Chapter Four<\/b><\/p>\n
The main room of the library was deathly silent.<\/p>\n
Angel\u2019s despairing gaze flickered briefly across the room\u2019s occupants as he moved back around the bench, stopping a few feet from the central study table. Buffy and Xander had joined the group there, and all had been waiting nervously for him to return from the office.<\/p>\n
The Slayer sat on the other side of Willow, while Xander had drawn up a seat next to her at the end of the table. The Watcher was leaning against the railing at the base of the stairs, obviously still mulling over the overload of information he\u2019d already received that night.<\/p>\n
And if Rupert Giles realized what was happening, Angel knew that he might have to kill him.<\/p>\n
He hoped it wouldn\u2019t come to that, but only for Buffy\u2019s sake, for her friends. The vampire wouldn\u2019t hesitate to do whatever was necessary to protect the little girl and her father. He\u2019d promised Emily that he would protect them, and he didn\u2019t care what it took to keep them safe. He never had.<\/p>\n
Angel pushed away his defensive thoughts as his eyes settled on Cordelia and the child beside her. Having wiped away her tears, Cordelia\u2019s face was a mask of courage, self-assurance, and purpose, determined not to let her worry show. But her warm hazel eyes betrayed the depth of her compassion, her concern, and her anger at whoever had hurt Emily and her daughter.<\/p>\n
Angel almost smiled. That she could feel such instant affection for the little girl that was still very much a stranger to her, such fury on her behalf, told the vampire that Cordelia Chase was a very special young woman. An amazing spirit that he wanted to protect, and know more of.<\/p>\n
The smaller brunette was again holding tightly to Cordelia\u2019s hand, and watching Angel intently with sad, knowing blue eyes. He walked slowly over to them until he stood in front of the little girl\u2019s chair, before dropping heavily to his knees. Mind already mostly numb, he didn\u2019t even acknowledge the pain that shot up his powerful thighs as his knees banged against the unforgiving linoleum; he only settled wearily back on his heels.<\/p>\n
The little girl let go of Cordelia\u2019s hand and slipped off her seat, crawling onto Angel\u2019s lap and curling up against his broad chest. Immediately, the vampire\u2019s arms enveloped her in a loving, protective embrace, and she couldn\u2019t help but relax a little. She was safe. Warm, despite the coolness of Angel\u2019s body. Almost home, wrapped up in his arms, and her father\u2019s jacket. She just wanted her Daddy to be here with them now. Her Mommy\u2026<\/p>\n
Lifting her head from where it laid against his chest, the kid looked up into Angel\u2019s dark brown eyes, her own glistening with unshed tears. \u201cMommy was tired,\u201d she said quietly to him.<\/p>\n
The vampire held her closer, leaning down to press a kiss to her temple. \u201cIt\u2019s okay, baby. She\u2019s sleeping now,\u201d he told her, knowing she already understood that her Mommy would never wake up. And he hated it. He hated that she was still so very young, a baby, innocent, and she had already lost her mother, and her sibling.<\/p>\n
Worse, he hated that she understood why. That she was acquainted with death at such a young age. He wished she\u2019d never had to know it at all. But all he could do now was make damn sure that she didn\u2019t lose her father as well. Neither he, nor her father, would ever leave this young girl.<\/p>\n
Nodding at his response, the child\u2019s crystalline-blue eyes glanced at the again closed door behind the counter, and then returned to Angel above her. \u201cI\u2019m scared, Angel,\u201d she admitted, her words almost a whisper, more tears slipping down her small cheeks. \u201cMommy\u2019s alone. I don\u2019t want Mommy to be alone.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel had to rip his gaze away from her beseeching face before he too started crying again. As he raised his face to the ceiling, he clenched his eyes shut, and swallowed hard against the emotion choking his throat.<\/p>\n
Emily\u2019s token slipped from his fingers, and he moved his large hands up to cup the back of the girl\u2019s small head, lowering his face down beside hers until his lips rested beside her tiny ear. His voice was almost inaudible as he spoke, but he knew she would hear every word, and this was for her alone.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou don\u2019t have to be afraid, sweetheart, because your Mommy isn\u2019t alone. Your parents love you so much. And they were gonna have another baby, to love just as much as they love you,\u201d he whispered to her, desperately fighting back stinging tears. \u201cYour little baby brother, or baby sister, was growing in your Mommy\u2019s tummy, and now, the baby is sleeping too. So you don\u2019t have to be afraid, okay? \u2018Cause your little brother or sister will make sure that your Mommy will never be alone.\u201d<\/p>\n
