{"id":10463,"date":"2016-11-14T11:24:55","date_gmt":"2016-11-14T11:24:55","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/?p=10463"},"modified":"2016-11-14T14:58:23","modified_gmt":"2016-11-14T14:58:23","slug":"season-of-solace-129","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/2016\/11\/14\/season-of-solace-129\/","title":{"rendered":"Season of Solace. 129"},"content":{"rendered":"
129: \u00a0 \u00a0 Trinity Baptist Church Cemetery, Eastside, Sunnydale<\/strong><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\n

The funeral was as unorthodox as Beverly Quinn herself: a midday ceremony under the full California sun at the site of a recent earthquake. Attendees came by the dozens, most because they loved Bev. Churchgoers, bingo buddies, and a few silver-haired men who looked crushed by their loss.<\/p>\n

Cordelia did not know half of them, but they all seemed to know her. The funeral went by in a blur. The pastor spoke. The parishioners prayed. Wearing her best black dress, she kept her expression cool and her eyes hidden behind a pair of impenetrably dark sunglasses.<\/p>\n

These people didn\u2019t know how much she had come to love her grandmother in the short time she had known her. They were not going to see her cry. Not now. Not ever.<\/p>\n

Numb, she never felt the tears falling.<\/p>\n

\u201cAshes to ashes, dust to dust\u2026\u201d the words spun around in her head.<\/p>\n

Draped in white lilies and orchids, the coffin slowly lowered into the ground. Cordelia watched it sink down taking a step forward when it descended beyond her immediate sight. Her grandmother was inside that coffin, and she was never going to see her again. It was not right, or fair. She felt robbed of something precious, in a way that was so far beyond the way she felt when the IRS took possession of her car, her family home, her life of luxury.<\/p>\n

Faith and Xander flanked her on each side. He held her hand offering silent comfort and support at a time when his usual jokes were out of place. He did not bother complaining when she squeezed too tight.<\/p>\n

Willow did not bother to hide her tears. She carried extra Kleenex in the pocket of her dress and snuck one to Wesley who was trying to make it look like the sun was in his eyes. He had never met Bev when she was alive, but he came to the funeral anyway, not only to support Faith\u2019s friend, but because he knew his slayer carried a load of guilt over Beverly Quinn\u2019s death.<\/p>\n

Giles stood next to Willow, dry-eyed, but sad in his countenance. His arm was draped across her shoulder supportively. He was lost in thought wondering what kind of woman she was based on the one occasion he met her, her vivacity, the similarities to Cordelia, the responsibility he felt for her death because of Faith\u2019s involvement and connection with the mayor.<\/p>\n

Despite all of the support, the one person Cordelia wanted at her side was not able to be there. The daylight held Angel captive back at the mansion. They had planned it like this in order to keep vampires away knowing that some could linger in daytime shade and withstand indirect light. The earthquake had left the church in ruins. Its crumbling walls could not offer enough shade for any daring interloper.<\/p>\n

Knowing that vampires were not the only potential threat to Cordelia, and that everyone would have their attention focused on the funeral rather than defense, Buffy volunteered to patrol the cemetery grounds just in case of a surprise attack. These vampires used a demon mercenary to track Cordelia down at the Quinn residence, so there was no telling what strategy they might try on their next attempt at kidnapping her for their sacrificial ceremony.<\/p>\n

Fortunately, all was quiet. The service went smoothly. Buffy noticed nothing too out of place. The Sunnydale Gazette had a reporter and photographer hanging out waiting to snap shots of the funeral and its attendees. Beverly Quinn might have lived on the poor side of town, but she had a Chase family connection. Then, there was the whole crazy conflict with the mayor about the Bingo Parlor that had been making waves in senior citizen circles in town. It was enough for a story in the local paper.<\/p>\n

One by one the people scooped up shovels full of dark earth. It hit the coffin lid and scattered, weighing down the flowers that had been so beautifully arranged on top. Cordelia watched them go by, shook their hands as they offered their condolences and responded without really hearing herself speak.<\/p>\n

A firm hand took hers and a familiar voice snapped her out of the haze that had seeped inside her. \u201cMy dear Miss Chase,\u201d Mayor Wilkins clasped his other hand over hers. \u201cYour grandmother was a fine woman. Such a shame. Such a loss for our fair community.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cordelia tried to pull her hand out of his tight grasp, but the mayor held on until the news cameras finished snapping their photos. She had mixed feelings when it came to this man. He was Bev\u2019s enemy, her opponent in the Bingo debate. Yet, when asked, he had gone out of his way to cut through the red tape so the burial could take place here next to her grandfather\u2019s grave.<\/p>\n

She supposed that she owed him something. \u201cThank you.\u201d Maybe that would be enough.<\/p>\n

He gave her a charming smile. Too charming. As if he believed he had her in his corner. Smarmy political man thought he was earning her vote now that Bev would not be in the race for the mayor\u2019s office next fall.<\/p>\n

