{"id":13400,"date":"2024-04-07T12:46:10","date_gmt":"2024-04-07T11:46:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/?p=13400"},"modified":"2025-06-27T09:26:10","modified_gmt":"2025-06-27T08:26:10","slug":"mercenary-hearts-12","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/2024\/04\/07\/mercenary-hearts-12\/","title":{"rendered":"Mercenary Hearts 12"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sunnydale Main Street<\/em>.<\/strong> (Mon Lunchtime)<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Since they both had free periods for the rest of the day, Cordy and Tara discussed what to do with their spare time.<\/span><\/p>\n

They were recurrently sitting outside a quaint little Italian Restaurant having lunch al fresco. Cordy had frequented the place for quite a few years, and doubted any other could top their amazing food. She related her telephone conversation with her father the night before.<\/span><\/p>\n

It was good news to hear they were getting back soon, but\u2026 \u201cLately, home seems so\u2026 empty<\/em>. Fair enough, Rosa is around until five, but then I\u2019m on my own till eight in the morning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut I thought you were used to being alone – preferred it, even?\u201d Personally, Tara hadn\u2019t known any different in a long time. Even when her father and brother were home, she\u2019d always felt isolated. Among other things. Now being totally independent, she couldn\u2019t imagine anything better.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, you\u2019re right.\u201d Leaning her chin on her hand, Cordy told how she\u2019d locked the door of her bedroom the night before. \u201cMaybe it\u2019s all this stuff Giles has been banging on about this past week. For some reason, it\u2019s really got to me this time round.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Tara swallowed the mouthful of fettuccine then suggested: “I could stay over tonight i-if you like-” grinning happily when Cordy almost squealed with delight at the idea.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Ohmigod! We could have a girl\u2019s night! Talk about secret little crushes and stuff, \u2018cause hey,” she faked a pout, \u201cwe don\u2019t have any significant others to trash\u2013talk.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

They both laughed, excited, then talked over plans for the rest of the day.<\/span><\/p>\n

****<\/span><\/p>\n

Sun Cinema, State Street.<\/strong> (Mon Early Evening)<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

The two young women were laughing and chatting about the movie they\u2019d just watched as they exited the cinema, completely oblivious to the admiring glances they attracted by a couple of youths who walked out behind them.<\/span><\/p>\n

During lunch, Cordy and Tara had discussed at length their plans for the rest of the day, and agreed on finishing off a due Psyche paper at Cordy\u2019s home before heading off to watch a movie. Then it all would be finished off with an evening of good food and a little gossip.<\/span><\/p>\n

Deciding earlier not to succumb to the temptation that was takeout, Cordy had begged Rosa to make her divine arroz con pollo<\/em> and accompanying pan de yuca<\/em> for dinner before the housekeeper left for the night.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Since Rosa normally put the dinner menu together in advance, Cordy had promised to wash up and tidy the kitchen when they got back from watching a movie. On hearing that, Rosa was more than happy to oblige.<\/span><\/p>\n

*<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t believe I missed it first time round,\u201d Cordy exclaimed. But then, in the past, she\u2019d rarely bother to watch a movie without Keanu Reeves or Jude Law somewhere in it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tara had actually squealed a bit on seeing that The Princess Bride<\/em> was on a replay. She\u2019d begged Cordy to watch it with her. \u201cYou\u2019ll love it, trust me,\u201d she promised, almost jumping on the spot in excitement when her friend acquiesced.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt has to be one of my all-time favorite movies,\u201d Tara admitted with a happy smile as they later strolled along the sidewalk towards the new multi-story car lot at the end of State Street.<\/span><\/p>\n

Since the new mayor had decided to revamp the street, making it pedestrian-friendly, vehicles weren\u2019t allowed to park on it. At least they\u2019d waited for the new car lot to be built first. Still, it meant walking the length of the street to get to it. They were discussing their favorite scenes and hardly noticed that it had gotten dark quickly since exiting the theater.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did you think of Prince Humperdinck?\u201d Tara asked, chuckling, and then faltered when noticing a black-clad figure out of the corner of her eye leaning against a lamp post further along the street. \u201cCordy,\u201d she indicated with her head, rather than pointing a rude finger. \u201cWe\u2019ve got company,\u201d she whispered, suddenly nervous.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cordy, who\u2019d been laughingly giving her opinion on the \u2018evil\u2019 prince, automatically followed Tara\u2019s troubled gaze, and stopped in mid-sentence when recognition hit. It was the vampire who\u2019d surprisingly helped her out the other night. She felt a frisson of unexpected excitement as their eyes met; quickly replaced by growing fear when he straightened up from the lamp post.<\/span><\/p>\n

