Chapter 8

If Doyle weren’t halfway down the block by now, Spike would have rushed out the front door and chased after the half-demon, demanding the git fix whatever problem was keeping him here.  He did not want to have to relive history, he’d gotten used to the modern conveniences of his time…say, electricity and drive in movies – although, those were a rare commodity nowadays.   

Tamping down his frustration, he whirled away from the front door and strode deeper into the townhouse, leaving behind a thoroughly shocked butler.  What he needed to do right now was get mind numbingly drunk then sleep the day away.  He refused to look on the bright side of things – a slayer on tap; the title the Powers had thrust upon him to mollify him for being stuck here (because hey, they had only done it to ensure the safety of their slayer); the camaraderie of his fellow family members, even if they were just minions; unlimited resources to tap; the ability to travel – no…he refused to dwell on the positives.  Because, then, he may actually not mind being stuck here.  And, that was what had him grabbing the first decanter he came to and swilling half the contents before he even made his way towards the desk.  He refused to be happy about being stuck in the past. 

~*~*~*~*~ 

Giles wasn’t surprised to see Angel, Xander, Willow, and Cordelia at the library when he finally made his way back there.  Ethan had managed to vanish while Giles had broken the statue of Janus; he’d spent the last several hours trying to comb the city for a trace of him, to no avail.

“Where’s Buffy,” he asked as he walked through the double doors, allowing them to swing closed silently behind him.  His question was met with silence. 

He watched as the four traded looks in silence as they sat around one of the tables, unsure as to who would be the one to tell him the bad news.  And, surely, it had to be bad news if the grim expression on Angel and Xander’s faces were any indication. 

“What is it? What’s happened?” 

“We’re not sure, Giles,” Xander spoke up.  “One minute we’re being held hostage by a bunch of mini-demons and Buffy’s being bitten by some bleached-haired vamp.” 

“Spike,” Angel added. 

“Yeah…Well…the next thing we know, the demons are kids crying for their mommy and Buffy is just…gone.” 

“Gone?” Giles questioned, confused. 

“Yes…gone…as in vanished…disappeared.” 

“He’s right,” Angel added. “I combed over every inch of that warehouse for their scent.  The trail led to where Spike had Buffy pinned up against a crate…and then…nothing.   The scent just disappeared.” 

Giles took off his glasses and began rubbing them furiously with a handkerchief he pulled from his pants pocket. 

“She’s not dead, is she Giles?” Willow questioned in a small voice. 

“Well…a…there’s one way to find out.” 

He crossed to the telephone nestled on the wall.  He picked up the handset and punched in several numbers by rote.   It took a moment for the international call to connect, then Giles heard a pleasant voice answer.  Since it was midnight in California, there would be someone in the office by now in London, even if it was a Saturday. 

“Hullo.” 

“Yes, this is…this is Rupert Giles.  I need to speak with Mr. Travers.” 

“Mr. Travers has yet to step into the office, Mr. Giles.” 

“Well, put me through to his home extension.  This is important.” 

“Yes sir, one moment.” 

Giles listened to a series of clicks then a sleepy voice answered, “This better be important.” 

“Uh… Mr. Travers.  It’s Rupert, Rupert Giles.” 

“Mr. Giles, what can I do for you so bright and early on the one day of the year I should be able to sleep in?”  It was customary for demons to take Halloween off, and the Watcher’s Council had come to appreciate the one morning that they were assured of no demon unrest in the world.  It had become an unofficial holiday among the Council. 

“It’s Buffy…has another slayer been called, by chance?” 

The urgent tone in Giles voice had the Head Watcher sitting upright in his bed. 

“What’s happened?” 

“Uh…we’re not quite sure, sir.   She’s missing.  I was trying to ascertain her condition in a rather…um, morbid way, I guess you could say.  But, I have my answer, I suppose.  You would have been notified if another slayer had been called, and since you know nothing about a new slayer, I can only assume she’s just missing, not dead.” 

“I’m sorry to have bothered you, sir,” he rambled on not allowing the Head Councilman to get a word in edgewise.  “We’ll…I’ll figure it out on this end.  Goodbye.” 

~*~ 

Giles hung up the phone before Travers could mention Kendra, the slayer that had been called when Buffy had briefly “died” several months ago at the hands of the master.  Travers listened to the dial tone in his ear a few moments before leaning over and calling the new slayer’s watcher.  If the Hellmouth was unguarded, the best place Kendra could be was in Sunnydale. 

~*~ 

“Well, she’s obviously still alive,” Giles announced as he turned back to the group.  Willow, Xander, and Cordelia were wearing identical expressions of shocked horror on their faces.   Angel was just scowling.  Maybe he should have been more private in his phone conversation, but he’d needed some quick answers, and finding out if a new slayer had been called was the quickest way to see if Buffy were still alive. 

“I’ll hit the streets, see if I can find out anything in the demon world.  If Spike has the slayer, news will travel fast there,” Angel announced as he pushed his way to his feet. 

“Very good.  Thank you, Angel,” Giles replied.  Angel just nodded and was gone, leaving the three students and the librarian alone in the room. 

“Xander? You, Willow, and Cordelia best be getting home now.  It’s after midnight and your parents will be worried.”

Cordelia rolled her eyes at that announcement. 

“That’s ok, Giles, we did the ‘round robin’.”  This from Willow. 

‘Round robin?  What did a bird have to do with anything?’ 

Seeing his confused expression, Willow elaborated, “You know, I tell my mom I’m staying at Buffy’s, Buffy tells her mom she’s staying at my house…round robin.”  She shrugged as if to say, ‘didn’t everyone know?’  Well, apparently not the older generation, which, now that she thought of it, was a good thing.  Or else, teenagers everywhere would be in so much trouble. 

“Oh… I see…Nevertheless, there’s not much you three can do right now.  So, off with you.” 

“I know I’m gonna shoot myself for saying this, but why don’t we go to my place?  And, if you tell anyone I said that, I’ll personally see to it that you both are marked as pariahs in school….Oh wait…, my bad. You already are,” Cordelia announced. 

“Don’t worry, Cordelia.  Your secret is safe with us, isn’t it Willow?  We know you’re just scared to walk home alone,” Xander antagonized. 

“Pfft, whatever!” Cordelia responded with a roll of her eyes.  She turned around and walked off haughtily, the skintight cat suit accentuating every curve as she moved. 

Willow trailed after the beauty queen, with Xander bringing up the rear. 

Giles watched them leave before going into his office and sitting in the chair behind his desk; a heavy sigh escaped his lips.  He sure hoped Angel would be able to find out something.  He feared the worst for his slayer. 

~*~*~*~*~ 

Elizabeth had spent the afternoon picking out bolts of material that would be made into various gowns she would be required to wear, as well as several cloaks she would need for the cool November weather.  When William had said spare no expense, he wasn’t just saying that.  The seamstress and her assistance had appeared to have an unending supply of colors and textures to choose from, and Elizabeth had been caught up into creating a complete new wardrobe. 

Then she had gotten word that he was leaving for London for a few days, and she couldn’t help but feel a little hurt that he was leaving so soon after their night together.  Sure, he had said that he’d never leave, and some part deep inside of her believed him.  But, it had hurt, nonetheless. 