Mayor Wilkins hung around, although his attention turned to Faith. He pulled her aside, whispering something into her ear. Cordelia would have tried to eavesdrop but she was too busy staring at the man in the mayor\u2019s entourage who stepped up next.<\/p>\n

First impressions suggested wealth and power, someone used to being in control. An inch or so taller than Angel, he was dressed in a hand-stitched black suit accented with silver threads. Ostentatious taste, but stylish even if he looked completely out of place. Curling black hair teased his forehead, being cropped shorter in the back to match his neatly trimmed beard. He was beautiful in a dark exotic kind of way.<\/p>\n

Cordelia dragged her sunglasses down looking at the stranger without the barrier of the dark lenses. Her breath hitched when he also removed his sunglasses so that his eyes caught hers, intent, and looking so deeply it felt like a caress. It felt a little too personal, yet it was hard to look away. He was not going to offer a handshake and a mere nod of commiseration before moving on, she realized. He lingered moving closer into her space.<\/p>\n

Wondering where on Bev\u2019s list of church members, bingo buddies, activist pals, and very close friends and neighbors this man belonged, Cordelia felt her skin tingle as his hand curled around hers. Smooth skin warmed by the sun slid across her palm as his thumb brushed softly across the flesh between her thumb and forefinger. She wanted him to let go, but the only reaction that came to mind was \u2018pardon my drool\u2019 as the corners of his sensual lips curled higher.<\/p>\n

Momentarily, she seemed to lose the ability to form words, and simply gazed into those darkly lashed eyes like he was the only man on Earth. Swirling around in the back of her mind was the fact that she was in love with Angel and therefore should not be drooling over hot, rich, well-dressed strangers at her grandmother\u2019s funeral. No doubt some code of conduct was being broken, but pfft!<\/p>\n

\u201cMy condolences, Miss Chase,\u201d he spoke formally. The unmistakably foreign accent was unknown to her. Not French or Italian. Something sexy, though, she mused with a little smile, just enjoying the way his mouth formed words.\u00a0 \u201cYour grandmother had many friends.\u201d<\/p>\n

Next to her, Xander challenged him, \u201cWere you one of them?\u201d his voice snapping her out of her study of the stranger\u2019s olive skin and slashing cheekbones. Wait. Xander? It took a moment for Cordelia to realize that Xander had been standing by her side all along. He had asked something about Bev.<\/p>\n

Answering by the simple inclination of his head and pursed his lips, told them he had not had the privilege. \u201cYou might say she and I had one common interest.\u201d<\/p>\n

His gaze drifted across her skin like crawling spiders, no longer naturally seductive, but almost possessive causing Cordelia to cringe. She quipped, \u201cBingo?\u201d and tried to take a step back.<\/p>\n

Hot he might be, but this was not the time or place for flirtation. Who was this guy? She knew there were no European boy toys in her grandmother\u2019s life, but his words baited her into keeping the conversation going instead of having Faith toss him out on his ass.<\/p>\n

Mouth twisting in amusement, he answered, \u201cNo. I am but a guest of your mayor. We were conducting business today and he wished to be here to show his respects. I also offer mine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCity Hall is a busy place these days,\u201d she said suddenly thinking that Willow\u2019s spell had not gone wrong. Maybe he was a human minion of the Solarian vampires doing their bidding during the daytime hours, although he definitely did not seem like the minion type. \u201cNew people coming and going.\u201d<\/p>\n

So much for a sunny, midday funeral keeping the bad people away. Sunnydale was not exactly a vacation spot for visiting foreign dignitaries. The odds that he was connected with Nicolau Cibran and Isobel, or at least involved in the plot to sacrifice her to their demon god, seemed fairly good.<\/p>\n

Cordelia glanced toward Faith, who was still standing with Mayor Wilkins, expecting her to have pulled a stake or dagger from a hidden leg strap beneath the skirt of her new black dress, but she was too busy staring at the mayor\u2019s European guest. Maybe Faith was close enough to sense the creepy vibes that quickly detracted from his looks and helped Cordelia to fend off the effects of his charismatic charm, but if so, she made no move against him.<\/p>\n

Instead, Faith seemed rapt with interest. Eye candy of the tasty variety he might be, but a little attention to her bodyguard duties seemed appropriate. Cordelia nudged Xander with her elbow. He glanced toward Faith, and saw what she did. The slayer looked pale, stunned, and confused. Maybe it had something to do with Mayor Wilkins hand gripping her upper arm as he whispered something in her ear.<\/p>\n

Buffy had obviously overlooked the guy on her rounds, although how anyone could miss such a gorgeous man was a mystery. Maybe she had just dismissed him as being a part of the group from City Hall. There was no sight of her at the moment, which meant she was probably on the outskirts of the cemetery during her rounds.<\/p>\n

Looking into his eyes made her feel completely at ease. Even though her mind swirled in suspicion that he was only there for her and not as the mayor\u2019s elegantly polite foreign visitor, Cordelia felt no fear. Turned on was more like it. Every word he spoke felt like a little caress.<\/p>\n

