La Quintrala

Chapter Eight

The very next day Willow decided that it was time to show Buffy that her friends accepted Spike and that he was part of the Scoobies. The only one to balk at the idea had been Xander but when it was pointed out to him that it would make Buffy very happy, he backed down and agreed to go. Arrangements were made and the three sets of couples were set to rendezvous outside the Bronze that evening.

This was their first official date with the gang and although she would not admit it, Buffy was nervous.

"So when they get here, let's be affectionate but not too much."

Spike was a little confused and very annoyed.

"So which is it?" he asked brusquely.

"What?"

"What part do you want me to play exactly?" he demanded with sarcasm.

"Just be yourself, just, you know, tone it down."

Spike cocked his head to the side and sighed. This was going to be one fun evening, he thought, bloody yay.

The minute Buffy spotted the gang Spike felt her tense up. He tried to relax her by giving her a comforting squeeze but she slightly pulled away. Stung, Spike reasoned that it was just nerves and didn't make a big deal of it. He greeted Buffy's friends with a nod before they made their way into the club. Seeing an empty table at the back they all headed for it.

They chatted amiably, the girls making a special effort to include Spike in the conversation. On the few occasions that Spike did join in, Buffy dismissed his opinions. Now he was getting angry. He tried to remember how Buffy was when they were alone and it helped somewhat to take the edge off his anger. He went to kiss her but she evaded him and gave him a look like he was out of his mind. Spike snapped. Livid, he drank his beer and it took all his self-control not to storm out of there.

Buffy seemed oblivious to his mood. Suddenly she turned to him and asked:

"Hey, wanna dance?"

Spike stared at her unbelieving. When he looked at her that way, Buffy always felt like he was dealing with a capricious nine-year-old.

"Not particularly, no," he replied in clipped tones.

"Fine," she said petulantly and left alone for the dance floor.

There was a stunned moment of silence then the Scoobies immediately plunged into a conversation about what Giles could do to make the Magic Box even more successful. Furious as he was, Spike was grateful for their tact.

Returning his gaze to the dance floor he saw Buffy dancing wildly with a college student. She wasn't leaving much to the imagination as she ground and draped herself on her dancing partner. Spike rubbed his eyes as jealousy and hurt took residence in his heart. It disturbed him that even while angry, the sensuous moves of her body were turning him on. He'd had enough and went to find her.

Buffy had stopped dancing to take a breather and left the bewildered student standing alone when Spike accosted her.

"What the fuck are you doing?!" he demanded pressing himself against her, angry with her and himself for letting her get to him.

Buffy tried not to respond to him, her hands clenched, uncertain as to whether grab his waist or push him away.

"You might be the Slayer and wipe the floor with my ass but I won't stand for this Buffy. You hear me? I will not stand for it."

In spite of herself, Buffy started to tremble with anticipation. Were they headed toward a fight or reconciliation? Either way she was ready for him or so she thought.

"You want to flirt a little, that's fine," he was saying, his voice hard. "But when you step over the line like this, taunting me with that blithering idiot, things can only go from bad to worse. I don't know what your problem is tonight. It's as if you want me to be your man, let everyone know it, but act as if I'm not. You wanted to make me jealous because I didn't jump when you finally decided I was worth a moment of your time? Well, you've done it. Good night Slayer."

He stared coldly at her and left her side.

On his way out Spike saw the fellow that Buffy had danced with. For a split second he thought about taking the high road but then an image of the boy's hands roaming over his Buffy flashed in his mind and nobility went flying out the window. Careful no to touch the boy, he got in his face and told him in no uncertain words that if he ever even got near his girl he would eat him for breakfast. To emphasize his point he vamped out instilling an immediate fear of God in the young man. Spike smirked as he watched him run for his life. Oh, yeah, he thought, I still am the Big Bad. Slightly mollified, he exited the club.

Buffy's heart sank when she saw Spike leave. This wasn't at all the way it was supposed to happen. In a vain moment she was gratified when she observed Spike staking his territory with the guy she had flirted with. She hadn't figured on Spike's leaving though. Frustrated she returned to her table where all her friends sat. By their faces she surmised that they had missed the third act.

"Where's your deader half?" joked Xander.

"He left."

"Without you?" Anya asked, clearly surprised.

"Yup. If he thinks I'm going after him, he's got another thing coming," replied the Slayer flatly.

The Scoobies exchanged uneasy glances.

"What, what?" she asked wearily.

"Maybe you should go after him," said Anya.

"Because why?"

"Because Buffy, when you put on your little show Spike was not only jealous, he was very hurt, that's why you should go and find him," Xander's fiancée explained.

The Slayer looked to her best friend for confirmation. Willow smiled sadly.

"He was really hurt Buffy."

"And you're siding with him? You're supposed to be my best friend."

"I am Buffy. Being on your side means I want you to be happy and you can't be happy knowing Spike's hurting."

"He was really hurt?"

"It was quick but it was written all over his face."

"Thanks Will."

Moving quickly Buffy left the Bronze and headed home.

As soon as she entered her house, she called out his name several times. Dawn came down the stairs.

"What's up Buffy? Spike's not here."

"He hasn't been here at all?"

"Last time I saw him was when you two left for the Bronze."

Dawn watched her sister process the information.

"Have you had a fight?" she inquired.

Irritated, Buffy almost snapped at her then realized that the person she was really annoyed with was herself.

"Yeah, we did," she sighed.

"Try looking for him at the crypt. I think that's where he would go to decompress," she added helpfully.

"I think you're right. Thanks sis."

"No biggie. Hey, don't come back without him. I'd miss him too."

Buffy smiled and nodded.

Upon entering the crypt Spike was agreeably surprised to find that the place had not been touched or looted. Guess my rep still holds up, he thought with a certain pride. He hadn't been here for a while but it still comforted him. Weary he sat in his trusted old armchair and tried to relax when he heard a knock at the door.

"Who's there?"

"Neruda."

Surprised and curious Spike beckoned him in.

"Chachay!" the Hispanic greeted. "Nice…for a crypt. A home away from home?" he asked.

"It's where I lived. What brings you by? And what are you doing here anyway?"

"I came to stake a few fledglings and was about to leave when I sensed your pain. It led me here."

Ignoring the last part of what Neruda said Spike was intrigued by the first.

"Are you looking to take over the Slayer's job?"

"Hardly. Just cleaning up somebody else's mess."

"What happened?"

"One of La Quintrala's most devoted slaves decided to sire more vampires to better serve her. He is an idiot and he begets idiots. I figure that La Quintrala has enough of those around her. Just trying to maintain the level of stupidity to a minimum."

"She must be grateful to you."

"She knows nothing about this. If she did Roland would be dust for not having consulted her first."

"And you care for this fool's life?"

"No, but he does love La Quintrala. When the time comes, she will need all her loyal slaves to protect her with their lives."

"It seems the lady likes to be in control. How would she feel knowing that you acted without her permission?"

Neruda smiled at Spike's attempt to goad him.

"She trusts me implicitly. She knows it's all for her. When she was human I never let her down. Now she is a demon but nothing has changed."

He reached into his breast pocked and removed a folded sheet of paper and handed it to Spike.

"Give it to the Slayer."

Spike looked at the paper quizzically.

"What is it?"

"Some would call it treason. I call it evening the odds."

Intrigued Spike unfolded it and found La Quintrala's address.

"This could get you so dead mate," he told the other vampire seriously.

"We'll soon see. But enough about me. Why are you skulking here away from your lovely woman?"

Spike put the paper in the deep pocket of his duster.

"We had words."

Neruda chuckled.

"Not enough of them apparently or you would not be here and alone."