When he had stormed into her room a little while later, she couldn’t help the sudden thrill that had raced through her body.  She wasn’t even conscious of his demon form until he’d cut her.   But when his tongue had darted out to lick the trail of blood from running down her chin she’d realized, and she hadn’t seemed to care.  After last night, she had no willpower where he was concerned, and man or demon, he just seemed to excite her. 

Shameful, true…and, she’d probably end up in hell over her sinful thoughts.  But, she just couldn’t seem to find it in herself to care. 

After he had stormed out of her room, she’d collapsed back on the bed, dazed from his intense lovemaking.  When her heart rate had returned to normal, she’d removed her gown and slipped into her nightgown before her maid could return.  She wanted to be tucked in bed so as to avoid the prying eyes of her servant.  She’d finally drifted off into slumber, only to dream about deep blue eyes that faded to amber. 

Elizabeth woke just as dawn made its presence felt behind the closed curtains of her bedroom.  Stretching languidly, her fingers came up to caress the healed marks on her neck.  The thought of how she’d received them brought a flush to her cheeks and a tingling between her legs.  Shaking off the sensation, she swung her legs over the side of the bed just as her maid knocked and entered her room. 

“Feel up to breakfast in the dining hall, m’lady?” 

“Yes, I think I should.  After spending all day yesterday stuck up in my room, I feel like exploring the grounds of my guardian.” 

“Very good, mistress.  I’ll have a bath drawn for you.” 

Elizabeth nodded and made quick use of the chamber pot tucked behind the folding screen while her maid was away.  She was back in a flash with several men carrying buckets of hot water to fill the tub.  When they were gone, Elizabeth climbed back out of bed and quickly disrobed, sinking in the steaming water. 

Her maid came over and lathered soap in her hair, giving it a thorough scrub before dumping a spare bucket of water over her head to rinse it through.  When she had been scrubbed clean, Elizabeth stood in the tub, allowing her maid to wrap her in a drying cloth. 

She stepped out of the tub and moved to sit in front of the vanity.  Her maid began brushing her hair, pulling it into an artful style on top of her head.  Then, they began the long process of getting dressed.  Elizabeth stood patiently as her maid added undergarments to her frame before tightening the corset around her slight figure.   

Elizabeth was thankful one of the first dresses the seamstress managed to finish was a day dress.  She could conceivably wear it until the early afternoon before needing to change into something more formal for dinner.  And, she could beg off from dining in the formal hall since her guardian was still in London, taking a tray in her room instead.  Maybe by tomorrow, she’d have something more seemly to wear.  She didn’t want to alienate the staff by hiding out in her room all the time.   However, she didn’t want to show how much of a pauper she had become since “arriving” back in London either.  She did have her pride, after all. 

She was jarred out of her dire straits when the corset squeezed like a vice around her ribcage, sucking the breath out of her in a silent whoosh.   

“Breath in, miss,” her maid urged. 

Elizabeth obliged, dutifully holding her breath while her maid pulled the laces tighter before securing them.  She tried to let out her breath but found herself unable to around the strict constraints of the corset.   Sighing softly, she waited for the soft lilac day dress to be lowered over her head and settled into place. 

Finally finished with her morning toilette, she left her bedroom to descend the stairs to the dining room for breakfast.  Again she fingered the marks on her neck, as if seeking the comforting presence of William.   She just hoped he concluded his business early and returned to her…she found herself missing him already.

Chapter 9

Several hours and many decanters later, Spike finally managed to consume enough alcohol to pass out drunk at his desk.  He’d ranted and raved – his study was testament to his rage.  He was also quite sure he’d managed to scare his butler to near death when the man had opened the door to enquire about the noise; he’d flown across the room so fast, slamming the door before the man even had a chance to get his foot in the room.

Since he’d growled that he didn’t want to be disturbed, no one had bothered him as he’d continued to curse the fates for conspiring to send him to the past with the slayer, the Slayer, of all people.  The bloody irony of a vampire being dependent on a vampire slayer was not lost on him.

So, he’d stormed around the confines of his study, careful to stay away from the curtained windows as he’d paced, until he’d finally slumped into the chair behind his desk, succumbing to the sleep-inducing liquor he’d swallowed.

~*~*~*~*~

He awoke at dusk, bleary-eyed.  Cursing himself for sleeping in a stiff chair when he could have been stretched out in a nice bed, Spike stood and yawned as he tried to ease the kinks from his body.

He glanced down at his slovenly attire and chuckled at the fuss his valet would likely make over the state of his dress.  He could get used to this; human servants were much better than minions.  Blind obedience.  Humans had it, minions had to be made to realize it. 

Spike crossed his study and opened the door.  He needed to get cleaned up.  If he guessed correctly, he’d be receiving a visitor shortly: one Mrs. Rothworth, the matronly vampiress.  He strode down the hallway towards the stairs that led to the upper rooms, hurried up the stairs, and let himself into the master suite.

He noticed a man standing next to a wardrobe.

“Travis?”

“Yes, m’lord,” the man answered as he turned around.

“Wait, you’re not Travis…” 

Spike was confused.  They looked the same; although, now that he was able to observe him closer, he saw that this one appeared a little older than his other valet.  Right…brothers.

“Yes, I am.”

“Right.  Sorry ‘bout that, had a little too much to drink, not quite right in the head at the moment.”

“Of course, m’lord.  Your plans for this evening?  Should I set out formal attire?”

“Hmmm…” he began, somewhat distractedly.  “No, I’m expecting a caller this evening.  A Mrs. Rothworth.  I’ll be leaving for Arundel Manor directly afterwards.”

“Very good, m’lord.”

Spike took a quick bath, dressed, and made his way back to his study to read over his correspondence while he waited for the soon-to-be slayer’s chaperone to arrive.  He eyed the stack of invitations that lay on his desk with disgust.  Apparently, word had spread from the club that he was back in London.  He flipped through the elegantly scrawled invites noting the various names and titles and realized there was no way he was going to be able to stay tucked away in the country indefinitely. 

There was no help for it, he and the slayer were going to have to open up the townhouse for the season.  He figured he had a week, two tops, before he needed to be back.  He scanned the pile of invitations, setting aside the ones he’d have his solicitor confirm attendance – mainly the ones of those ranking higher in title than he.  The others could wait.

That finished, he turned his attention to the other papers littering his desk, and he started working his way through those as he waited for his visitor.

~*~*~*~*~

About an hour later, Spike lifted his head at the soft knock on the door.

“A Mrs. Rothworth to see you, m’lord.  I’ve had her placed in the drawing room,” the butler announced as he let himself in to the study.

“I’ll be there directly.”

He quickly finished sorting the various piles of papers, leaving detailed instructions about the various business matters he wanted accomplished while he was gone.  He just prayed his solicitor would be able to follow his directions in his absence.  He also wrote down that he would be back in two weeks time and for the solicitor to present himself when he returned.  Spike wanted to take the man’s measure in person to see if he’d be able to fill the role.  If not, he’d have to start looking for a new one.

Standing, he made his way towards the vampirees that would be his slayer’s new chaperone.

~*~*~*~*~

‘Young,’ was the first thought that came to mind as he stepped into the room.  Not more than a few decades or so.

Sensing his presence, the older woman stood, dropping into a slight curtsy as he drew near.

“Lord Arundel,” she remarked.

“Mrs. Rothworth.”

“I understand you have need of a chaperone.”

