Chapter 28

Spike debated between going to put Andrew and Boon at ease, and giving up two of the cinnamon rolls, or checking on his wife. Naturally Buffy won out, but he was met at his own door by a rather brassed off blond goddess. She looked incensed, eyes fiery and foot tapping like Morse code."Where the hell have you been!?" she demanded,"I've been worrying myself sick."

"Um...snack," he mumbled, presenting her with the plate. For a moment her anger dissipated, but then she snatched the plate from him and it was back.

"First you claim me, and it's like the biggest thing in forever! And then you leave me!"

"Wait inside, I'll be right back."

"What?" He nudged her back inside the bedroom and then closed the door on her. He figured she was too shocked to react, and therefore he felt safe to leave to go to Andrew's room. He entered without knocking, finding the pair sitting side by side on the love seat with the duster between them.

"Coast's clear, but I want you two to stay together tonight. Andrew, on. the. couch."

"Yes, sir," the mouse squeaked.

"Anything gets bigger than you can handle, you call. I'll come." Spike winced, knowing how badly what he's said sounded aloud. He grabbed his duster and gave Andrew a pat on the shoulder and a nod to Boon."Don't freak, everything's fine. You have my word."

"Okay, Spike," Boon assured, putting on a brave front. He left them and went to face his wife. He locked the door behind him, turning to find Buffy tucked into the first of the rolls.

"Buffy, something happened tonight," he began.

"Yeah, you left..."

"No, pet, quiet now, I'm serious. It's about the Key." She gasped and looked him square in the eye, a litter fear behind her own."Keep eating, got 'em special for you."

"Thank you." He took off hit boots and eased down on the bed next to her, stealing a bit of the sticky bun for himself. He brushed his lips across hers and gave her tummy a little rub.

"Andrew came earlier, thought something was off. Turns out, they've got the Key under the house, a bright ball of green energy, all the monks were gathered around, worshiping it."

"Did they see you?"

"I think Connor suspects, he's got no proof other than what his supposed inherited vampire senses tell him. Figures he's a bloody monk, given dear old dad was a eunuch."

"Spike..."

"Sorry, love. Buffy..." Spike sighed, then brushed a strand of curls away from in front of her eyes, tucking in behind her ear,"Sweetheart, I saw this thing, the Key....I'm very sorry, but I swear it - there was nothing about the Key that is Dawn. It's just energy, just kinetics and magic. Our Nibblet was who she was because she came from you." His wife tuned into him and began to cry, utterly disappointed, feeling as if she'd lost her sister all over again. Spike took the plate from her and set it aside on the bedside table, then pulled her down with him to the bed. His arms held her firm and he cajoled her as best he could.

"I'm so tired Spike, so fed up...why did we have to lose everything!" He let her cry for a while longer, letting her wring herself out of the hope of finding a remnant of her sister. It became apparent however that she was far from calming and chose to enact one of the aspects his claim on her. He latched his mouth over the puncture wounds he'd previously made and sucked soothingly. His tongue laved over the two minute holes, tasting the lingering flavor of her blood on the closed wounds. He was making a low rumbling growl in his chest, something that was akin to a purr, but more feral. Buffy was drawn away from her despair and tears and into the near hypnotic enthrallment of his attention to the site of his claim. She stopped crying, stopped shaking and just relaxed. When he felt the tension leaving her body, Spike released her neck, kissing his way along her jawbone until he found her lips, then he sunk in. His tongue pushed its way into her mouth, skimming along the roof, then down to curl around hers. His lips were soft, giving only a little pressure, pouring in comfort and love. He drew back after a time and rested his cheek down on her shoulder.

"What did you do?" Buffy asked, closing her eyes and breathing evenly, calmly.

"Just a trick of the claiming, love. I can't make you do things you don't want to or anything like that. It's not a silly hypno thrall like bloody Drac, but I can give you comfort, what I've just done is stronger than caresses or words...just making you feel loved."

"I did. I do. Oh Spike, when is it really gonna be over? When can we trust that we're safe and we can rest? I though this was it...but now I'm scared."

"How can you be scared? You're my Slayer, she's never scared."

"Don't think a pep talk's gonna do it this time. I'm just tired, honey...just two years of tired."

"I'll cheer you up then!" He had such an expectant, pleading look in his eyes, begging her to let him. It made her fall in love with him all over again.

"Feed me more of those delicious cinnamon buns and talk dirty to me." Spike chuckled and reached for the plate again.

"Tomorrow, pet, I want you to talk to Cordelia, try and ask her about the Key. That's if you trust her."

"I trust her." He nodded and tore a piece of bread off and fed it to her, then licked the stickiness off his fingers.

"Good. Now, love, why is it that have an unbelievable urge to tear that robe from your body, smother your quim in buttery brown sugar goo and icing and lick you clean?"

"Probably comes from the same place that makes me wanna nibble your nipples. They're better than candy."

"That so?"

"Or your popsicle cock."

"Bloody hell, Buffy, keep talking like that and I'm gonna pop!"

