minions are stronger than most, and undoubtedly his Childe is as well. We need to search for any weakness we can find before engaging him."

The four people at the table began pouring through the books. Meanwhile in another part of town a vampire and a slayer stalked silently through a cemetery. Hunting was poor this night, they'd only run across two vampires, weak fledges at that. They looked at each other, nodded, and headed back to the shop.

Four sets of eyes greeted them as they entered the shop. Buffy flopped down in the closest chair while Spike sat on the ladder that led to the loft.

"And how was patrol?"

"A couple of fledges, nothing else."

"You find anything in yer books watcher?"

"Ah, not as of yet Spike but I do have an idea of who it is we are looking for."

"Well? Come on Rupes, don't keep us in suspense."

"Er, I believe it is a very old vampire, goes by the name of Thor."

Giles and Spike shared a look that spoke of common knowledge and terrible things to come. Buffy saw the look and was at once scared and determined.

"Okay, so someone has 'Viking' issues. You research, I slay. No big right?"

"Yeah, sure slayer. No big."

"Uh Buffy? Thor is a Viking. At least he was before he was turned. A very very long time ago. If he's here, then it's not you who is in trouble."

"Then who?"

"That'd be me ducks."

"Uh why?"

Silence reigned again while Giles debated over how much to tell Buffy. He knew that Spike was a part of their group now, a somewhat reluctant part none the less, but still a part. However, Buffy was the slayer, and as such she would most likely turn her back on Spike if it meant resolving this conflict with minimum bloodshed.

Spike sat in silence waiting to see how much Rupert was going to tell his slayer. He knew why Thor was here, if it was indeed him. He really hoped it wasn't him. He didn't have a hope in hell if it was. Buffy would never risk herself or her little gang for him. He was in no position to defend himself, he couldn't make any minions, was estranged from his family, hell he didn't even know where his Sire was. And the closest thing he had to family was Angel. And that souled poof would probably stake him on sight. He decided to hell with it. He'd tell the slayer himself and let her throw him out.

"Sod it! He hunts other vampires. Only those not of his order, and only masters. I'm guessing tonight was about assessing my strength. He let me go only so he could hunt me down at his leisure."

Dawn looked like she was going to cry and the witches were holding each others hands tightly. Willow was the first to recover speech.

"I'll do what I can to help you Spike. There must be a spell or something that can help. Right?"

"I I I'm sure there is Sweety. D Don't w worry, we'll f find it."

Buffy was stunned. She had never heard of this 'Thor' guy before. And why did he hunt other vamps anyway?

"Spike, Giles? Why does he hunt his own kind?"

"Uh, for sport, or so I've read."

"He's old slayer. Strong enough that humans hold no challenge for him. He hunts vampires for the challenge it provides. That's why he only hunts masters, fledges are no better than humans, dumber even. As long as he doesn't kill his own order than he's not labelled traitor. Not that anyone would be stupid enough to call him that and live to tell."

This time Dawn spoke up.

"Um, if that's true than why do you get called a traitor? I mean you don't make vampires anymore, so it's not like you're killing within your order."

"Uh, actually bit, I am. Most of the vamps on the Hellmouth are Aurelius. The master was set up here for long time, then there was me an Dru, then Angelus made his grand reappearance. So yeah, I am."

"Oh. I'm sorry, I didn't know."

"Eh, no big deal luv, s'not like they're my Childer or anything. Just a bunch of minions."

The group fell into silence again. Giles, Tara and Dawn continued to look through the diaries, Willow decided to go on-line and see if she could dig anything up, and Buffy sat thinking over the current problem. Spike was still waiting for the slayer to decide that he was too much trouble and ask him to leave. He was however surprised by the offer of help from the witches. Hopefully when Red buggered up this spell it would fall on Thor and not him.

Angel sat in the dark in his office. The phone call from Rupert had stirred up some rather unpleasant memories. He only hoped that Rupert was wrong, that Thor was in fact not in Sunnydale preparing to hunt his Grandchilde for sport. Spike was a pain in the ass, always was and always will be, but he was still family. His demon demanded he protect the boy. Luckily for his demon he was in control not it. Otherwise they would be in Sunnydale giving him a much better target. Spike was less than two centuries old, surviving on animal blood, living in a crypt and unable to even make minions to protect himself.