Miffed, Spike was about to make a scathing reply then thought better of it.

"She can't make up her bleeding mind. In public I'm either too affectionate or not enough to her taste. Not as if there's a bloody handbook to Buffy Summers."

"There never is," observed Neruda, "for any woman. A vampire and the Slayer. A first for the books if memory serves. It's bound to be complicated."

Spike grimaced and moodily lit a cigarette.

"And just what do you suggest, O Wise One?"

"Well since you ask so nicely, I will tell you. You two are still stuck in the pattern of vampire and Slayer. Act and react instead of act, think, discuss, react."

"That so?" Spike asked sarcastically.

"You're a proud one Spike, but you're smart. I know my advice won't fall on deaf ears."

Spike merely grunted.

"Mmm. Seems like you will get the opportunity to use my advice."

"Why?"

"Something human this way comes," Neruda answered cryptically.

Spike's eyebrow shot up in wonder then surprise as he too sensed Buffy's presence just outside the crypt. He looked at Neruda with admiration. The devil had not been idle these past centuries, he had honed his vampiric senses. Buffy knocked softly on the door and was stunned to be met by Neruda. Instinctively she reached for her stake.

"Excellent reflexes señorita but there's nothing here to kill, especially not this lovesick gentleman sulking behind me."

Buffy had to smile. For some reason he put her at ease. In love with a vampire that couldn't bite and friendly with one who wouldn't. Never had the lines of good and evil been so entangled. She sneaked a peek at the younger vampire. Buffy's heart lurched when their eyes met and Spike ached to hold her.

"Ay, chicos!" sighed Neruda as he started to walk away. "Remember to have a little talk before combusting in each other's arms."

The moment the crypt door closed the lovers fell into an ardent embrace punctuated with apologies from both sides. Spike knew a serious conversation was pending but the time he had spent away from Buffy had been torture and from the way that she was tugging insistently at his neck, she felt the same way.

"I want to make love to you but not here," he said, his voice thick with desire.

"Dawn's at home."

"That won't do. I want to make you scream. I never thought I'd say this but what about a motel?"

"I really, really, really want to, but I can't leave Dawn alone in the house the whole night," Buffy sighed with regret.

Spike's heart sank.

"You're right. Sorry. Wasn't thinking straight."

"C'mon Spike," she said pulling his hand. "I'm sure we can figure out a way to do unspeakable things to each other without traumatizing my kid sister for life."

Spike arched an eyebrow.

"You're full of surprises Slayer."

Buffy gave him a sly look while they walked out of the crypt. Suddenly Spike stopped, remembering what Neruda had said.

"What is it?" she asked searching the cemetery for possible trouble.

"What exactly do you expect from me Buffy?"

Buffy was confused.

"I mean in general, between you and me," he clarified.

He wanted to have this conversation now? Buffy mentally groaned. The slight fear was back in his eyes like the one she had seen their first night together before she told him she loved him.

"I love you Spike, the way you are. I don't want anything else."

"Well obviously something's not to your liking or you would not have felt the need to make me jealous to prove a point."

"I said I was sorry."

"I know you are, I'm just not sure you're addressing our problem."

Annoyed as she was that he wanted to rehash everything, she was grateful that he referred to it as their problem and not just hers.

"Why do I get the feeling that you've already figured it all out and are just waiting for me to do the same?"

"I could be wrong."

Buffy thought for a few moments.

"You know how I told you that I didn't care what anybody thought about us?"

Spike nodded, combing his hand through her long golden locks.

Buffy sighed deeply. "Truth is, I do."

She thought through her next words; she didn't want to hurt him again.

"Not in a way that could change my feelings for you," she explained, "but after the time I ran away following the whole Acathla/Angelus incident, I've always felt that I let everybody down."

Spike nodded, biting his lower lip.

"Are you afraid that you are letting them down by being with me? That they are judging you?"

"Yes," she replied, ashamed.

Spike sighed and pulled her close to him.

"Look Buffy. I told you once that I'd play this anyway you want to. I meant that. As long as you and I are on the same page, I don't care about the rest. So no worries okay?"

"I love you."

"I never get tired of hearing that."

"Let's go back to the Bronze. I'm sure the gang's still there."

"Is this about making a point to your friends? Because I'd much rather you concentrate just on me."

"I need to make a point to myself. After that we have all night and all day tomorrow."

Spike brightened considerably at the prospect.

"Don't you have class tomorrow?"

"Not this Friday."

"My girl Friday."

"What?"

"Nevermind luv, give us a kiss and lead on."

The Scoobies were surprised to see Buffy re-enter the Bronze with Spike, his arm firmly draped around her shoulders.

"Hello all. We're here to make a point," said Spike to them when they reached the table. Buffy elbowed him in the ribs.

"Careful," he growled playfully in her ear. "Such behavior is not conducive to further displays of affection."

"And that point would be?" inquired Xander.

Spike glanced at Buffy letting her squirm a little before saying:

"It seems that La Quintrala's boys are getting restless. I get the feeling they're getting ready for something and soon."

Buffy started breathing again. Spike's arm tightened around her and he kissed her temple.

"How do you know?" demanded Xander.

"Had a little chat with Neruda. Plus he gave me this."

Spike handed Buffy La Quintrala's address.

"Her address! He just gave you her address?"

Spike pursed his lips to signify that he too did not understand why.

"And he just volunteered all this info?"

"He dropped enough hints, yes."

"How do you know this isn't a trap?"

"I don't, but I know Neruda's only concern is to ensure La Quintrala's survival. He knows she can't stay in this world. He's torn between setting her free and letting her continue her killing rampage."

"And you trust this guy?"

"I do."

"Buffy?" Willow wanted her opinion.

"I think he's on the level."

"Why am I not surprised? You've become a regular spokesperson for the vampire community."

"Xander," warned Spike.

"Don't bother," Buffy said, then added, "Dance with me?"

Spike nodded and led her to the dance floor.

"How am I doing so far?" he asked pulling her to him.

"What do you mean?"

They swayed slowly to the music. Spike placed a wet kiss below her ear.

"I mean, am I being appropriately affectionate or not?"

The sensation of having him near and the sensuous play of his hands on her lower back were overwhelming Buffy.

"I, er-"

He kissed her at the juncture of her neck and shoulder. Flooded with desire Buffy tightened her arms around his neck pulling his head down seeking his mouth. He evaded her to Buffy's frustration.

"Are you going to answer my question?"

Buffy's clouded mind took a few moments to clear.

"Just be yourself Spike."

"Right then."

He slanted his mouth across hers and kissed her hungrily. Buffy whimpered with relief and then moaned when she felt his tongue slip in her mouth.

From the back of the club the Scoobies observed the couple on the dance floor.

"She seems to like him I guess," Xander admitted grudgingly.

"Give it up Xander. She loves him," Anya said.

"Time will tell," he declared.

"Pessimist!" shot Willow.

"Realist," he rectified.

On the dance floor Spike had made it his mission in life to make Buffy lose her mind. He did everything that could be done in public without getting arrested. It helped that the club was quite dark and the dance floor packed with couples. For a while Buffy thought she was the only one going mad with unfulfilled desire until Spike whispered throatily in her ear:

"Are we ever going to be alone tonight?"

"Oh, shit. It's Giles."

Incredulous, Spike's head whipped round and saw the Watcher followed by the Scoobies heading their way.

"Oh, bloody hell!" he groaned.

Buffy sighed with resignation. "What you said."

Giles motioned to them to come outside.

"She's done it again Buffy," Giles explained as they left the Bronze. "I'm afraid we have to act now. She's accelerating the rate of her kills, we have to stop her."

