Forever Again

by SpikesKat

“Hey sweetcakes, we need to talk... Hey sweetcakes, we need to talk... Hey sweetcakes, we need to talk...” 

Like a mantra, it echoed over and over in Buffy’s brain.  The green-skinned demon – Lorne – had pulled her aside as all around her, her friends had laughed and sang, just generally having a good time.  She’d kissed Spike’s cheek and gave him a smile as she’d slipped away from him to listen to what the demon had to say. 

Now, alone in the conference room, she couldn’t prevent the trembling running its course through her body.  She needed Spike – he’d take away the sudden chill pervading her being.  It wasn’t the cold of the empty room that bothered her; rather, it was the ominous warnings of the demon that had left her alone to deal with the aftermath of his prophetic words.  She thought, yet again, that she needed Spike, needed the comfort of her lover, her mate, her Sire.  He’d make it all better…at least for a little while. 

Until the words became reality and hell came to Los Angeles. 

One minute she was alone with her thoughts as she stared out the protective windows at the setting sun, the desolation of what was to come nearly overwhelming her, then cool hands slipped around her waist…pulling her back into the comforting embrace of her lover.  Spike. 

She relaxed into him, allowing him to take some of the burden from her slight shoulders. 

“What is it, luv?” he whispered in her ear. 

Buffy just shook her head, unwilling to impart the details of her conversation.  Lorne had warned her, to say anything now might affect the outcome – and dear God, it was the last thing she wanted.  So, she just snuggled closer to him, silently begging for him to just hold her close. 

He complied, turning her in his arms so that her head rested against his chest; her arms slipped around his back holding him close even as his settled around her shoulders. 

“’S ok, baby.  I’ve got you.  Won’t let anything happen to you,” he murmured, soothing his mate as best he could. 

The conference door banged open announcing Dawn’s presence. 

“There you are!  Come on…you gotta see this.  Angel’s about to sing!” 

“He lose a bet, Niblet?” Spike asked as he lifted his chin from the top of Buffy’s head. 

“Something like that… Come on!  You guys can make with the smoochies anytime.”  She affected a pout and he chuckled in response. 

He glanced down at the slayer, fingers slipped beneath her chin to raise her face to meet his gaze. 

“Ok now?” 

She nodded, giving him a wobbly smile. A quick kiss to his lips, then she pasted on a brighter smile for her sister before slipping from his embrace and starting towards the door.  Spike watched her for a moment before following – noticed the tension radiating from her body.  She’d have to do better than that if she was going to fool the others into thinking that everything was fine. 

Spike kept an eye on her throughout the remainder of the night.  No one seemed to notice her preoccupation – not even her Watcher, which surprised the vampire – except for Angel, but then Angel also had a slight advantage over the others in that he was also tied, however loosely, to Buffy by blood.  He caught his Grandsire watching her, a frown marring his normally broody disposition, before he turned questioning eyes to him.  A slight shake of Spike’s head indicated to the other that they’d discuss it some other time – that Buffy had yet to share what it was that had spoiled her good cheer. 

Angel nodded back. 

It would wait. 

For now. 

~*~*~*~*~ 

Buffy, for her part, tried to push it away – not let the warning affect their holiday in L.A.  Besides, there was nothing she could do at the moment.  She had a little time yet…not much.  But still.  Nothing that couldn’t wait until they’d returned to Rome. 

Right now, she wanted to enjoy the company of her friends and family.  She’d worry about protecting them once she got back. 

Her eyes darted to where the tall, lanky Texan girl sat next to her former Watcher, Wes.  He’d changed since she’d seen him last.  Gone was the innocence of youth.  His eyes hid secrets…and pain.  But, the girl – Fred – she seemed to be bringing a little light back into his eyes.  She’d have to start with her first.  Buffy refused to lose any more family members before their time.  The LA crew wasn’t hers, per se, but Angel thought of them as his…so, through him, they now belonged to her as well. 

And she vowed that they’d all live to a ripe old age, with children and grandchildren running about their feet. 

It was the least she could do. 

The demon was wrong.  She would save them.   

She was the Chosen One. 

~*~*~*~*~ 

They stayed in Los Angeles through the New Year. Then, one by one, the group broke apart, returning to their homes.  Giles was the first to go, citing his need to return to the Council. Willow followed next.  Then, Xander and his fiancé Alaine left. 

Soon it was time for Buffy, Spike, Dawn and the others to leave.  The goodbyes were heartfelt with promises to get together soon.  Buffy waved to Angel’s friends, but couldn’t resist a final warning.  Grabbing Fred’s hand, she pulled the other girl off to the side.   

Her voice low so others wouldn’t overhear, Buffy whispered, “Stay away from Knox.” 

“Huh?”  Puzzlement marred the girl’s features. 

“Knox, the guy in your department.  Don’t trust him…trust the Watcher.  Just…don’t be alone with Knox.  Ok?” 

“Uh…ok.  And, Wesley?” 

“Oh yeah…he’s got it bad.  Put him out of his misery already.” 

Fred blushed but didn’t say anything.  Buffy turned and walked away.  It was time to go.  She glanced back once, indicating to Fred with a tilt of her head towards the Watcher, and mouthing, “Don’t forget.” 

Fred nodded. 

It was a start. 

~*~*~*~*~ 

“What was that about, pet?” he asked, arching a brow. 

“Nothing.  Girl talk.  We better get going,” she told him, changing the subject.  He snorted at that answer, knowing instinctively that she was lying, but let himself be led away.  She clearly didn’t want to talk about it now, but that wasn’t to say the wouldn’t be having a full-blown discussion once they were away. 

All too soon they were at the airport, standing around in Wolfram & Hart’s hangar while the jet was prepared for takeoff.  Dawn and the other girls were already inside, leaving just Buffy, Spike, and Angel alone. 

“It was good seeing you…both of you,” Angel told them.  “You’re welcome to come by anytime.  Just call me and I’ll have the jet fueled and on it’s way before you can say LA.” 

“Thanks, Angel,” Buffy said.  “It was good…seeing you again.”  She gave him a quick hug, brushed her lips across his cheek, then turned and climbed the stairs to take her seat – sensing the two had things to say to each other and would rather do so without her present. 

“She tell you,” Angel began once he knew she was out of earshot. 

“No.  You see that bit with Fred?” 

“Yeah.  Any clue?” 

“No.  You?” 

“No.” 

Spike frowned.  Angel brooded.  Neither liked it. 

“Sire...” 

“I know.” 

“Thanks.” 

“Let me know what she tells you.  Why do I feel like the disaster we averted in Rome wasn’t the end?” 

“Because it never is.” 

In a rare show of affection, Angel lifted his hand and cupped his childe’s jaw.  “William.  It will be ok.  Trust your instincts.  Trust the slayer.  And, if you need me for anything, I’m only a phone call away.” 

Spike looked into the eyes of his grandsire and nearly wept at the emotion shimmering there.  He nodded, unable to speak.  They embraced briefly, then Angel let go and stepped back so Spike could board the jet to take him home.  His hand lifted in farewell before he turned and walked away.  He hated goodbyes. 

~*~*~*~*~ 

“Well, you’re not Hoover scraps so that means you two didn’t come to blows.  Everything alright between you two now?” 

“Ha bloody ha, slayer,” he snarked.  He gripped her hand and pulled her to her feet, taking her place and yanking her down onto his lap.  Nuzzling her neck he murmured, “How did you know?” 

“We’re family.” 

“Still doesn’t mean I like him.” 

“I know, baby.” His grip tightened as he mock-punished her for sassing him.  Truth was, he loved her interference.  She’d managed to subtly bridge the gap between the two and for that he was secretly grateful. 

Two hours into their flight, Buffy was starting to get hungry.  In all the confusion, teary goodbyes and warnings, she’d forgotten to feed before they’d left Angel’s place.  She pushed away from Spike’s chest and moved to stand so she could head to the refrigerator to see about getting some blood. 

Opening the fridge, she eyed the human packets with a bit of frustration – since her episode back in Rome when her vampire demon had completely overshadowed the slayer’s, she’d stayed away from the temptation of human blood, settling for either Spike’s or whatever animals he’d managed to get from the butcher.  With a frown, she shut the door and plopped back down in Spike’s lap. 

“What ‘sa matter, slayer?” 

“Only human blood stocked,” she mumbled. 

“Well, c’mere then.” 

“No,” she told him, shaking her head as she glanced at the others.  “I can wait.  I’ll just take a nap.” 