The last time he had seen Thor, about 75 years ago, he had been weak and pathetic, eating rats and hiding in abandon buildings. He hadn't even been worthy prey. Thor had spared his life, telling him he was weak and pathetic. He wasn't worth the time or effort to hunt down. The worst part was, Angel was disappointed. He wanted to die, saw this master vampire as his ticket to freedom, the death he so craved but was too cowardly to cause himself.

Angelus hadn't believed the legends. Darla and even the master himself had told him tales of the Viking hunter. The vampire that was so old and powerful that he could find no thrill in the torture of humans, compared it to hunting a rabbit in a pen. The tales they told of hunts that lasted months, years even if the prey were crafty enough. But in the end no one had ever escaped. The master's Sire himself had been rumoured to have fallen victim to the Viking hunter. No one knew for sure, but he was never seen again, and the master assured his family that his death had been felt.

Now of course, Angelus knew better. He had looked upon the legend and been found unworthy. The demon raged at the memory, deeming the soul weak and inferior. It demanded that they prove they were worthy of attention, no matter the cost. It was thinking like that that led to things like Acathla. Again Angel was glad that he was in charge. Hopefully Buffy would help Spike. Otherwise he would have to go to Sunnydale, and he really didn't want to do that.

Sighing, Angel picked up the phone and dialled Willy's in Sunnydale. The least he could do to help was see that Spike was at least fed properly. Maybe it would alleviate some of his guilt for not going to help. Or at least calm the demon a bit.

After a lengthy conversation, involving many threats of bodily harm, Willy assured Angel that he would see to it that Spike had a regular supply of human blood delivered to the Magic Box. And that the blood wouldn't come from questionable sources.

Feeling somewhat better about himself, Angel locked down the office and headed for his room to brood in a more comfortable environment.

Chapter Three

One day earlier

Xander woke up feeling disoriented and ravenous. He didn't know where he was or how he got there. Actually, he didn't really know much of anything. He knew who he was, he was Xander Harris, he was involved with an ex-demon named Anya, he hung out with the slayer and helped to fight the nasties. He had a good job, construction, a nice apartment, and a passion for twinkies.

Happy that he could at least remember who he was, he sat up and took in his surroundings. He was in a large bedroom, on a very large, comfortable bed. There was a fire place on the far side of the room. A large sofa and two leather high backed chairs made up a sitting area near the fireplace. A table beside the bed held a pitcher of water and a glass. There were clothes laid out on the dresser, his clothes. Upon further examination he discovered that, yes, he was indeed naked. With that in mind he slid out of bed, keeping the sheet wrapped around him and retrieved his clothes. He didn't how he got here or who brought him here, therefore he was definitely not going to cross the room naked.

He could hear sounds outside the door. They didn't sound close, also he could smell something. It wasn't anything familiar at all. He stepped closer to the door and inhaled sharply. That was when he realized that he hadn't actually breathed since waking up.

Xander panicked, he frantically searched for a heartbeat, a pulse, anything to prove he wasn't dead, or undead as the case might be. Unfortunately what he found only confirmed his suspicions. Then the memories came back. Anya, the blond haired vampire, the sights, the sounds. He covered his ears and squeezed his eyes shut. He didn't want to remember this.

Why was he so hurt by it? Everything he had ever read about vampires, everything deadboy and Spike ever told him came back to him in a brutal assault. He was sure something had gone wrong with his turning. He was supposed to be bloodthirsty, wanting to kill his friends and family, well to be fair he did want to kill his family. But he had wanted to do that when he was still alive. So why was he grieving for Anya? Why was he afraid for the Scoobies? Where the hell was his Sire? And why wasn't he explaining this to him? Should he even tell him?

Xander thought it over and decided not to mention his possible soul-having to his Sire. It was likely a mistake, a mistake he didn't want corrected. Hopefully he could fool whoever this vampire was long enough to get back to the gang and warn them. He just had to keep his cool and play along.

Just as he was starting to get a little worried that he would be left alone forever the door opened and the blond man entered.

"Ah, I see you have awakened. That is good. I must say, I never imagined I would find such a perfect specimen in this horrible little town. I am pleased. Now, you must tell me your name."