"Popsicle cold cock with nummy cream filling!"

"Fuck! Slayer!"

"Would you? Because, you know, horny bitch here."

"Are you indeed? You're mine, aren't you? My wife, my mate, mother of my greatest miracle." She touched his face, her thumb tugging on the jut of his bottom lip, he kissed it.

"Loving you's been my greatest miracle. Thank you for never giving up on me. Thanks for waiting."

"Would've waiting till then end of the world. Did, actually."

"Yeah, you did...oh!"

"What? What?" She smiled and waved him off, grabbing his hand and putting it on the underside of her ever growing stomach,"Your child has decided that mommy's not gonna get any sleep tonight...there! Feel that one?"

"Bloody hell, doesn't that hurt? Kid's kicking up a storm, ready for patrol!"

"Patrol is contained inside me tonight, which means I ain't sleeping."

"Then let's talk. We'll talk all night until I've exhausted you with tales of m'glory days." There was another flurry of kicks from the baby that made Buffy wince, but they laughed about it, then kissed and resumed conversation.

"Tell me about your mother instead."

Chapter 29

Buffy was pleasantly surprised upon waking the next morning to see Andrew, Boon and Spike outside on the balcony, eating breakfast, and drinking their respective blood or coffee. Apple juice in Andrew's case. She stretched herself out and patted her tummy, murmuring a good morning to the baby, then rose from bed.

She joined them outside after a shower and dressed in some of the summery maternity clothes she'd gotten from the Wal-Mart,"Morning, love," Spike greeted her, coupled with a kiss before he pulled out her chair for her and helped her sit down,"Got your breakfast right here, nice omelet with mushrooms and shallots. Grape juice too?" He was attentive and doting and Buffy relished every moment of it.

"Thank you, sweety."

"Always pet." She took her first bite of the still hot dish and moaned a little sigh of satisfaction at the wondrous taste of her food.

"So, what's up, you guys looks all conspiry."

"Nothing, much, precious, just trying to suss out last night's goings on. I'm also trying to decide whether or not to make disparaging remarks about the grandsire's manliness to his only begotten, just for fun you understand." Andrew snickered, as did Boon, Buffy gave her husband a glare, but it softened.

"He is kinda creepy. He stares at you, like he's trying to burn your image into his mind. Angel never stared. He glowered and brooded, but he never had that I'm gonna be a sociopath when I grow up thing going on."

"Gets it from Darla, she could slice your heart out with her stare. Either way, the gnat's a problem. If he's evil, he'll be as deadly as Angelus."

"Fabulous. So much for finding the Garden of Eden, huh?"

"It's common," Andrew said,"Classic distopian scenario, paradise is fleeting..."

"Can it, mouse," Spike growled.

"Sorry."

"No, mouse, I'm sorry. I'm just fussed that the place we'd been hoping would be safe is half run by Angelus Jr."

"We don't know what Connor's like, Spike," Buffy tried to reason.

"The kid's 18 years old at least, you're telling me that the poof when he was still in his rat eating phase had something to do with getting a son? By dead Darla no less? There's more to the story here, Slayer."

"Which is why after I eat I'm going to sit down, or maybe float with Cordelia and ask her what the hell's up with this place. I think I should go it alone, but you can scope out the house, maybe try and meet some of the other people."

"Right. Andrew and Boon, you can do the same, but play up the curious kiddy angle. Don't go into dark places, or through any secret passages. If you get lost, we might not find you in time. Stay together." Buffy finished her omelet, but as she got up to go, Spike put a bowl of fruit in front of her and gave her a stern look. She slumped back down and he fed her a grape from the bowl, giving her a smile and taking the pout she gave him.

***

In the years they' known each other, Buffy had never once felt beneath Cordelia Chase, but rising step after step up towards the shimmering apparition, she felt somewhat dwarfed by the former cheerleader's present divinity. There was a small crowd of demons and humans gathered before her, but it was not in reverence, but more akin to the early days of the Cordettes, people where just attracted to her. There was laughter and conversation until Buffy came upon the scene and the monks shooed everyone aside. Buffy felt especially conspicuous then, but returned to ease when Cordy smiled her way and ushered Buffy into the fold.

***

Going down through the house prove risky so Spike went back out to the balcony and scaled up the side of the house with such grace and speed that not a thing or person was disturbed. As light on his feet as a spider, the vampire ran over the roof of the house and leapt high and far, then sailed down through a thicket of Douglas firs.

"East as pie. Pie from the bloody Matrix," he ruminated to himself. The entrance to the cave under the house was unguarded like before, only this time there were no discernible sounds emanating from inside. Hunkering down, the vampire entered, using his demon's senses to make his way in the dark. This time there was no light at the of the tunnel. No key.