Buffy napped fitfully, the growing hunger pangs keeping her from resting deeply, so that when they finally landed in Rome, she was overtired and ravenous.  When she and Spike were finally alone in the car, he took one hand off the wheel and thrust his arm at her with a sharp, “Take a little to take the edge off.” 

Grateful, she took his hand – greedily sinking her fangs into his wrist, sighing in pleasure as his Sire’s blood slid down her throat.  Just two quick pulls and then she stopped, licking the marks closed.  

“Thanks.” 

“No problem, pet.  Although, I don’t know why you didn’t just drink the stuff on the plane.” 

“I told you…I don’t want…don’t want to lose control like that again.” 

“It’s ok, baby.  I won’t let you hurt anyone…promise.” 

“I know…it’s just…I don’t want to take the chance.  If something were to happen to them…and that something was me…I just…I’d never forgive myself.”

They pulled to a stop in front of their building.  He cut the engine and turned to her. 

“Nothing’s gonna happen, luv.  Ok?” 

He glanced in the rearview mirror as two sets of headlights pulled in behind him.  Dawn and Angelina had just pulled up. 

“Come on, the others are here.  Let’s get our stuff and get some sleep.” 

~*~*~*~*~ 

Buffy was so tired she did nothing more than purr contentedly as Spike pulled her close as they slipped under the covers of their bed.  She ignored the hunger gnawing at her stomach – they’d have to have Dawnie make a run first thing in the morning to get some fresh blood from the butcher’s.  Closing her eyes, she slept fitfully through the night.  Spike rubbed his hand up and down her arm to help lull her to sleep, until he too, finally gave in to his exhaustion and jetlag. 

He woke before she did, sending the Niblet off with some money to restock the fridge while he made a quick call to the Watcher to let him know they’d arrived home safely.  He heard Dawn return about a half hour later and left the office to heat himself a mug.  The Niblet – bless her heart – already had a cup in the microwave and it dinged just as he walked into the kitchen.  She put the remaining supply on the top shelf of the refrigerator, then grabbed pen and paper and made an extensive grocery list.  Telling Spike she’d be back later this afternoon, she snagged purse and car keys and left to do some shopping. 

Hearing the slayers stir and make their way to the third floor, Spike quickly finished his mug and rinsed it out in the sink – one too many complaints from his Bit about the stains caused him to make doubly sure it was completely cleaned out.  He’d made it to the top of the stairs when their voices rang out. 

“We know you’re there!” 

Their singsong voices brought a smile to his lips.  They were learning fast, his li’l slayers. 

~*~ 

Buffy awoke with an intense hunger stealing through her body.  Not since she’d been turned had she felt such a deep longing to feed, to gorge herself to slake the pain the hunger had produced.  She stilled, her senses stretched outward as she searched for a meal. 

Slayers.  Ten of them.  On the floor above her.  Her mate was there.  Maybe holding breakfast for her?  She licked her lips in anticipation and surprised herself when she nicked her tongue on one of her fangs.  She must be really hungry to awaken with ridges and fangs prominent… 

No matter.  After a few slayers’ blood coursing through her veins, she’d have no trouble retaining her human disguise. 

She slipped from bed, intent on her meal – pausing briefly to slip shirt and pants on over her naked frame. 

~*~ 

He knew something was wrong as soon as she reached the top of the stairs.  With a harsh shout, he drew the slayers behind him in a protective gesture.  Then he waited. 

The door opened, and he caught his breath as she leaned against the frame.  Buffy as a human rocked his socks.  But Buffy as a true vampire did things to him that called to his own demon.  Lust surged through him at the sight of her.  He shook himself and concentrated as she sashayed into the room. 

“Hello, lover.  Save me some breakfast?” 

“Buffy,” he warned, growling.  “No.  They’re not for eating, now fight it.” 

“I’m hungry,” she whined prettily.  “Please, Sire?” 

“No.” 

Her bottom lip affected a pout. 

“I said no.  Now, let’s go downstairs and get you something from the fridge.” 

Even as he said it, he braced himself for her attack.  Bloodlust was swimming in her eyes and it would take nothing short of a brawl before he’d be able to haul her out of the room and away from temptation.  He was deeply grateful his girls stood unmoving behind him, allowing him to handle the situation. 

She moved in a blur, and it was only because he was prepared for her that he was able to wrap his arm around her waist as she attempted to fly past him.  Denied her meal, she turned on him, fangs and claws digging into him until he was forced to subdue her…and her demon. 

Gripping Buffy securely, he ordered the others to leave and had them shut the door on their way out.  Finally alone with her, and certain of the others’ safety, he threw Buffy off of him and against the far wall.  The impact barely fazed her – the need for blood was overwhelming for his childe and she wouldn’t stop until her hunger had been satisfied. 

She launched herself at him, too far gone to realize she was attacking her mate and sire.  Spike toyed with her a bit to wear her out some, he really didn’t want to have to drain her near dry like the last time so the demon would be forced to retreat.  He could cheerfully live the next thousand centuries without having a repeat of that night, thank you very much. 

He watched as she got more and more angry, and steadily more and more tired as she put all her power into trying to land a punch.  Her anger was having a direct influence on her fighting…she was sloppy, and if it had been anyone else, she would have been taken out long before now.  Spike figured she got her wisdom in fighting from her slayer’s demon.  Her vampiric demon needed to learn a little control. And patience. 

Lack of blood and the exertion from the one-sided battle finally caused her to fall to her knees, too weary to continue.  He waited a moment to see if she was trying to lull him into complacency, but her heavy breathing – completely unneeded – indicated that she was slowly gaining control…even if she was still hungry. 

“Buffy?” he questioned softly, crouching down in front of her. 

Her head was bowed as she gulped in deep breaths.  He called her name again and watched warily as she lifted her head to gaze into his amber-colored eyes.  

“Spike?” 

“Yeah, pet?” 

“I’m hungry.” 

“I know you are, baby.  C’mere.” 

She went willingly into his outstretched arms, lying back on the ground so she could stretch out on top of him.  Staring down at his exposed neck, she licked lips, then yelped when she cut her tongue again.  Her hands came up to touch her face, confused as to why she’d vamped. 

Spike stilled beneath her as she realized what had happened.  Ridges and fangs slid away as she gazed at him with luminous hazel eyes. 

“I did it again, didn’t I?” 

Beneath her, Spike just nodded. 

“Oh God!” 

She moved to scramble off of him, but he was too fast for her. 

“Hey!  Buffy…it’s ok.  Shhhh….” he soothed as he pulled her down to him.  She cried then, feeling as if she’d somehow failed him. 

“Sorry…so sorry…” she mumbled over and over again through her tears. 

“’S ok, baby.” 

After awhile, she finally stopped crying and Spike urged her to look at him. 

“It wasn’t you, Buffy.  You were overtired and hungry and your vampire demon momentarily overpowered the slayer in you to quench the hunger.  But, you beat it, baby.” 

She shook her head at him. 

“Yes…” 

Spike urged her to lay her head back down on his shoulder.  She needed to feed – even if the thought of it right now sickened her – and the temptation of his neck would be too great for her to resist.  He waited for her to strike, and she completely surprised him when she asked. 

“Drink, Childe,” he told her, tilting his head to allow her easier access.  His eyes closed in blissful contentment when he felt her fangs finally pierce his skin.

~*~*~*~*~

Chapter 2 

The sire’s blood that flooded her mouth and slipped down her throat was by far the best thing she’d ever tasted.  Buffy couldn’t get enough of it, drove her fangs deeper into his neck as she took the sweet elixir into her mouth, moaning in delight at the tangy flavor, feeling the power of it slake her thirst and causing her body to vibrate with the potency of his blood. 

She growled, grinding her body closer as she lay on top of Spike and continued to take long pulls from his neck.   

Spike was starting to feel weak from blood loss as his childe continued to feed from him.  The soothing motion of his hands down her back stilled and he began to growl a warning for her to stop.  Again she didn’t listen to him, and he used what remained of his strength to pry her fangs out of his neck. 

Her eyes opened and her amber gaze took in the angry visage of her sire and realized she’d done it again.  She had to get away, and now.  She didn’t trust herself around anyone at present. 

Jumping off of Spike’s body, she tore out of the training room – shame at what she’d almost done nearly overwhelming her. Buffy ignored the sound of her name being shouted by her sire, wanting only to get away, as far away from everyone as she could. 

Her feet flew down the stairs – her motions a mere blur for anyone that happened to see her.  Not that there was, however.  She was sure the young slayers had heeded the male vampire’s warning and were probably hiding from her right now. Tears fell from her eyes as she raced out of the building, the sun having recently set and granting her an easy escape, no clear destination in mind. 