Little arms stretched upward, circling around his neck, and the child hugged him tightly. \u201cOkay,\u201d she whispered in reply. \u201cI won\u2019t be afraid.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel reached up a hand to quickly brush away the wetness that was starting to escape his eyes, and then moved his head back to look into the girl\u2019s eyes again. \u201cWill you do one more thing for me, darlin\u2019?\u201d he asked her, a faint Irish burr unconsciously slipping back into his voice.<\/p>\n
He retrieved her mother\u2019s token from the floor where it had fallen, and held it up for her to see. \u201cWill you hold onto this for me?\u201d<\/p>\n
When she instantly nodded, he slipped the two ends of the chain around behind her neck, and she lifted her limp hair to allow him to fasten it in place. Emily\u2019s token fell lower than that of her own necklace, dipping almost beneath her pale yellow pajamas so that the cool metal rested against her breastbone.<\/p>\n
The vampire kissed her cheek tenderly once more as he moved back, getting a brief smile from the child. Then, he wrapped his arms around her and stood, rising gracefully from the floor and holding her with ease on his hip, while she laid her head tiredly against his shoulder.<\/p>\n
And finally, he lifted his gaze away from her.<\/p>\n
It didn\u2019t move far though, shifting from one brunette to another. Cordelia Chase felt the gathering moisture in her eyes trickle down her cheeks as the vampire\u2019s intense gaze settled upon her face. In it, she couldn\u2019t even begin to comprehend the vast depths of his gratitude.<\/p>\n
Angel stumbled over the right words to express his thankfulness and relief to Cordelia for taking care of the child now giving in to her exhaustion in his arms, but nothing was powerful enough. Nothing could properly tell Cordelia how indebted to her he was. So \u2013 succinct and direct it was.<\/p>\n
\u201cThanks for looking after my girl.\u201d<\/p>\n
His words were minimal, yet the emotion behind them was anything but, and Cordy almost laughed at the simplicity of it. She grinned at him \u2013 the full megawatt one that she reserved for very few \u2013 despite her tears. \u201cNo problem!\u201d she replied brightly, and just as simply.<\/p>\n
Lips almost curling into a small smile, Angel nodded his dark head once. By the time he turned his gaze onto the rest of the group, the trace of amusement was gone. He spoke before the Watcher or teens could demand answers to any one of the multitude of questions rampaging through their minds, and though his words were again soft, none could find a voice to interrupt him.<\/p>\n
\u201cI need your help.\u201d Candor had gotten him this far, after all. The vampire just wasn\u2019t used to being so honest with these people. He took a mental deep breath before he resumed. \u201cI can\u2019t trust you. I won\u2019t<\/i><\/b> trust you, not with\u2026 \u2018my girl\u2019,\u201d he added, adopting the affectionate moniker he had used for the little girl with Cordelia. \u201cBut I need your help.\u201d<\/p>\n
Giles barked out a bitter laugh. \u201cAnd you expect us–?!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI \u2018expect\u2019 nothing!\u201d The words were snarled out with such vehemence that they abruptly halted the Watcher\u2019s incredulous tirade. Angel couldn\u2019t blame the man for his reaction \u2013 had expected it, after what he\u2019d done to Giles.<\/p>\n
But at the moment, he just didn\u2019t care. \u201cI\u2019m asking for her<\/i><\/b>!\u201d His head nodded down to the little girl in his arms, who, in spite of the growling demon holding her, was drifting peacefully to sleep, eyelids fluttering heavily. \u201cHer family is being hunted! But she\u2019s innocent in this, Watcher. Her mother, was innocent\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
He turned his head away from them as he trailed off, furiously blinking back fresh tears, before he was able to continue. \u201cHer father was innocent, but he\u2019s had to do things that he should never have had to find out he was capable of, to protect his family.\u201d Angel paused, released a world-weary sigh from his dead lungs, continued again.<\/p>\n
\u201cI won\u2019t trust you with anything more than that, because I won\u2019t risk endangering my girl more than she already is. So it\u2019s a simple question, Rupert \u2013 will you help me protect her, or not?\u201d<\/p>\n
For long moments, silence filled the library once more. Giles kept his gaze locked with the vampire\u2019s as he warily went over everything Angel had chosen to divulge to them. There were still so many things that deeply troubled him about this, too many unanswered questions.<\/p>\n
Who was the woman in his office, and what had actually happened to her? What was her, and her child\u2019s, association to Aurelius? And their ties to Angel? Who was hunting the little girl\u2019s family? Why? Why did the little girl need their protection\u2026?<\/p>\n