He emerged into the same anti-chamber as before and the scent of a man wafted under his nostrils. Spike's arm shot out and grabbed the man by the throat. The other's reflexes were as honed and quick as the vampire's. His arms snaked under Spike's while the other twisted his wrist and he was free, returning with a backhand across Spike's jaw, sending the vamp back a few paces. With his foot, the monk flipped up his bow staff and push it out at length, pinning Spike against the wall with the wooden point at his heart, pressing deep enough into the skin to nearly pierce it. One wrong move for Spike and he would be dust. The man's face was hidden under his cowl.

"I could kill you were you stand, vampire," the man spoke in a hushed, stern voice with a definite British accent. Spike stayed perfectly still. He'd just been bested by a human being and the demon inside him raged to come forth. Spike was fast, but even he wasn't completely sure he could get out of this alive if he acted physically. He did the only thing he felt he could under the circumstances.

"Don't kill me, please," Spike said, even and strong, but still with enough emotion in his voice to evoke empathy,"Please, I have a wife...a child."

"You're a vampire."

"M'not just a vampire. I love them."

"I know who you are, William the Bloody."

"That's not me, not anymore. I have my soul....please, for my baby. I am begging here."

"I have no intention of killing you," The stake however remained at Spike's heart,"But you shouldn't be down here. And please, no witty retorts. You put yourself and the lives of your family by going where you are not permitted. I hope you see the seriousness of what I'm implying. You can make a good life here with ours and Cordelia's help, but any dealings with the Key are strictly for the Brothers. Do you understand?" He pushed the point of the stake in harder, making Spike grimace.

"Yeah, I got it." The man back away, keeping the staff held high, like a scorpion ready to sting.

"This wasn't a challenge, merely a warning. I wish you and yours only the best, and you can have that here. You just have to play by the rules." The man receded into the shadows and was gone. Spike let his demon come forth and he inhaled deeply, memorizing the man's scent. He then turned around and punched the stone wall, breaking his hand and shredding his knuckles. He was angry, violently so, but mostly because he knew if the man had wanted to he could've staked Spike. Then Buffy would be without him and he'd have left his child without a father. Fear gripped him too and he realized he was shaking. There were few choices presented to him, so he went with his instincts. He went to find Buffy.

The Slayer was coming down from her time with Cordelia, a smile on her face for her husband, but it faded when she sensed that he was upset. She caught site of his bloody hand and stared at him in shock,"Spike?" she inquired, reaching for the injured hand.

"Upstairs, quick please, love," he begged,"I need you."

"O..okay. Baby, what's wrong?"

"Tell you in a minute." They made their way to the haven of their bedroom, Spike taking some comfort in that Boon and Andrew seemed to be alright together in his room. Buffy took off Spike's coat and led him into the bathroom to clean his wounded hand. Upon seeing how the bones were twisted the skin eviscerated she began to softly weep. He pulled his hand away and turned from her, quickly setting the bones back, stomping his foot on the floor to prevent himself from screaming from the pain. Buffy started running warm water in the sink, lathering up some soap in her own hands. His hissed when the sting of the soap hit him and even the gentle pressure of her touch as she cleaned the wounds. He dropped his head atop hers, nuzzling into her hair. When his hand was clean she turned off the water and wrapped his hand in a towel. They moved in silence back to the bed, Buffy taking Spike in her arms, his ear resting on her stomach while she stroked his hair.

"You wanna talk?"

"Not yet, just need to hold you both for a bit."

"Let me then. Cordelia and I had a good afternoon, she introduced me to some of the others. There's a doctor here, he's a heart surgeon, but he promises he can help with the birth. He lent me his stethoscope and I got to hear the baby's heartbeat!" Spike looked up at her with happiness in his eyes, then turned back into her and kissed her rounded tummy."There is however a doulah named Carmen! She's been at over 200 births, she put me so at ease about it. Cordelia said there's this room in the house that would be perfect for the birth, it's very serene and full of light." He felt the waves of peace and joy flow through her, knowing how very good this was for the baby. He'd been about to tell her they had to leave this place. Here Buffy had food to nourish her and the baby. Here there were doctors. But here there was also an underlying and unseen threat, he felt it in his blood. "I didn't get to ask about the Key, everyone was there.......Spike, honey?"

"Yes, love?"

"How did you hurt your hand?" His vampire healing was already working to repair the joints and skin, there wasn't even any blood soaking through the towel. He needed time to think, to decide if could uproot his family again. In addition, there was still the lingering humiliation and fear from his earlier encounter with the remarkable monk. The baby was especially active today, it seemed Buffy had gotten used to it, but he hadn't and didn't think he ever would. One doesn't get used to a miracle. He inhaled and exhaled, his eyes closed and he shivered,"Spike?"

"Just hold me for a while, pet. Take care of me?" She turned on her side and pulled him into his arms and drew his head down to pillow on her breasts. Just holding her and being held by her was enough to get him from this moment to the next. Truth was, he was perhaps more tired than she. More disappointed than he'd ever let her know. For two years he'd watched as one by one of the people he foraged food for, kept comfortable on their sickbeds, fought off predators to keep safe - the people he loved, all died. He'd traversed thousands of miles in the wilderness, always the strong one, always the one who kept the other two going. Buffy was a survivor and the Slayer, but fundamentally she was his mate and it was to him to provide for and protect. But he was tired. Worn down through his bones to the marrow. He just wanted to rest. Truly rest.