Almost on instinct, Cordy moved to stand slightly in front of her friend as he approached with lithe grace. Grabbing the stake that was always in her purse since finding out vampires were real, she brandished it and warned him: \u201cThat\u2019s close enough, fangy.\u201d Cordy was glad to find that her voice didn\u2019t hold the fine tremor that afflicted the hand tightly holding the stake. God, when had it got so dark?<\/em> She wondered fretfully.\u00a0 Lost in the moment of happy normality, they\u2019d both missed the telltale shadows when they\u2019d left the cinema and started their leisurely stroll.<\/span><\/p>\n

After the gory history lesson given by Giles about the past exploits of the infamous vampire, Angelus and his cohort Spike, the last thing she wanted was for him to know just how scared she was. He\u2019d probably get a kick out of it<\/em>, Cordy thought, her wide eyes intent as she watched him get ever closer.<\/span><\/p>\n

With less than ten feet between them, Angel came to a halt.\u00a0 Pushing his stylish leather duster aside, he casually slid large pale hands into his pants pockets. \u201cIt isn\u2019t wise to be out at night,\u201d he finally spoke. His dark eyes swept over her from the top of her head to her instantly curling bare toes that peeked out of her delicate slim-heeled sandals. \u201cI thought you\u2019d<\/em> know that better than most.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Cordy\u2019s hackles instantly rose at his subtle admonishment, even as his low, sexy voice sent tingles down her spine. \u201cIt\u2019s not like we\u2019re alone,\u201d she sharply retorted, glancing pointedly around, and then realized that the street was now deserted. Well, crap<\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cordy swallowed hard as he advanced a little more before stopping a mere few feet away.\u00a0 In the well-lit pedestrian zone, she was now able to see that his dark eyes were, in fact, a yummy Belgian chocolate brown.<\/span><\/p>\n

A stifled sigh left her as she wondered if there was anything<\/em> that wasn\u2019t gorgeous about his appearance. Even his pale, flawless complexion suited him; a stunning combination with his dark hair and eyes\u2026 that were currently gazing at her with a tinge of humor.<\/span><\/p>\n

So busy ogling that it took her a moment to realize that her fear levels had ebbed. Thinking on it, she came to the conclusion that as he\u2019d saved her life before, why would he want to kill her now?<\/span><\/p>\n

Feeling more confident, she lowered the tightly held stake- but kept it in her hand, just in case she\u2019d got it wrong. \u201cWhat are you<\/em> doing out of your bat cave anyway?\u201d she asked, a little off-kilter at being caught checking him out.<\/span><\/p>\n

Angel grinned at her, obviously finding her choice of words amusing. Damn it<\/em>, the smile only increased the gorgeousness of his face. \u201cLast time I checked, it was a public area,\u201d he replied, and then continued before she could respond. \u201cWatch anything good?\u201d he indicated the movie theater at the end of the street.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cordy stubbornly refused to answer his question, not that sure that she wanted him to know their business. Then her head snapped round to stare at Tara in surprise when she responded with, \u201cThe P-Princess Bride.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The very fact that her friend had overcome her usual shyness around strangers -especially in circumstances such as this, was truly impressive. Although her timing was a bit off, she thought with a slight grimace.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHave you seen it?\u201d Tara went on to politely ask him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cordy couldn\u2019t stop the short laugh that left her mouth at the thought. \u201cI seriously doubt it, Tara.\u201d A single fine brow arched in mild scorn. \u201cIn between hunting and snacking on humans, when would a vampire<\/em> have the time for a romantic comedy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cActually, I went to see it once.\u201d Both brows lifted at his reply, and Angel shrugged. “I like watching movies.”<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut it\u2019s a chick flick,\u201d she explained, surprised by his admittance.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt has pirates, monsters, and a man who was only nearly dead,\u201d Angel smirked. \u201cWhat\u2019s not to love?\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut you\u2019re not just an everyday neighborhood vampire.\u201d Cordy couldn\u2019t get her head around it. He seemed so different compared to Giles earlier descriptions of his persona. \u201cWe do know who you are,\u201d she declared, feeling especially odd him striking up a casual conversation about movie interests. \u201cYou\u2019re Angelus, the Scourge of Europe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