“Yes.  Lady Summers, my ward.  She’s at Arundel Manor right now, but we’ll soon be returning to London for the season.  Obligations, and such.”

“Of course,” she murmured.

“I’m returning there this evening.  You can follow at a more leisurely pace in my carriage.  But, I’ll expect you no later than tomorrow evening.  We’ve a lot to get gone in the next two weeks.  Will this be a problem?”

“No, m’lord.  I’ll make arrangements with staff to be ready to leave at dusk tomorrow evening and should arrive at Arundel Manor later that night.”

“Very good.  I’ll leave you to it then.  I must be off.”

With another quick curtsy, Mrs. Rothworth left.  Spike watched her leave and left the room to find the butler.  He was traveling by horseback to Arundel Manor and he needed to let his butler know of his plans to return in a fortnight. 

Before he searched out the butler, Spike went to his valet and quizzed him on who in his London staff was aware that he was a vampire.

“Just myself, m’lord.  Usually, cook and the housekeeper follow where you go.  But, if you’re coming back to London for the season, they’ll probably leave beforehand to make sure everything is ready for your return.”

“And the butler?”

“Stevens, m’lord?”

“Yes, Stevens.  He’s…he doesn’t know?”

“No, m’lord.  Helps maintain the image?  Most ‘family’ functions are conducted in the country.  Safer that way, I s’pose.”

“Hmmm…very good.  I’ll be returning in a fortnight for the Duke of Sevring’s ball.  Make sure I’ve got something to wear, hmmm?  Oh, and in black.  None of those poncy colors that seem to be the rage of late.”

Spike left the valet and found Stevens.  He quickly explained what he wanted done in his absence, letting the man know that his cook and housekeeper would probably be descending on the townhouse in the next day or two. 

The butler assured him all would be as he demanded, leaving Spike with nothing to do but return to Arundel Manor. 

He stepped out front into the darkened sky and noticed his carriage waiting.  Tied to the back was a roan stallion stomping his foot impatiently. 

The driver came down from his perch as he noticed his master making his way down the walk.

“Good evening, m’lord.”

Spike untied the stallion and gained his seat.  The stallion pranced sideways eager to be off.  A few quick hand movements and a slight pressure of his knees quickly cooled the horse’s tantrum.  Patting his neck reassuringly, he spoke to the driver.

“I won’t be needing the carriage tonight.  Drive round to a Mrs. Rothworth’s residence and inquire as to when she will be ready to leave.  You’re to bring her out to Arundel Manor when she is ready.”

“Yes, m’lord.  Right away.”  The driver affected a quick bow and returned to his seat, clicking the reins to get the horses moving.

Spike spun the stallion around and let him have his head, racing off into the night.  The stallion raced along the road in a ground-eating gallop. Spike just kept his eyes peeled on the road, careful to guide the horse around the holes that occasionally dotted the surface.  After a while, the restless energy from being cooped up so long now spent, the roan finally settled into a more sedate canter for the remainder of the journey.

~*~*~*~*~

Spike left the winded stallion with a bleary-eyed stable boy, who assured him the stallion would be well cared for.  He watched a moment as the boy lead the horse almost twice his size away to cool him out.  Whispered praise for the horse’s stamina and such drifted back to him.  Turning away, he headed towards the staircase leading to the front door.

He told himself that he was going to leave her be for the night, prove to himself that he could go a day being near her and not touching her.  She was his…but that didn’t make her special.  She was just a means to an end, or so he repeatedly told himself.

Reclining in his chair in the study, a book open and a glass of blood in his hand, Spike sipped idly as he leafed through the pages.  But, his mind wasn’t on the book, or the blood he held…it was the slayer, her blood as it cascaded down his throat, her body squeezing him tight as he thrust repeatedly into her warmth.

At first, he thought the heartbeat resounding in his ear was his imagination, a lingering of the memories flashing through his mind.  Then, the door to his study cracked open, and she stood shyly before him.  Her white nightgown covered her completely, but the thin gossamer left nothing to his imagination.  Her fingers were playing over his mark as she eyed him uncertainly.

“Come in, pet.  Shut the door,” he called just out loud enough for her to hear.

She closed the door, a relieved smile on her face at his invitation.  Her bare feet hurried across the room as she made her way to him. 

He pushed back from the desk, allowing the book to fall from his lap with a soft thud; he held his arms wide so she could sit in his lap.  Elizabeth wasted no time in accepting his invitation, crawling onto his lap, and curling her body close to him.  Spike wrapped his arms around her as she burrowed closer to him.

“I just woke up, and I could feel you,” she whispered into his neck.  One of her hands continued to rub the scar permanently etched upon her neck as if trying to ease the tingling it was causing.

“Sorry ‘bout that, luv.  Didn’t realize I was calling you until you were standing here.”

“Did you get all of your business taken care of?  Is that why you’re back so soon?” she asked softly.  She didn’t care why he was back; she was just glad he was here, and holding her tightly against him.

“Hmmm…what’s that, pet?”

“Your business in London…”

“Ahhh, yes.  Well, I guess you could say that.  But, I’ll be returning in a fortnight.”

She ignored the feeling that his next absence would cause and bit her lip to prevent herself from crying out her distress.  Instead, she just sat in his lap like a small child being comforted.  Only, she wasn’t a child and he was far from a father figure…even if he was her guardian.

“I’ll miss you.”

The whispered words shocked both of them.  Her, for uttering them when she promised herself she wouldn’t burden him with her budding feelings.  Him, because he didn’t realize the effects of the claim would work so quickly.

“Oh, luv, you’ll be coming too.  I went to London to see about finding a suitable chaperone for you.”

‘Now where had that come from?’ 

“Really?” she asked, lifting her head from where it lay nestled against his neck so that she could look at him, see the truth of his words.

“Yes, really.”

In her excitement of being allowed to go with him back to London, her arms laced around his neck to give him a hug.  Leaning back, she gave him a quick kiss on his closed lips.

His eyes darkened at her unexpected display of affection.  Gripping one of her legs, he turned her so that she straddled his waist – her nightgown pooling up around her hips.  Gripping her ass in both hands, he hauled her body close to grind against his cock that was rapidly hardening as desire washed over him.  He heard her moan at the contact of her bare flesh against his trousers. 

The heady scent of her arousal washed over his senses and he hauled her close with one hand for a mind-numbing kiss, even as the other went to the fastening of his trousers.  He made quick work opening his pants and shoving them down his hips, freeing his straining erection.  The soft mewling noises coming from the back of her throat as his tongue ravaged her mouth were driving him to the brink of his control.

Placing a hand on either side of her hips, he lifted her slightly and then lowered her body onto his straining length.  Her outer folds parted and he slid home, enveloped by her moist heat.  When he was buried as deep as he could go, his arms slid around her back and held her close.  Elizabeth’s held fell to his shoulder, as she finally felt complete once more.

They stayed like that for a moment, neither moving…just holding one another, their bodies joined intimately.

Then the demands of the flesh became too great, the desire to move spurring them to action.  Spike’s hands returned to her hips to guide her in her movements.  Soft groans filled the air as their bodies raced towards completion.  He would have taken his time, but the day they’d spent apart had stretched his control to the breaking point.  He needed her now…hard, fast.  Later, once back in her room, they could take their time.