Buffy couldn't understand why her husbands eyes were shimmering with tears. He stared up at her with an intense and unwavering gaze that would have frightened her had it come from any body else, instead she felt only pathos and love towards him. She leaned down and pressed kisses over his features and soothed him until he closed his eyes and slept, safe in her arms.

Chapter 30

Spike never came across the Brother who he'd met down under the house ever again. It was as if even every trace of his scent was gone too. Two months had passed since their arrival at the Sanctuary, as the other humans had dubbed it. Spike kept to himself mostly, when he wasn't in the near constant company of his wife, or Boon and Andrew. He took fully to the role of Watcher to the young Boon and the two of them were as close as Buffy and Giles had been. He loved this exuberant, punky girl. And it seemed, so did Andrew, but Spike let that stay private. If Andrew wanted to talk, Spike would wait for him to broach the subject . In the meantime Buffy was a veritable social butterfly at the Sanctuary. She made friends with humans and demons alike, and was a large part of those who welcomed the demon family they'd met months ago in the Wal-Mart.

Also during this time, Buffy grew. Her stomach was full and swollen, so much so Spike felt the constant need to be spotting her in fear she'd topple. Furthermore, Spike loved the fact that his Slayer had become a rather plump little pumpkin. With so much food and Brother Columbanus' mastery at pastries, Buffy had gained a very healthy amount of weight. There was nothing the vampire loved more than squeezing her ample behind, or suckle at her heavy breasts. Buffy complained constantly that she was fat and unattractive, but her rants never could get off the ground when he growled at her and pulled her close to whisper sexy little words in her ear. Sometimes he took her to bed and proved how beautiful he thought she was.

Life at the Sanctuary was tranquil, normal, better than an all-inclusive resort. Spike wanted to learn to live at ease in this place, but he simply couldn't. Instead he sat up all night, a sentinel to watch over his charges. So long as Buffy and the baby were healthy, he could let his own care for himself fall short again. Buffy had never asked him again about his broken hand, and instead of confronting Spike again when she noticed the depletion of his health, she merely made a game of getting him to feed from her, usually through love play. She learned that his claim on her had it's own pull to her if she willed it, and sometimes she did.

This morning however had him worried. Buffy sat in a bath full of cool water, pitched forward and whimpering and weeping. Spike knelt beside her on the floor, one hand rubbing her back and the other held her hand. She was overheated, enormously pregnant, hormonal and uncomfortable. She was due within the next week and had just about reached the end of her tether with being pregnant. The past week had been fraught with false labors and the fact that the end of summer was hotter than the middle had been made for one incredibly ornery Slayer. She was especially emotional this morning, having barely slept all night and had broken down several times in tears. Spike had taken her into the bathroom and was now trying to soothe her as best he could.

"Are you in pain, love?" he asked in a near whisper.

"My back aches...all over," she said woefully, squeezing his hand a little tighter,"Hasn't stopped all week...I don't think I can take much...much more..."

"Shhhh, love, not long now, just a few more days, I'm sure."

"I don't feel so good, Spike."

"I know, darling, I know, but you're doing splendid. Just breathe, be quiet and let me care for you....not sure I'm doing you any bloody good though." She turned her head and gave him a weak smile.

"Just you being here is everything. I'm sorry for being a pain." Spike make an unaffectionate sound in his throat and Buffy recoiled from the sight of his eyes going hard as his face lowered and his jaw tightening. Then he looked straight at her, clearly annoyed.

"Slayer. Damn it, Slay...Buffy, you are not being a bloody pain, or anything remotely inconvenient! Seems I do have to repeat myself as far as my love and devotion are concerned! I love the two of you with everything I am, and I'll be there with your for every pain and every trial and I'll do it gladly....I'm always honored every time you merely smile at me. I love you Buffy."

"I know you do, I love you. Baby, can you that thrall thingie on me again? I'm feeling another bad wave coming on again."

"'Course love, let's get you out of the tub first." He helped her stand and toweled her off as the water drained, paying loving attention to the huge round expanse of her stomach. Meanwhile she held fast to his shoulders and continue to give pitiable little whimpers of discomfort. He pulled a plush bath robe around her and gave her tummy a rub. She was thankful for his vampire's strength as he scooped her up in his arms and carried her to the bedroom. He sat down in the easy chair with her on his lap. She pulled her hair away from her neck, exposing two pink scars. The scars from his feedings were slight pale blights on her upper body, but the two from his claim were dark and tender, but only to his touch. He pulled open her robe and lay a hand over her stomach, feeling the baby's kicks up high, knowing they'd turned already in preparation for coming into the world. He made a trail of licks and kisses from her fairly massive breasts up to his claim mark. His mouth latched on to the spot and he began to suck, nursing at it as he would her nipples.