Xander looked at the vampire in front of him. He had mixed emotions about him, the demon in him roared to the surface, he felt his fangs break through his gums, his forehead constricted with ridges. He raised his hands and tentatively touched one sharp canine. He shook his head, driving the demon to the back ground, his face returned to normal. He did however feel compelled to answer the question.

"Xander. Well, Alexander Harris actually."

"Hmm. A good name, a strong name. I like it, you may keep it."

"Uh, thanks?"

"Now, I am curious, do you remember your past life, your turning?"

"Uh, yeah."

"Then tell me. Why did you offer yourself to me? You seemed to know what I am and yet you didn't fight. You weren't afraid. This intrigues me."

"Oh, I ah, I know all about vampires and demon's and such. My girlfriend, the women I was with, she used to be a vengeance demon. Anyanka was her name."

"Ah, Anyanka. Had I known I assure you I would have spared her."

"Okay, uh can I ask you something?"

"Of course, all I have is yours, including my knowledge. Ask away."

"Who are you? I mean aside from being my Sire. Are you a master vampire at least? God, I hope I haven't been turned by a fledgling."

The blond vampire looked at his newest Childe, he saw the sincerity in his eyes at his question. He had chosen well, this boy would make a fine companion. He was bright and inquisitive and funny.

"My name is Thor. And I am a master vampire, no worries there Alexander"

"Okay, Thor. Suits you, it's funny you know, my girlfriend always said I was a Viking in the sack, and now here I am sitting on a bed and talking to a vampire who thinks he's a Viking. My life can't get any weirder."

Thor laughed out loud, he was sure that he hadn't had such a genuine laugh in ages. This young man was proving to be a real treat. It would help make the years pass more pleasurably with him at his side.

"Yes, well I assure you that I am also a Viking in the sack, as well as anywhere else actually. You have the honour of being sired by the oldest vampire in known existence. I have made only two other Childer in my long lifespan, both are lost to me. You are a welcome addition in my life, Alexander."

"Thank you Sire. I have more questions, can I ask them?"

"But of course."

"Are you going to hurt me? You know, torture and rape? 'Cause I know that Deadboy did all those things to Spike and Dru and well, not looking forward to it to be honest."

Once again the vampire found himself laughing at the truthful nature of his Childe. It was refreshing to speak with someone so amusing.

"No, when I take you to bed it will be for pleasure not punishment. As for the torture, I find no need to beat obedience into my Childer. Minions are a different story, they need it to be kept in line. I will teach you everything you need to know with gentle guidance. As long as you follow my instruction you need not fear me. I have no desire to inflict harm upon you."

"Okay. But uh, still a little wigged about the bed part. I ah, never slept with a man before."

"That's not a problem. As a vampire, you'll find that you won't have the restrictions, sexually, that you had as a human. I promise I will be gentle. It will be good for you, you will enjoy it."

Xander swallowed the huge lump that had formed in his throat. He knew he was a vampire, the fangs and ridges had proved that. But listening to his Sire talk about bedding him and making it good for him had made him hard. That above all else proved that he was so not human anymore. Guys had never appealed to him before. Did this mean that all vamps were bi? Did Spike shag guys? And why was the thought of Spike shagging him making him even harder? He really wanted to go home. Better yet, wake up and realize this was all a dream.

The feel of cool lips pressing against his own shook him out of his thoughts. He opened his eyes briefly and then snapped them shut again. He didn't want to watch this. He felt the bed dip as his Sire climbed onto it beside him. Hands were gently tugging as his clothes and stroking his now cool flesh.

He was more turned on that he had ever been, it was strange. He found himself unable to stop as he reached out and pulled the other man closer. Moaning as he was laid down gently on the bed. The gentle pressure of the mouth on his left him momentarily and he groaned in frustration only to sigh with pleasure as his shirt was removed and a cool bare chest draped across his own. The lips were back on his and a tongue was lightly tracing his bottom lip awaiting entrance to his mouth. He parted his lips and met the intrusive tongue with his own.

They lay there kissing passionately for some time until Xander became frustrated and wanted more contact. He slipped a hand between himself and his Sire and loosened the button and zipper on his Sire's trousers. Taking the hint, Thor swiftly divested them both of their remaining clothes. He lowered himself onto Xander once again. Xander moaned at the contact of the other mans skin touching him from head to toe. It was the most erotic thing he had ever felt.