"I'm on it Giles. Neruda gave Spike her address. You, Willow and Tara head for the Magic Box and get things set up. Anya, please go to my house and watch over Dawn. I don't know how long I'll be and I don't want her alone in the house. Spike, Xander and I are going to do a little recon like we had planned. Once we know what's what we'll be in a better position for our real attack."

"Remember that neither Spike or Xander are immune to La Quintrala's power," Giles reminded her.

"I know it. They're going to stay in the background while I try and get in to place those listening gadgets you got."

"Is that wise Buffy?" demanded her Watcher.

"Do we have a choice?"

An uncomfortable silence settled on the group.

"Okay then. Let's get going."

While the other Scoobies set up their headquarters in a corner of the training room at the shop, Buffy, Spike and Xander surveyed La Quintrala's residence from a distance. It was situated at the edge of Sunnydale and was almost in farmland country. There was a main house, an adjoining stable and several cars parked in the large gravel driveway.

"Looks pretty quiet," observed Xander.

"Yeah. Don't know if I should check this out now or in the morning when most of the tenants will be asleep."

"I say go now," advised Spike. "The more we wait the stronger she gets. Anyway, you're not here to slay, just look around."

Buffy nodded.

"Be careful Buffy. Anything goes wrong you hightail it back here okay? We'll keep a lookout. Is your comlink working properly?"

"Yes sir!" Buffy giggled.

Xander smiled and adjusted his binoculars. Buffy turned to Spike. They withheld each other's gaze for a moment then Buffy took off stealthily toward the house. Xander and Spike watched her as she approached then systematically searched for a way into the house.

"What do you see? Talk to me Buffy," Xander said in his best commando voice.

Spike rolled up his eyes.

"No security whatsoever," commented Buffy as she tried several windows until one opened.

"Okay, I have a way in."

"Does it look safe?"

"Well, as safe as can be in a house full of baddies," she remarked wryly.

"Gotcha. It's your call Buff. It's all clear out here."

Buffy thought quickly.

"I'm going to go in and place as many of these toys as possible."

"Roger that Buffy."

Xander half expected Spike to make a crack at him but when he heard nothing he glanced at his companion. Except for the tightening in his jaw he seemed relaxed.

"She'll be fine," offered Xander.

"Or there will be hell to pay," muttered Spike.

Buffy was beginning to think that she was being set up. Everything was too easy. She had placed gadgets everywhere she had gone and still had not encountered one single evil creature. Suddenly she felt it, the presence of a vampire. She whirled round stake in hand to find Neruda standing next to her.

"Neruda," the Slayer breathed.

"Do not be alarmed young lady."

"Holy shit," cried Xander, "Get out of there Buffy!"

"What's wrong?" demanded Spike.

"Neruda just showed up."

"Give me those," said Spike as he tore the headset from Xander.

"Slayer, I've told you we can trust Neruda except if La Quintrala's life was compromised in any way. I don't know how he's going to interpret your presence-"

"Relax Spike," she interrupted. "As we speak he's helping me plant all the remaining bugs."

Stunned Spike could only acknowledge that and pass the headset back to Xander who looked at him expectantly.

"The bugger's helping her," explained the vampire.

"What?! Why? It's a trap."

"No. I think I understand. Neruda is tired. As much as he'd like for La Quintrala to stay here he can't allow the killings to continue."

"That doesn't make sense. By helping us he's ensuring her funeral," countered Xander.

"He doesn't see it that way. Neruda is a great believer in fate. He's just speeding up the events so that everything is in place for the final confrontation. Whatever happens then happens and Neruda will gladly forfeit his life to save hers."

"Whoa. I'm not sure I even understand the logic behind all that."

"It's what happens when the concepts of Love and Duty collide. A great playwright once explained it all quite eloquently."

"You're not going to go all Shakespeare on me are you?"

"No, you nitwit, Shakespeare is not the only playwright the world has ever seen. I was referring to Corneille."

"Right."

Spike shook his head disapprovingly. Just what did they teach kids in school nowadays?

"She's done and she's on her way back," announced Xander.

A few moments later they saw Buffy walking leisurely in their direction.

"Hum. Buffy, do you think you could have walked any slower?" her friend complained.

"Neruda's got them all in the stables. He told me you'd appreciate this Spike: he's made sure that they're all chanty."

Spike burst out laughing.

"So he really helped you?" asked Xander.

"Yep. He knew we were going to try something soon so he decided to guard the grounds himself to be sure he would be the one to intercept us."

The trio started walking back to Spike's DeSoto.

"He also told me to be on our toes, that he would make sure that we knew exactly when things would get critical."

"Do you think this guy could stick around? `Cause it's so much easier when one of the bad guys is helping out," Xander joked as he got in the backseat.

Spike turned to Buffy. "Where to?"

"Magic Box," she answered.

Once all the Scoobies were reunited, Buffy gave her report. It was decided then that each one would take a turn listening for anything important happening at the house.

"Great so it's all settled," said Spike rising and grabbing Buffy's hand, "we'll just-"

"I thought you might take the first shift Spike," said Giles.

"I might but-" he retorted annoyed when Buffy squeezed his hand. "I'd be delighted," he finished sarcastically. He shot Buffy an angry look.

"Good. Willow will relieve you."

"Doubt it," grumbled the vampire.

Buffy had to stop herself from laughing. Spike sat back down dejectedly while Giles explained how the shifts would work to accommodate everyone.

"Why do I get the shitty shift?" whined Spike.

"Because you don't study or work."

"That's a matter of opinion, mate," muttered Spike.

Finally everyone left except the disgruntled vampire and the Slayer. She wanted to keep him company but he told her it would be best if she left because there was no way he was keeping his hands off her if she stayed.

"Are you saying you have no self-control?"

"None where you're concerned."

"Would you actually jeopardize the mission just to have your way with me?" she teased.

"No, but who needs the added strain of having you near me but off limits? In case you didn't know it Slayer I've been tied up in knots since we went to the Bronze and don't tell me this isn't affecting you too."

"C'mere," she leered, "just a little something to tide you over until you come home."

Spike leaned over eagerly as she grasped fistfuls of his hair and pulled him to her, kissing him hungrily.

"You'd better go-"

"I'd better go-" they said simultaneously.

He kissed her forehead tenderly.

"Go on, go to bed, I'll be there in a few hours."

Buffy nodded and smiled as she ruffled his hair before taking her leave.

Spike smoked cigarette after cigarette whiling away the time. Nothing of interest happened for a long time. Thankfully, most of La Quintrala's entourage spoke English so Spike was able to follow what was going on. At some point he heard Neruda enter and speak to La Quintrala. By the sound of her laughter it wasn't anything important. Suddenly Neruda was singing in Spanish and playing some kind of string instrument. Spike was immediately enchanted by what he heard. Neruda wasn't playing a guitar but something very much like it, of that Spike was sure. Although he understood not a single word, the melody spoke to him of another era, one that brought him back to his childhood and his mind drifted to those days remembering the sounds, smells and the feel of those early days that had characterized his youth. When the song ended Spike was surprised to be disappointed. Feeling uncharacteristically nostalgic, he now couldn't wait for Willow to arrive so he could go home to Buffy not just for the bliss he would find in her arms, but simply for the pleasure of her company.

Willow arrived ten minutes before her shift and shooed Spike away when she saw how eager he was to leave. Shortly before sunrise, Spike climbed into bed next to Buffy. He was surprised that Buffy didn't wake but then noticed how deeply she slept. Wrapping both arms around her he pulled her body against his and settled in for a few hours of sleep. At first her body felt tense in his arms then slowly she relaxed. Her brow was still creased from whatever dream she was having. Spike kissed it and she made a happy sound groggily waking up.