Buffy made excited little gasps when he sucked more fervently and she felt wave after wave of love and peace tingle through her every cell. Her pains became manageable and the tension left her body. When he was done, he lay his face to her breasts and stomach and became docile under the intoxication of her scent, the feel of her skin and the thrumming of the blood through her veins. After a time, they both finally fell asleep. It was welcome after such a restless night.

***

Spike awoke by his senses flaring. His vampire features we on the surface, his ears perked and listening to the sudden rise of screams and voices coming from downstairs. Buffy was still curled in his lap, sleeping soundly with her fingers mindlessly stroking his chest. There was trouble brewing, panic running like a current through the members of the house. It was an awkward rise to his feet, but Spike managed to do so without disturbing Buffy. It seemed her exhaustion had finally caught up with her. He covered her up and pulled on his shoes, leaving his coat behind.

He met Boon and Andrew in the hallway,"We sensed a disturbance in the Force," Andrew said. Spike rolled his eyes and pushed the mouse ahead of him, Boon falling in at his side. Downstairs was in complete upheaval. People and demons alike were in a panic, all gathering in the foyer as Connor and Columbanus carried the bloodied body of one of their fellow monks. The dead man's habit was black with blood, the brown tunic soaked through. Connor looked up at Spike with the same steel glare, emotionless and resolute.

"Ever heard of a demon called Polgara?" Connor asked of the vampire.

"Yeah, got spears that come from their forearms when they're on the attack."

"There's one out in the woods, Brother Oswin and I saw him, then we found Brother Jerome. Will you protect the house if I...."

"Ever come up against a Polgara, boy?"

"No...but as you now know I grew up in Quartoth..."

"There any Polgoras in Quartoth?"

"No, but..."

"But nothing, you're protecting the house, and my wife. You get how important that is? Angel loved her and would have died for her, think you can honor that?" Connor nodded and Spike nodded back, sealing the agreement. The vampire half flew up the stairs, an anger roiling up from deep in his belly. This place, however much he distrusted aspects of it, was his home and the Brothers, no matter their espionage, had taken care of them.

When Spike came rushing back into the bedroom, Buffy was pulling on one of her summer tunics. "I head the noises downstairs, what's going on?" she asked.

"Some nasty business, Slayer," Spike replied, pulling out a series of weapons out from under the bed,"There's a Polgara demon, maybe several, stalking around the property. Brother Oswin's been done through. He's dead. Connor and Columbanus found him. Ugly mess."

"Oh no!"

"I'm taking Boon and going on the hunt. She's ready. Bloody bastard is about to learn a new definition of pain thanks to yours truly."

"But Spike..." There was worry on her sweet, rounded face. He understood, it being so close to her due date.

"Love, there's no way I'm gonna be put down by a bleedin' Polgara! I might not be best buds with the lot here, but I'll bloody well take care of the ones that have been taking care of us. I know you're fretting already, sweets, and if you ask me outright not to go, I'll stay..."

"Spike...no, I have confidence in you, but please be careful. More careful than you've ever been before!"

"I will, my heart. Listen here, we're bonded mates now - you'll know if I'm in any real danger. You'll feel it in every cell in your body." He gave her a firm kiss, then bent down to do the same to where the baby was,"Have Andrew come and sit with you, at least to keep you focused on something."

"I will. I love you."

"Love you both, with all m'heart."

TBC...

Chapter 31

"Boon you're shaking so hard you're causing a bloody earthquake," Spike grumbled under his breath.

"Sorry," she replied meekly, only trembling more with fright. Spike slapped her on the back and pushed her forwards.

"I'll take point. If a Polgara jumps out, hack its arms."

"What?!"

"You're the Slayer - there's nothing a demon's more terrified of in all the world and it's me who's trained you. You're the bloody wrath of God - believe it! I do."

"You do?" He gave her a nod and saw her beam with pride, then steel herself and stride on. After another half an hour though, it became frighteningly apparent to Spike that there were no Polgaras out here and that there never had been. He vamped out and growled, putting Boon on guard."What is it?"

"We've been tricked."

"What do you mean?"

"Come on, Slayer, Buffy and Andrew are in danger. As the understanding passed between them, the pair began a sprint back to the house, Spike snarling and spitting out expletives as he ran. He couldn't believe he'd been such a fool. Connor was the son of Angelus alright, to say the least.

***

With Andrew passed out on the sofa, Buffy had allowed herself a moment's repose. She'd only meant to give her eyes and back a rest. The lower part of her abdomen was under pressure, she knew she could go into labor at any moment. Her exhaustion finally overcame her and she nodded off. Some time later when a hand clamped over her mouth and another pressed her down to the bed, she snapped awake, ready for a fight.

"Stay quiet, Buffy!" a man warned,"They're coming for you, I'm here to help!" She'd remain quiet, but that didn't mean she wouldn't still mash this guy into next week. Andrew however, roused from his own slumber by the disturbance, beat her to the proverbial punch. The monk was pounced upon and pulled off Buffy, the two men falling off the bed and tussling on the floor. Buffy turned on the lights in time to see Wesley Wyndam-Pryce getting royally bitch slapped upside the head by Andrew."Buffy!?" Wes exclaimed, sounding every bit as spazzy as when they'd first met.