Thor traced his fingers lightly over Xanders hard shaft. He had not taken a male Childe before so this was a new experience for him as well. Oh he had plenty of experience having sex with males. He just never wanted to be this gentle and careful before. He wanted this to be the most enjoyable experience Alexander ever had.

That in mind, he sucked his finger into his mouth, thoroughly wetting it before sliding just the tip into his lovers opening. Xander made a noise somewhere between a yelp and a growl. Thor pushed in a bit further and found Xanders prostrate. Xander erupted into a throaty purr.

"I told you I would make it good for you. Do you want more?"

"Yes, please! Please Sire more!"

Thor chuckled and slipped a second and then a third finger into Xanders ass. The dark haired vampire panted and growled, he whimpered when the fingers left his channel only to purr happily when his Sire's cock slowly filled the void.

Thor started a slow rhythm, only gradually increasing the pace when Xander was comfortable. He stroked Xanders cock in time with his thrusts. When his orgasm was approaching he leaned forward and offered his throat to his Childe. Xander needed no further prompting, he hadn't even realized that he had shifted to game face some time during their coupling. He sank his fangs into Thor's neck, tasting the sweet powerful blood as it filled his mouth, he swallowed the blood as he came all over his Sire's hand and both their stomachs. He heard his Sire's roar of completion just before he felt the cool liquid shoot into him and the sharp fangs slice into his throat. He came again and then passed out.

Xander was dreaming, he was being pleasured by his Sire. It was wonderful, more than he had imagined. He looked up into the face of his lover. Seeing the passion in the deep blue eyes, the lock of dirty blond hair falling over his forehead. He gasped as his Sires eyes lightened to an ice blue, the hair grew shorter
and lighter in colour. He bared his throat as his climax approached. He felt the fangs pierce his skin and he howled his lovers name.

"SPIKE!"

Xander bolted upright in bed. He looked around the room frantically until he determined that he was alone. He just had the most erotic dream of his entire life, and it was about Spike. He was sure that Thor would not appreciate knowing that. With a groan of frustration Xander threw himself back on the bed and fell into a restless sleep.

Chapter Four

Present day earlier that evening

Xander had woken up just before sunset to find Thor sitting in one of the chairs waiting for him.

"Good evening Alexander. I trust you slept well?"

"Yeah, I did. Thanks."

"Clean up and get dressed. We'll get you fed and then I start your training."

"Training?"

"Hunting of course. I came to the Hellmouth on a hunting trip, I don't plan to give it up just because I taken a Childe. Besides, it will be good for you to learn on worthy opponents."

"Worthy?"

"Yes worthy. Now run along and get cleaned up. I would like to leave soon."

Xander had never been at his most alert on waking. So he just did as instructed and stumbled in the direction that Thor had pointed to. Turned out to be a very large, nicely decorated bathroom. He took a quick shower, washing away the remains of last night. Both from his time with Thor and from his dream about Spike.

After drying off he came back out into the bedroom to get dressed. He noticed that Thor was still there so he kept his back to him with out looking like he was keeping his back to him.

Thor watched his Childe move about the room dressing. He was overcome by the beauty the young man possessed, he wanted to hunt his quarry tonight, but he was driven to have his lovely Alexander again first.

Xander sensed his Sires approach. He felt cool arms slip around his waist. He leaned his head back on his Sires shoulder. He was compelled to want this man. He had a lot more sympathy for Spike all of a sudden. No wonder he kept putting up with Drusilla running around on him, and Angelus being a right bastard. He really had no choice.

He felt the large hands slip into the front of his unfastened jeans, his cock growing hard instantly. He helplessly thrust into the hand wrapped around his length as he moaned. He was turned in his Sires arms until they were facing one another. Thor leaned down and gently kissed Xander. Xander fumbled with the belt at Thor's waist, finally getting it opened he practically tore the pants open until he had his Sires cock in his hand. He stroked it softly and earned an appreciative moan .

Thor slid to his knees and engulfed Xanders erection. He slid it in and out of his mouth slowly, twirling his tongue around the tip on every up-stroke. Xander panted with unneeded breath and started to thrust into the cool mouth that enveloped him. Thor sped up his strokes and sucked Xander harder, taking him completely into his mouth and swallowing hard around the tip of his cock. That was all Xander needed and he came with a roar.