The final question that was raised by his overactive thoughts made him pause, and he realized that Angel had actually answered that one \u2013 she was innocent. Did they really need to know any more than that?<\/p>\n
Could he condemn an innocent child because of his own hatred? Because she cared for the creature that he despised and resented? Giles discovered that those were the questions that truly needed his concern. And now he knew his answer.<\/p>\n
When the response to Angel\u2019s query finally came though, Angel was surprised to find that it wasn\u2019t from the Watcher.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll help.\u201d Willow Rosenberg spoke with fierce determination. Though the meek redhead\u2019s courage often failed her in other aspects of her life, like the prospect of bad grades, speaking up for herself when others put her down, admitting her personal fears and feelings, facing the endless hordes of demons and vampires that were drawn to the Mouth of Hell, frogs\u2026 nothing<\/i><\/b> could make her conviction waver when it came to doing what was right.<\/p>\n
No matter how scared she might still be, she would do what needed to be done to protect the innocent. \u201cAnything she needs, Angel.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel\u2019s eyes flickered momentarily to the teenage girl, and she could see the relief and gratitude in his gaze intensify until the chocolate orbs sparkled wetly from the overwhelming emotions. Next to her, Oz looked at her with a mixture of pride and love on his unusually open face. He squeezed her hand tightly in his own, reassuring her, and silently promising his support.<\/p>\n
Tears were yet again blinked away as the vampire quickly refocused on the Watcher, waiting for his refusal, but Giles only lifted his tense jaw defiantly and returned the penetrating stare. Though neither ashamed nor awkward for having asked so much of a man that owed him nothing, that had every right to want his dust scattered upon the ground, Angel replied with only a tight nod and a quiet \u201cthank you.\u201d He knew that anything more than that would not be accepted. Because the only reason Giles had agreed to provide his help was because of the little girl that was in danger, and not because the vampire had asked for the aid.<\/p>\n
Giles forcefully bit back the sour taste of resentment that had crawled up his throat, and relaxed the taut muscles of his jaw enough to speak again. \u201cIs there anything that she requires right now?\u201d he inquired with an air of civility so false, it almost made Angel cringe, but the vampire hid the reaction.<\/p>\n
\u201cRest,\u201d Angel informed them. \u201cShe\u2019s exhausted. She wouldn\u2019t have slept properly for days.\u201d Four days. Fitful sleeps in dingy motels and the bitterly cold backseat of the car. Irregular meals of fast food and snacks despite a lack of appetite anyway. Infrequent showers and no change of clothes. Constant terror of being found\u2026<\/p>\n
Nodding his concurrence, Giles tried to settle his perturbed emotions with the comforting routine of removing and wiping the lenses of his eyeglasses. He withdrew his once immaculately pressed and folded handkerchief, now crumpled at the end of the day from repetitive use, and set about polishing the two curved ovals of glass within their wire frame.<\/p>\n
\u201cI agree. It\u2019s been a long and distressing day for all of us, and I fear there\u2019s still worse to come,\u201d he murmured, glancing toward his office, his thoughts on the upsetting scene beyond the closed door. He would send his charges home before he finally called the authorities.<\/p>\n
Although Angel knew he couldn\u2019t avoid telling Giles about what he had done to Emily indefinitely, he didn\u2019t want her daughter to hear him. Even if Emily had asked it of him, even if it was to protect what was left of her family, the others wouldn\u2019t understand it. And despite all of her trust and acceptance, even her love, the little girl was just too young to comprehend exactly what Angel had done. He\u2019d prevented the child from ever being able to visit her mother\u2019s grave. Taken from her the chance to ever say a proper goodbye, or have a place to go when she just needed to be near the mother that she had lost when she was so young, and remember how much Emily loved her.<\/p>\n
There were other things that he needed to say before that admission though, and he went on. \u201cShe can\u2019t stay at the Mansion though,\u201d Angel told them. \u201cI can\u2019t risk her being seen in the sole care of a demon. If anyone, or anything, were to notice a child alone with me, she and her father would never be safe.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat,\u201d Xander commented dryly, \u201cand the place isn\u2019t even fit for the undead right now, let alone the still living.\u201d<\/p>\n