His fingers fisted in the hair, pulling her head to the side to expose the creamy column of her neck.  He licked his lips as his mouth lowered, his human mask sliding away to reveal sharp fangs and a ridged brow.  When his fangs pierced her neck, her climax ripped through her body, her inner muscles massaging his cock…urging him to join her in release.  His name burst forth from her lips as her body convulsed around him.

He released her hair so that his hand could grip her hip once more.  Holding her tight, he pushed himself out of the chair and settled her on the desk in front of him.  Over and over, he drove himself into her, each time trying to go a little deeper, reach a little further. 

Spike could feel his balls tightening and knew he was going to come soon; he reached down between their joined bodies and used his thumb to circle her clit.  She gasped at the contact to her sensitive nubbin.  As her second orgasm washed over her, she could do nothing but ride the waves as her body convulsed around him once more.

He felt the tremors wracking her body as she came again, and Spike couldn’t hold back his own orgasm.  Thrusting deep one last time, his cock twitched as it released his spendings deep within her body.  With a final shudder, he collapsed on top of her limp form.  Carefully he released her neck, licking the new wound closed with his tongue. 

When he felt that his legs would finally support him, he slowly eased out of her body and refastened his trousers.  He lifted the dazed slayer off of his desk and onto her feet, allowing her nightgown to settle around her feet.  Then, he scooped her up in his arms and made his way to the door, her head tucked under his chin as she dozed in his embrace.

He’d allow her to sleep for a bit then he planned to work on slow.  A smile came to his lips at the thought.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter 10

Buffy came awake to the feel of a raspy tongue slowly inching its way up her calf, around her knee, and then along her inner thigh. When it moved to slip between her inner folds, she forgot to breathe.

“Spike,” she fluttered, dazed by the sensations his tongue was eliciting as it slipped in and out of her core.

He paused mid-stroke, surprised at the name she had whispered – although it wasn’t the first time it had happened – and Elizabeth didn’t hesitate to reach down and grab his head, her fingers knotting in his hair as she urged him to move again.  Over the past several hours, she had – at some point – lost all of her maidenly inhibitions.  William had made sure of it, withholding his affections until she was practically begging him…no make that actually begging him to please her.  And he had.

Over and over, he had brought her body to the brink of pleasure before throwing her headlong off the cliff into orgasm.  Each time he seemed to go slower, his hands and mouth working over her frame as if seeing how much pleasure-filled torture her body would take.  There was something about the way he made her practically cling to him as she found her own release, before taking his own pleasure that seemed strange.  Almost as if he wouldn’t allow himself his own gratification until he was assured she was undone by the ecstasy he created.

Only once her body had convulsed around his did he allow himself free reign, sometimes pounding into her body with a ruthlessness that thrilled her as much as it unnerved her.  Other times, like now, he took her with a gentleness that brought tears to her eyes, his body slowly rocking in and out of hers as the slow deep thrusts swept her away on a tidal wave of feeling.

“Don’t stop,” she whispered entreatingly, not understanding why he had paused in the first place.

“Never, pet,” he murmured as he withdrew his tongue to lave her swollen nub.

Then he was sliding up over her body, into her waiting arms, once more taking them both to paradise.

~*~*~*~*~

Spike slipped out of her bed sometime before dawn to return to his own chambers.  His demon rebelled at the thought of leaving her side, but appearances had to be maintained.  But, damn, he was so close to saying bugger it all and dragging her into his bed so that he could get some sleep.

He’d gotten used to her body’s heat, the warmth projecting onto his cool skin lulling him to sleep.  Not that he’d ever known what sleeping next to a warm body felt like…he bloody well hadn’t done that when he’d been human.  And, after he’d been turned, the only one he had actually physically slept with had been Dru.  Unfortunately, she had the same lack of temperature he had. 

Disgusted with himself at his need for her, he strode quickly from the room, determined – once again – to put the petite slayer far from his mind.

~*~*~*~*~

Buffy was surprised on waking to see the sun shining brightly in her room.  She sat up abruptly, wondering if her maid had given up on waking her.  She vaguely recalled hearing a soft voice calling her name before another, older voice had shushed the first one away.

She reached over and pulled the bell pull to ring for her servant.  A few minutes later, her maid appeared.

“You’re up, I see.  I would have woken you earlier, but that harridan of a housekeeper shooed me away, she did.”

“It’s fine, Heather.  I must have been tired to sleep so late.  Find something for me to wear, would you?  Oh, and is Lord Thornton about?”

“I believe he’s in his study miss.”

Elizabeth nodded and sunk back on her pillows as she waited for her maid to find her suitable clothing.

~*~*~*~*~

Once properly attired, Elizabeth descended the stairs to make her way towards the dining room.  She paused for a moment before the closed door of the study, her hand instinctively finding his mark upon her neck.  Not wanting to be caught gazing off into space, she continued on her way.

In the dining room, she took a seat near the head of the table just as a servant appeared with a plate of food.  Hating to eat alone, but resigning herself to it, she was just about to put a forkful of food in her mouth when she heard footsteps echoing down the long hallway.  She paused, dropping her fork back to her plate, and looked up to see William leaning against the wall, his blue gaze raking over her form.

“Didn’t want to eat with me, pet?”

“I…uh…” she began as she rose gracefully to her feet.  Behind her, she heard the servant move to set a place for him. 

“I didn’t think you would be joining me, or I would have waited,” she stammered out, her head bowed in embarrassment at having to explain herself with a servant present.

Spike pushed himself away from the wall and crossed to the head of the table where a place was just being set for him.  He paused beside her, reaching a hand out to cup her chin and raise her head to meet his gaze.

“I was just teasing, pet?  Hasn’t anyone ever teased you before?”

A relieved smile graced her features as she assured him that she hadn’t ever been teased.  Her parents were very prim and proper, and being an only child in the country where her family was the only landed gentry did not allow for interaction with other children.

“Well, we’ll have to work on that part of your education, won’t we?”

She nodded into his palm, the contact of his hand sliding back and forth along her jaw causing goose bumps to break out along her flesh.  He removed his hand, and she immediately felt the loss of contact.  Moving behind her, he assisted her back into her seat before moving to his own.

Together, the two ate in companionable silence. By some unspoken understanding, they hurried through the meal as fast as they could without drawing notice from the servant that lingered in the room to see to their needs.  Both wanted to be away from the room, and out from the watchful eyes of William’s servants.

They didn’t bother with dessert, much to the dismay of the cook, who felt that her cooking suddenly wasn’t up to snuff.  But, when she came out of her hallowed kitchens to ask if everything was ok, she noticed the look Lord William was giving his ward and quickly concluded their haste had nothing to do with her cooking.  With a smile on her face, she returned to her domain to see about plans for the evening meal – apparently, Lady Elizabeth’s chaperone was arriving this evening and everything had to be “just so.”

~*~*~*~*~

No sooner had Spike shut the door to his study, shielding them from the prying eyes of his servants, than he was on her.  She’d driven him crazy, sitting there eating oh so daintily while every so often casting shy glances his way.  But, her body told another story – he could hear her heart racing even as she sat there looking all innocent and pure.  His demon had practically begged him to take her right there on the dining room table and to hell with the servants.