Xander took a minute to come down from his post orgasmic bliss. He then kicked his pants the rest of the way off and got down on his hands and knees. He looked over his shoulder to see his Sire's reaction. Thor didn't hesitate to mount him. He quickly prepared him and then slid into Xander from behind.

Xander decided that he liked this position just as much as the first one. Except for his knees getting rugburn. He thrust himself back against the older vampire in an attempt to get him to push harder. When that didn't work he simply voiced his pleas.

"Sire, please! Harder! Please!"

Thor pounded into Xander with a brute force. He pulled him up off his hands and grabbed hold of his cock as he continued to pound into him. Xander came again with a howl. Thor tore into the side of Xanders neck as he came right behind him.

They collapsed onto the floor and Thor pulled Xander close to him and licked the wound on his throat clean. He then brought his wrist to his Childes lips.

"Drink Alexander. You have not fed yet and my blood will strengthen you."

Xander felt his fangs drop, a sensation he was sure he would never get used to, and sliced into his Sires wrist. The blood was powerful, spicy, and rich. He could taste things in the blood, not just the power, but emotions and a lot of other things he couldn't figure out yet. He pulled his fangs from Thor's wrist and licked the wound. They dressed in companionable silence and Xander followed Thor from the room.

Downstairs there were a number of human servants milling about the house. They were cleaning and setting things out on shelves and generally unpacking. Thor motioned for a dark haired girl of around 20 to join them. The girl walked up to Thor and bared her neck in supplication.

"No Chantal, I have dined this evening already, but thank you. I want you to meet Alexander."

"Hello Alexander. Have you dined this evening?"

"Uh, no."

"Then I implore you, feed from me sir."

Chantal walked to Xander and just as before she bared her neck to him. Thor watched the bloodlust rush forward and was pleased to at Xanders control.

"Do not kill her. I make it a point to never kill my servants. Don't worry Alexander, I will teach you when to stop feeding before it becomes fatal."

Xander hesitantly leaned toward the tempting scent of hot living blood. He was at once aroused by the idea of sinking his fangs into her tender flesh and draining her. At the same time he wanted to run and hide, disgusted by the thought of it. In the end self preservation won and he gently pulled the girl closer and as painlessly as possible sunk his fangs into her.

Hot fresh living blood filled his mouth and he swallowed in absolute rapture. It was like nothing else he had ever tasted. He could lose himself in the taste of this girl, thankfully Thor did as promised and gently pulled him away before he could hurt her. The two of them swiftly left the house together, Thor in the lead.

Xander followed his Sire around the back of the large house to an older cottage on the back of the property. He opened the door and motioned for the occupants inside to emerge. Xander watched as 6 large vampires in game face came out of the building.

"Tonight we hunt. My quarry is a master vampire. He is of the order of Aurelius, William the Bloody. The last I heard he was described as having white-blond hair and dresses in all black with a long leather trench coat. You know the routine, tonight if we find him you will test him for me. I want to make sure he is worthy of my effort to hunt him."

The minions nodded in understanding. Thor turned to leave, Xander followed with a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach. Spike was in trouble and he didn't know how to save him. Could he even save him?

Unfortunately, Spike was a creature of habit. Just like any other vampire he was naturally drawn to the prospect of violence. All Thor had to do was have his boys make enough noise, fighting and whatnot, and Spike showed up to investigate. Xander kept his back to the peroxide blond as much as possible. He didn't want the gang to find out about his turning until he had a chance to explain and prove himself. Besides, Thor had said that this was just a test tonight. This bought him a little more time to come up with a plan.

Spike was taking quite a beating. He didn't know where these vampires had come from but they were stronger than your average minion. He saw a blonde vampire watching from a distance, he seemed to be interested in the outcome of this little fight. Spike could sense the power radiating from the blond, it was a warning to him. He watched as a brunette vampire stepped close to the blond and whispered in his ear.

"That's enough. Let him go now."

Spike was immediately released. the vampires that were thrashing him simply turned and walked away.

Ordinarily Spike would have jumped on them and beaten them to a bloody pulp but the simple fact was, his demon recognized the power from the other as stronger than anything he'd ever come up against. He scented the air, he picked up the minions, their scent still surrounded him. But he could also smell the other two, the brunette was a Childe, he reeked of his Sire. He was powerful too, young but strong. Spike raced off to the Magic Box to warn Buffy.

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