"Hi," she murmured sleepily.

"Hi, go back to sleep."

Buffy nodded then inhaled the scent of his skin. It was familiar and comforting. Her dream was still vivid enough in her mind to leave her with a queasy feeling but she forced herself not to think about it and drifted off to sleep.

Chapter Nine

Early next morning Giles' contact came through with all the pertinent information about La Quintrala. The Watcher was stunned by the other's diligence and told him so. Giles wrote down furiously everything the other had turned up.

"I, I truly cannot thank you enough," he told the Argentinian.

"Please, think nothing of it. It was an honour to be of assistance. Let me know how it turns out."

"I will Jorge, and thank you again."

With much satisfaction Giles hung up the phone and stared ahead. Now that their hands were no longer tied by ignorance they would be able to take action against La Quintrala. The first thing he did was call everyone and set up a meeting for later that evening.

As soon as business hours were over, Giles closed the shop while the Scoobies waited for him at the back of the store. Buffy was unusually quiet, resting her head on Spike's shoulder while he perused one of the many books strewn all over the table. He looked at the drawings and every now and then laughed when he recognized some of the demons and told the story about them. Buffy's mind however was on other things, making her feel restless. This one dream she had had was weighing heavily on her conscience. She desperately wanted to share it with Spike but just couldn't bring herself to do it. Maybe in a couple of days when the awkward feeling went away.

Tara was seated next to Willow and had a listening device in her ear so she could both do her surveillance shift and attend the meeting. Giles walked briskly to the table where they were all seated and started the meeting.

"You're all here, good. Right, well this is what we've got out after extensive research by Jorge Parra. This demon, known as La Quintrala, was originally human. She lived in Chile-"

"Chili?" wondered Buffy.

"Chile, the country. It's in South America. Anyway, La Quintrala lived during the eighteenth century. Her real name was Catalina de los Rios y Lisperguer. It seems that her entire life she had a string of lovers, no husbands. Whether she grew tired of them or they started to act uppity or in a proprietary way toward her, the result was the same: they all ended up dead. The bodies were always thrown in the river where they were found. It's not clear if she murdered them by poisoning or if she had them killed by what came to be known as her "slaves", men who served her unconditionally. Nothing was ever proven and she was never charged. Fourteen known deaths were imputed to her and who knows how many others. Independently wealthy, she was beautiful, headstrong and prized her freedom above all else. It is said that when she was dying, she is reported to have asked a painting of Christ that hung in her hall why he was looking at her so evilly and threw the painting out. Also part of the legend tells us that when she died, the procession could not enter her room as the crucifix grew and could not go through the door."

"Wow. Major mojo," commented the Slayer.

"Buffy," remonstrated her Watcher.

"Sorry."

Under the table Spike's hand reached out for Buffy's knee. She nearly yelped out in surprise but Spike's strong grip stilled her. He started drawing invisible patterns. Scowling at first, Buffy realized that Spike was spelling out words on her knee.

I, pause, a, m, pause, s, o, pause.

"La Quintrala has a striking personality," continued Giles. "Physically, she is a petite woman with red hair and green eyes..."

B, o, r, e, d. Buffy burst out laughing and stopped immediately when all eyes turned to her. She shrugged apologetically.

"As I was saying," resumed Giles, "she lived her entire life unrepentant and that did not change at the moment of her death…"

I, pause, w, a, n, t, pause, y, o, u.

"…Which is why she was visited by a demon who offered her the possibility to become one herself and she readily agreed…"

Buffy was on fire as Spike proceeded to stroke her thigh voluptuously.

W, e, pause, c, a, n, t, she spelled on his knee with a shaky hand.

"…Apparently she was happy living in the demon dimension but by a fluke of circumstances, well, actually, it was because she was summoned by inexperienced and naïve wiccans who thought she was the model of a liberated woman. The result was that La Quintrala was brought into our dimension."

Buffy gasped when she felt Spike's hand ride up her thigh.

"Yes, I understand your shock Buffy," Giles said. "It was quite an irresponsible thing to do but the damage is done and it is up to us to fix it."

Not to be outdone, Buffy stretched out and stroke Spike through his jeans. Surprised, Spike grunted audibly.

"You have something to say Spike?"

The vampire faltered only for a fraction of a second before he could form a coherent sentence.

"I, uh, just want to know how we can kill the bitch."

"Yes, well, I was getting to that."

S, t, o, p. Buffy ignored him and cupped him squeezing slightly. B, i, t, c, h, he spelled but when Buffy turned to him, she saw that he was smiling.

"…Luckily, La Quintrala can be killed just like any demon. There exists however, two problems. One is in getting to her. She is protected by devoted slaves who would gladly die for her. The second is that no male can approach her without falling under her spell…"

Spike's vision started to blur as Buffy refused to stop her tormenting.

"This has got to end!" he exclaimed hitting the table with his open hand.

Everybody jumped, including Buffy. Spike quickly took advantage that her attention was distracted to shift his body away from her and cross his legs.

"I'm glad to see that you are fully on board this predicament Spike, but let us first formulate a plan before tearing out of here unprepared."

"Absolutely. Carry on, old chap," Spike said with humor.

Giles glared at him while the Scoobies snickered.

"Alright. Settle down, the lot of you. This is what is important for you to know…"

Buffy stole a quick glance at Spike and smiled with affection. By the way his jaw was set she knew he was still trying to calm down. Thank goodness for his trusted duster. Should the meeting end abruptly, Spike needn't be embarrassed. She really was bad thought Buffy. No matter, she'd follow through later she promised herself. In fact, the sooner the better, Spike wasn't the only one with lust on his mind.

"…She uses and then kills her lovers. It's their lust that she feeds upon. Her slaves consist now of vampires and demons. No male is immune to her power of seduction. The reason for her presence in Sunnydale is of course the Hellmouth. She believes there exists a portal here to her dimension and for every male that she seduces and kills, her power grows. When she will have accumulated enough she will be able to open the portal and return to her world. And why don't we just let her do that? Three reasons really. One, because of the trail of human bodies and two, because if she doesn't succeed-"

"She will continue her Praying Mantis adventures," threw in Xander.

Giles laughed along with the others.

"Yes, that's rather an apt description. The third reason is that as you all know first hand, portals are always bad news."

"Know what?" Buffy suddenly piped up, "I should go patrol, what with all this new influx of vampires and demons" she said as nonchalantly as possible.

Giles looked at his watch.

"Good idea Buffy, it is time for you to do your rounds anyway. Spike, you go with her."

"Goes without saying, mate," replied the vampire as he and the Slayer quickly left.

"Well they're pretty gung-ho," remarked Xander.

The girls smiled knowingly.

"It's understandable. Buffy and Spike are warriors. They'd much rather be in the action than talking about it," commented Giles.

Willow, Tara and Anya groaned as they held their heads in their hands. How could these men be so clueless?

Giles stood, stretched a little then sat back down. "So, let's start formulating a plan of action people."

As soon as the couple had cleared the Magic Box, Spike grabbed Buffy and smashed his mouth on hers. Buffy reciprocated with equal fire. After a few minutes of scorching kisses they stopped to allow Buffy to catch her breath. Spike rested his forehead against hers. He placed gentle, loving kisses on her brow.

"You nearly killed me in there."

"Only because you started it," she laughed softly, nuzzling his neck.

"It's really all Giles' fault," he concluded.

"Absolutely. Giles is the reason that I want you all the time."

Spike laughed.

"Tell you what. Let's do our job first, then we can, er, discuss in detail how Giles figures so prominently in our love life."

"You're on," Buffy agreed and kissed his cheek.