‘Get away.  Get far away,’  her mind chanted. 

And she did, her feet continuing to eat up the ground beneath her, putting as much distance as possible between herself and the others. 

She ignored the pull of her mate as he urged her to return to him.  To let him take care of her.  Severing the mental connection to him he exerted through the claim, she raced on, unmindful of the tears that continued to fall from her amber-colored eyes. 

Eventually she stopped, her ears attuned to the night sounds all around her.  She sniffed the air, her enhanced senses picking up nothing or no one around her.  Once relatively secure of her safety, her legs buckled and she sank to the damp grass as sobs wracked her slender frame. 

~*~*~*~*~ 

Spike pulled himself to a sitting position as Buffy leapt off his prone body and raced from the room.  Weakened from the loss of blood she’d consumed from him, he could do nothing more than shout her name, his hand raised as if to halt her flight. 

When she didn’t stop, his hand dropped to his side, defeated.  He could feel her anguish and guilt through their claim and he used it to get her to come back.  Telling her that he’d take care of her, that they’d work through this together.  Then it was gone, the connection they shared was severed, like a candle suddenly snuffed by a gust of wind.  And, that scared him more than her sudden reversion to the true vampire demon that shared her body with the slayer’s demon. 

Panicked, he jumped to his feet, using the last of his strength to rush downstairs to the study.  He needed to talk to somebody, let them know that the slayer had had another episode; he needed to know what to do. 

He started with her watcher, not quite ready to involve his grandsire just yet.  Besides, it had been Rupert that had been the one to find that prophecy relating to the joint demons inhabiting the slayer’s body, so he’d be the likely on to help.  Spike paced back and forth behind the desk as he waited for the Englishman to answer his phone.  There was no answer to the watcher’s private office line, so he tried him at home.  When that produced similar results, he slammed the phone back in the cradle, a growl erupting from his throat as the hopelessness of the situation overcame him.  With no answer from either number, Spike was left with no choice but to call Angel. 

While they’d been in LA, the elder vampire had seen to it that Spike, Buffy, and Giles had both the numbers to his private office line and his cellular phone…as well as the dark-haired vampire’s pager number.  With the recent unresolved changes to Buffy, Angel wanted the others to be able to reach him at any time – day or night. 

“Angel,” he barked into the phone, instantly worried as less than a handful of people had the direct number to his office. 

“Sire,” Spike began.  “It’s Buffy.  She’s had another episode.” 

~*~ 

Halfway across the world, Angel leaned back in his plush office chair as his grandchilde relayed the events that led up to Buffy losing control of her vampire demon.  His eyes closed as he could practically feel the anguish in the younger vampire’s voice as it came across the line.  He should have kept them there with him in LA, was just about to voice that when Spike’s next words came to him. 

“She severed the connection, Sire.” 

“How???  She’s too young to be able to pull off something like that!” Angel exclaimed, sitting up abruptly in his seat. 

“I don’t know.  One minute, I’m feelin’ her anguish, an’ regret, an’ guilt…the next…nothin’.  Absolutely nothin’!” 

Spike’s heartache tore at the elder vampire.  He’d like to think that the two had mended a few bridges over the holidays spent in LA, and he didn’t like to see a member of his family hurting.  That Buffy was involved just seemed to up the ante. 

“I can leave now and be there in fifteen hours,” Angel stated. 

“I…” 

“I should have made you both stay, at least until Buffy had a better handle on this.  I don’t know what I was thinking…” he continued, talking over Spike as if the younger vampire hadn’t said anything.” 

“Send the plane, Angel.  We’ll come to you.  I don’t trust her around Li’l Bit and the others.  I’ll talk to Giles and make him come to Rome.  Between the two of us, we should be able to keep an eye on the slayer…see that she doesn’t…hurt anyone else.” 

“Hold on a second.” 

Angel placed Spike on hold, and hit the intercom button to Harmony’s desk.  After the recent events that had transpired at the Wolfram & Hart law offices, the blond-haired vampiress was doing her best to ingratiate herself back into his good graces.  Although, he did agree that her situation had seemed dire, how she went about resolving her problem needed some work.  He did not like to have his fellow friends and employees bonked over their head.  

“Harmony!” he barked. 

“Yes, boss!” 

“Call the pilot and have him gas up the jet and on his way to Rome inside the hour.  He’s picking up Buffy and Spike.” 

“Uh…ok, boss.  Right away.” 

Angel glanced out his office windows to see her disconnect the intercom and pick up the phone.  Satisfied his order was being carried out, he once more spoke with Spike. 

“Plane’s on its way.  I’ll have the pilot call you when he lands at da Vinci.” 

“Thanks, Sire.  I’ve gotta go.  Need to get some blood and go look for Buffy.  Gotta find her before the sun comes up.” 

“I’ll be waiting for you.  Call me from the plane when you’re in the air.” 

~*~*~*~*~ 

Spike replaced the handset then left the study.  His first stop was the kitchen where he raided the refrigerator, pulling several bags from the rack to heat and consume.  One he drank cold, his fangs elongating and puncturing the bag of “O” negative blood.  His nose twitched at the cool liquid, but his demon gulped the restorative fluid.  By the time he finished the cool bag, the timer in the microwave had gone off and he was gulping down its contents as a third bag replaced the second.  When he’d consumed five of the bags, he deposited the empties in the trashcan and rinsed out his “Kiss the Vampire” mug, a gag gift from the watcher. 

He’d never tell anyone, but secretly, he’d been touched that the Englishman had bought him something that had vague references to the day that had started Spike on his current path of loving the slayer.  Not that he remembered fondly, sitting in the man’s bathtub, chained to the pipes as the slayer had held the “Kiss the Librarian” mug while he’d sucked blood through a straw.  It had been later, having had a taste of the slayer – even if it had been under false pretenses – that Spike began to fantasize about her, then obsess, then later…love. 

Shaking himself out of his reverie, he went looking for ‘Bit and the others.  He needed to tell them that both he and Buffy would be going to LA for a while and that Uncle Giles would be temporarily relocating to Rome to keep an eye on the girls.  The vampire wasn’t looking forward to the conversation with little sis. 

~*~*~*~*~ 

Spike breathed a sigh of relief that Niblet had taken their impending departure in stride.  He’d had all sorts of excuses lined up as to why she couldn’t come along, but she’d surprised him.  Exhibited maturity beyond her years when she did nothing more than hug him and wish him luck, exerting his promise to call often.  She was growing up into a fine young woman, his ‘Bit. 

He left her to her studying and went back downstairs to once more try to reach the watcher.  Success was had the second time around.  Giles picked up the phone in his office, a terse “hello” issuing from his mouth. 

“Giles, it’s me.” 

Spike quickly relayed the events to the watcher then rung off…his need to race off into the night and look for his childe, his mate, nearly overwhelming him.  He needed to make sure that she was ok.  He couldn’t understand how she’d been able to block him, sever their connection as if she were a master vampire in her own right.  It scared him as much as it awed him that she seemed to have that kind of power. 

With Rupert’s promise to be on the next flight out of London ringing in his ears, Spike tore out of the house, his only thought to locate his girl.  He stretched his senses as he ran, picking up the faint trace of her scent as he hurried through the city.  The only thing aiding him was the fact that she’d not bothered to try and cover her scent, figuring that blocking him from feeling her would be enough to keep him at bay.  Well, she had a lot to learn about him if she thought that was going to stop him. 

His sensitive ears picked up the sounds of her crying before he actually saw her.  He paused momentarily as her grief washed over him, her tears doing more to unnerve him than he thought possible.  His girl needed him, whether she realized it or not.  Wanted it or not.  It’s what he did.  He was her sire now, he was meant to take care of her…help her deal with things.  

~*~*~*~*~ 

Buffy was too caught up in her sobbing to notice that Spike was near.  It wasn’t until he’d knelt behind her and slipped his arms around her middle that she felt his presence.  She turned towards him then, throwing her arms about him as her crying increased to inconsolable proportions – grateful that he’d come after her.  Wasn’t upset with her for nearly draining him dry.  

“Sorry…so sorry,” she mumbled over and over in between her tears, his black shirt quickly soaked to his skin where her face hid from him. 