He spun her around, shoving her back against the bookcase lining one wall.  He gave her a quick, hard kiss that left her leaning heavily against the shelf for support, her knees suddenly weak.  It was over before Elizabeth had a chance to adjust to the onslaught.  Spike dropped to his knees, quickly raising her voluminous skirts out of his way as he zeroed in on her sex.

He breathed deeply, inhaling her scent that was distinctly slayer.  He could smell his own scent on her as well, and he licked his lips in anticipation of the bounty he was about to taste. Then, he buried his nose in her curls as his tongue slipped out to lick the dampness seeping out of her core.  Spike felt her knees buckle and used his hands to hold her steady as his tongue darted in and out her glistening folds.

Moments later he felt her orgasm sweep through her body, felt her legs start to quake right before her body bucked against his mouth.  She bit down on her bottom lip to keep from screaming her release as her hands fisted in his hair, holding his head in place against her quivering quim.  As if he planned on moving anytime soon…

When the last shudder finally died away, leaving behind a thoroughly sated – yet completely limp – slayer, Spike stood and swept her up in his arm.  He crossed the room and gently laid her on the chaise lounge.

Falling to his knees yet again, he grabbed her legs and pulled her towards him so that her hips reached the edge.  He lifted her skirts, exposing her womanly curls to his gaze.  He hurriedly undid the fastenings of his trousers, allowing his erection to spring free. Grabbing his cock, he leaned forward to position himself at her opening so that he could slide home.  A quick thrust of his pelvis, and he was buried deep inside her velvety warmth.

Her legs came up around his hips of their own volition, and he couldn’t help the low moan that escaped his lips as his cock was able to delve deeper into her slick passage.  He began to move, pulling himself almost all the way out of her channel before thrusting himself back into her depths with a hard, deep lunge.  In and out, he repeated the motion, the head of his cock teasing her sweet spot.

He watched as her head thrashed from side to side, the pins holding her hair up sliding free, allowing her long locks to fan along the seat of the chaise behind her.  She couldn’t reach him to hold him to her, so her hands were left to clench and unclench the cushion with each forward thrust.  Then her head arched back exposing the lines of her neck as her climax swept through her body.  His amber gaze remained pinned on the pulse beat at her neck as he grabbed her waist to hold her steady. As her inner muscles clamped down on his cock, he plunged repeatedly within her willing body until his own orgasm gripped him, releasing his spendings deep within her womb in strong shuddering bursts.

Completely sated, he collapsed on top of her, reveling in the feel of her arms as they cradled him close to her body.  The rumbling in his chest took him completely by surprise, and damned if his demon wasn’t happy right where he was, nestled within the arms of the slayer.

And darned if he wasn’t having thoughts of keeping her after they finally returned to their own time.  Ignoring the possessiveness of that thought, he lay there for a few minutes before finally pulling out of her warm body and refastening himself inside his trousers.  Gently, he eased her skirts down around her legs once more, rising so that he could settle her more comfortably on the chaise.  She drifted off into sleep, lulled by the soft rumbling emanating from his chest.

Spike stood up and watched her for a moment before returning to the papers that were scattered about his desk.  He had a lot of loose ends he needed to tie up around here before he could leave for London in two week’s time.  Listening to the steady sounds of the slayer’s deep breathing and slowing heartbeat, he immersed himself in paperwork until shortly before it was time for the slayer’s chaperone to arrive.

~*~*~*~*~

As he felt the impending sunset, Spike stood and walked over to the still-sleeping slayer.  Kneeling beside her, he trailed his hand along her jaw, smoothing the hair off her face.  Even in sleep she yearned for his touch, leaning in to his hand as he stroked his fingertips along her cheek.

“Pet?  It’s time to wake up.  Your chaperone is going to be here shortly, and I’m sure you want to get freshened up and changed for dinner,” he called out softly.

“Hmmmm…” she mumbled as she struggled to consciousness.

“Chaperone…going to be here soon,” he repeated.

As the words penetrated the fog that had settle around her brain, she sat up abruptly, the top of her head almost colliding with William’s chin.

“Oh…oh…I’ve got to go.  I look a mess!  I can’t believe you let me sleep so long.  I’m never going to hear the end of it if I’m caught looking such a fright,” she wailed.

“Not if I have a bloody thing to say about it,” he mumbled under his breath.

She gave him a sharp look, not necessarily understanding his words, but knowing instinctively that they wouldn’t help her cause.

Spike assisted her to her feet, leading her to the door of his study.

“Take your time, I’m sure you’ve got a while yet before she shows.  We’ll hold dinner until you’re presentable,” he told her, his trademark smirk in place there at the end of his commentary as he teased her.

“Oooohhhh…you!”  Elizabeth flounced out of the room and, making sure no servants were about, lifted her skirts almost scandalously to her knees and quickly rushed down the hall and up the stairs.

Spike watched her go, a reluctant smile playing about his lips.  She was cute when she was riled.

Chapter 11

Elizabeth had never dressed so fast in her life. William helped a little, having buckets of warm water brought up almost as soon as she had reached her room. And, there was no way she was meeting her chaperone without having a thorough bathing – as it was, she was going to be blushing uncontrollably because of all the wicked things she had been doing without the presence of a chaperone.

She sighed wistfully as she sank her naked body beneath the heated water that lapped near the top of the tub. No more lovemaking, no more cuddling, no more being alone in the same room – for that matter. She’d probably miss that most of all; she’d come to enjoy their time alone together…even though the total time they’d spent alone doing absolutely nothing could be counted on one hand. But still. The strictures of society were bearing their full weight down around her shoulders and a small part of her just wanted to rebel…say to hell with what society thought.

She belonged to William, and secretly she believed that he belonged to her…

~*~*~*~*~

Mrs. Rothworth swept into the drawing room, carrying herself like the aged duenna she was. For the benefit of the servants, she hemmed and hawed over the unsuitableness of her charge staying secluded until even Spike had to raise a scarred eyebrow at her. She just winked back at him, mindful of the servants loitering about as they waited for just the slightest hint of a request from their lord, and continued her tirade.

Finally, she winded down, and seated herself with aplomb as she waited for her charge to appear.

“Can I get you a drink while you wait, madam?”

“Heavens no, don’t touch the stuff…hardly proper being as I am now responsible for the lady…must stay on my toes, and such.”

Spike smirked back, knowing that she was dying for a drink...maybe later, when the three of them retired to his study to discuss their plans of returning to the city for the season. The two talked about mundane topics, Spike slipping easily into the role of the bored nobleman, as they waited for the slayer to make an appearance.

He was slightly nervous. True, the slayer had no idea who exactly she was at the moment. He just hoped that loss of recognition went a long way towards concealing her identity from the other vamp…at least for now. He really didn’t want to have to see about finding another chaperone this late in the day, and he didn’t want the “family” getting their knickers in a twist because he had to defend his “ward” from her new chaperone. Although…his claim on her would prevent the other vampire from actually doing the girl any harm. Still, it would just be easier all around.

~*~*~*~*~

Elizabeth slipped into the formal dress her servant had laid out upon the bed. Now that they had company, she was sure that they would have a formal dinner in the dining room. The soft pink color did much to confirm her ward status, but that was about it. The gown itself was a dream, and if the dressmaker hadn’t assured her that it looked stunning on her frame, Elizabeth would have refused to wear it.