Back at the Magic Box the Scoobies kicked around possible scenarios. Unfortunately none of them sounded full proof.

"We just can't send Buffy all alone. It's a death sentence. There are just too many baddies for her to fight on her own."

"Xander is right," the Watcher agreed. "We must find a way that allows us all to help Buffy."

There followed a thoughtful pause.

"Unfortunately," he added, "it's not as if we can hit the books for more information on a possible weakness."

"Well I say we have a little talk with Ole Dead Poet Guy," suggested Xander.

"No. Spike was quite specific that under no circumstances were we to interact with Neruda. Right now he's been most helpful but he's adamant that he will never assist us in killing La Quintrala."

"If we can't kill her why don't we just open the portal so that she may return to her dimension?" wondered Willow.

"It's much too risky. We have no way of knowing if we could control the portal. Any number of demons could take advantage and step into our world. I'm afraid it isn't an option."

The Scoobies nodded and kicked around more ideas when a shout from Tara polarized their attention. Hurriedly she moved to the main speakers and turned them on so everyone could hear what was happening at La Quintrala's residence.

Chapter Ten

Two people were speaking Spanish. A man and a woman. Tara identified Neruda and La Quintrala. She translated as quickly and as accurately as she could though she found their accent hard to follow.

"Is it just me or do they seem to talk awful fast?" whispered Xander to Willow.

"No, you're right," the redhead answered.

"Oh, no!" cried Tara.

Giles looked at her expectantly. "What, what is it?"

"La Quintrala is going to summon an entity from the spirit world to help her open the portal earlier than anticipated."

"When?" said Giles with some alarm.

"Right now!"

Through the speakers the Scoobies heard La Quintrala begin the incantation to summon her greatest ally in the spirit world:

"Desde las tinieblas mas profundas,

Desde el extremo sur,

Amanece Kataix.

Acapara a tu sirviente el Tue-Tue.

Haz que tu y el no sean mas que uno,

Y vente, por mar, sobre tierra,

Contra viento y marea."

(From the deepest gloom)

(From the extreme south)

(Rises Kataix)

(Possess your servant the Tue-Tue)

(Make it so that you and he become one)

(And come, by sea, on land)

(Against the wind and the tide)

All the candles went out but Neruda was unphased. La Quintrala's voice became harder and she spoke faster:

"Que venga, que venga,

Que nada lo detenga,

Que corra, que corra,

Que nadie lo socorra."

(Let him come, let him come)

(Let nothing detain him)

(Let him run, let him run)

(Let no one rescue him)

A strong wind rushed through the window knocking over all the candleholders.

Neruda watched on mildly interested.

"Is it working?"

La Quintrala breathed deeply and smiled.

"He's on his way. He will be here in three days."

"Now we wait?" he asked.

"Now we wait," she confirmed.

And the killings continue, thought the vampire. This could not go on.

"Why don't you go to town and have yourself a human?" she said breaking his train of thought.

"You know I don't do that," he replied patiently.

"But why not? You are a creature of darkness."

"A creature with a choice. I choose to be with you though you harm humans."

"You belong to neither side," she observed with a knowing smile.

"I belong to you."

She went into his arms.

"Have you written any more poems?"

"A few."

"Can I hear one?"

Neruda smiled and whispered in her ear his latest composition.

Back at the Magic Box, the Watcher and his young colleagues listened in stunned silence as Tara relayed the last words of portent to them. Snapping back into action Giles looked at Xander.

"Xander, go find Buffy and Spike and bring them back here immediately after their patrol."

Xander nodded and took off. Next he turned to Tara.

"Tara, continue listening and write down anything that seems relevant."

She immediately set about to do her task.

"Anya and Willow, hit the books. We must find out who Kataix is."

Xander returned to the shop with a resigned Slayer and a foul tempered vampire in tow. His plans to be alone with Buffy had once again been postponed and he was getting frustrated. Buffy shot him an understanding look and it helped to calm him down. Holding Buffy's hand on his thigh he turned his attention to what Giles was saying.

"Thanks to Tara we now know that the possessed warlock, Juan Estenislao, will arrive in L.A. the day after tomorrow. We must get rid of this spirit Kataix, before he releases his vessel. We don't know anything about him so we can't take any chances."

"I'll take care of it," declared Buffy.

"His vessel is human Buffy," explained Giles. "Evil, but human."

"I'll do it then," offered Spike.

"Your chip won't allow it," reasoned the Watcher.

"Well, technically, if he's possessed and acquires some of Kataix' power he's no longer exactly human, right?"

"Oh, I don't know Spike. You're basing your entire strategy on a very big maybe."

Spike started to object.

"No, I mean it Spike. You will only get one chance. Kataix will leave his vessel if he senses he's in jeopardy and then I don't think there is anything you can do to protect yourself."

"What other choice do we have?" retorted the vampire. "None of you can be spared, not to mention that ethically speaking you lot are out because we are still talking about taking out a human."

Giles was about to object but Spike continued:

"I know, I know, the chip. But that's why I'm going to hook up with Wesley and his Merry Band of Evil Slayers. We'll figure out a way."

"Maybe you won't have to kill him, just-"

"You heard Tara, Giles. This guy is not himself anymore. Kataix is part of him. There will be no holding him back, or detaining him. If we mess up, we might all end up dead. There's no fucking around; this guy has to be taken out. I know you understand," Spike said looking straight into the Watcher's eyes, letting him know that he knew the truth about Ben's demise. Giles nodded.

"Do what you have to do Spike."

"I will."

The Scoobies kept glancing from Giles to Spike and back again. Were they actually agreeing? Buffy seemed out of it. She still felt unnerved thinking about her dream.

"I'll hook up with that fellow Wesley then," Spike was saying. "He seems knowledgeable with this kind of stuff."

"You'll still have to deal with Angel" Giles warned.

"Let me worry about that. If you could just call Wesley, let him know what's going on and that I'm coming to LA, I can handle the rest."

"What do you think Buffy?" Giles asked her.

"It seems we don't have a choice," she replied.

"I'll leave tomorrow night," said Spike.

"Tomorrow?" she asked startled.

"Is there a problem Buffy?" asked the Watcher.

"No, totally cool with it."

Spike threw his arm around her shoulders and kissed her temple.

The rest of the night was spent listening in on the activities in La Quintrala's home and plotting different strategies. Tara and Willow had come up with the idea to create a magic barrier to protect Spike, Giles and Xander from La Quintrala's spell. Giles thought it to be an excellent idea and encouraged them to work on it. Spike had been sent home so he could rest before his trip while Buffy stayed on at the shop on research duty. When she made it home in the early hours of the morning, Spike was still sleeping and Buffy was too tired and troubled to wake him.

The next day the Scoobies were still at the Magic Box adding last minute information to Spike's overall knowledge of the situation he was to face in L.A. The level of activity was high as everyone was either on surveillance shift, researching with books or the Internet, or on the phone trying to find out at what time Juan Estenislao would be arriving in L.A. Sensing Buffy's unrest, Spike decided to spend the afternoon with her before he departed. Giles agreed and wished him luck on his trip.

Spike didn't know why but Buffy had been acting shy and strange around him for two days. They relaxed watching mindless TV with Dawn who was on summer vacation now. The vampire was in good spirits and was making a hysterical running commentary on the soap they were watching. The sisters were shaking with laughter and Dawn had tears in her eyes when he started to improvise dialogue for the heroine who had just lost her fourth true love of her life through absolutely tragic circumstances.