His brown eyes widened for a split second before he responded. \u201cAngel.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHuh?\u201d Her confusion caused a small furrow to form between her brows.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy name. It\u2019s Angel,\u201d he clarified, his expression now a little guarded.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cordy\u2019s chin tilted up as she replied with an outwardly uninterested air, even as she thought privately that it suited him better. \u201cAngelus, Angel,\u201d she shrugged carelessly. \u201cSame difference from where I\u2019m standing,\u201d instinctively taking a hurried step back when his hands abruptly left his pockets.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I think you\u2019d notice the difference, sweetheart.\u201d Cordy\u2019s pulse raced as Angel\u2019s softly spoken words held the slightest hint of menace. Then, as if sensing her sudden anxiety, his tone lost all traces of it when he spoke again. \u201cBut you have nothing to worry about,\u201d he gravely assured.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cordy became so lost in the strangely regretful cast of his eyes that she hadn\u2019t realized he\u2019d stepped closer – until, out of nowhere, a faint gold shimmer ringed those soft brown irises as his narrowed gaze turned towards her friend. \u201cYou\u2019re a witch.\u201d It was said almost casually, but he was close enough for Cordy to pick up the sudden slight tension in his imposing frame.<\/span><\/p>\n

Although he hadn\u2019t moved, she instinctively pressed her palm against his middle and attempted to push him back a bit. \u201cHaven\u2019t you heard of personal space?\u201d Cordy deliberately kept her voice even. \u201cBecause right now, you\u2019re standing in mine!\u201d She wasn\u2019t sure what his issue was, but it was enough to put her on edge. It hadn\u2019t helped that her quick move had caused her to drop the stake. Just great, jeeze!<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

She was inching sideways in an attempt to plant herself fully in front of Tara when he unexpectedly stepped back. It was only a small gap but enough for her to let out a breath of relief. The gold tinge had completely disappeared when he glanced back down at her. \u201cI can smell her power.\u201d Angel\u2019s voice still held a trace of tension, enough for Cordy to keep her hand firmly where it was.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, your doggy nose must be on the blink \u2018cause Tara\u2019s not<\/em> a witch!\u201d The lie left her mouth with ease, not caring that he obviously knew it, going by the sudden lift of his dark brows.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wasn\u2019t going to bite her if that\u2019s what you were thinking,\u201d Angel replied with a faint smirk.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSays the evil vampire in front of two yummy humans\u201d Cordy retorted hotly, pointing her finger so close it almost touched his nose, causing his smirk to widen into a full-blown smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYummy?\u201d\u00a0 A hint of amusement swirled the chocolatey depths of his eyes, and she flushed a little in response. Hoo boy<\/em>.\u00a0 He was definitely dangerous- and not just because he was a blood-sucking vampire.<\/span><\/p>\n

A slight twitch that tickled her palm had her looking down, and she was reminded of the fact that not only was her hand still pressed firmly against his abs, but that her traitorous fingers had been unconsciously flexing like kitten paws on a silk cushion; which had caused those totally ripped<\/em> muscles to tense. The blush already tinting her cheekbones spread in hot mortification as she hurriedly pulled her evilly groping hand away.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI haven’t fed on humans for a long time.\u201d His next words had her head lifting sharply in surprise. He moved back a little more, muscular arms folding across his broad chest. \u201cI don\u2019t kill them either; not since\u2026\u201d Angel paused, and his eyes lost focus.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cordy was so intent on the vampire, busy trying to make sense of his words, that she actually jumped at the sudden sound of Tara\u2019s voice. \u201cRomania!\u201d She\u2019d blurted out. Cordy glanced at her and watched as her eyes locked with Angel\u2019s suddenly alert gaze.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe gypsies, Cordy,\u201d Tara reminded her. \u201cThey used strong magicks. I can sense it in you,\u201d she told him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking back and forth between the two of them, Cordy felt clueless. \u201cWhat am I not getting here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Angel finally shifted his gaze from her friend and gave an almost imperceptive shake of his head before responding. \u201cThe Kalderash cursed us with souls.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

****<\/span><\/p>\n

Romania. 1898<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The acrid stench of fear hung in the air like a pall. Angelus\u2019 mouth watered copiously, impatient to push aside the pleasantries Darla loved so much.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe decided today was our boys\u2019 treat,\u201d she purred softly into his ear, slim pale arms wrapped around his thick neck, her body plastered against him.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