That was so wrong in so many ways, even if he was a hottie. Wrong place, wrong time, wrong man. Yet, she could not bring herself to make him leave by screeching, \u201cGet out of here, you pretentious bastard!\u201d Not because it was her grandmother\u2019s funeral and the paparazzi hovered nearby, but the feeling that he would not want a scene held her back.<\/p>\n

Giving him what he wanted seemed important. Cordelia felt a buzz of excitement as he said, \u201cI will be here for some time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Yeah, but why would she want that? This man was out of place. He did not belong here. A neon sign flashing above his head could not be more obvious. Yet, she wanted to jump for joy, even though she knew the feeling was insane. \u201cLucky me.\u201d It should have come out as a sarcastic stab, but sounded breathy and flirtatious even to her ears.<\/p>\n

Still standing next to her, and gaping throughout the whole exchange, Xander did not bother to tell her she was crazy. \u201cI\u2019m getting Giles.\u201d He stalked past Faith giving her a pissed off stare. Muttering, \u201cStupid hormones.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gathered together in a small group, Giles, Wesley, and Willow idly listened in as several locals talked about their favorite Beverly Quinn memories, or gossiped about the Chase family, wondering about the whereabouts of Cordelia\u2019s parents during this sad occasion. Most had no idea of the connection between the Quinn family and the Chases. A few wondered at the nature of her untimely death, and voiced concerns about the murderer who had apparently escaped police custody.<\/p>\n

It was interesting to them to hear the reaction to the mayor\u2019s public spin on demonic activity. Whatever deal he had with the editor of the Gazette kept a tight lid on the truth about the Hellmouth.<\/p>\n

Left alone, albeit within Faith\u2019s line of sight, Cordelia felt butterflies swirling around in her stomach. Schizophrenic butterflies at that. Part of her was thrilled to have this man\u2019s full attention, but some other part told her it was wrong. So wrong. She had no business being interested in him. He might be hot, but this was creepy.<\/p>\n

Some of the sparkle faded from his eyes. \u201cLuck plays no part in your future, Miss Chase. Your fate is already decided.\u201d<\/p>\n

A jolt shot across her nerves at those words. The happy little buzz she had found in his presence vanished instantly. Mortified by her behavior, she demanded answers, \u201cWho are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Those sexy lips curled into a hint of a smile again. \u201cLet that be my secret for today, Miss Chase. You will know soon enough, if indeed you do not already sense the truth.\u201d<\/p>\n

There were no other people within hearing distance. \u201cI sense a load of crap when I hear it. Don\u2019t play games with me. I assume you\u2019re supposed to be some kind of threat.\u201d<\/p>\n

Amused by her directness, he indulged her with an answer. \u201cOn the contrary. You are a most precious commodity.\u201d<\/p>\n

This guy\u2019s creep factor was getting creepier by the second. Cordelia did not like his tone as he added, \u201cIf I wished you harm, we would have no need for conversation.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you\u2019re not trying to talk me to death?\u201d She crossed her arms, eyes smoldering with anger.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat would be a waste. There are far more exciting methods to achieve that outcome if I were allowed to indulge myself.\u201d Only her defiance prevented her from flinching as his fingers captured a strand of hair to slide down its silken length. \u201cAlas, you must sacrifice all that you are so that my people will reap the rewards promised us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cordelia enjoyed breaking the bad news. \u201cMaybe you should just tell your boss not to waste his time. I\u2019m no longer a virgin.\u201d He was obviously in on the whole demon ritual plan. From the way he spoke, he was probably Nicolau Cibran\u2019s chief human\u00a0lackey. She figured she could take the direct approach to avoid becoming a sacrifice by telling him she no longer qualified.<\/p>\n

Momentary confusion at her statement gave way to amusement. \u201cWith Angelus as your protector I am unsurprised, my beautiful Varstrae. Although I would welcome you both to my bed, I doubt he will accept the invitation. He is so possessive of his playthings.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t get your hopes up,\u201d she quipped, finding it hard to ignore the disturbingly sexy images his words created.<\/p>\n

His good humor continued as he confirmed one of Giles\u2019 theories on the matter. \u201cYour virginal state or lack thereof has nothing to do with your status as one of the Pure. I find it quaint that you would think we would require such a sacrifice.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf your sacrifices?\u201d The irony did not escape her notice.<\/p>\n

\u201cPrecisely,\u201d he nodded her due. Looking at her as though he was trying to determine the reason for his own interest, he commented, \u201cYou are quite insightful.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cordelia liked to think she had good instincts. Right now, hers were screaming at her to pay attention. Hot Minion Guy was not acting in a minion-like manner. Or, at least, what she imagined that to be, giving deference to his master every sentence or two, invoking Nicolau Cibran\u2019s name like there was no one else on the planet.<\/p>\n

No, he was Mister Superior Attitude instead. The extra machismo might be explained by being foreign. If he were not standing in the noonday sun, it would be an easy leap to guess that he was a vampire, not that he was just in cahoots with one.<\/p>\n