Giles let the sarcastic comment slide, his mind already too full of other fears to puzzle over the boy\u2019s meaning. He was somewhat relieved by Angel\u2019s assertion that the youngster could not stay with him though. Despite her obvious, and disconcerting, comfort around Angel, Giles didn\u2019t want a defenseless child to be left alone in the vampire\u2019s care for any amount of time.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell then, I suggest that\u2026 \u2018your girl\u2019,\u201d Giles said, using Angel\u2019s own words in reference to the small girl with no small measure of reservation, \u201cshould stay with Buffy–\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel couldn\u2019t help the disbelieving laugh that escaped his lips. The sound only made the situation worse, instantly silencing and angering the already uneasy Watcher, and offending his young Vampire Slayer. But again, the vampire just couldn\u2019t bring himself to care.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf there\u2019s anyone that I trust the least right now, it\u2019s you and the Slayer,\u201d Angel admitted without apology. His ex-girlfriend\u2019s blue eyes flashed with hurt and righteous anger, but he wasn\u2019t fazed. \u201cShe\u2019s not staying with Buffy.\u201d<\/p>\n
At that, Giles raised a dubious eyebrow. His hands paused in their task of cleaning his spectacles, his umbrage causing his long graceful fingers to press together with almost enough force to crack the prescription glass. The man didn\u2019t even try to hide his wry amusement at the thought that Angel might presume Giles himself should allow the child to be kept in his home.<\/p>\n
Whatever humorless mirth remaining on Angel\u2019s smirking face drained away. \u201cNot with you either,\u201d he voiced quietly, needlessly.<\/p>\n
The younger man\u2019s hands trembled with barely restrained anger as he tried to replace his glasses upon the slender bridge of his nose, missing twice before he gave up in frustration and dropped his hand back to his side. \u201cIndeed. Because you certainly weren\u2019t invited,\u201d came the brusque response.<\/p>\n
\u201cEnough!\u201d Cordelia finally shouted, interrupting the intense battle of wills between the man and vampire. Her raised voice caused the little girl to stir against Angel\u2019s shoulder momentarily, before settling again. Cordelia winced, but was glad she had spoken up.<\/p>\n
She had determinedly remained silent for the past several long minutes, because she\u2019d already made her own decision to help in any way that she could to protect the child. But this was too much. She was sick of the animosity adding to the already overwrought atmosphere. More than that, she was sick of the testosterone-based pissing-contest. Issues much? The only issue should have been the safety of Angel\u2019s girl.<\/p>\n
And that was the problem Cordy had decided to resolve right now. \u201cMy parents are away for a few weeks. Angel\u2019s girl can stay with me. You can stay too, Angel.\u201d She added, before Angel could even voice the condition. Giles\u2019 mouth fell open, intent on raising his objections, but the cheerleader wouldn\u2019t allow him the chance.<\/p>\n
She systematically shot down his protests, too. \u201cNo! That\u2019s enough, buster! Angel\u2019s girl needs sleep. We all<\/i><\/b> do. So Angel and his girl are staying with me, and your interrogation of Mr.-Broody-Pants-Vamp can just wait until later, got it?\u201d<\/p>\n
More a statement than a question, her words effectively and convincingly informed them all that the topic was closed. For now, at least.<\/p>\n
While everyone could only gape at the young woman, vampire included, Cordelia snatched her bag from the table and stood with a protesting squeal of wood on linoleum as her chair jerked back in her haste. She turned to the end of the study table where her ex-boyfriend was seated, and extending her hand in silent request for her car keys.<\/p>\n
Though startled by the reminder that he still had the objects, Xander immediately dug into the pocket of his baggy trousers to retrieve them. He had barely remembered to properly park her Corvette and lock it, after Angel had leapt out of the vehicle before it had even come to a full stop outside. Xander quickly handed the keys over, despite his own misgivings about letting her leave with the demon she had so nonchalantly invited to be her houseguest. He was more eager to avoid becoming another casualty of the unleashed wrath of Cordelia Chase.<\/p>\n
Her heels clicked harshly against the floor as she spun and strode purposefully toward Angel. When she finally came to a stop in front of the stunned vampire, she raised her perfectly sculpted eyebrows at him in stubborn defiance, almost daring him to challenge her.<\/p>\n
He couldn\u2019t. He was beyond grateful for her intervention, and especially thankful for her offer, because turning her down just wasn\u2019t an option. There was nowhere else he and his girl could go.<\/p>\n
And besides, Angel knew better than to even try to argue with the astounding young woman standing before him.<\/p>\n