The dress was the first of its kind. Rather than the full voluminous skirts that seemed to be all the rage and would most assuredly swallow her petite frame whole, the dress was simplicity itself. Made of long sleeves, the dress was fitted under her breast, then fell in a straight line to the floor. The plunging neckline made her blush, and she wished, yet again, that she had a handkerchief of some sort to cover up her exposed bosom. Really! The cut of the dress practically showed her nipples!

With her hair twisted up on top of her head, a few wisps allowed to dangle and frame her face, Elizabeth left her room to the exclamations of her servant ringing in her ear. She was nervous, eager to make a good impression – and a small part of her hoped that William would like her gown. He’d yet to really see her in anything this formal. She paused at the top of the stairs to take a steadying breath, and hopefully slow her racing heart, before gliding down the staircase.

~*~*~*~*~

Spike felt her nearing the door, and he glanced sharply to see if the matronly vampire sensed that a slayer was in the vicinity. Either she was a very good actor – which he doubted given her age – or she had no clue that their enemy was just about to step into their midst.

The door opened to reveal his butler as he announced his ward.

Spike stepped away from where he leaned against the wall, idly sipping from the tumbler held casually in his hand. Mrs. Rothworth rose from the couch and turned towards the door.

Elizabeth glided into the room, stopping just inside the door. She was nervous, no doubt about it, and her hand slipped unselfconsciously to the marks on her neck…as if rubbing them would soothe the butterflies that had taken up residence in her stomach. The action was telling, to both of the vampires.

Spike discarded his glass on a table as he stepped forward, towards the slayer – his legs quickly ate up the distance that separated them. He watched as she sunk into a formal curtsy as he neared, and he ground his teeth in frustration as the tight bodice squeezed her chest even tighter so that the gown almost spilled their precious bounty to his gaze. He wanted nothing more than to rip the garment from her body and ravage her right there – and to hell with who may be watching.

Instead, he just reached out his hand and helped her to stand. His eyes bore into hers, his heated gaze causing her to blush at the promise they held.

Behind them, Mrs. Rothworth discreetly cleared her throat. She could smell the arousal coming in waves off the two, and she clenched her legs together to prevent her own answering arousal from reaching the other vampire’s nose. She’d have to see about finding herself a plaything if she was going to be in the constant vicinity of these two…the sexual tension was enough to drive a vamp crazy.

Spike turned and affected the manners of a gracious host.

“Mrs. Rothworth, may I present my ward, Lady Summers. Elizabeth is a guest in my home while her parents are out of the country.”

“Hmmm…yes, Lady Summers…a pleasure, my dear.” Literally, she might add. Lord Thornton sure knew how to pick them. If he hadn’t gotten to her first, she’d be half tempted to keep her for herself. But, she liked her head just where it was, thank you very much, so she contented herself to the role of chaperone.

Elizabeth greeted the older woman, her hand returning to the marks on her neck – only this time to hide them.

Mrs. Rothworth smiled indulgently before responding.

“Don’t worry about your marks, Elizabeth. For those of us that need to, we understand exactly what they are. They’re something that should be worn with pride. You wear the markings of a master, my dear.”

Then she leaded in close and whispered in her ear, “And a handsome one at that.”

“Erm, thank you,” she replied, gifting the woman with a shy smile even as her face flamed red at the implied words. “So, that means you’re like him?”

“Yes,” she responded, not saying anything more. The young girl would learn about them in time, especially if she was going to be attending all the functions put on by the ton.

Mrs. Rothworth smiled wide as she led the younger woman back towards the couch so the two could talk – steering the conversation towards other mundane subjects. Spike moved to retrieve his glass as he retreated to his position against the wall. Assured that the slayer was relaxing in the other woman’s company as the two continued to talk and plan, he allowed his mind to wander as he continued to sip at the amber liquid.

Before long, dinner was announced and the trio made their way to the dining room.

~*~*~*~*~

Conversation was stilted at first – the formal setting slightly intimidating Elizabeth – until the older woman mentioned all the parties, soirees, and theater events they would be attending. Soon the talk became much more animated between the two women, and they began speaking like old friends instead of in the stilted manner normally reserved for their separate stations.

“Lord Thornton, you mentioned that the Duke of Sevring’s ball would be the first social engagement you plan on attending with your ward,” Mrs. Rothworth commented, trying to draw the male vampire into the conversation.

“Yes, and I’m only attending that because I’ve obligated myself,” Spike grumbled.

“I assume you’ll have some informal gathering beforehand at your residence to introduce Elizabeth to a few people…”

“I hadn’t thought about that, but if you feel it’s necessary…”

“Oh, most definitely…just a few select families…maybe an afternoon tea with the ladies, a small dinner party. When were we going to be returning to London?”

“I had planned on staying here until the last moment…” he started.

“No, we can’t do that…we’ve got so much to do before then. I’d say a day, two at the most, can be spent here, then we’ve got to get back to London to prepare.”

“Bloody hell,” he muttered to no one in particular.

“Two days,” Elizabeth squeaked. “But, it’ll take that long just to get all my stuff packed!”

“Well, I guess we’re just going to have to hurry, then, won’t we. She does have something suitable to wear to the Duke’s ball.”

“Uhh…” He turned towards the slayer. She just nodded back at him. “Er, right…that’s all taken care of.”

“But,” Elizabeth began, “The seamstress hasn’t finished all of the things we selected. Just a few things here and there.”

“That will be no trouble. We’ll instruct her to forward everything to the London address. In the meantime, we can get a few things made for you there.”

“Oh but, surely I can’t! Lord Thornton has already spent way too much as it is…” her voice trailed off weakly.

Mrs. Rothworth just pinned her with a look that said not to object now that she was on a roll. Elizabeth sighed and nodded. Spike had to agree with her; she was a freight train and it was just better to get on than stand in front of it. Besides, it wasn’t like he didn’t have the money to spare. And, if more of the dresses were in the style she currently sported, he’d be one happy vamp.

He zoned out to thoughts of peeling the delectable garment off the slayer’s body as the older woman continued her monologue about everything that needed to be accomplished in the two short weeks they had.

~*~*~*~*~

Spike was all for adjourning to his study to spend some quiet time, but one look at Mrs. Rothworth quickly changed his mind. Apparently, she had a lot to get accomplished in the next few days and wanted to get started right now, and she quickly dragged Elizabeth off to the younger woman’s room.

Annoyed, Spike stalked off to his study, missing the parting glance the slayer shot over her shoulders as she was led away.

~*~*~*~*~

After another few hours of plotting with her chaperone – Elizabeth was quickly adapting to being up at all hours of the night and spending the good portion of her morning asleep in bed – she finally had her room to herself. She’d just rung for her servant to help her undress. A few moments later, there was a knock at her door just before Heather slipped inside.

“Help me out of this, would you, Heather?” she asked the young girl, presenting her back to the girl.

Just as the girl started across the room, Elizabeth gasped as she felt the intense tingling radiate out from the marks on her neck. The heat that enveloped her body nearly brought her to her knees.

Twirling around, she stammered out, “Never mind. I…I just forgot something…in…in Mrs. Rothworth’s room. You…uh…go on to bed, I’ll get her to help me when I’m done.”

The girl shrugged and left the room. Elizabeth rushed after her, locking the door behind the girl just as the connecting door opened. She leaned against the door for a moment, grateful that she’d managed to get the girl out of there before her knees buckled from the desire snaking its way through her body.