Spike just held her close, running his arms down her hair and back as he began a soothing rumble in his chest.  He wasn’t sure how long they stayed there like that, both of them kneeling in the wet grass, oblivious to anyone who might happen past.  Eventually he felt her shudders slow and then stop altogether, yet the death grip she had on his back did not subside.  It was as if she were trying to sink into his skin and become a part of him.  Not that he minded in the least… 

Yet, he needed her to look at him.  He had to tell her that they were going back to LA, that he and Angel would help her get through this while at the same time preventing her from harming anyone else.  Placing one hand beneath her chin, he gently lifted her head.  His thumb traced the ridges on her brow; her eyelids fluttered closed, shielding her amber eyes from his penetrating gaze.  He lowered his head, flicking his tongue over her distended fangs. 

Buffy didn’t even realize that she was still in game face. 

Spike continued to soothe her, allowing her to gain control over her erratic emotions and get the demon to retreat behind her human mask.  Only then did he tell her of his plans, about her watcher’s imminent arrival, and Dawn’s agreement to stay behind in Rome. 

Buffy’s eyes opened, her hazel gaze resigned as she stared up at him.  Then she nodded, and for the life of her, she wished she wasn’t going back to LA yet.  The green demon’s prophetic words that he’d spoken to her over the holidays seemed to mock her.   

As if she could escape what was going to happen.  Not a chance of that happening now.  Spike had unwittingly set the ball in motion with his announcement of their return trip to LA.  

Buffy just prayed she had the strength that Lorne claimed she was going to need to see herself through this next catastrophe.  Her friends’ fate was in her hands now. 

She felt herself pulled to her feet then the ground gave way as she was lifted and cradled against Spike’s body as he began his return trip home.  Buffy laid her head against his shoulder as he walked, too exhausted and emotionally drained to do anything else.

~*~*~*~*~

Chapter 3

Los Angeles 

“It’s too bad Spike left before we could manipulate him.  Almost regret sending him our little present.  I would have liked to have seen him take Angel down a peg or two… heard there was no love lost between the two vampires and it could have worked to our advantage.” 

“Yeah, but now, by all appearances, they’ve buried the hatchet. He even showed up in LA for the holidays.” 

“Well, at least he’s out of our hair, again,” he murmured as he pulled Eve close.  Lindsey brushed his lips against her forehead before turning and eyeing the box beside the bed.  “You leave our present for Angel?” 

Eve grinned, her fingers tracing the concealing markings on her lover’s chest.  “Oh yes!” 

“And, no one suspects a thing?” 

“Nope.  I dumped some relic in their lap and had them put a rush on it.  They’ll be busy until I can get back with…” she paused a moment, leaning over Lindsey to touch the box holding their secret weapon for Angel.  “… ‘mama’ here.” 

“Good.” 

Eve pulled away from the box and once more concentrated on the bare-chested man beneath her.  Her lips lowered to his eagerly, and soon the two lovers were rolling around on the bed, shedding the remainder of their clothes as their hands roamed possessively over each other. 

~*~*~*~*~

Earlier that day… 

Angel glanced down at the phone, lost in thought.  Why hadn’t he kept them there?  Why had he let them go back to Rome?  For all that they didn’t get along, he’d enjoyed having Spike back in his life.  Buffy, too.  Heck, even Xander had been ok to be around now that he’d pulled that self-righteous stick out of his ass.  He chuckled to himself as he leaned back in his seat, the springs groaning slightly in the otherwise silent office. 

Another thing he’d enjoyed was the “hands on” during his time in Rome.  Beating evil with fists and swords – making the world a safer place, if only for a little while.  Now that he’d made a deal with the devil – literally – he’d become so dissatisfied with his life.  He rationalized his decision by telling himself that he was providing his son with what he wanted.  If he had to move his operation here, to the place he’d spent the last four years trying to defeat, so be it.  The senior partners thought they were holding all the cards.  They’d soon realize that he was not that easily manipulated. 

Suddenly, his door burst open and he watched as Wes and Gunn marched inside his office, arguing about something. 

“What you're proposing could take weeks. We can't afford the delay,” Wesley argued. 

“Forty-eight hours, maximum. There are at least two initiates to his inner circle who'd jump at the chance to overthrow him,” Gunn replied. 

“You're overlooking the tactical merits of my assassination scenario.” Their voices continued to rise in volume as each debated the benefits of their plans. 

“Guys…” 

“Hey, in my plan, he still wakes up dead by Thursday,” Gunn told him, oblivious to the vampire trying to get their attention.  

“Guys!” Angel’s voice yelled over theirs, momentarily stopping their dispute.  “C.E.O., right here, in the dark.” 

“Sorry, Angel,” Wes replied, once more the reserved British gentleman as he handed Angel a file. “Lucien Drake. He's a warlock.” 

“An evil warlock and a cult leader. Got over a thousand followers. We're pretty sure they sold most of their children down the Hades River in return for some serious demonic mojo,” Gunn added. 

“One more religious fringe group stockpiling weapons, but in this case, the weapons are black magicks of the most dangerous variety.” 

“And you want Wolfram & Hart to stop them,” Angel responded, unable to keep the dissatisfaction out of his voice.  Neither two of the men seemed to notice.  Just kept up their commentary as they explained what they wanted to do.  When he could stand it no longer, he snapped, his growing dissatisfaction at not being able to accomplish anything worthwhile while pulling the strings of the LA branch of Wolfram & Hart and his worry about his grandchilde and Buffy the driving force behind his outburst. 

Fred walked in the office as he jumped to his feet, ranting about getting back to basics, and killing everything evil.  Ignoring their shocked expressions, Angel continued to vent his displeasure, how they were slowly being molded by the senior partners into their way of thinking.   

When he finally finished his tirade, he plopped back in his chair, rubbing his hands over his eyes wearily. 

“Angel, are you ok?” Fred asked tentatively. 

“Yeah… just tired.” 

“Well, why don’t you get some rest.  We can hold down the fort here for a bit.” 

For once, Angel took her advice, rising wearily to his feet and ambling towards the private elevator that would take him to his room.  He stepped inside and waited for the doors to shut.  Before they had a chance, his arm shot out and he peeked his head out at the three staring at him somewhat cautiously. 

“Gunn, get a meeting with your best Judas. Feel him out, but don't tip your hand. Any hint of him carrying word back to Drake, we go with Wes' plan.” 

Then he removed his hands and let the doors close softly and the elevator carried him towards his room.   

Once inside, Angel stripped out of his clothes, not bothering with where they fell.  He pulled back the covers and slipped beneath the sheets, settling them around his hips.  Worried about the two blond vampires, his dreams were troubled, senses so attuned to them that he didn’t hear the woman sneak inside his room and unleash the blue bug upon his bed.  As the creature sunk its teeth into his stomach and injected its neurotoxins, Angels dreams shifted…leaving him confused and disoriented as his colleagues messed with his mind. 

~*~*~*~*~ 

Rome
Early morning  

Giles looked around the de Vinci airport, arms laden down with his suitcases – for the most part filled with books – as he caught the attention of a waiting cabbie.  Driving with Dawn once was enough, thank you very much, and he didn’t want to have to bother the others to have someone pick him up from the airport.  And, with the brief message from Spike, he hadn’t time to relay any flight information to the worried vamp.  No, the taxi ride was by far the easiest solution.  Although, once he settled in the back seat and the driver asked him his destination, Giles had a fleeting thought that Dawn would have been the safer of the two drivers.  With his fingers gripping the faux leather of the seat, he closed his eyes and whispered prayers for divine intervention to keep them from crashing.  

Somehow he managed not to pass out from the breath he held as the cabbie wove in and out of the light traffic.  Eventually, the vehicle reached their destination and Giles stared up at the building, as if he could see through the walls and pinpoint his charge.  Paying the driver, he grabbed his cases and let himself into the building with a copy of the key on his ring.  

Dawn peeked her head out from the kitchen, coffee cup in hand, not surprised at seeing Buffy’s watcher let himself into their house.  Spike had interrupted her studying to tell her that he and Buffy were going back to LA.  She thought to argue about going with him, but there was something in his eyes that unnerved her…He was scared.  He was scared and he was trying to hide it.  But, she could see the tightness of his jaw, his body coiled tight with barely constrained tension, as if part of him was on constant alert to the goings on in the house.  So, rather than argue with him, she told him she understood.  He’d smiled then, pleased she hadn’t fought him, ruffling the hair on her head and telling her to get some sleep and that they’d talk more later.  She’d rolled her eyes at him and swatted his hand away then went back to studying as he slipped silently from her room.  

Now, as she looked at the unkempt features of Giles, she had to wonder how serious this latest episode was of Buffy’s.  

“Oh…good morning, Dawn!  I didn’t see you there.”  

“Hey, Giles.  How’s it going?  We’ve got you in your old room, by the way.”  