Her elegant eyebrows arched regally, hazel eyes staring into his obsidian, dauntless and determined and gorgeous. Classic Cordy. He couldn\u2019t deny that there was something both lovely and incredibly sexy about this dark-haired beauty. In the past few minutes he\u2019d learnt more about Cordelia than he had in all the time he had known her, and he realized that he hadn\u2019t known her at all.<\/p>\n
No one really knew her. She was stunning in her exuberance and her fiery tenacity, sexy in the intensity of her passion, her confidence and even her insolence, yet softly exquisite in her tenderness and compassion. It was a combination that stirred a response in both the vampire and the illusion of the man.<\/p>\n
A powerful burning hunger was aroused in his demon as it gazed upon an equal, a challenge. It craved the sensual creature before it, lusting for that lithe body, scorching passion and firebrand personality. Whilst the small taste of humanity that his soul afforded him longed to feel the affection and warmth he\u2019d already seen her display, to discover every captivating aspect of this young woman\u2019s heart and soul. Wanting, needing, her trust and her friendship.<\/p>\n
Angel was left reeling in the wake of his sudden and overpowering reaction to this young woman, but he obstinately forced the emotions aside. He couldn\u2019t be thinking of anything but the little girl in his arms right now. Keeping her safe, and ensuring that her father made it back to her. To them.<\/p>\n
The child in question was looking up at him now, a pleading look in her fatigued cerulean gaze. He realized that he still hadn\u2019t replied to Cordelia\u2019s \u2018offer\u2019, though the cheerleader had certainly made it clear that he didn\u2019t have a choice in the matter. Maybe she had already realized that he really didn\u2019t have any other choice. Either way, Angel finally responded. \u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia beamed cheekily. \u201cDon\u2019t thank me yet. Camilla, our housekeeper, is on holidays with her family at the moment too. You\u2019ll be doing your own laundry and fixing your own O-pos, bub,\u201d she warned him playfully.<\/p>\n
Angel smirked, deciding to play along for a while. \u201cI think I\u2019ll manage. I\u2019ve been doing alright on my own for the past century,\u201d he deadpanned. Then he grinned, adding in a sly conspiratorial whisper. \u201cI even know how to work those new-fangled contraptions. What do you call them? \u2018Washing machines\u2019?\u201d he joked.<\/p>\n
Cordy gave him an exaggerated look, as if impressed. \u201cWow! Domesticated Vamp. Are you housebroken too? Because you better not make a mess on any of our carpets,\u201d she playfully warned.<\/p>\n
Angel was rewarded with another impossibly wide grin when he chuckled in response. He couldn\u2019t help shaking his head in amazement at her perceptiveness, and her natural ability to make him feel at ease. Cordelia had effortlessly diffused the serious and potentially awkward moment. Her sarcastic good-humor and teasing had helped to relieve the tension that had settled across his shoulders, if only slightly, and for that he was all the more grateful to her.<\/p>\n
He was feeling more and more comfortable around this young woman, which he realized had been the intent of her brief detour in the conversation all along, since he would be staying in her home for an indefinite period of time, and any unease between them would have only made things painfully awkward. Cordelia Chase was definitely full of surprises.<\/p>\n
Even as he whispered another thanks though, an impatient cough sounded from the Watcher in front of the table.<\/p>\n
With a heavy sigh Angel dropped his gaze back to the girl on his hip, momentarily ignoring Giles. She was finally sleeping, perhaps the most peaceful rest she\u2019d had in days, and Angel was loath to wake her. But he couldn\u2019t put off telling Giles of what he had done any longer, and he desperately didn\u2019t want the child to hear any of it.<\/p>\n
He cupped the small head resting against his strong shoulder, smoothing his hand over her tangled caramel curls. Kissing her forehead tenderly, he then lowered his lips to her ear. He murmured her name, too softly for anyone to catch, gently coaxing her from her slumber.<\/p>\n
Drowsy eyelids twitched in shallow flutters as she yawned and slowly came awake. The little girl was still too tired to lift her head from the comfortable hollow where Angel\u2019s shoulder met the broad expanse of his solid chest, and instead only raised her azure eyes to his chiseled features. Another yawn escaped her. Sleepily, she murmured, \u201cAngel?\u201d<\/p>\n
He pressed a loving kiss to her cheek this time. \u201cShhh, baby. I\u2019m sorry I had to wake you,\u201d he apologized to her, \u201cbut I need you to wait with Cordelia again, okay? Just for a little while.\u201d<\/p>\n
Reluctantly, she gave a groggy nod of reply and allowed him to set her back down on the floor, but reached up and grabbed his large hand, holding it tightly, unwilling to be parted with him again so soon.<\/p>\n