Then he was there, leaning up against her back as she braced herself against the door. She moaned softly as he inhaled her scent before he lightly nibbled along the exposed length of her neck.

“You know what I wanted to do the moment I saw you in this dress, pet?” he whispered in her ear before tugging the lobe into his cool mouth.

She shook her head slightly, unable to say anything – the feel of his cool mouth on her overheated skin had the blood rushing in her veins.

“I wanted to rip it right off your delectable little body, shove you up against the wall, and fuck you until neither one of us could stand the pleasure anymore,” he growled. “I still do.”

Elizabeth whimpered. She felt him undo the stays holding her gown in place and silently urged him to hurry.

“Do you want it, slayer? Do you want me to rip this gown off your body and take you up against the wall…fuck you till we want to die from the pleasure of it all?”

He knew her body wanted it, could smell her arousal as it pooled between her legs, but he wanted to hear her say the words. He continued to undo the lacing on her gown until the last one was done. Slowly, the gown slid down her body to land in a heap at her feet.

He ground his erection into her back, showing her that he was more than willing to take her to paradise. Leaning in towards her neck, he ran his fangs back and forth along her neck, pausing momentarily to nick her flesh.

She hissed as she felt the cut on her flesh, not from pain, but in anticipation of him wrapping his lips around it and sucking on her flesh. It did strange things, him sipping from her body. Almost as if the spot was linked directly to her womb.

“Do you?” he asked again, his lips hovering over the cut on her skin. His fingers went to work on her corset and undergarments until she stood before him in all her naked glory. The scent of her blood washed over him as he’d left it to pool on her shoulder.

Elizabeth stood, still facing the door, her hand against the hard wood as if it would help support her. The cool air washed over her bare, fevered skin, but it did nothing to relieve the tension coiling through her body. Only he could…the man who stood behind her waiting for an answer to his question. She wished he’d just take her…ease the ache he had built within her body.

Instead, she just barely felt as lips as they ghosted over her bare skin, promising delights, but withholding the pleasure of his touch until she responded. Unable to bear it any more, she finally answered him.

“Yes,” she whispered, hanging her head as she waited for him to finally touch her.

Chapter 12

Elizabeth groaned deep into the coverlets as she slowly came awake. Her hand reached out beside her, hoping to encounter the bare skin of her lover, but found nothing but the cool sheets. Mouth forming a slight pout that she was alone, yet again, she rolled over in bed…just as her servant and chaperone sailed unannounced into her bedroom.

She sat up, instinctively clutching the sheets around her, warily eyeing the older woman as she swept into her room.

“Good morning, mistress. Mrs. Rothworth said that we needed to wake you. We’ve a lot to do if we’re going to be leaving for London tonight. Would you like some breakfast?”

Elizabeth just shook her head in the negative.

“She’ll have a muffin and some tea, Heather, thank you. And, you can have some heated water sent up for your mistress’ bath.”

“But…” Elizabeth began, but cut herself off at the look from her chaperone. “Tea and a muffin will be fine.”

She sat in bed and watched as the younger woman quickly bobbed a curtsy and left the room. Turning, she glanced at the older woman – demon – whatever she was. What were they exactly?

When she saw the woman’s brow arch and a broad smile grace her fairly unlined face, Elizabeth clamped a hand over her mouth in embarrassment as her face flamed a bright red.

Had she said that out loud?

“We’re vampires, dear,” she replied. “Has Lord Thornton not told you?”

“Uh…no…I didn’t think to ask….”

“Well, feel free to ask me anything you wish. You’ve a lot to learn in order to walk among the creatures of the night. Although, any misstep you might make will be attributed to the fact that you’re human, and so, not accustomed to our ways. Oh, child, there are so many things you’ll witness…experience…”

Again, Elizabeth’s face lit up. Seeing it, the vampiress tried to reassure the girl.

“Yes, sex is one of them…now, none of that…” she stated as her charge looked ready to die of mortification.

“You…you know?”

“Child, there’s not many scents that can get past me. And, well,” she tried to put it as delicately as she could, but even she wasn’t immune to the scent of the vampire that clung to the girl’s body like a second skin. She really needed to find herself a plaything!

At Elizabeth’s questioning look, she focused on her conversation and continued with her explanation.

“Vampires…they have an excellent sense of smell. And, I can smell him all over you. Second, he’s claimed you…something glaringly obvious that even the most inept of vampires would sense right away…And before you even ask, yes there are some out there. Because you’ve been claimed, it’s a given that you’d…he’d…renew it. So, blood and sex.”

“Wait…claimed?”

Mrs. Rothworth crossed the room and sat on the bed beside the confused girl. She lightly patted her knee, marveling to herself at her suddenly caring manner. But, this girl was a novelty, the first human she’d heard of to be claimed; yet not turned.

“Yes…that feeling that you belong to him, and only him. Can’t you feel it? Something deep inside your being that yearns for him…even now while you’re parted.”

“Yes…” she whispered. “And these feelings?”

“Feelings are different. True, they make it easier…but something has to be there to begin with…arousal, desire, lust…love. Feelings need something from which to manifest themselves from.”

“So, it’s not just this…claim that makes me feel this way?”

“Oh, no, child. If you have feelings for your vampire…they’re most decidedly your own. The claim just…I guess you could say…enhances them.”

Just then, there was a knock at the door. The older woman called out for the men to enter – her vampiric hearing having detected the five males bearing heated buckets. The two women watched as the men quickly filled the tub near to the brim, before they soundlessly left the room.

“Come, let’s get you cleaned up and dressed. We do have a lot to accomplish if we plan on leaving here tonight.”

Elizabeth allowed herself to be pulled from her bed and over to where the tub beckoned invitingly.

~*~*~*~*~

True to her word, Mrs. Rothworth had the household staff running hither and yon. She wanted to get back to London as soon as possible to get plans set in motion for introducing Lord Thornton’s “ward” to the ton. And, this couldn’t be accomplished rusticating in the country.

The sun had just set when Lord Thornton, his ward, along with her chaperone and a few of the essential household staff descended the stairs to the waiting carriages. The cook, housekeeper and Elizabeth’s lady’s maid sat in the second carriage, leaving just William, Elizabeth, and Mrs. Rothworth in the lead carriage.

Elizabeth tried to maintain a sense of propriety as she settled in beside the female…vampiress? as they began their long journey back to London. William hadn’t said anything, and a small part of her – a real small part, she told herself – wished he’d taken matters into his own hands and demanded that she sit next to him. That thought brought another to her mind, and she squirmed in her seat as images of her standing naked, facing her bedroom door, ran through her mind.

Suddenly recalling Mrs. Rothworth’s earlier words about their excellent sense of smell, Elizabeth furiously shoved those thoughts aside and tried to recall the most boring memory she could think of…there. That would do quite nicely. With a soundless sigh, her weary body leaned against the carriage wall – visions of her Latin tutor reverberating in her head. It wasn’t long before she’d drifted off to sleep.

Spike, for his part, attempted to ignore the slayer. It wouldn’t do for him to show the vampiress how much it bothered him that the girl had chosen to sit across from him, rather than next to him. His jaw worked as he tried to tamp down his frustration and he hoped fervently that someone would attempt a robbery on their journey to the city. He could do with a little violence right now. Oh, he’d smelled the brief flare of arousal from the slayer, and mentally groaned as the scent had washed over him. Shoot, he’d seen the older woman scoot further away from the girl so as not to be even slightly tempted.