A little later Dawn bade Spike a good and safe trip then left with some friends to go to the movies leaving Spike and Buffy alone with the huge white elephant between them. Trying to dispel the awkwardness, Spike leaned over casually and started kissing her neck while his hand caressed her thigh. Buffy pressed herself against him as her hands started to simultaneously unbuckle his belt and take his shirt out of the waistband. Wanting to savor the moment they kissed lightly, slowly, but with each kiss the heat intensified between them urging their bodies to slide sensuously against each other. Both panting with need they kissed deeply, desperately. Buffy sighed contentedly, grabbed the back of his neck, pulled him tightly against her throat and started to moan when he licked, nibbled and kissed her neck.

Completely enthralled by her response to him, he sucked harder on the tender skin. That was going to leave a huge hickey, he thought, but he didn't care. In fact, the bigger the better. The alpha male in him wanted to mark her as his for the world to see. The scar Angel had left taunted Spike. Enraged, he bit down hard with his blunt teeth. Buffy groaned her approval and wrapped her legs around him as she blindly encouraged him to continue his course of action. The uneasy feeling came back to her unbidden and an image of Spike sinking his fangs in her neck flashed in Buffy's mind. Aroused, repelled and very confused, she pushed him away and ran for her room. Stunned, Spike took a few seconds to get his bearings before going after her.

He tried to go into the room but Buffy had locked the door.

"Buffy, baby, could you please open this door? Cause I really…" Spike hit his forehead on the doorframe grimacing from the pain of his unfulfilled desire. "Christ, Buffy, I swear I'm far enough gone that I'll unhinge this door if you don't talk to me."

"I'm scared Spike," she finally said.

"Of what?"

"Of what you might do, of what I want you to do."

"If we're talking about having mind blowing sex I don't understand the problem."

There was no answer and he got impatient.

"Buffy, open the fucking door, this is ridiculous! You're acting like a frightened virgin on her wedding night."

"I've been having this dream and these feelings," she said slowly.

"Okay, what about them?"

"They're very real. They feel…" she struggled to find the words.

"Prophetic?" he supplied getting worried.

"Not exactly, more like a revelation about my nature as the Slayer."

This was getting interesting thought the vampire.

"Go on, luv," he encouraged her.

"In my dream, it terrifies me but at the same time, I need it, I crave it."

"What is it?"

The silence was deafening.

"I want you to bite me," she murmured, practically choking on the words.

Spike became impossibly hard when he let her admission sink in his mind.

"You know I can't baby," he said sadly.

"You can. Just like you can hit me when we spar," she reminded him.

"Yeah, but-"

"It's the same, Spike, the same."

"Say I do, are you scared I won't stop till it's too late? Or that I'll turn you?"

"That's impossible."

"You're damn right it's impossible! Now you're talking rationally. And here's why it's not possible: I could never hurt you because the chip would zap me instantly but more importantly, I love you Buffy, I'd sooner turn to dust than harm a single hair on that beloved head of yours. But you have to believe it in your heart pet."

"Do you want to…bite me?"

"Need you ask?" he countered a little sarcastically.

"Yeah, okay. Stupid question. It's just that we can't do this every time we make love, I mean, at the rate we're going I'd be out of blood very quickly."

Spike laughed.

"Buffy, luv, open the door. Let me in and we can talk about this."

"You just want to get in my pants," she said mock-seriously.

"And elsewhere," he quipped.

The door opened and Spike strode in taking Buffy in his arms. They walked toward the bed and sat on it; Buffy comfortably nestled in Spike's lap. She rested her head on his shoulder while her hand played with his in a gentle play of tug-of-war.

"Giles will have a coronary if he finds out."

"I know."

Spike could feel her nervousness.

"We don't have to do this Buffy. Not now or ever for that matter."

"But you want it." It wasn't a question.

"Biting is a very powerful experience for both partners but it's exhausting. If we do it, it will be like a little extra we add from time to time to spice things up."

"I'm worried we'll get hooked on it."

"It's not that earth shattering Buffy. At least not when compared to what I feel when I'm making love to you."

"I guess I'm also worried that you won't find sex without it as satisfying," she insisted.

"What, am I talking to the walls? Or should I start this conversation from the beginning?" he cried exasperated.

Buffy stared at the man she loved and made up her mind. Slowly she inched her face closer to his and playfully rubbed the tip of her nose against his. Then she lightly kissed his mouth once, then twice before sinking into a deep wet kiss. Spike leaned back on the bed taking her with him. While they helped each other to undress, it occurred to them then that this would have to last them until Spike returned from his trip. With that in mind, they slowed things down and delighted in the feel of each other's skin, indulged in the tenderness expressed through their hands and marveled at the sheer pleasure of being together like this.

When they could no longer resist the urge to satisfy their lust they came together professing their love and need for each other. Buffy's mind was once again assaulted with the image of Spike in gameface but this time she took action and exposed her neck to him while she held him in a steel grip. Spike groaned and when he saw the telltale signs of her impending release, he thrust harder and letting his demon emerge, bit down on her throat.

Buffy felt the initial pain when his fangs pierced the tender skin, but as her blood filled his mouth, it heightened all her senses to fever pitch. Trusting him, Buffy surrendered to the feeling and came apart in his arms. Her intoxicating blood swirling around his tongue, the moans emanating from her lovely mouth and her total trust in him overwhelmed him and the combined sensations pushed him over the edge. He immediately recovered his human traits and kissed softly with love and pride her new wound. "Mine," he growled before falling soundly asleep holding Buffy firmly in his arms. She watched him sleep for a few moments before she too felt her eyelids droop and surrendered happily to Morpheus.

An hour or so later, Buffy woke and found a pair of mischievous blue eyes gazing at her.

"Hey," she smiled at him.

"Hey," he answered with a smile of his own.

"How does it look?" she asked baring her neck for his inspection.

"Like a pair of synchronized mosquito bites."

Buffy giggled and jumped out of bed to take a look in the mirror. She stroke the puncture wounds with a thoughtful expression on her face.

"Does it hurt?" he asked with concern

"No," she reassured him as she bounded back and tackled him.

Laughing he rolled her under him.

"You are a special woman Buffy Summers. You've given me more than the likes of me ever deserve. You've come so far in relatively so short a time, overcoming your disappointments, your fears, and your prejudices and breaking down barriers that others put there before you. And because of all that, that I should be the lucky man to bask in your love and trust makes me feel special. And I haven't felt that away in a long time except for the day that you entrusted me with Dawn's life."

Buffy kissed along his collarbone.

"That growth you speak of didn't happen on its own," she told him softly. "I remember clearly a rather cryptic, if insightful, teacher who watched me take those new steps."

"I think I know the fellow. Is he good looking?"

"Extremely," she chuckled.

"You think Giles is extremely good-looking?" he deadpanned.

Buffy slapped his behind playfully.

"Ooh, stop teasing me with the rough stuff."

Buffy laughed and held him tightly. Spike's face rested on her shoulder and his tongue snaked out to lick the healing wounds.

"What are you gonna do? Wear a scarf?" he asked, curious.

"Nope, nada."

Spike arched an eyebrow. "You know there's going to be a riot, right?"

"Maybe, maybe not."

"I'd rather you wait till I got back and we face the music together."

"No, Spike, you don't get it: I don't care what anybody thinks."

"Since when?" he asked with disbelief. "I seem to recall a recent incident that says otherwise."

Buffy looked him straight in the eyes.

"Since I suddenly realized that if everybody was able to deal with my death, then a bite mark should be a walk in the park. I'm old enough, I've suffered enough and I think I've earned the right to live my life as it pleases me."

Spike smiled broadly. "Buffy, you amaze me. Could I love you more?"

"I was kinda hoping you would," she said taking one of his nipples between her teeth, biting down gently and swirling her tongue around it teasingly. A thrill shot through Spike and he gasped then grunted when the phone rang. Rolling to the side he grabbed the hated communication device.