It was a crazy thought because\u2026hello, sunshine!<\/p>\n

Faith had not tackled him to the ground, nor had Buffy appeared out of nowhere to stake him with Mr. Pointy, so it seemed that he was not setting off any Vampire Slayer senses. His weird vampire vibes had to be more like vampire wannabe vibes. Right? Cordelia was not entirely convinced, especially because he would not reveal his identity. She was torn between wanting to find out more, and screaming for backup. The latter was definitely her favorite option, but for some reason she could not seem to remember how to call for help.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see no visible marks.\u201d Those dark eyes slid like silk across her skin, focusing on her neck and wrists. The wet tip of his tongue dashed briefly across the seam of his mouth, reminding her of Angel. Asking, \u201cWhere does he like to bite you?\u201d as if doing so was a foregone conclusion.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is so none of your business, bucko.\u201d It also seemed like a strange question for any man, even one that was a vampire\u2019s minion.<\/p>\n

The golden ring on his finger glinted in the sunlight as he pressed his manicured hand against his chest as a sign of his good intentions. \u201cForgive me. This is not the time to talk of such pleasure, but I look forward to the occasion when we may do more than talk.\u201d<\/p>\n

Quivering at the timbre of his voice as he leaned close again, Cordelia was not quite as disturbed by his words as she wanted to be. Not that she would ever want anyone other than Angel. It was just the way he made it sound as natural as breathing, a foregone conclusion. Although, he was confusing her by making it sound like he was going to be dealing with her and Angel directly rather than his master, Nicolau.<\/p>\n

Reaching out, he lifted her hand with his fingertips, gave a little bow and briefly pressed his lips to her skin. Once again, Cordelia found it difficult to move away. There was just something about being within a certain proximity that did something to her head. If not for the sunglasses being in her hand, she would have reached up to touch him.<\/p>\n

Seeing them, she swiftly slid them back over her eyes. \u201cEnough with the kissing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour friend returns with reinforcements. I must go.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cordelia could see Giles and the others making their way around the gravesite to where they stood. So far, the man had done nothing to cause a scene, and she did not want to create one. Any other time she would be totally up for sending one of the slayers after him for a little information gathering torture session.<\/p>\n

Not today. She just wanted him out of there. \u201cDon\u2019t let me stop you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nicolau\u2019s fingers traced her cheek just briefly enough that she had no time to pull away. He tucked his sunglasses back into place covering those mesmerizing black eyes. \u201cTake solace in your lover, Cordelia. When Kalesh is through with you even he will not be able to hold you back from destiny\u2019s reach.\u201d<\/p>\n

Long strides carried him across the green lawn toward the corner of the church parking lot where a shiny black BMW was parked. He was already closing the car door behind him when Giles put a hand on her shoulder, nearly giving her a heart attack. \u201cAck! Giles, you shouldn\u2019t sneak up on a girl that way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have been standing here for the past twenty seconds trying to get your attention,\u201d he revealed.<\/p>\n

Xander stopped snapping his fingers in front of her face, and pulled his hand back to his pants pocket. \u201cWhat was up with that dude? I didn\u2019t like the way he looked at you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s because he was\u2014,\u201d stopping mid-revelation Cordelia\u2019s eyes went wide as her boss appeared right in front of them. \u201cOh! Hi, Mrs Finkle.\u201d<\/p>\n

Giles realized that Cordelia had been about to say something important and he did not want to have to wait to hear the news. He greeted the woman with great brevity, and then suggested the events of the day had been overtiring. \u201cPerhaps it is time we get you home.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was too late to come to her rescue now. Shrugging his hand away, she huffed, \u201cDon\u2019t be rude, Giles. I have not even talked to Mrs. Finkle yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me offer my condolences, Cordelia.\u201d Everyone knew Bev, even Mrs Fink. She was part of the whole Bingo Parlour plot against the mayor. If anyone was likely to take up her grandmother\u2019s mantle and continue to fight for her cause, it was probably Mrs Fink. There were real tears in her eyes and just a tinge of anger as her glance slid toward the mayor as he passed by with Faith.<\/p>\n

Cordelia had her eye on them, too. They paused near the closest headstone. The mayor tilted Faith\u2019s jaw up a notch with the knuckle of his index finger. \u201cChin up, Faithy. Keep smiling.\u201d<\/p>\n

He made it sound like friendly advice to a young woman whose friend had just lost her grandmother, but there was a hidden message passing between them Cordelia could not interpret. The mayor had been talking to Faith even longer than she had been speaking his guest. She wondered what that was all about and if Faith had any plans to cough up the 411.<\/p>\n

Buffy jogged up just as Mrs Finkle strolled away. \u201cThe grounds look secure. No signs of trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDuh! Because trouble has already had its up close and personal conversation with me before driving away in his car,\u201d Cordelia propped her hands on her hips and waited for an explanation.<\/p>\n