“Thanks…that’s…I’ll just get settled with my things then, and join you in a bit.”  

“That’s ok.  Get some sleep.  You look like you could use it.  I’m just going to go lie on the couch and watch some TV.  Do you need any help with those,” she asked, gesturing to his two suitcases.  

“No…no.  I’ve got them. Right…erm, I’ll just be heading up then.  Overnight flight and all.”  

Dawn watched a moment as Giles made his way up to the second level until he disappeared out of sight down the hall.  Seeing him had just increased her worry, but she had to trust Spike and Giles to know what they were doing.  With her cup of coffee in hand, she walked through the foyer to the living room and cut on the TV.   

~*~*~*~*~  

Giles climbed the stairs to the second level and walked wearily down the hall to the room across from Buffy and Spike.  He wasn’t the least bit surprised when the door to her room abruptly opened and Spike’s own haggard features peeked out of the room.  

“Spike,” he greeted, coming to a stop in front of the door to his borrowed room.  

“Hey, Rupes.”  

“Is Buffy…”  

“Upstairs.  Locked in the training room and won’t come out.  Says it’s not safe to be around the others…as if I’d let her cause them any harm.”  He shook off his anger, running a hand through his disheveled hair.  Spike was frustrated and tired, unable to sleep since the slayer had slipped from his arms, run to the third floor and locked herself inside.  He’d not bothered chasing after her…there was no talking to her like this – even if he was her sire.  Instead, he’d paced the confines of their bedroom for the remainder of the night as he waited for the watcher to arrive.  

“Yes, I rather imagine she would.  She never did like to lean on anyone, and she’ll see this as a failure on her part.  Here she is, supposed to be the new ‘Slayer mom’ for lack of a better word, and yet she’s trying to kill them. Best let her be for now, work things out in that head of hers.”  

“It’s the vampire demon, Rupert.  ’S too pure to settle for anythin’ less than human blood…or sire’s blood.  ’Ve got no problem being her bloody tap, but ’m not always gonna be there.  You’re gonna hafta tell ‘er.  She’s gotta give up the animal stuff…it just encourages her demon to rebel until she completely loses control.  She won’ listen to me.  Maybe comin’ from you, she’ll see she’s only exacerbatin’ the situation.”  

“I’ll have a talk with her before you both leave.  What time is Angel arriving?”  

“He’s not.  He’s sent the jet for us.  Prolly left just after I hung up with him, so it should be here sometime this evening.”  

“Good, that’ll give me a chance to get settled in here and sleep for a few hours.  Bloody red-eyes are insufferable.  Didn’t sleep a wink the entire trip.  You look like you could use some rest as well.  And don’t argue with me.  You’re not going to help the slayer if you’re not up to peak form yourself.”  

Leaving the vampire no chance at rebuking him, Giles lifted his cases and slipped inside his room.  Not bothering with the bags for now, he stripped down to his underwear and slipped between the cool sheets and was asleep in moments.  

Spike stared at the closed door and let out an involuntary sigh.  His eyes lifted unconsciously towards the ceiling, trying to discern the slayer’s whereabouts.  He knew she was up there, sensing her presence with his nose.  But, she’d still not opened the portal of their claim, he still couldn’t tell what emotions were running rampant through her mind.  He glanced back in the room towards the unmade bed – there was no way he was going to sleep in it without her.  

Their bedroom door clicked softly as he pulled it shut behind him, and he marched with determined stride towards the end of the hall and the stairs that would carry him to the third floor.  Halfway up the steps, he felt her.  She’d obviously fallen asleep, and with her guard down, once more their link had been established.  Even in sleep, she was restless and hurting and Spike vowed he’d break the door down to reach her if he had to.  

His hand upon the doorknob barely made a sound as he checked to see if it was still locked.  Spike cursed under his breath when he noticed that it was, indeed, still locked, and he barely paused before using his strength and twisting the piece of metal off in his hand, cringing slightly when the other half clattered to the floor.  

Opening the door, he noticed she hadn’t stirred from her place beneath the weapons on the wall.  Maybe it was because she sensed no danger, or she was just too tired right now to hear the slight noise, but Buffy continued to doze, oblivious to his presence in the room.  

Spike debated as to whether to scoop the slayer in his arms and carry her back to their room, or just slip in behind her on the floor.  He eyed the hard surface with distaste, knowing his answer.  The path of least resistance.  Lying down beside her, his chest erupting with a soothing rumbling sound, he pulled her back into his arms, relieved when she offered up no resistance.  She’d fallen asleep crying, her partially undried tears staining the front of his shirt as he held her close.  The soft vibrations emanating from his chest continued to offer comfort as his hands ran lightly down her hair and back.  Eventually, his motions stilled and he, too, drifted off to sleep.  

~*~*~*~*~  

Buffy woke and knew that she was held tight in her lover’s arms.  Spike.  Her sire.  She could feel his worry for her, yet it was eclipsed by his love.  So deep and honest, it nearly overwhelmed her with its intensity, and she couldn’t prevent her arms from squeezing him close as she nuzzled his chest.  In answer, the sounds increased, rushing over her enhanced senses, the comforting sound easing her in a way his words had been unable.  

“I love you, Sire,” she whispered softly.  “I’m sorry I…”  

Before she could complete her thought, she found herself on her back, penetrating blue eyes shocking her with their intensity as they stared down at her.  

Lying on his side, weight supported on one arm, Spike leaned in to caress her face with his free hand.  “Nothing to be sorry for, pet,” he told her, his fingers tracing her smooth brow, cheekbone and jaw, before lowing his head and claiming her lips in a tentative kiss, merely brushing back and forth across her mouth.  

Buffy attempted to lift her head and increase the pressure, but his hand held her in place, allowing him to continue with his gentle seduction.  Relaxing back against the floor, she let him set the pace to their reunion, and nearly wept as his tender touch left her mouth to trail a cool path towards her ear.  Her eyes filled with unshed tears as he made love to her, using nothing more than lips, tongue and hand.  

Spike’s hand left her face where it had been cupping her jaw to slide down her frame and slip beneath her shirt.  His fingers caused her stomach muscles to clench as they slowly worked their way up to the lace-covered mound.  He easily undid the front clasp of her bra and moved one silky cup to the side so his hand could knead her bare flesh.  

She tried to lie passively in his arms, as he worked his magic upon her body, but the feel of him tweaking her nipple, rolling it between his thumb and forefinger was too much for her to take…  

“Spike,” she begged as she arched up into his hand.  

“Mmmm… so responsive,” he murmured as his body slid down her so that his mouth could lave attention to her other peak.  He settled himself between her legs, shoving her shirt out of the way and freeing her breasts to his gaze.  As the one hand continued its nerve-wracking attention to one breast, his mouth lowered to the other, his teeth clamping on the red scrap of material that hid the other from him.  Finally unencumbered, his tongue darted out to circle the areola, drawing a ragged moan from his childe.  

“Like that, pet,” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper, but loud enough for her to hear him and ground out a hissed, “yes.”  Followed by a ragged, “more.”  Spike didn’t disappoint; sucking on her puckered nipple, or swirling his tongue over the malleable flesh – no part of her was left untouched.  Driving her crazy like this, slowly, as if he had all the time in the world, was having an effect on him.  His cock was straining against his jeans, desperate to be inside her, sliding in and out of her slick passage as her muscles squeezed him tight.  

But, now was not the time.  For one thing, they were upstairs in the training room.  And, with the doorknob now broken, providing no means of privacy, it wasn’t the place to finish what they had started.  

Buffy nearly cried out in despair when he lifted his head from hers and moved to set her clothes to rights.  Her body was strung so tight from his brief foreplay that she would go mad if she didn’t get some kind of relief.  And fast.  Her mouth turned down in a becoming pout, one she knew her lover was powerless to resist, and she smiled happily when he sucked her bottom lip into his mouth.  Used the opportunity to pull him flush against her body.  

“Minx!” he growled, although, not upset in the least.  “Come on.  Let’s finish this in our room.  Don’ feel much like puttin’ on a show right now.  Your girls can find out about sex on their own.”  

Buffy cheered somewhat that he was just postponing their fun for a different locale and not ending it entirely, as had been her first thought.  She allowed herself to be pulled to her feet and led down to the second level.  She glared at him over her shoulder as he urged her towards their room with a smack to her backside, telling her he’d be up in a minute and that he was grabbing them something to eat.  Knowing better than to tell him she wasn’t hungry, she rubbed her abused posterior and marched off towards her room.   