"Hello?"

"Oh, hello Spike. Could I speak to Buffy please?"

"Hold on."

Spike mouthed to Buffy that it was Giles. She scooted closer to the edge of the bed while Spike rolled over her. Before he heard Buffy's voice, Giles was treated to the sound of rustling sheets, which he assiduously ignored because of the implications.

"Hey Giles, what's up?"

"Hello Buffy, well I've just had a visit from Neruda. He wants to talk to you."

"When?"

"Tomorrow night."

"Where?"

"Here at the shop. It was my only condition. I know he's been helping us out but I don't want to take any chances."

"I agree. I'll call you tomorrow for the details Giles, see you then."

Buffy turned to her partner.

"Looks like I'm going to have a visit from your buddy."

Spike frowned. "Neruda?"

"The one and only. Don't worry though, we're having this meeting at the shop."

"Oh, I'm not worried, just curious."

"Yeah, should be an interesting chat. I wish you could be there but you have work to do."

"Speaking of which, I should get going luv if I want to make the most of the night."

"I know," she sighed.

Spike kissed her shoulder and got out of bed.

After having showered together and gotten dressed, Buffy silently watched Spike pack a few things in a duffel bag.

"Guess that's it," he said looking over the contents.

"How long will you be gone?"

"Two, three days tops."

He zipped it up and hoisted it over his shoulder. When Spike turned to look at Buffy, her eyes were wide and brimming with tears. Letting the bag drop to the floor Spike took her in his arms.

"What's all this then?" he asked.

"I don't know. It's stupid. You've never been out of my sight for more than a day and lately not more than a few hours."

"I'll be right quick about it luv," comforted Spike caressing her back.

"I know it's not the end of the world. Hell we've been there and done that a few times over but why does it feel like it?"

Spike smiled and pulled her close.

"If it's any comfort to you, I hate this. Leaving your side even for this short a time is killing me."

She held him tightly.

"Be careful Spike. I'm in love with you and should anything happen to you, I don't know what I'd-"

"Don't fret baby," he reassured her and lifting her slightly, nuzzled her neck. "There's nothing on Earth, above or below that can keep me from you."

She choked out his name crying on his shoulder. When she was again in control of her emotions she gently pushed him away.

"Okay. I'm fine now. Go."

"Sure?"

"Go on. I'm in between cries," she laughed, "it's best you leave now."

Spike nodded, kissed her and started to walk away.

"No," he suddenly said, "that wasn't right."

Turning around he grabbed Buffy, pulled her roughly to him and devoured her mouth with his. When they were both thoroughly aroused, Spike pulled away.

"That's more like it," he growled when he saw her eyes mirror his own with a predatory glint.

Buffy smiled. "All right. Leave now and you'd better bring your sorry ass back here pronto. You don't want me to have to go look for you."

Spike smirked. God, she thought, I'll never admit it out loud but I love it when he does that.

"I know, I know," he laughed walking away. "You'll stake me good and proper!"

Buffy watched him take off in the DeSoto then walked back into the house. It suddenly felt very empty. She hadn't realized until that moment what a huge presence Spike was. Wherever he was, his wild energy seemed to permeate his surroundings, giving them life. Now the house was sadly lacking it and Buffy felt it acutely.

Just then the phone rang. She was grateful to hear Willow's warm voice at the other end.

"Is Spike gone?" she asked.

"Just left a few minutes ago."

"How about a girl's night out to get rid of your blues?"

"What do you have in mind?"

"You, me, Tara and Anya."

"Any other time Will I'd say yes."

"But?"

"Spike's been gone under ten minutes and I miss him already. I don't want to wallow in it but I don't think I can listen to Anya and her wedding woes today."

"What if I can guarantee that there will be only superficial, funny and crude girl talk?"

Buffy had to laugh at her friend's efforts to cheer her up.

"Under one condition," she finally said.

"Name it."

"I don't know how to say this so I'll just tell it straight up. Spike bit me because I wanted him to and that's the only explanation I'm going to offer to anyone. And I don't want any grief about it."

"Ah, okay," Willow said at a loss for words.

"Don't freak out on me Will, you're my tower of strength."

"I won't pretend that I'm not shocked or a little worried but I trust you and I've come to trust Spike. You say it's okay, then it's okay by me."

"Have I told you lately how much I love you Will?"

Her friend laughed.

"I have to ask though. What was it like? I assume this happened during…ahem, play time?"

Now it was Buffy's turn to laugh.

"Yeah, it did. I tell you what, you and I are going to have some serious girl talk soon and I'll spill then."

"Deal!"

They agreed to meet at the university dorm and they would make their plans from there.

The girls had a wonderful time together hanging out like schoolgirls. Buffy was feeling better and shot her best friend a grateful look. Not only had her blues dissipated but also besides a casual glance, no mention was made of Buffy's new set of scars -thanks to a warning from Willow. Buffy would still have to deal with Xander and Giles but she wouldn't worry about that now.

By the time they made their final stop for the night at the Bronze they were laughing hysterically at Anya's stories of her past as a Vengeance Demon.

"More, more!" begged Tara crying in a paper tissue.

"Just how many stories can you guys hear about penises?" wondered Anya as she snickered.

"How many have you got?" gurgled Buffy red-faced.

"Well plenty."

"Yeah," cried Willow, "imagine more than a thousand years worth of penises."

There was a general pause as they all thought about that then burst out laughing anew.

"I'm surprised you find these stories interesting at all," Anya remarked to Tara and Willow.

"Penises are funny," explained Buffy, "no matter which way you swing."

"Or which way they swing," squeaked out Tara burying her face in her arms as her body shook with laughter.

Buffy lost it then and fell off her chair, which sent the whole group in another fit of hilarity.

At the end of the night, Anya called Xander so he could pick them up and give everyone a lift home. When Buffy got in the car, the light from a street lamp shone on her neck highlighting the twin punctures. Xander's eyes went wide but Anya elbowed him hard in the ribs while Tara and Willow glared at him. Defeated, he kept his mouth shut and drove.

Buffy was dropped off first. She thanked the girls for a wonderful night and started to get out of the car when she paused and turned back toward her friends.

"I really want to thank you guys. I was feeling low and you definitely lifted my spirits. I'd like to do this again."

"I have more stories," jumped in Anya eagerly.

"I'm counting on it Anya," laughed the Slayer.

She waved goodbye to her friends and headed for her empty bed with happy thoughts of her lover.

The drive to L.A. had gone well and he had made good time. Spike figured he was right around the corner of the address that Wesley had given him. He stopped at a red light and nervously tapped the wheel. He missed Buffy terribly and the thought of having to deal with Angel set him on edge. Angel had not been informed of the recent developments in Buffy's love life and out of respect for her, Spike wasn't going to say anything although he ached to stick it to Angel. A few minutes later he arrived at his destination. "Won't this be fun?" he said aloud getting out of the car. He stared at the building, shrugged and headed for it.

It took Wesley, Gunn, Cordelia and Freddie to get Angel off of Spike. The latter just lay on the ground laughing at Angel's furious struggle to get free.

"Did you think I'd forget your last little visit?!" he raged at the blond vampire.

Spike sprung instantly to his feet and was in Angel's face.

"Prick! Did you think I'd forget all the shit you put me through with Dru?"

"Great! Now you're even," grunted Wesley as he worked hard with the others to restrain Angel. "Can you both knock it off now? We have work to do!"

Angel stopped struggling and Spike backed away to light a cigarette. The vampires eyed each other with venom.

"I have to work with him?" Angel asked Wesley.