"Andrew, honey, let him up," Buffy asked. Andrew gave Wesley a nasty look and got up off him."Wes, if I wasn't so happy to see a familiar face I'd punch it."

"That's nice to hear, lovely to see you also." Picking himself up off the ground and righting his monk's habit he wore, he launched himself immediately into it,"I do wish there was time for a proper explanation, but there simply isn't time, we must leave this place immediately."

"Come again? I'm not going anywhere, especially without Spike."

"Buffy, the Polagara was a ruse to separate you from him, they're coming to take the baby from you." With those words a deadly chill set upon the Slayer.

"Does Cordy know about this?"

"Cordelia has no part in this, but she cannot help you. Buffy, this concerns the Key and your sister Dawn, there just isn't time to explain."

"Talk faster then. I'm not going without my husband or Boon."

"Buffy..."

"I mean it." She was as infuriatingly stubborn as when they'd first met and every bit as stubborn. Wesley sighed and quickly gathered his thoughts.

"Dawn was made from your essence in an elaborate and complicated spell in order to house the power of the Key. So much so that the monks here do not have the capabilities to repeat the process, but the baby is ready made. They mean to take it from you, pre-born and infuse it with the Key. After that...the monks, they're fatalists, you see? They're a cult and hardly a holy order at all. There is nothing holy in this place. They believe in accomplishing what the First Evil could not....Buffy, do you understand what I'm meaning?"

"They're going to kill my baby?"

"Yes, but not if I can prevent it. I've been living here all this time, knowing that you would come, as was prophesied. Please, we must leave now, they could come at any moment. You must chose between Spike and the life of your child. What would he want?" There were the sounds of footsteps approaching the door and Buffy went into action. She slipped on her sandals as Wesley and Andrew armed themselves,"We'll have to fight our way past and make a run for it." The monks came in a dozen strong and her two protectors soared into battle. Buffy picked up a sword herself and went to join but turned back to take something with her, the baby blanket Spike had given her.

They'd made it past the first wave and were running at breakneck speed through the house to escape. Wes looked back only once, to see Cordelia in all her effulgence atop the stairs and the two shared a knowing look. After over a year of waiting, the first part of their plan had come together.

***

It's not too much further," Wesley told them,"I assure you it's quite safe and unknown by the monks. I don't doubt Spike will be able to follow however, he is your mate after all." They had been on the move for over an hour, running hard to the most of it, something that was none too easy for Buffy in her condition. She wasn't particularly surprised when the cramps that had come upon her in transit had finally defined themselves as active labor.

"Come on, sweety, give mommy a break here," she whispered to her child.

"Just around this bend."

"Good thing, Wes. My water just broke."

Chapter 32

"Spike? What's wrong?!" Boon cried, rushing to the vampire's side when he lurched forward and nearly keeled over, clutching his middle. He was breathing hard, eyes clenched tight from apparent pain. He fought past it and straightened, though his abdomen still quivered and roiled against him. He felt it then, he felt Buffy sending her will out to him, begging for him to come to her. The claim he'd put on her was powerful indeed, never before had he felt her so completely nor so strongly inside with his demon and his soul.

"I think...I think...if we don't get to them soon...run faster, don't mind me, get to Buffy and Andrew at all cost, you understand me Slayer?" She pulled him up straight and wrapped her hand around his forearm.

"Let your demon out again, it'll help I think. Won't it?"

"You're starting to get aren't you, girl? Starting to feel your power?"

"I am."

"And what's it telling you?"

"Same thing. Let's get 'em!" Spike let his demon come out again and roared.

"Right!!" They broke into another sprint, running wild and hard through the forest, determined to reach their mates in time.

***

Buffy paced back and forth in the small room of the cave deep inland from the house and lake. She held her back and rubbed her stomach, trying to center her breathing. The contractions were coming every ten minutes now. All the while she was silently pleading for Spike to find them.

"I need to sit down," she whimpered. Wes had been preparing a place for her to give birth as best he could. Under his monks' habit he wore plain clothes, and had hidden a few immediate supplies - food and water, first aid and his monk's knife. Skint supplies for a woman about to have a baby. Without her husband by her side. Wes helped Buffy down to sit, with her back against the cave wall, down on the spread out monk's habit. It was then that she burst into tears.

"Oh god, I can't do this! I can't do this!" she cried, hiding her face in her hands.

"Buffy, I'm sorry," Wes said, crouching down beside her,"I wish this could have been done different, but things must play out in a certain way. I admit, I never planned for you to go into labor."

"Plan?! Wes what was wrong with last week? Or two months ago!?"

"Buffy in the months you've been at the house you've been well fed, tended to. I saw you when you arrived, you were too thin, under nourished and Spike wasn't fairing much better, nor was your friend Andrew or the other Slayer. You were under enormous stress, we thought this time would strengthen you for the situation we're in now."