Buffy glanced around. \u201cDid I miss something?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCreepy guy,\u201d said Xander being helpful. \u201cI think he was hitting on Cordy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBad timing, but since when is that something new? Guys hit on her all of the time. Even when they\u2019re not supposed to,\u201d Buffy added with a huff getting in that one Angel-related stab as if she could not stop herself from saying it.<\/p>\n

\u201cNormally, I would adore gorgeous expensively dressed men with sexy foreign accents flirting with me,\u201d Cordelia readily admitted, \u201cbut not this one\u2014 or you two, of course.\u201d<\/p>\n

Red tinged Wesley\u2019s cheeks as he ventured into the conversation with a query. \u201cWhat kind of accent?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGali-whatsis, of course.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGalician? That man was Galician?\u201d Wesley took a couple of awkward steps toward the parking lot as if he planned to run after him, or fall flat on his face.<\/p>\n

Returning just in time, Faith caught him by the arm saving from a nasty fall. \u201cMayor Wilkins says he\u2019s a foreign dignitary.\u201d Her jaw tightened up afterward as if she wanted to say more, but had to force herself to hold back.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere in Sunnydale?\u201d Buffy was instantly suspicious\u2014 about ten minutes too late.<\/p>\n

\u201cGreat observation skills, Slayers. Zero for two today.\u201d Cordelia was pretty certain that Mr. Tall, Dark and Bearded could have tossed her over his strong shoulder and carried her off before either Buffy or Faith had even noticed. Irked, she let them all put forth their own theories before interjecting.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe he\u2019s a minion!\u201d Willow seemed excited by the idea.<\/p>\n

Xander chuckled as he named the infamous minion of Dracula from the movies, \u201cWas his name Renfield?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is not a joking matter,\u201d Wesley admonished him sending Xander\u2019s happy grin into hiding. \u201cIf this foreigner was indeed a Solarian minion, he could easily have been here at his master\u2019s bequest. He might have been here to kidnap her.\u201d<\/p>\n

Faith blew off the idea. \u201cIn broad daylight with the paparazzi here? That would make a few headlines.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm,\u201d Wesley thought about it. \u201cPerhaps today was more about gathering information than taking action. If indeed he is connected to the clan or its cause.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho, him? Nah!\u201d Faith told him he was barking up the wrong tree. \u201cHe\u2019s just a nutcase I met at City Hall last week. Delusions of grandeur. No one to worry about.\u201d<\/p>\n

Buffy seemed to think it was strange that Faith never mentioned it. \u201cHow can you be so sure?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe mayor said so.\u201d<\/p>\n

Stunned, Buffy had to repeat the words just to be certain that Faith had said them. \u201cThe mayor said so. And you believed it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Faith shrugged.<\/p>\n

Buffy was not finished. \u201cWe\u2019re supposed to be keeping tabs on the newbies in town. This guy didn\u2019t seem suspicious? What were you thinking?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat he was pretty hot for a nutcase.\u201d<\/p>\n

Several groans sounded all around.<\/p>\n

\u201cAhem,\u201d Giles cleared his throat. \u201cWhether or not this man has delusions of grandeur, it does not rule him out as a potential threat. Daring to confront Cordelia directly suggests that he is part of an agenda.\u201d<\/p>\n

Willow seemed fascinated by the whole subject, as if she was taking notes in class. \u201cSo, you really do think he\u2019s enthralled by the vampires?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s not talk about thralls,\u201d Xander muttered dipping his head low and scraping one shoe back and forth across some loose dirt in the grass.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is relevant,\u201d countered Wesley. \u201cVery few vampires possess the ability to enthrall humans. Like any other skill, it must be practiced, usually over the course of centuries. Or, in Drusilla\u2019s case, the vampire must possess….\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe crazy factor?\u201d Buffy cut in with a quip.<\/p>\n

\u201cNaturally occurring extrasensory perception,\u201d finished Wesley becoming quite used to being interrupted.<\/p>\n

Giles was not completely surprised by the notion that Nicolau Cibran might have that ability, or that the human minion acted out of free will. \u201cThe Solarians live in secret due to the support of the local people. The human populace also worships demons. It would seem they have sent a representative, whether or not he is enthralled to the clan.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNice theory, but you\u2019re wrong,\u201d Cordelia said quietly having convinced herself that the impossible was true.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo on,\u201d encouraged Wesley.<\/p>\n

Cordelia merely shook her head turning her attention back to her grandmother\u2019s grave, where the coffin lay half-covered in dirt, and three groundskeepers hovered at its edge waiting to finish the job. The pastor came over to say a few final words before leaving. Cordelia heard him, but the words did not really sink in.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n

\u201cGive her a minute,\u201d snapped Faith when he would have pressed for more information.<\/p>\n

It was all kind of surreal. The drive back to the mansion was the same, mostly a blur. Xander sitting by her side, holding her hand. Willow sitting next to him like always. Giles driving. Buffy riding shotgun. No one talking. Silence.<\/p>\n