Her small pajama-clad legs shook with exhaustion, and she cuddled up next to the vampire\u2019s leg, leaning against the muscular limb to support her own weary body. Angel had to fight back the overpowering urge to immediately lift her back up into his arms where she was safe, and warm, and loved. Where he would let her sleep forever if she wanted to.<\/p>\n
But he knew he couldn\u2019t do that. Not yet. Not even after he had spoken to the Watcher. Only when her father was home, and safe, would he allow himself to rest with her.<\/p>\n
Angel forced himself to gently move the little girl away from his side, but kept a hold of her warm hand as he wrapped her tighter in her father\u2019s jacket. When he raised his eyes back to Cordelia though, to ask her to look after his girl once more, he saw that Cordy already had her hand outstretched encouragingly toward her.<\/p>\n
Both watched as the kid finally released her intense grip on Angel\u2019s hand, and placed her small hand in Cordy\u2019s. \u201cC\u2019mon, kiddo. Let\u2019s wait by the door for Angel, \u2018kay? Then, we can go home to my place,\u201d Cordelia promised the girl with a warm smile, and received a brief nod in response.<\/p>\n
The older brunette led the child past Angel to the library doors, stopping before actually exiting the room though, and allowed the little girl to lean against her side. She could tell that neither vampire nor girl wanted to be out of sight of the other any more than they already had been tonight.<\/p>\n
Angel was left to face the hostile Watcher and confused teenagers at the table.<\/p>\n
Giles cleared his throat again before anyone could speak. Behind him, Buffy, Xander, Willow and Oz remained surprisingly silent, perhaps not so surprising for the latter, but he doubted their silence would last when he finally spoke. \u201cWhat do you intend to do about the body?\u201d he asked bluntly.<\/p>\n
The children at the table gasped. \u201cGiles!\u201d Willow protested, horrified.<\/p>\n
Giles had expected their reactions. He had even expected the sickened glare that Cordelia shot at him as she drew the little girl closer, one hand moving to cover the tiny ear that wasn\u2019t pressed against her leg. What he hadn\u2019t expected was the unmoved, almost calm demeanor of the dark-haired vampire before him.<\/p>\n
\u201cKeep your voice down please,\u201d Angel asked quietly. His appearance was still unperturbed as he simply folded his arms across his chest. He was beyond feeling any more pain or outrage or anguish at Emily\u2019s death. The Watcher\u2019s words were nothing compared to that loss.<\/p>\n
Now, he only wanted to make sure that the little girl didn\u2019t hear Giles speaking that way about her mother. \u201cI need you to call the police,\u201d he said in answer to the younger man\u2019s question. He kept his voice at barely more than a whisper, a level he knew that the girl couldn\u2019t overhear.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd what would you have me tell them?\u201d Giles scoffed, yet complied with Angel\u2019s request and lowered his tone. \u201cPerhaps you have forgotten, but I was a suspect in another murder quite recently,\u201d he spat back bitterly as the memory of medical examiners wheeling Jenny\u2019s covered body out of his apartment on a gurney rose in his mind. \u201cIf you think that I can report a body to the police, and not be investigated as a sus–!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThere won\u2019t be any investigation,\u201d Angel interrupted Giles\u2019 rising outburst. \u201cSunnydale cops are stupid, but they\u2019re not completely oblivious to what goes on in this town. They know by now not to linger when it comes to a vampire\u2019s victim. There\u2019ll be no investigation, and no autopsy. Her body will be cremated before sunrise,\u201d he informed them all, voice empty of emotion.<\/p>\n
Inside, he was torn by the fact that he wouldn\u2019t even be able to claim her remains for her family. But preventing an inquiry meant that there\u2019d be no search for Emily\u2019s relatives. He\u2019d done this to protect her daughter, and that was all that mattered now.<\/p>\n
Giles was mystified. \u201cThe woman was shot<\/i><\/b>! How in God\u2019s name are they to come to the conclusion that a vam-\u2026\u201d His words trailed off as insight suddenly hit him, and his dread was confirmed by the guilt visible in Angel\u2019s eyes. The vampire never flinched as the glasses that had remained in Giles\u2019 grasp now slipped from his fingers and fell to the floor.<\/p>\n