Spike watched her walk away, until she slipped inside their room and shut the door.  Only then did he resume his steps and continue down the flight of stairs to make his way towards the kitchen.  Several girls were in the room, in various stages of making lunch, and he greeted them as he moved to get his two large mugs of blood.  Lifting four packets, two for each mug, he eyed the remaining bags, and silently vowed they’d all be consumed before they left tonight – even if he had to force them down her throat.  When the microwave dinged, he retrieved the containers, mumbling a goodbye as he left the young slayers to their meal.  

~*~*~*~*~  

Spike was still in the shower when there was a knock at their bedroom door.  Buffy knew who it was before she even opened it, revealing the concerned features of her watcher.  Her eyes filled with tears as she waited for his disappointment in her to manifest itself in his gaze, and she was somewhat surprised when he did nothing more than open his arms to her.  She flew over the threshold and eagerly accepted the hug, nearly crushing him with her combined strength, but too scared to let go.  Buffy didn’t even mind that Spike had probably set her up for this confrontation with her watcher…she was just happy she hadn’t somehow failed him.  

“Why don’t we go downstairs to the office and talk,” Giles urged.  He looked down to see his charge nod against his chest as she attempted to get her emotions under control.  After a few moments, she pulled away and preceded him down the hall towards her office.  

~*~*~*~*~  

Rome
10:30 p.m. local time  

Spike’s claws gripped the plush chair arms as the Lear jet soared into the clear night sky on its return trip to LA.  He didn’t mind flying, it was just the takeoffs and landings that he could do without.  Beside him, Buffy sat staring off out the window, the full moon illuminating her features, outlining her drawn face.  In her hand was the red axe she’d used to aide her in defeating the Turok-han in Sunnydale.  Her hand gripped the shaft unusually hard, and he had to wonder what it was she was so worried about that she needed to bring the weapon with her.  

When she’d raced down the steps, the weapon held in a fighter’s grip, neither he nor Giles had asked about it.  She’d not even looked at them as she strode out the front door, leaving behind a hurt Niblet and a confused watcher.  But, the look in her eyes hadn’t invited a confrontation over the behavior towards Dawn.  Giving her the reassurances Buffy couldn’t, Spike pulled the dark-haired girl into a brief hug, whispering his and her sister’s love in her ear.  He wasn’t surprised when she pulled away crying to rush up to her own room.  While she fully understood their need to do this alone, it didn’t mean that she wasn’t upset at not being able to come along.  

“Watcher,” Spike said, extending his hand to the surprised fellow British man.  Giles clasped it in his own, the two staring at each other as the looks conveyed a silent request and response.  With a nod of his head, their handshake fell away, and they became two men, uncomfortable with their brief show of feelings.  “You’ll look out for the ‘Bit.”  

It was a statement, not a question.  

Rather than take offense, Giles just assured him he would.  

“Tell the ‘Bit…tell her if we’re not back in a few weeks…if she wants to come over for the break I’ll arrange for Angel to have her flown over.  Provided you come along, of course.”  

“Of course.  I’ll let her know when she… erm, comes back downstairs,” Giles replied.  He glanced out the open door towards where Buffy sat waiting inside the taxi that would take them to the Leonardo di Vinci airport.  “You’ll…uh…look after her.  She shouldn’t give you any trouble with feeding, although, I suspect you’re going to become quite the pincushion.”  

Giles flushed when he realized the implied meaning of the words, but glossed over his embarrassment with a vigorous wiping of his already clean lenses.  

“Erm, yes, well… Buffy and I had a talk.”  At that, Spike quirked his brow at the other.  Both knew how “talks” with Buffy went.  Giles coughed then continued. “Anyway, I told her that she was going to have to get past the whole human blood thing.  I explained in no uncertain terms that the only way for her to remain in control of her demon was for her to drink human blood.  She didn’t like it, but she’ll do it.  I’ll keep researching on my end, see if I can offer you more information.”  

The watcher glanced over Spike’s shoulder one more time, as if to confirm that Buffy was indeed out of earshot.  Even so, he still managed his next question in nothing more than a whisper.  “Did she say why she needed the axe?”  

“No.  But I bet it had somethin’ to do with what Lorne told ‘er.”  

“The seer?”

“Yeah.”  

“When did this happen?  And, why am I just now hearing about it?  You have to…”  

“Easy, Rupert.  She wouldn’t tell me about it either, and with everything else that happened since we’ve been back, I haven’ had a chance to ask her about it yet.”  

“Well, just see that you do, and I expect nightly reports.”  

“Yes, da…”  

Giles rolled his eyes at the blond-headed vampire.  “You better get out there.  Be safe.  Tell Angel and the others I said hello.” 

Spike had assured the other that he would, then he’d left the others behind and made his way towards his mate, slipping into the back seat of the taxi and taking her hand in his.  Both were silent on the short ride to the airport.  

That had been over an hour ago.  And, now that they’d leveled out, he had to wonder what he was letting himself in for…  

~*~*~*~*~  

Los Angeles
8:30 a.m. local time  

Spike was beyond tired when they exited the jet and stepped into the waiting limo tucked inside their private hangar.  Although technically the clock said only ten hours had passed since they’d left Rome, with all of the time changes, they’d actually been in the air almost twenty.  Right now, he wanted nothing more than to crawl in bed with Buffy and sleep for twenty-four hours straight.  Pulling Buffy into his arms, he leaned his head back against the headrest and closed his eyes while the limo drove them to Wolfram & Hart.  

Twenty minutes later, the vehicle came to a stop in the underground parking garage below the LA law offices, and Spike gently shook the slayer awake telling her that they’d arrived.  They clambered out of the car, legs unsteady after sitting for so long, pausing outside the elevators to allow the driver to insert the key that would take them to the upper levels and Angel’s office.  

The two blonds were surprised that Angel wasn’t there to greet them as they stepped off the elevator.  He had to have known that they were here, his controlling personality no doubt wanting to be kept appraised of his childers’ whereabouts. Spike had tried to call himself, like Angel had asked, but had gotten nothing but the incessant ringing in his ear.  He just hoped the pilot had been able to alert him of their impending arrival.  

Spike clasped Buffy’s hand in his as he moved to where Harmony sat behind the receptionist’s desk answering the phones; her other hand held the axe lightly against her shoulder.  Angel’s receptionist seemed surprised to see them so soon; his name shouted loud enough that everyone in the area stopped what they were doing for a moment to glance at the blond vampiress. 

“Harmony…where’s Peaches?”  

“Uh…I think he’s in bed.  He hasn’t been in his office since yesterday morning.  I can’t believe he didn’t tell me you guys were here.  I would have made sure your room was ready.  So not my fault if it isn’t…hey, Buffy!” she rattled on.  

Buffy just gave the airhead a slight smile, too tired to deal with her overly cheerful personality.   

“It’s fine, I’m sure.  Can’t have been too much to do since we just left here a few days ago.”  

He walked off, pulling the slayer behind him, as he moved towards Angel’s office and the private elevator that would take them to his suite of rooms.  Something wasn’t right.   

All was quite as the doors swished open directly into his grandsire’s room, and Spike led Buffy towards the bedroom.  When they pushed open the door, shocked gasps escaped their lips before Buffy pulled away from him and used the stake end of her axe to spear the creature sucking on Angel’s stomach.  It screeched in pain and she ripped it off him, throwing it towards the other part of the room.  As it flew towards her, she swung her axe in a smooth arc and easily cleaved the thing in two.  

The two blonds stared at the split halves and wondered what the hell it was that had been sucking on the dark-haired vamp. 

“Buffy?  Spike?  Wha?”  

Buffy dropped the axe and scrambled onto the bed, pulling Angel’s head in her lap to soothe him and herself.  Spike wasn’t jealous in the least, knowing that she thought of his grandsire as family now, her worry for the elder vamp a given because of his new status.  He moved to stand beside the bed, reassuring the slayer as she continued to fret over the dark-haired vamp.  

“Well…now I know why you didn’t answer your phone.  And, where the hell is everyone?  How come no one has been up to check on you?  If we hadn’t come back, who knows how long you would have been like this.”  The more he thought about it, the angrier Spike got, until Buffy left the bed and had to soothe him, only to be shook off as he continued to pace.  She just rolled her eyes and went back and sat next to Angel on the bed.  

“Spike…” Angel began, trying to placate the younger vampire before he got too worked up.  

“I mean, bloody hell, it’s not like you can keep your broody self out of other people’s business.  They had to know you’d be up and about when we came back…”  

“Will!”  

“What!”  