"Who's we?"

"Cordelia and I primarily..." Buffy let out a cry, another contraction coming on.

"Where's Spike?!!" She sobbed through her body's tensing, feeling the baby pushing down and a need to push herself,"Please, go find him...I need him. Please Wes."

"I can't leave you, not now. You're vulnerable and I cannot risk you being found alone. I'm prepared to deliver the baby. I've never done something like this before and though the Council never prepares a man for this, even those sent into the field, but I've watched the Learning Channel...though not in the past two years."

"Wes, shut up!!"

"Andrew can help." The mouse squeaked, trying to hide behind the baby blanket he now held.

"I don't know nothin' 'bout birthin' no babies!!" the mouse cried. It made Buffy smile, despite how dire the situation was.

"Andrew, sweety, just hold my hand, please," Buffy bade, reaching for him. He nodded and sat down next to her, passing the blanket to the needy mother about to be. Time passed, nearly an hour and Wes was telling her to breathe and to push. Andrew put his arms around her and tipped his head down to her and hugged her while she cried for Spike and felt the baby coming.

***

Spike wasn't doing particularly well in his own right, he was, to begin with deathly afraid for his wife and child, but it was coupled with a dull unrelenting and unexplainable ache in his abdomen. He wasn't allowing it to hinder him, but the pain was increasing in intensity, even the demon couldn't keep it at bay. As they ran back to the house, he forgot nearly everything in his surroundings and opened himself to the voice that had been calling for him these past hours, Buffy's. It wasn't as though he heard it directly inside his head, it was more the sense of her, the connection they'd formed through their claim. He understood where his physical pains were coming from. Buffy was under great duress, fearing for their baby, feeling out of control and alone. The anguish washed over him in waves and spurned him on.

The sounds of angry voices barking out orders came to the vampire's ears a couple of hundred yards from the house, halting Spike and Boon as he grabbed her and pulled her down behind the cover of the lower trees. He shushed her before she had a change to protest, then keened himself towards the voices. The Slayer was missing, so was the boy, they had to find them before it was too late. Before what was too late? Spike wondered. Taking Boon by the hand, he led them in a wide arc around the perimeter of the house, trying to discern what the nature of the commotion was, to see if the monks were to help or to endanger Buffy, Andrew and themselves. Coming close on to where the front path leading down the main doors Spike caught a familiar scent in the air, three of them in fact. The first two were familiar, unforgettable, Buffy and Andrew, but so was the third. Mingled with the essence of his family was the monk from a couple of months ago, the monk that had almost killed him. Spike's stomach clenched down hard and he nearly felt the urge to vomit overcome him. He turned himself and Boon away from the house and set himself upon the trail after them, praying he wasn't too late. If that monk had Buffy....he couldn't bear to think about it.

TBC...

Chapter 33

The night was bleak, summer was turning to fall and the late August sky was promising rain at any moment, maybe even a storm. The weather had been hot and arid for two weeks, making it the perfect climate for thunder and lightning. As the vampire and young Slayer trekked through the wilderness as quickly as they could force their bodies to move. Boon hadn't seen Spike's human face for hours and his eyes near glowed in the dark of night. He led the way, pulling her along as she was unable to see in the night as he was. Buffy's scent still lingered in the air, a thick vapor trail that filled his head with her, urged him on and made his exhaustion and stomach ache a nuisance rather than a hindrance.

When the odor of her blood assaulted him, he stopped and gave an animalistic cry, grabbing on to Boon, his vampire face slipping away. He crumbled before Boon's eyes, breaking down in sobs, using her to hold him up. All his worst nightmares were coming through, his senses telling him that he was too late and they'd been taken from him just like in his dream.

"Hey! Hey Spike!?" a familiar voice called. It was Andrew. He was standing twelve feet away from them in front of a cave that had gone unnoticed until the boy had called out for attention.

"M...Mouse??!" Spike gasped.

"Buffy's..."

"Where is she!?"

"Inside..." Boon was abandoned and Spike rushed passed Andrew in search of Buffy. She was huddled in the corner, in the dark but still discernible. She looked sickly and wasted, but that wasn't all. Her face turned to see him and she smiled weakly, there was something cradled in her arms. It took a time for the knowledge to sink in, but when it did it slew him.

"I've missed it?" he sobbed, still a a few yards away from where Buffy was seated, holding the newborn. The most monumental moment of his entire existence and those bastards had kept him from it. He'd missed his baby being born, and suddenly Spike knew the greatest regret of his life, the greatest pain. The emotions on his face showed no joy, tears rained free down his sharp cheekbones, his face sunken and tense. Buffy couldn't look at him any longer, she'd have done anything to have turned back time, but it had been beyond their control."I can't have missed...I've been waiting all this time for it...I missed it?"

"I'm very sorry," Wesley said solemnly, laying a hand on the vampire's shoulder,"There simply wasn't time. We would have waited for you if I'd thought it safe, but they were coming for Buffy and I knew you'd put their safety first. Spike drew back, unknowing of who this person even was, only that in their first encounter he'd threatened Spike's life.