He gave her a cursory glance then looked over her fair head impatiently, attempting to see what had assailed his senses so deliciously from the moment he\u2019d entered the building, but Drusilla blocked his view as she literally danced on the spot; her glittering eyes widening with excitement when the door behind him opened and her loved one entered.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy Spike is finally here and now the party can begin!\u201d She clapped her hands with glee. \u201cCan we let them open their presents now?\u201d Her delicate face turned towards Darla, feral excitement twisting her pretty features. The blonde shook her head and twining arms tightened, thin fingers threading through Angelus\u2019 hair to tug demandingly.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll in good time, my sweet, but first I want my boy to greet me in a proper manner.\u201d China blue eyes gazed into his expectantly, and with an inward growl of building impatience, he brought his head down and brutally devoured her scarlet painted mouth.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Spike peered around the brunette and grinned with sheer delight. \u201cAhh, Dru, you\u2019ve truly outdone yourself tonight. However shall I repay you, for such a precious gift?\u201d Striking dark brows wriggled deliberately, and the answering girlish giggles were stifled as the sound of wet kisses and purring growls filled the room\u2026 but then the softest whimper intruded, and avid curiosity had Angelus finally tearing his lips away from the woman in his arms.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Flames danced and spat in the impressive stone fireplace, casting its golden glow across the marble floor. Candles flickered warm yellow light from every available surface, bringing an almost dreamy ambience to the cavernous and sparsely furnished chamber.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

But nothing compared to the gold fire that lit the dark vampire\u2019s eyes as they finally sought out and rested on the \u2018gifts\u2019 his sire and childe had laid out artistically a few feet from the large hearth. Pulling away from the arms and body still clinging to him like poison ivy, Angelus stepped around the petite blonde, his tongue sliding out to moisten suddenly parched lips.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

He circled slowly, a lecherous smile lighting his strong pale face as glittering tigers eyes caught a glimpse of delicate ankles peeking temptingly from under the voluminous material of heavy, pale blue skirts. Wrists were tied together with red silken cords and pulled taut over their heads, the ends wrapped around the thick oak legs of a large damask-covered couch.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Dropping to his haunches, Angelus reached out a large hand and ran it from hip to knee, a deep dark chuckle rumbling through his chest when a bare foot lifted and kicked out.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

With the accuracy of a deadly snake, he grabbed the fragile ankle and held it high, grinning in delight that the lower limbs had been left unbound. He brought it to his mouth; dropping light teasing kisses along warm, olive silky flesh, which quivered in his firm grip.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Spike teased Drusilla\u2019s smiling blood-red mouth with biting kisses before releasing her to saunter over. Cool blue eyes ran over both the young girls huddled next to each other, liquid brown gazes frantic with fear above the confining gags. Their clothes although lacking the richness of wealth were still bright and flattering. Long dark hair hung loose around their shaking shoulders, and his eyes glinted with more than the reflection of the roaring fire.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGypsies,\u201d he breathed with a pleasured purr.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

The female vampires held hands and swayed coquettishly. \u201cNot just ANY gypsies,\u201d Darla responded with a triumphant grin, causing Drusilla to giggle and swing their joined hands.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRomany,\u201d Angelus murmured softly, his free hand reaching down to slide the covering fabric along the trembling leg he still held fast. \u201cI have no idea how you both managed such a difficult endeavor,\u201d he grinned back briefly, \u201cbut be sure I\u2019ll show you just how impressed I am, later.\u201d His promise of reward made, Angelus\u2019 dark head turned back to the banquet laid out before him before opening his mouth and suckling on the soft skin now bared to his hungry eyes.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I look forward to it, my love,\u201d Darla replied, licking her too-red lips as avid eyes followed the path of his roving hand and grinned with feral amusement when a muffled cry of pained distress echoed through the chamber following the sound of tearing fabric.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

His purr of delight as long, blood-tinged fingers slid between his lips had her impatient for a taste, she tugged on Drusilla\u2019s hand, taking a step forward, but stilled when a low growl warned her they were close enough. Willing to let him have his fun alone for a little while longer, she settled down to watch.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTwice the pleasure,\u201d Drusilla giggled softly and pulled away from Darla and began to dance around the room. \u201cTwo little girls that share the same pretty face, isn\u2019t that just wonderful?\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Spike shifted his avid gaze from the now bare, writhing limbs of the girl chosen by his sire and tugged the other closer. He ran a long finger down the side of her frightened face, enjoying the silky texture, the gentle smile that graced his sculpted mouth, at odds with the savage light in his eyes. \u201cWonderful, pet, truly wonderful.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

*<\/em><\/span>
\n*<\/em><\/span>
\n\u201cIt hurts, yes? Good. It will hurt more.\u201d The old Romany woman smiled, her wrinkled lips twisting with a hint of glee as she looked down on the two prone vampires with hate in her eyes.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don’t remember… everything you’ve both done. In a moment, you will. The faces of everyone you killed… they will haunt you, and you will know what true suffering is\u2026.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Back<\/a> \/ Part 13<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Sunnydale Main Street. (Mon Lunchtime) Since they both had free periods for the rest of the day, Cordy and Tara discussed what to…<\/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-13400","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\/13400","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=13400"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13400\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13458,"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13400\/revisions\/13458"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13400"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13400"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13400"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}