One of the lenses fractured from the impact. The Watcher\u2019s shaking hands curled into fists, knuckles quickly turning white from the pressure. \u201cYou monster\u2026!\u201d His voice, even now still quiet, shook with fury and disgust.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh my God\u2026\u201d Buffy whispered, shocked, revolted, as she and the others came to the same realization \u2013 Angel had bitten the dead woman. Willow was ashen-faced, her eyes so wide that white showed all the way around her irises, and the trembling hand clamped over her mouth indicated that she might be sick. Xander was speechless with outrage, not even able to summon a dry quip as he usually did to hide his fear. Normally devoid of expression, Oz\u2019s face was pale and drawn.<\/p>\n
Even if Giles had allowed himself to consider the reason behind Angel\u2019s actions, he couldn\u2019t see passed the defilement of the deceased woman\u2019s body. But the realization that he couldn\u2019t do a damn thing about it burned like acid in the pit of his stomach. Defiantly, he stepped forward. His limp from the injury he had incurred earlier that evening was almost imperceptible.<\/p>\n
The vampire\u2019s gaze followed, until Giles stood scant inches away, glaring up at him threateningly. \u201cI hope that when that little girl finds out what you did to her dead mother, she drives a stake through that blackened dried up walnut you call a heart!\u201d he seethed under his breath.<\/p>\n
Angel stared back unblinkingly. \u201cIf that\u2019s what she wants, I\u2019ll hand her the stake,\u201d he replied, still speaking in soft, infuriatingly calm tones. \u201cI will tell her myself when she is old enough to fully understand what I\u2019ve stolen from her, and I\u2019ll tell her how sorry I am. But I won\u2019t apologize to you. And I\u2019ll do whatever I have to do to protect my girl,\u201d he informed them. His last sentence was loud enough that Cordelia and the child heard it as well.<\/p>\n
Giles\u2019 eyes widened as he stared into Angel\u2019s darkened gaze and saw the cold determination and lack of remorse evident there. So alike the eyes of Angelus as the soulless demon had stood over him and casually detailed how he was going to torture him, and yet so different. Without a soul, Angel\u2019s impenitence came from deriving pleasure in causing pain.<\/p>\n
But ensouled, this wasn\u2019t about pleasure. This was necessity. Giles took a step back from the vampire. \u201cYou\u2019ll uphold the claim, then,\u201d he stated audibly, rather than asked.<\/p>\n
Giles now knew without a doubt who had initiated the claim.<\/p>\n
As unnecessary as an answer was, Angel gave one anyway, and gave it with no reluctance. \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n
Moving away completely, Giles turned fearful eyes upon the young na\u00efve brunette that had so rashly offered her home as shelter to this creature. He needed to warn her. \u201cCord–\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia never let him finish. Giles\u2019 statement and Angel\u2019s response had been loud enough for all to hear, and she had already seen the depths of Angel\u2019s resolve, his desperation to protect the ones he loved.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think I can figure that one out myself, Giles,\u201d she told him, and despite her air of nonchalance, the Watcher knew that she was deadly serious. She already knew.<\/p>\n
Angel would kill to protect his girl.<\/p>\n
And that thought didn\u2019t scare her as much as it should have. She\u2019d be stupid if she weren\u2019t scared at all, but Cordy couldn\u2019t help but feel glad that the little girl leaning drowsily against her side had someone that loved her so completely. She would need that love in the months to come.<\/p>\n
A sad smile graced Cordelia\u2019s lips and renewed tears burned her eyes, but she held them back as she turned to the others. There had been enough crying tonight. \u201cAngel, his girl, and me are gonna go home now. I think there\u2019s a bubble bath with your name on it!\u201d she continued with a brighter smile to the little girl, ruffling her hair playfully. \u201cC\u2019mon, Broody!\u201d she called the vampire, and jiggled her car keys in her other hand.<\/p>\n
Angel turned away from the Scoobies, pausing only long enough to let his gaze linger on Giles\u2019 office door one final time, one final goodbye, before he moved over to join Cordelia and the little girl. He immediately scooped the child back up into his arms, pressing a long kiss to her forehead as he held her tight.<\/p>\n
Wrapping her arms around his neck and her legs around his hips, she happily snuggled into his embrace again. She laid her head against his silent chest, and let her heavy eyelids fall shut once more. The tiny girl was asleep even before Angel had followed Cordelia through the swinging library doors.<\/p>\n
Giles couldn\u2019t stop them.<\/p>\n
For a long while, silence descended upon the room yet again, until Xander finally broke it.<\/p>\n