She got out of the car, anxious to get inside and fall into Angel\u2019s arms, even though her body felt like it was moving in slow motion. Before she could climb the stone steps, the front door opened. Angel was standing there too close to the sliver of sunlight angling in from above, just as anxious to know how things went and whether she was okay.<\/p>\n

Wes\u2019 motorcycle pulled up right behind them. \u201cStay out of my business,\u201d yelled Faith as she yanked the helmet off her head and dropped it to the ground. They had argued the entire way from the cemetery. She looked around at everyone staring in her direction, \u201cShit,\u201d then darted up the steps shoving past Angel to get inside making a beeline for the basement.<\/p>\n

\u201cOn the contrary,\u201d Wesley followed right behind her, walking swiftly, his back as stiff as a board, \u201cas your watcher, every decision you make is my business.\u201d<\/p>\n

This time, Angel moved out of the way. When Cordelia finally reached him, he pulled her aside to let the others file past. \u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d<\/p>\n

Cordelia sucked in a deep breath, held it for a moment, letting it out as a heavy sigh. \u201cA whole lot of trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSome minion dude was flirting with Cordy,\u201d Xander told him as he walked by.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

Buffy told him, \u201cNo worries. No kidnapping to thwart this time. Just a lot of talking from what I hear.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tension twitched in his jaw as Angel clenched his teeth in reminder that he should ask for details before biting her head off. Buffy was supposed to keep Cordy safe.\u00a0 \u201cYou let one of Nicolau\u2019s minions get within talking distance?\u201d<\/p>\n

Willow patted his arm reassuringly. He flashed her an annoyed look that made her back away with her hands raised. \u201cSorry,\u201d she whispered and high-tailed it behind Buffy.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was patrolling the grounds,\u201d Buffy told him. \u201cAsk your girlfriend for the scoop because she has all of the juicy details and has been holding out so she can tell you first.\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel glanced down at Cordelia who had one hand on his chest as he held her close, and the other soothingly rubbing his back. She tilted her face to his and waited until he gave her a quick kiss, smiling at him after he did so. That was just a nice little pick-me-up after a long, crazy day, and she so deserved it.<\/p>\n

Plus, it gave her a little thrill when she realized that for the first time, Buffy Summers verbally acknowledged that Angel was now her boyfriend. Maybe it was a good sign that the day could only get better from here on out. Fingers crossed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe should probably all be together,\u201d Cordelia said while threading her fingers through his. \u201cGiles and Wes really need to hear this because I really can\u2019t explain how it is even possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

Willow whispered to her, \u201cWhat about Spike and Dru?\u201d<\/p>\n

Without hesitation, Cordelia shook her head. \u201cLet them sleep. Angel will have to figure out how to tell them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Walking beside them Willow\u2019s brow creased with her frown. \u201cThat sounds ominous,\u201d she gulped.<\/p>\n

\u201cPretty much.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cordelia paused at the basement doorway where Xander waited for Willow to catch up. Tapping Angel on the arm, she remembered that she wanted to show them something. \u201cOh, I need to grab a pen and some paper. I don\u2019t need your sketch pad. Just a scrap.\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel apparently had no intention of leaving her side until he heard more of what was going on. He signaled Xander to head to the study to get what she asked for.<\/p>\n

While on his way, Xander complained loudly, \u201cWhy am I always fetching and carrying around here?\u201d<\/p>\n

No one answered him. They were too busy following Cordelia down to the basement where Faith was doing terminal damage to a punching bag despite the fact that she was still dressed for the funeral. This was worse than she thought. Her crazy theory would have to wait a minute.<\/p>\n

Faith had been acting weird ever since her little sidebar with Mayor Wilkins. Something was going on with her and it gave Cordelia the wiggins. The slayer was not the only one down there. She realized that Giles had gone straight down, following the slayer and his younger counterpart. He was huddled in a corner with Wesley having a very quiet, and seemingly serious conversation. It stopped the moment they spotted her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hate it when people do that,\u201d Cordelia complained. \u201cAre you talking about me or just keeping secrets in general? No, don\u2019t bother answering. Out of my way. I need to talk to Faith.\u201d<\/p>\n

The rhythmic beat of fist against leather stopped as Faith turned around looking pissed off, defiant, and somewhat sweaty. This was not exactly the homecoming Cordelia had planned for today. A relaxing bubble bath and sympathetic snuggling were not on the horizon at the moment.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo ahead, Cor, but they should hear this. I am their business, after all, so they say. Did I mention that I fucking hate being played?\u201d<\/p>\n

Giles lifted his glasses and rubbed his eyes before responding. \u201cThere is no need for that tone, Faith. Let me explain.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExplain?\u201d Cordelia huffed. The story they had been spinning never seemed legit. \u201cThen tell me what Faith is doing \u2018volunteering\u2019 at City Hall. As far as I know, there\u2019s no future for slayers in politics.\u201d<\/p>\n