“’M fine, so quit yer fussin’.  Now, be a good lad and get me somethin’ to drink. ‘N call the others in here.  See if they can figure out what that thing is.” The emotion in his voice that the younger vampire was worried on his behalf producing that Irish burr he’d spent years burying.  

Spike swallowed the retort he’d been about to voice, and stalked off to do as his sire requested, returning promptly with a full mug of blood.  A few moments later, there was a knock at the bedroom door, and he left the bedroom to go open the door to see Gunn, Wes, Fred, and Lorne standing outside, their expressions showing their concern.  Upon returning to Angel’s bedroom, he found him sitting up in bed, weak but recovering; Buffy had moved off the bed and was sitting on a chair next to it, her axe back in her possession.  The others followed behind him, Wes and Fred going immediately to the blue creature where Buffy had let it fall on the floor.  

Walking over to where his mate sat, Spike pulled her to her feet so he could sit down and pull her back onto his lap.  He was bone-tired, but couldn’t leave just yet and seek his bed.  He needed to hear what that thing was, and if they could expect any more of the same…  

~*~*~*~*~  

Angel watched as his team let themselves out of his room, with assurances to get back to him as soon as possible.  The door shut on the last person, and his eyes immediately sought out the two blond vampires sound asleep in the chair beside his bed.  That Spike had fallen asleep in his presence spoke volumes…told him that for all his outward appearances, the younger vampire trusted Angel to keep him safe while his guard was down.  

And, that was something that he couldn’t or wouldn’t forget.  

~*~*~*~*~

Chapter 4

“Stop it…both of you,” she told them. Her head was bowed so that she was unable to see them.  But she knew.  Knew they were staring at her.  Like some lab rat under a microscope. 

Lifting her head from the magazine, Buffy fixed her gaze on the two men clustered by the desk.  One sitting behind the massive structure, the other with his hip perched on its edge.  It was that one that gave her a snarky look, scarred brow quirking as if guessing her pique and daring her to call him on it. 

“Don’t think I don’t know what you’re doing,” Buffy grouched, eyes narrowing intently.   

The two vampires shared a look, neither having said a word in the last five minutes, although their pointed glances and silent gesturing had communicated their concern for the slayer, and what, if anything, they could do to help her get through this latest trial. 

“Wot?” Spike questioned. 

“I can practically hear the conversation floating around in both of your heads.”  Her voice changed to a saccharine-sweet pitch.  “Poor Buffy…what can we do? We need to research this.  Find out why she keeps losing it around the slayers.”  Her voice returned to normal and she continued with her rant.  “Look, I’m feeding, aren’t I?  And, no episodes the last few days.  I want to go home.” 

“You don’t like it here?”  This from Angel.  The tone of his voice unable to completely mask his hurt. 

Buffy tossed the magazine aside, rising to her feet in one fluid motion to cross the office and stand before her family. 

“It’s not that, Angel.  You know we enjoyed ourselves over the holidays.  Spike and I…both of us…we loved the visit.  It’s just…this place…can’t you feel it?  Pulsing all around you?” 

Both vampires looked at her questioningly. 

“Evil…almost like The First.  Manipulating us…Don’t tell me you can’t feel it!”  

“Can’t say that I do, luv,” Spike replied.  However, he did sense her anxiety, and reached out and pulled her between his legs to hold her close.  Buffy relaxed in his arms, laying her head against his chest, her head turned towards Angel.  She could see the confusion and wariness in his gaze, and felt a little better that she’d managed to get him thinking. 

“If we hadn’t come back, who knows what might have happened to you, Angel.” 

“She’s got a point, mate.” 

“This place breeds evil.  It’s just a matter of time before it starts affecting us.  We should just go…leave this place…go back to Rome.” 

“I can’t, Buffy.  I’ve got…there’s things you don’t know…things I can’t tell you about.  It’s complicated.  You’re just gonna have to trust me for now,” Angel told her. 

The slayer just closed her eyes and hugged her mate tight, nodding as she resigned herself to staying here.  In Los Angeles.  She’d done her best to break the chain of events Lorne had foretold, but fate didn’t seem to be cooperating at all.  At least she’d been able to get to Fred and just prayed the Texan had heeded her warning.   

Maybe she could do the same for the rest of it. For them… 

~*~*~*~*~ 

“What do you mean it didn’t work?”  

“Just what I’m saying.  I had all his little minions working on something else, keeping them distracted from their boss.  But, then they came back.” 

“They?” 

“Spike…and Buffy.  From what I’ve heard, she came in and sliced the thing in two.  Apparently, Fred and Wesley are going over the remains in the lab.  It’s just a matter of time before they start piecing things together.  They didn’t see me, but they’ll connect the dots soon enough.” Eve leaned up on her elbow, gazing down at her lover, her brow marred with concern.  “When are you going to be ready to implement your plan?”  

Lindsey wrapped his arms around the petite brunette and hauled her on top of his bare frame.  He brushed her hair behind her ears, the gentle touch oddly misplaced on him. 

“Don’t worry, baby.  Even with the blond pest and his girlfriend back, they’re gonna be no match for our little secret weapon.” He kissed her, just a mere brush of his lips across hers.  A gentle caress meant to soothe.  “Inside a week we’ll be ready to show our hand.  You just go back to the offices and lay low. Kay?” 

Eve nodded, happy that all wasn’t lost now that the two blond vampires were back in the fold.  Her fingers reached out to caress the markings on her lover’s bare chest, soon forgetting about Angel and the others as Lindsey rolled her beneath him and began nibbling on her ear. 

~*~*~*~*~ 

“What have you got, Wes?” Angel asked the former watcher. 

“It was a Selminth parasite. Its teeth inject an anesthetic, making the host oblivious to its presence. You'd never know you had it on you. Pumps neurotoxins into the body causing paralysis, hallucinations, fever dreams.” 

“And if we hadn’t shown up,” Buffy interjected from her seat on Angel’s right. 

“He would have been stuck in a permanent vegetative state.” 

Spike prowled around behind his grandsire, upset with where this train of conversation was going.  He wished he had a cigarette in his hand, but Angel had been adamant about his office and the boardroom adjoining it – where they were all currently ensconced – remaining a smoke-free zone.  The blond headed vamp was ready to put his fist through the wall.  That someone had dared to hurt Angel.  And, here. 

Right here in his own stronghold. 

If Buffy hadn’t had her little episode, he shuddered to think what might have happened.  He came to a stop behind his elder, his eyes flashing yellow as he took in the others in the room.  Gunn, Wes, Fred, and Lorne all had problems meeting his gaze; Buffy just rolled her eyes at her mate while hiding a smile – pleased with Spike’s outrage.  It meant that he was softening in his attitude towards his sire.   

Buffy was sure that once he realized what he was doing, he’d excuse his behavior away…somehow.  But, she knew.   

“Guess it was a right good thing we showed up when we did,” Spike ground out to Angel’s team members. “’Twer’nt for me and the slayer showin’ up when we did, who knows what might have happened.  I mean really…” 

“Will…” Angel growled just loud enough for the other vampire to hear. 

Spike glanced down at his grandsire, still upset on his behalf.  He pointed at the others, turning on the elder vamp to rid himself of his worry.  His rage.  “They’re your gang.  They should know your habits.  An’ you sleepin’ for days at a time should have set off some type of warning signal.  They shoulda’…” 

“That’s enough, Spike.  It’s over.”  The dark-haired vamp’s voice softened then, taking the sting out of his words and conveying his pleasure at his childe’s ire on his behalf.  “You guys got to me in time, so let it go.  ‘M fine…What we need to concentrate on is who might have done it.” 

“Well, I didn’t detect any new scent.  Who has access to your private rooms?” Buffy asked. 

“Everyone in here.  Cleaning staff, personally vetted by me.  Eve…EVE!  She was in one of my dreams, actually had the thing in her hands.  I’d put it out of my head, because I assumed it was just another dream that I was having.  But…it had to be her!” 

“She’s dead,” Spike growled. 

“Now hold on,” Gunn interjected.  “You go in there half-cocked, there’s gonna be hell to pay.  You don’t get to be the liaison to the senior partners without some serious juice.” 

“Sod off, pup.  ‘S family business.” 

“Hey…don’t get mad at me.  I’m just interjecting a little rational thought into the conversation, or what passes for one,” Gunn defended. 

“I think I liked you better when you just wanted to hit people,” Angel complained. 

“Yeah, well, someone has to be the brains behind the brawn now.  And, it looks like my position was given away,” Gunn replied, looking at both Spike and Buffy huddled near Angel. 