"He's a Watcher, he was my Watcher for a while. I told you about Wes, remember?" Buffy said,"I'm so sorry, William, I don't even have the words for how sorry....but she just wasn't gonna wait, even for her daddy."

"Sh...she?" Spike stammered, eyes widening as he took in a sudden breath,"She? We have a little girl? Oh Buffy!"

"Come here, honey, meet your daughter." He hadn't actually looked upon the baby's face yet, now realizing how foolish he was being. Right before him was everything he'd been fighting for, living for. He crossed the divide between them and knelt down Buffy and then eased himself in beside her. Buffy pulled back the corner of the blanket that covered their daughter's face. The baby was wincing and her little mouth was working itself into expressions with her tiny fists balled up at her chin. The cave was darkened, but the little light there was seemed to frighten her and she turned into the warmth of Buffy. Spike was crying, he couldn't help it, and so was Buffy. He leaned down close and pressed his cool lips to the baby's very warm forehead. She made a soft coo and snuggled closer to her mother. Spike looked on her with awe, feeling such a swell of love bubbling up inside him that it overwhelmed him. She was finally here, she was warm and tiny and all his and Buffy's.

"Buffy, please, we must call her Anne. I know we never decided, but..."

"Anne it is, after your mother. Anne Joyce."

"Beautiful....god, there's nothing more beautiful than our girl, is there?"

"Nope, not a thing. Would you like to hold her?"

"May...may I?"

"Of course, she's yours." Buffy placed the gently squirming bundle in his two hands. She whimpered, terrified at being away from the warmth of her mother, hands grabbing urgently at nothing but air and becoming increasingly distressed. Spike looked at Buffy, terrified also.

"I....I don't know what to do! Am I hurting her?!"

"Shhh...no, sweety, just bring her close to you."

"I'm....I'm cold Buffy....I haven't a heartbeat....babies like heartbeats...here, take her back."

"No, William.. You have to learn how to do this, to be everything she needs. You're the one she's always going to come to, always. You're the first man she'll ever love....so hold her and love her. Just follow your heart, follow your blood, like you always do."

"I'm scared, Buffy love." Buffy put her hands under his and gently guided Anne closer to him. He turned the baby into him and brought her against his chest, tucking her warm, downy head under his chin and against his neck. She instantly curled herself into a tiny ball and slowly calmed, somehow sensing just exactly who he was and how much he loved her. His two hands covered her entire fragile body. He held her and wept and made silent promises to her. Buffy opened her arms and Spike folded himself into her, their daughter between them."I love you so much my sweet Anne, love you both so much."

"We love you too, Spike." After a little while Anne, started to whinge, startling a still very nervous Spike."I think it's time I try to feed her. Remember that time on the beach? The night we got married? You said this was what you were looking forward to most." He backed himself and Anne away a little and she unwove the interlacing cord that fastened up her nightgown. When it was undone to her middle, she pulled the fabric away to reveal her milk heavy breast."I was reading those books, I think I know how to start....and I think I know how, you know? Just being her mom....I know." Spike guided the baby down and with Buffy's help, latched Anne's sweet little lips to the leaking nipple. He held her until Buffy had her supported in her arms, holding her head to the breast. From then on they let nature take over and after a few tentative, uncertain starts, mother and daughter began to bond as child took nourishment from the one who'd given her life. Spike's fingertips stroked Anne's cheek, feeling her taking her first milk, feeling further warmth spread between the three of them. The baby closed her eyes and was lulled into a peaceful state of bliss.

"What does it feel like?"

"It's different...hurts a little....but it's beautiful. I thought I knew before, what love was...but this is better. We made her, Spike....she's you and me....I just....I don't need anything else, ever, just her....." He kissed his wife's lips and smiled, understanding all of what she didn't quite have the words to express. Oddly enough he began to hum, then whispered as he sang to them.

"Alas, my love, you do me wrong, to cast me off discourteously. For I have loved you well and long, delighting in your company. Greensleeves was all my joy, greensleeves was my delight, greensleeves was my heart of gold, and who but my lady greensleeves. I have been ready at your hand, to grant whatever thou would'st crave; I have waged both life and land, your love and goodwill for to have. Greensleeves was my delight, greensleeves my heart of gold. Greensleeves was my heart of joy, and who but my lady greensleeves...." Anne began to suckle a with a little more determination, already showing a few of her inherent vampire traits.

"She likes her song," Buffy whispered, starting to drift off to sleep. She hated to pull Anne away, but she needed to shift her to the other side. The moment the nipple was pulled form her mouth the baby started a loud squall, but it disappeared when a new source of sweetened warm milk was offered. Once the nursing started up again, Buffy smiled up at Spike, who was still singing softly, then turned back to her daughter and closed her eyes.

"Sleep, love. I'll take care of her when she's filled up. Rest now, I'll keep watch." He took off his duster and lay it over his wife and daughter, then wrapped them both up in his arms.

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