Carefully choosing his words, Giles pointed out, \u201cYou have friends at school. Surely you can\u2019t begrudge Faith other interests.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut the mayor\u2019s a snake,\u201d Cordelia argued vehemently, her hair flying wildly around her shoulders as she gestured, hands in the air, \u201ca slimy, two-faced used car salesman. Bev knew what he was like, and I trust her instincts.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wes drolly commented, \u201cYours are certainly spot on.\u201d He turned away, crossing his arms in front of him when Giles gave him a stern stare.<\/p>\n

Giles asked her, \u201cAre you just concerned about Faith\u2019s choice of friends, or was there something else?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe mayor seems to have a lot of new friends. Kind of coincidental after Willow\u2019s spell showed Isobel was at City Hall yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n

Standing with Buffy at the top of the stairs, Willow squeaked triumphantly, \u201cHah! It knew it worked.\u201d<\/p>\n

Buffy took the steps one by one. \u201cDid you really meet him last week?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI said so, didn\u2019t I?\u201d Faith dropped her gaze to her reddened knuckles.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho the hell are we talking about?\u201d Angel demanded. He had heard the bit about the suspicious stranger, but now it was someone Faith knew from City Hall.<\/p>\n

Ignoring Angel\u2019s question, Cordelia pointed a finger at Faith, accusing her, \u201cYou\u2019re lying. I can\u2019t believe you would try to keep this a secret.\u201d<\/p>\n

Faith suddenly paled. \u201cYou know.\u201d<\/p>\n

The others gaped in silence, except for Xander who murmured, \u201cShe knows what? What does she know?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour new friend is no minion, Faith. He\u2019s a vampire\u2014 Nicolau Cibran.\u201d<\/p>\n

Although a jumble of denials sounded in the wake of her eye-opener, Cordelia pressed on. She was looking up at Angel now, whose expression was stormy, yet confused. He was the only silent one in the bunch beside Faith who was suddenly as tight-lipped as a clam.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is impossible,\u201d Wesley cautioned her not to get wild with her theorizing. “You were both standing in broad daylight.”<\/p>\n

Ignoring the nay-sayers, Cordelia asked Angel, \u201cYou remember what Nicolau looks like, right?\u201d She received a brief nod before describing him in great detail, not forgetting to mention his charisma. \u201cHe even kissed my hand.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lifting it, Angel scented her skin mentally prepared to differentiate its subtle fragrances. When he looked into her eyes again, his were filled with rage, having instantly detected the truth. He growled out, \u201cVampire.\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel released his hold on her wrist, curled his hand into a fist, and punched the wooden post holding up the banister. The stairs shook hard enough to cause its three occupants to scream. \u201cHow is this possible? He did this to piss me off,\u201d he shouted over the noise.<\/p>\n

Wesley and Giles called out for him to calm down, but his anger was suddenly turned on them. \u201cYou want me to calm down when you promise me that Cordy will be safe, and yet you let him have a conversation with her, let him touch her?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCordelia appeared to be in no immediate danger,\u201d Giles assured him. \u201cMight I remind you that she has come to no harm. The more important discov\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel was not ready to talk about that, yet. \u201cNico is playing games with you all. Making you think he is charming and harmless. He\u2019s a killer, and you stood by while he put his hands on Cordelia.\u201d<\/p>\n

“Lips, too,” she reminded him of the hand kissing.<\/p>\n

Turning around, Angel moved toward Faith with a sudden burst of speed. He wrapped his hand around her throat and pushed her back against the brick wall, raising her up so that her feet barely touched the ground. He moved in close to pin her down forestalling any attempt at escape.<\/p>\n

There were shouts in the background, demands to stop, words of caution, but there was nothing going to prevent Angel from getting the information he wanted. \u201cFaith, I want the truth and I want it right now. The mayor\u2019s dirty hands aren\u2019t a secret in this town.\u201d<\/p>\n

Faith could say nothing as his hands squeezed a little tighter, fear jarring her from the numb place she had taken herself during the last hour. Angel pressed into her, his hard body an immovable wall. \u201cCordy\u2019s right about your \u2018volunteer\u2019 work being a load of crap. What\u2019s that all about, Faith? Tell me, do you still slay vampires, or is something else going on with Nicolau that we should know about?\u201d<\/p>\n

Trying to pry his hands away, gasping for air, Faith tried to speak.<\/p>\n

Cordelia hit Angel on the shoulder, \u201cHey!\u201d making him loosen his hold just enough to let her answer.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? No, I swear. Ask Giles.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s telling the truth,\u201d Giles did not wait to be asked. He held out his hands in front of him. \u201cThe only orders Faith has been following have been mine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Buffy gasped, stunned by the revelation. \u201cWhat orders?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe mayor isn\u2019t what he seems. Faith has been feeding him false information and gathering intel on his illegal activities. Something big is coming up, but we haven\u2019t been able to pin anything down yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFaith is a double agent?\u201d Xander ooohed at the idea. \u201cCool.\u201d<\/p>\n

Slowly, Angel lowered her back to the ground. Faith started coughing the moment he released her, catching her knees with both hands as she doubled over. Standing, she looked him in the eye, \u201cDon\u2019t ever do that again,\u201d and punched him squarely in the jaw.<\/p>\n