“Fine…we’ll play this your way for now.  But, I want her watched.  I want to know every move she makes inside this law firm.” 

“It’ll be tough—” 

“Just do it,” Angel growled. 

“Wait a minute. So, we're not going to snap Twiggy into little sticks?” Lorne inquired, just catching on to the gist of the conversation.  

“Gunn’s right.  Although, I’m certain beyond a shadow of a doubt it was Eve that planted that thing in my room…on me. I don’t have proof.  And, right now, I can’t take on the senior partners to have her removed.  But, we’re on to her.  It’s just a matter of time before she slips up and we become wise to her game.  For now, we watch…and wait.” 

~*~*~*~*~ 

Buffy was in their suite’s kitchen fixing a mug of blood, both Spike and Angel sitting on the couch arguing good-naturedly over what to watch – when she felt a stillness come over her.  Putting the mug down before she dropped it, she stretched her senses and allowed whatever it was she was feeling to wash over her.

Twitching… 

Weak… 

Bound… 

Straining…have to get free. 

They can’t hurt me…won’t let him…them hurt me anymore… 

Metal door… 

Pounding…pounding… 

Free. 

Revenge. 

Blood. 

Buffy shook herself free from the images and shot out their bedroom door, oblivious to the shouts of both her mate and Angel.  Not bothering with the elevators, she raced for the stairs, her feet a blur as she flew down the numerous flights of steps.  Her only thought to reach her girl before she did more damage. 

~*~ 

The two male vampires eyed one another for a brief second before clamoring to their feet and dashing towards the open door and Buffy.  Caught completely off guard by the slayer’s abrupt change in attitude, they watched helplessly as she easily left them in the dust.  Spike had a moment to catch Buffy’s panic before being closed off to her.  The door to her emotions slamming shut just as quickly as she’d departed their company. 

“Bloody hell!  She’s done it again!  Fuck!” Spike roared as he raced after her.  The two had just passed the door’s threshold, trying to determine which way the slayer went. 

Spike pointed left, towards the door that led to the stairs. 

“What the hell just happened?” Angel demanded as the two raced after Buffy. 

“Dunno.  One minute, everything’s fine and dandy.  Then, a moment of panic, like she was scared or something…then nuthin’.” 

They slammed out of the staircase door on the ground floor, the sudden bang of metal against the wall causing several people to jump in fright thinking a gun had gone off.  Once outside the main glass doors, Spike paused for a moment, sniffing the air to pick up a trace of the slayer. 

“This way,” he announced, pointing towards the seedier side of downtown LA.  Angel just nodded, matching the other vampire step for step. 

~*~*~*~*~ 

Buffy wasn’t familiar with the layout of LA, but she knew, instinctively, to head towards the docks, the warehouse district.  To get there, she just followed her nose until the scent of stale fish and seawater assaulted her nostrils, not slowing her pace until she’d gained her destination. 

Senses attuned to the slightest disturbance along the warehouse waterfront, she walked slowly along the street, a predator stalking its prey.  Only, not prey, one of her own.  A slayer.  Abused and tormented at an early age, the girl’s recent awakening to her new status was too much for her brain to handle.  Buffy could practically feel the girl’s fear and confusion. 

At a deserted building, the slayer paused.  She eyed the structure, assessing the different flavors that wafted in front of her.  Something…an innate rightness told her that this was where she was.  Easily breaking the lock, she cautiously made her way inside.  She allowed her demon features to come to the fore, enabling her to effortlessly find her way about the near pitch-black interior. 

After a quick circuit of the lower level reveled nothing, the slayer made her way towards the stairs.  The creaking steps were a dead giveaway to her approach, but it couldn’t be helped.  At least this way, the girl wouldn’t be startled by her presence.   When she crested the top, Buffy was surprised to see the girl standing calmly in the corner waiting for her.  Not saying anything, her body was tensed in anticipation of danger. 

Wearing a plaid shirt over a nondescript tank and a pair of pants, she looked like a second-hand store refugee.  The wicked saw she held loosely from her hand belied the skill she possessed wielding the instrument. 

“It’s ok now.  You’re safe,” Buffy told the girl, her voice soft in an attempt to calm the other’s emotions. 

It didn’t work.  No sooner had the words left the blond slayer’s mouth than the other attacked, arm raised as she brandished her weapon expertly. 

Buffy easily evaded the girl’s charge.  After all, she had Spike for a sparring partner, and her twisted mate never went easy on her…not that she wanted him to or anything.  It made dealing with distractions like this – and the dark-haired slayer, for all her power and strength, was nothing more than a trying nuisance against her skill – just a workout.  The biggest challenge was for Buffy not to harm the girl while disarming her at the same time.  It required a certain finesse… 

The girl went sailing into the wall, momentarily stunned from the impact, glancing back at her vampire adversary with evil intent.  Shaking herself off, she charged the blond headed demon, intent on her kill.  Again, before her saw could make contact, her wrist was grasped, and she found herself flipped ass over end, losing her weapon in the process.  No matter.  She was a weapon in and of itself.  A killing machine.  Gifted with skills made to take out the thing that stood so calmly before her.  The smile she gave her adversary was in no way meant to be welcome. 

As the two women began exchanging punches and kicks, timed so perfectly their moves appeared choreographed, Spike and Angel chose that moment to barge in the warehouse and race up the stairs. 

~*~ 

Spike reached the top of the steps, his blue eyes taking in the scene at a glance, and he visibly relaxed.  His girl was a sight to see, engaged in hand-to-hand combat with another slayer.  Poetry in motion, he thought, smirking as the clichéd thought crossed his mind.  But, it was true.  She was the ultimate dance partner, her true talent able to shine through whenever her opponents bore even a tenth of her skill. 

Realizing the slayer had everything in hand, he relaxed against the wall and watched the show, confident as to the outcome.  When Angel made to interrupt his girl’s dance, he put a restraining hand on his grandsire’s arm, halting his intent. 

“Wot?  She’ll be fine.  Wouldn’t be sporting to interrupt her before she’s finished her number.  And, ‘m nothin’ if not a gentleman.”  Spike ruined the moment by flashing in trademark smirk.  Angel just rolled his eyes, but did as the younger vampire requested and leaned against the wall to watch Buffy battle with the unknown slayer. 

In the end, it was no contest.  For all the girl’s gifted ability, she had no discipline, no training.  Just raw talent that was no match against Buffy.  The dark-haired slayer made a desperate attempt to take out her rival, but Buffy easily countered the move, pinning the girl to the floor with an unbreakable hold.  Angel, seeing that it was over, pulled out his cell phone and called the office. 

“I need a cleanup crew, and something to transport a slayer,” Angel barked into the phone to one of his security leaders.  

“No!” Buffy barked, eyes flashing yellow in defiance. 

Angel couldn’t prevent his features from shifting at her tone, a menacing growl emanating from his throat.  Spike pushed away from the wall, his body suddenly alert; although, he made no move to interfere.  

“She’s mine.  She belongs to me.  Call Giles.  He’ll know what to do.”  Buffy looked down at the defeated slayer, broken in more ways than just losing the fight.  Her voice softened, almost pleading with her elder. “She’s…she’s been through enough.  It’s time for her to rest.  Giles can give her that.  Better than anything you could do at Wolfram and Hart.” 

“Alright, Buffy.  We’ll do it your way.  But, there’s no way we’re moving her without her being sedated.  I’ll not risk…” 

“Fine.” 

Before the astonished eyes of the two male vampires, she lowered her fangs to the slayer’s neck and bit into her pale flesh.  Spike’s demonic visage couldn’t be contained as the scent of slayer blood slammed into his senses.  Watching his mate drink from the slayer, even if it was only to incapacitate her…bloody hell! 

Spike’s cock strained against his jeans, his arousal almost instantaneous.  He licked his lips in anticipation of feasting from his childe, knowing that tonight they’d be lucky if they got any sleep at all. 

The slayer finally began to lose consciousness, and Buffy quickly removed her fangs, licking at the wounds on the other slayer’s neck to stem the flow of blood.  After having a taste of the girl, she was surprised she’d been able to stop, and so easily.  Her blood was marvelous, almost as good as her sire’s. 

Her head lifted, eyes instinctively seeking out those of her mate’s.  The smell of slayer blood suddenly overwhelmed by that of Spike’s arousal.  Her eyes glittered, promising of delights to be had once they were back home, the slayer safely tucked away until Giles could send for her. 

Crawling off the girl’s back, she bent down and easily lifted her lax form into her arms, carrying her like a mother would a babe. 

‘You’ll find your peace, my girl.  I promise.’ 

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