"*We* have to work with him," emphasized the Englishman.

"Why should we?"

"Giles and Buffy have asked for our help."

Angel's countenance softened at the mention of her name, which annoyed Spike to no end.

"Not that it matters to you lot, but it was I who suggested we enlist your help."

"You're right. It doesn't matter Spike," Angel growled.

"Like it or not, Oh Dark and Brooding Wonder, I'm here. The quicker we get this over and done with, the quicker I get back to," he faltered, almost saying "Buffy", but catching himself in time continued, "to Sunnydale."

"Have to agree there. Two things though. One, why the hell didn't you tell me he was coming here Wesley?"

"Because of what just happened," the ex-Watcher stated matter-of-factly. "There was no point in working you up any further."

"And the second thing?" demanded Spike.

Angel brushed past him and flicked his cigarette away.

"No smoking in my building," he muttered and kept walking.

Spike blew out the remaining smoke and smirked.

"Should take it up, it might relax you."

Turning to the others who had wisely stayed mostly out of the way, Spike smiled and clapped his hands.

"Shall we get this show on the road?"

At that instant, Cordelia was hit by a vision and fell before anyone could react.

"O-kay," said Spike with wonder while everyone fussed over the young woman. "That was weird."

After a little while Cordelia had sufficiently recovered to tell everyone what she had seen. Closing her eyes, she concentrated to relay as many details as possible.

"Tomorrow night at the bus depot. The eleven thirty o'clock express. There's this small, dark man. Uh, he has a mustache and he's wearing some sort of cape. No, it's a poncho. A black poncho. There's something inside him. Not human. Very powerful."

She opened her eyes. "There's nothing more."

"Sounds like my man," said Spike grimly.

"At least we got time to prepare if the deal's going down tomorrow night," remarked Gunn.

Wesley, meanwhile, was poring over his books.

"Aha! Here it is: Kataix."

The rest he read to himself while the others waited expectantly. The more he read, the more furrowed his brow became.

"Oh, that's not good," remarked Cordelia massaging her temple.

"What isn't?" inquired Gunn.

"When his forehead gets all wrinkly it means trouble," she explained.

"My forehead does not get wrinkly!" Wesley defended himself.

"Whatever!" barked Spike impatiently. "What did you find out?"

"Kataix cannot be killed by any one of us or indeed any one in this world," Wesley told the vampire.

"What are you saying? He's invincible? There are no weapons that can hurt him?"

"That is exactly what I'm saying. Kataix is an ancient spirit, subject to an entirely different set of rules from the ones we are accustomed to. His power is immense. The only thing that could drive him away are balls made of clay-"

"Balls of clay?" Gunn said sarcastically. "Man, why didn't you say so? I'm sure we can *somehow* manage that."

"Thrown by a Selk'nam woman," finished Wesley irritated at the interruption.

"Great, let's get a hold of one."

"The Selk'nam are an extinct people."

"Oh."

"Yes, oh. And it's not as if defeating the warlock possessed by Kataix in the first place will be easy. He'll be imbued with part of his power."

"Well at least we know who, where and when," Gunn said.

"Yes, but we need to plan this well because this in reality is a twofold situation."

"What do you mean?" Angel inquired.

"Well as evil as this man Estenislao is, we can't just outright kill him unless our own lives are at stake. Spike can't kill him either because of his chip. So, our best bet is to handle the warlock and Kataix separately. The only problem is, how do we achieve this?"

No one had any ideas to offer and Spike started pacing.

All this time Angel and Freddie kept quiet and merely stood there next to each other. In his pacing Spike nearly walked into them. He was momentarily distracted and looked intently at Angel, then Freddie.

"Interesting," he finally said.

"What is?" asked Angel trying to sound annoyed but who was in reality masking his nervousness when his saw that Spike had that insightful look in his eyes.

"Just not quite ready yet," Spike said mysteriously then clapped Angel on the shoulder. "Good luck with that old man!"

Angel forced a smile and Freddie's gaze settled on the patterns on the floor.

Spike laughed and shook his head when Cordelia screamed as another vision invaded her mind. This time there were ready arms to catch her. When she came back to her senses she told the group of a pair of teenagers that were going to get kidnapped from a nearby club and sacrificed by a satanic sect. All eyes turned to Wesley.

"Alright. Two cases, two teams. Angel, Gunn and Freddie will take care of the teens while Spike and I deal with Kataix."

"What about me?" asked Cordelia fighting the pain of a migraine.

"You stay here and try to get some rest."

"But-"

"Cordelia, this isn't subject to debate. You've had two visions within half an hour. You've done more than enough. There's no point in making you go into the field when you're not a hundred percent. You'd endanger yourself and the others."

Hurt, Cordelia looked away though she knew he was right. Gunn and Angel shot daggers at Wesley but he merely looked back with steely determination in his eyes.

"No wonder you're the leader of this lot," observed Spike. "You're the only one that has the balls to call it like it is."

That earned him a glare from Wesley but Spike merely shrugged it off and went to take a seat in the foyer while the others conferred with Wesley as to their plan of action.

Several minutes later Angel, Gunn and Freddie left armed with several weapons. Spike returned where Wesley was and heard him whisper tenderly to Cordelia to lay down, that he would bring her a cup of tea in a few minutes. Spike thought of making a smart-ass comment but decided that he liked Wesley so he pretended not to have heard anything.

"So, what's your plan for my problem?" he asked instead.

"I'm working on it," Wesley answered patiently. "Would you like some tea?"

The vampire sighed. "Oh, hell. Why not? It's been ages."

Wesley nodded and went off to boil some water. Spike leaned on the counter and daydreamed about Buffy.

It was while they were sipping their tea in the foyer that Wesley figured it all out.

"I have an idea!" he exclaimed.

"Then lets hear it," Spike urged him.

"We're going to use two spells. One, to exorcise Kataix. I will then deal with Juan Estenislao while you handle Kataix."

Spike was about to protest but Wesley bid him listen to him.

"The second spell will trick Kataix into thinking that you are a Selk'nam woman."

"You're kidding, right?"

"Why?"

"I'm bloody well not dressing like any woman."

"I said trick Spike, as in, it will be an illusion to Kataix' eyes."

"Besides," he added as an afterthought, "if you truly did want to dress up as a Selk'nam woman, you wouldn't be wearing much of anything."

Spike had to laugh and Wesley joined him.

"You know," Spike mentioned conversationally, "Giles would kill to have a book like the one in which you found all that stuff about Kataix."

"Take it to him. When he's done with it, I'll drive to Sunnydale to retrieve it."

"You don't have to go through so much trouble," the vampire told him.

"He's the Watcher. It's important he have as many resources as possible available to him. Please, take it to him. I know he will find it very valuable. I just assumed he had a copy of it."

Spike simply nodded. They discussed a few more things then Spike rose stating that he was tired and wondered where he could stay for the night. Wesley laughed and indicating with his hands the building they were in, said: "This used to be a hotel, take your pick."

"What about Angel?"

"This is business. You're not taking up permanent residency."

Spike chuckled and went to retrieve his bag from the car.

In the end he chose the room that was farthest away from Angel's and on a different floor. It was a bit dusty but Spike didn't care. After assuring himself that no daylight could reach him in the morning, he removed his boots and his duster and lay down on the bed. He couldn't believe what Buffy had asked him to do earlier that day. The sweet coppery taste of her blood still lingered on his tongue despite the tea he had had. Or maybe it was just wishful thinking, he mused. No matter. It had been amazing, but more important than the act itself for Spike, it was Buffy's trust in him that churned his insides making him miss her even more. His last conscious thought before falling asleep was of drowning in Buffy Summers.