The damned bint just had no idea what she was doing to them. Hence, the need to take out his unfulfilled desire on some unsuspecting victim with a little rough and tumble. If he couldn’t have sex, he’d have to settle for mayhem.

~*~*~*~*~

The abrupt jarring of the carriage caused Elizabeth to groan in her sleep and almost disrupted her perch upon her seat. Seeing an excuse to hold her, Spike leaned over and clasped the young girl to him and settled her comfortably in his lap. His demon was slightly appeased to be cradling the girl, and almost purred in contentment when she burrowed closer and settled back into sleep.

He glanced up sharply to see if the vampiress was looking at him, but saw that she was wisely paying them no attention. He did, however, see the slight smile playing about her lips – as if she were secretly amused – and issued a warning growl. Placated when the grin slipped away, revealing the stoic features once more, Spike returned his attention to the girl he held in his lap.

A part of him wished the girl would get her memories back so that they could dance. But, another part – one he refused to acknowledge – liked this side of the slayer…her unknowing. He liked the way she clung to him, even in sleep, as if she couldn’t get close enough.

Silly for a vampire to be having these feelings, yet it was true. A part of him blamed the claim for making him feel this way.

That part he refused to acknowledge told him the claim had nothing to do with it…

~*~*~*~*~

When the carriage pulled up in front of his townhouse, Spike carefully woke the slayer and set her down on the seat beside him. Then, frustrated with himself for being so gentle and trying desperately to escape the ghosts that were taunting him, he practically kicked open the door in his haste to exit the contraption.

“I’ll leave things in your capable hands,” he told the vampiress before storming off into the night, blatantly ignoring the hurt look that crossed the slayer’s features.

He needed some destruction, some violence, a good kill. He didn’t need these conflicting feelings he was having towards the slayer. She was his enemy, his opposite…her night to his day. He was evil and she was innocence personified.

Bloody hell.

He walked into Whitt’s fervently hoping that the rest of the night filled with drinking and gambling…and maybe some other sport, might take his mind off the hurt-filled pair of hazel eyes that had gazed at him in sleepy confusion just moments before he had stormed off.

~*~

Elizabeth looked over at the vampiress, not understanding what had just happened. Mrs. Rothworth didn’t know what to tell the girl to make her feel better, so instead tried to distract her.

“Come on, child, let’s get you inside. We’ve a lot to do in order to get you launched – at least among the elite ton – and we cannot waste time worrying about Lord Thornton.”

The two women swept down from the carriage, their bearing that worthy of a queen’s, as the two sailed up the walk leading to the front door of Lord Thornton’s townhouse. They paid no mind to the other carriages along the lane whose occupants were gawking at the petite brunette and her apparent chaperone as the women entered the absentee Earl’s townhouse.

Mrs. Rothworth silently smiled; the brief glimpse of her charge by some of the lesser nobility went a long way towards increasing the mystique. If whispered rumors of Elizabeth weren’t circling the ton before nightfall tomorrow…well…she’d give up feeding.

That was how confident she was that Elizabeth was going to take London by storm. And, that wasn’t even accounting for the even more select group of vampiric nobility. There, it was a given she would cause a sensation. The only humans that were allowed into the inner circle of Aurelius vampires were servants and food.

This slip of a girl was going to be the hit of the season. An original.

~*~*~*~*~

Spike almost fell flat on his face as the front door to the townhouse opened unannounced, the borrowed blood and alcohol made his mind fuzzy, and it took him a moment to realize that the butler had opened the damn thing on him. He pierced the elderly man with a look, but the man’s stoicism caused him to grumble under his breath – nonsensical words even he didn't understand – as he stomped up the stairs to his room.

His perverse mind didn’t care who he managed to wake along the way. Yet, the one person he wanted to wake…well, she wasn’t where she was supposed to be. The heartbeat, or lack thereof, cleared his mind somewhat and he ignored the sudden feelings of trepidation as he rushed into his room and dashed towards the joining door.

He pushed the door open, already knowing that the room was vacant. But still, he had to see, confirming with his eyes what his ears and nose had already told him.

She wasn’t there. There was no trace of her having been in the room. No scent, clothes…nothing.

And, he started to panic, unconsciously reaching out with his tethered bond to the slip of a girl he had claimed, as he raced from the room in his search of her.

The lingering effects of the alcohol disappeared without a trace as he hurried down the hall. His human features slid away as his demon sprang to the fore, wanting every advantage available as he searched for his girl.

Halfway down the hall, he caught a trace of her scent, and he breathed a sigh of relief. She was still here…yet, again…no heartbeat. Just where the hell had the slayer gone? His agitation was getting the better of him and he once more tested the bond the two shared.

Hell, right now she should be practically zinging with the vibes he was giving her, yet all remained quiet in the pre-dawn household. Frustrated and worried because she was not where she should be, Spike allowed anger to take hold. Anger was better than this anxiety that was currently gripping him. Better to allow his displeasure to show, rather than the apprehension snaking its way into his being.

As he made his way to the ground floor – the slow, even beating of several heartbeats playing a soft cadence around him – Spike stopped at the foot of the staircase and breathed deeply for a trace of her scent. He turned left, away from the front door. Just a tiny amount of her lingered there – probably when she had come inside. His feet made no sound as he moved deeper into the townhouse…and then he stopped.

There.

He turned his head slightly and inhaled deeply. Slayer. Just a little trace. What the bloody hell was she doing on the first floor anyway? She should be fast asleep in bed. Well, she was still fast asleep; the one accelerated heartbeat belonging to the butler that had recently let him in – and even now, his was starting to slow as slumber overtook him.

His pace increased until he was all but running down the hall, the whispering smell tickling his senses giving way to full bloom the closer he got to her. Spike stopped before his study when he felt that she resided within. His anger knew no bounds at the scare she had just given him, and he shoved open the door, intent on giving her an earful followed by a sound bit of punishment.

The sight that greeted him stopped him cold.

The slayer was curled up on one of the chairs situated in front of the fire, her body clad in a frilly white nightgown that covered her from head to toe. Her fingers clutched a pillow – one apparently dragged from his room if the scent were any indication – as her head made a pillow out of the arm of the chair.

She had to be uncomfortable. Yet, the serene look upon her face told another story.

His demon subsided revealing the high cheekbones and penetrating blue gaze of his human mask. His anger drained away as he realized she’d instinctively sought out the one place she was allowed to go to be closer to him.

Spike walked over to her, watching the steady rise and fall of her chest for a moment before he scooped her pliant body up in his arms. She didn’t stir at his handling, just settled herself trustingly within his embrace as he left his study.

Holding his precious cargo close, he made his way back up to her room. Once inside, he settled her on the bed and pulled the down-turned covers up over her body. She whimpered in her sleep at the loss of contact, and Spike reached a hand out to trail the tips of his fingers along her cheek and jaw.

She sighed pleasurably in her sleep, burrowing into the covers.

He stood there watching her as she slept, amazed at his self-restraint. Since when did he care whether he woke her or not? Again he reminded himself that she was his to do with as he will, at least until he got back to his own time. Yet, he made no move to take her…just stood there for a moment more before he turned and left the room.

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