Angel\u2019s head jerked sideways with the impact, but he took the punch without further retaliation realizing that maybe he deserved it.<\/p>\n

\u201cI never actually laid eyes on Nicolau before today.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy lie about it?\u201d Cordelia was confused.<\/p>\n

Explaining that Mayor Wilkins asked her to smooth things over between Cordelia and his guest, Faith told them she had no choice other than to do what she was told. \u201cHe knows things. There is something going on with him that has nothing to do with the prophecy, and he is just as much in the dark about what\u2019s coming as we are.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen why feed him information?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTo keep tabs on him. He has a hand in almost every scheme going on in this town. He covers up more stuff every day than you can imagine. I\u2019m not even sure that Wilkins is human.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wesley still was not comfortable with the subterfuge. Undercover operations were not part of the Slayer Handbook. They had argued about it on the way back to the mansion from the cemetery. \u201cFaith, a slayer should never be forced to lie to protect a vampire. I am sorry that you were pressed to do so.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cS\u2019okay, it\u2019s not exactly the worst thing I have been asked to do,\u201d Faith said cryptically without divulging more.<\/p>\n

Cordelia sort of understood that Faith was working to undermine the mayor\u2019s dastardly plans, whatever those might be. She was less clear about the slayer\u2019s first impression of the mayor\u2019s well-dressed guest. \u201cDid you know right away that Nicolau was a vampire?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI knew that he was with Mayor Wilkins, that the sun was shining, and that I felt like wrestling him to the ground.\u201d Faith shrugged and flashed her trademark dimpled smile. \u201cVampire or not, he\u2019s smoking hot. I thought I was just getting horny.\u201d<\/p>\n

Understanding how the other slayer might get distracted, Buffy admitted, \u201cWhen I first met Angel, I had no idea he was a vampire, but I’ve gotten the hang of picking up on it most of the time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKind of a kick in the gut,\u201d Faith nodded understanding. \u201cWilkins is schmoozing him for some reason. I don\u2019t know what he\u2019s planning.\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel did not care what their reason were, but this business with the mayor allowed Cordelia to be put in harm’s way. \u201cSounds like you\u2019d better find out what it is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t give me that shit, Angel,\u201d Faith wasn\u2019t about to let him bark orders at her. It was more than enough to get it from Giles and the mayor. \u201cI did what I had to do. Cordelia is back safe and sound.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat wasn\u2019t a villager, or a thrall performing at his master\u2019s bidding,\u201d Angel ground out. \u201cIt was Nicolau returning the message I sent with Isobel.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cordelia knew the message had been a warning.<\/p>\n

Cupping her cheek, Angel softly caressed it with the pad of his thumb. \u201cNico is making this personal because I threatened the same.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAngel, he never threatened me.\u00a0Actually, he invited us over for lots of hot sex,\u201d she added cheekily. \u201cBefore I meet my fate as a sacrificial lamb, that is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to kill him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I can totally live with that, and I\u2019d like to, actually. Live, I mean.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wrapping her up in his arms, Angel held on tightly with Cordelia squeezing him back just as hard. She wanted to be alone with him right now, but there was one important detail to be discussed that could not wait until later.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnyone want to tell me how it is possible for a vampire to walk around in the sunlight?\u201d<\/p>\n

Xander\u2019s snarky suggestion of \u2018Sunblock SPF 10,000\u2019 drew a few snickers.<\/p>\n

Willow asked, \u201cCould it be magic?\u201d That seemed to make a lot of sense.<\/p>\n

Even Angel conceded that it was possible. Strong magic. It would have to be almost as powerful as a curse and as difficult to procure. Otherwise, every vampire on the street would be looking for a spell.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you still want this, Cordy?\u201d asked Xander handing her the pen and paper.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I almost forgot about it.\u201d She sketched something out as the others looked on. It was rough. Drawing was not her forte. \u201cI saw something when I was talking to Nicolau.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cordelia handed the sketch to Giles. \u201cWith my eye for expensive jewelry, I couldn\u2019t help but notice his ring.\u201d It was mostly gold, but inlaid with onyx creating a unique design, one that looked more like a symbol.<\/p>\n

Giles turned pale as he looked at it. \u201cAre you certain?\u201d<\/p>\n

Before Wesley could take it, Angel snagged it out of Giles\u2019 hand. The sketch was very rough, but not what he expected. Every vampire clan had its own markings, a crest that identified its territories and properties to other clans. Still, considering the nature of the Solarian vampires, it was not entirely surprising.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a demon brand. It symbolizes Nicolau\u2019s allegiance to his demon god.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Giles responded stiffly, \u201cI fear it represents something far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n

Scene 130<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

129: \u00a0 \u00a0 Trinity Baptist Church Cemetery, Eastside, Sunnydale The funeral was as unorthodox as Beverly Quinn herself: a midday ceremony under the…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[25],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10463","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-to-be-continued-fic"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10463","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10463"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10463\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10463"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10463"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10463"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}