\u201cUh\u2026 All those who think letting a defenseless child and Cordy leave with the vicious killer, raise their hands,\u201d he quipped humorlessly, extending his own arm up into the air.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s enough Xander!\u201d Giles snapped, angrily retrieving his broken spectacles from the floor. He turned to face them and fixed them all with a stern and unrelenting glare.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want all of you to go home. Now. None of you are to come in here tomorrow. And none of you are to go near Angel or that little girl. I won\u2019t have any of you accidentally provoking him and- and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGetting ourselves killed?\u201d Buffy offered, shuddering at the memory of her ex-boyfriend\u2019s cold eyes. None of the teens understood what Giles had meant by the \u2018claim\u2019, but there had been no mistaking Angel\u2019s unpitying response.<\/p>\n
\u201cPr-precisely,\u201d was all Giles could manage.<\/p>\n
Willow looked around fearfully at the others, and took minimal comfort in the firm grip her boyfriend still had on her hand. \u201cBut what about Cordelia? I mean, Angel wouldn\u2019t actually hurt her, would he? He has a soul now!\u201d she babbled, on the verge of hysterics.<\/p>\n
Oz reached behind her to rub a soothing hand against her back, bringing his lips to her ear to whisper comforting words as well.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel won\u2019t hurt her,\u201d Giles said, visibly relieving Willow until he finished, \u201cunless she were to pose a threat to the safety and well-being of that child.\u201d<\/p>\n
Though initially alarmed, the redhead forced herself to fully process Giles\u2019 words. \u201cBut that\u2019s good, right? I mean, she\u2019ll be okay, because she wouldn\u2019t hurt Angel\u2019s girl. So Angel won\u2019t hurt her, right?\u201d she asked. Her words were a plea for Giles\u2019 reassurance.<\/p>\n
The Watcher thought about it honestly before he answered her. \u201cI\u2026 I don\u2019t believe he will hurt her, Willow,\u201d he assured her. \u201cI hope that I am correct. As long as she is careful, and nothing she says or does can be construed as a threat against that child\u2019s life, then she is safe. My only fear is that Angel is a vampire, and an unstable one at that, from what we have witnessed tonight\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd you didn\u2019t even see the Mansion,\u201d Buffy interjected. \u201cIt was trashed, Giles. He\u2019d destroyed just about every piece of furniture in the building. Angel\u2019s freaked. He already knew there was something going on with this family. Somehow, he knew, and I think it drove him crazy,\u201d she admitted fearfully.<\/p>\n
\u201cIndeed.\u201d The Watcher absorbed the information. It only made him more certain of what he already knew. \u201cThat is why we cannot assume exactly what Angel will consider a threat. Buffy, when you see Cordelia in school tomorrow, check that she and the child are alright.\u201d Giles felt no shame in being distrustful of the vampire. His concern was for these children.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlso, make sure that she is properly aware of just how careful she needs to be. Remind her that she can change her mind at any time if she doesn\u2019t want Angel staying with her. We still have the spell to reverse a vampire\u2019s invitation. She\u2019s not alone in this.\u201d The Slayer nodded at the orders.<\/p>\n
\u201cNow, I want all of you to go home. Don\u2019t come into the library tomorrow unless it\u2019s an emergency, just in case there is an investigation into this woman\u2019s murder. I don\u2019t want any of you involved.\u201d<\/p>\n
Willow glanced over at the office at the reminder of what lay inside. As if any of them would ever forget. \u201cWe don\u2019t even know what her name was,\u201d she whispered sadly, fresh hot tears slipping down her cheeks.<\/p>\n
Giles softened at the girl\u2019s ongoing distress. It was too late to prevent any of the teens from being involved. They\u2019d already witnessed the worst of this mess, and Cordelia had invited a monster into her home.<\/p>\n
Giles could only hope that he would be able to keep them all safe in the coming days, maybe weeks. \u201cGo home,\u201d he told them more gently. \u201cTry to get some rest, all of you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wordlessly, the teenagers rose from the table, moving together to leave the library. Giles was glad to see them giving comfort to each other as they left through the same swinging double doors that his other young charge and Angel had disappeared through minutes before.<\/p>\n
With a troubled sigh, he finally replaced his glasses, ignorant of the flaw marring one of the lenses, and limped silently into his office to make his call.<\/p>\n
Alone.<\/p>\n
His fingers stumbled across the keypad, dialing the by now far too familiar number. As he waited for the line to connect, his vacant stare fell upon the woman\u2019s body draped across his couch.<\/p>\n
Twin trickles of deep crimson now disturbed the once smooth milky column of her throat. Her face remained peaceful.<\/p>\n
\u201c9-1-1. What is your emergency\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n