Part 9<\/b><\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019d say give me good news,\u201d Cordelia began as she looked at the human \u2018art dealers\u2019 in her employ, \u201cbut I see that you still have the artifact. What happened? And you\u2019d better have a damn good explanation.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fear emanated from the couple, the scent of it exciting her demon. The vampiress had found them in Mexico on her way back to California and had taken an interest in their business. Cordelia paid them to deliver a package to Joyce Summers and convince her that they were simply dealing ancient art.<\/p>\n
It was something that the Slayer\u2019s mother had an interest in for her studio and something she would not likely turn down. Especially for the asking price.<\/p>\n
\u201cCough it up!\u201d Cordelia demanded of Julio and Yolanda Guevara. \u201cWhat happened?\u201d<\/p>\n
The man wiped sweat off of his brow with a handkerchief. \u201cSenorita Chase, during our early negotiations we were interrupted by the target\u2019s daughter. The blonde you told us to avoid. She was there.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the middle of the day?\u201d Cordelia asked knowing that Buffy should have been at school. Then again\u2014 Buffy skipping class? No big. Nothing new. \u201cShe scared you away?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThere was an emergency,\u201d Yolanda Guevara explained. \u201cSe\u00f1ora Summers insisted that we leave so she could speak to the girl.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia was irritated at this delay. \u201cSo you\u2019ll try again tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe cannot, Senorita Chase,\u201d Yolanda nibbled nervously on her lower lip as she thought about the large sum of American dollars they would have to return. \u201cWe have already been trying, but she is not at her studio. Only her partner.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSo? Just find the woman and give her the fucking thingamabob,\u201d the vampiress ordered.<\/p>\n
Julio tried not to react to the unexpected use of foul language. He wondered what would happen when they told their beautiful employer that today was the last day the magick would be in effect. It would not be pleasant, he guessed. For someone so young, she carried an aura of power about her like an almost palpable presence hidden beneath the surface.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe artifact\u2019s magick has been active since we first approached Se\u00f1ora Summers. If she does not take possession and lay hands upon it before midnight tonight, the spell will not be binding.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pacing back and forth, Cordelia whirled around to face them. She looked perfectly calm. \u201cI have a solution.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh?\u201d<\/p>\n
There was nothing she hated worse than poor service. These two had not provided the results they promised. Taking the box out of his hands, Cordelia sent out a simultaneous mental shout to her minions. Within seconds, five vampires appeared from a connecting room in full game face.<\/p>\n
Dealing in the world of mystic curiosities, Julio and Yolanda had naturally heard of such creatures actually existing, but had never been faced with the reality. Reverting back to his native tongue, Julio was begging forgiveness and pleading to God for help.<\/p>\n
\u201cAaiiieee!\u201d Yolanda simply screamed and then fainted.<\/p>\n
\u201cGuys,\u201d Cordelia ordered her minions. \u201cRip their throats out. Looks like I\u2019ll have to take care of this myself.\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Angel leaned up against a tree as he watched Buffy Summers work her way through three rowdy vampires. He could see anger and frustration built up in her usually smooth moves and her quips were darker than usual. It was the first time he had seen her in several days, basically because he had spent nearly all of that time reacquainting himself with every millimeter of skin on Cordelia\u2019s luscious body.<\/p>\n
When the last vamp was dust, Angel stepped out of the shadows and headed slowly in the Slayer\u2019s direction. Buffy reacted instinctively by whipping around to face him, stake raised in an attack pose. Her eyes darted to his face and a look of recognition appeared, but the pose did not relax as he expected it too.<\/p>\n
\u201cA-Angel?\u201d There was a quiver in her voice as his name escaped her lips and suddenly the vampire realized what was on her mind. He hadn\u2019t seen her since the Bronze. Not since he ran after Cordelia upon seeing her dancing there. Buffy\u2019s instincts were sharp and he knew that she would have guessed why he\u2019d been out of pocket the past few days. After their single experience with sex resulted in the arrival of Angelus, she had to be a bit worried.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s me, Buffy,\u201d he commented keeping his hands in his pockets in a non-threatening way. \u201cI\u2019m not evil.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMaybe not, but you\u2019re certainly trying your best,\u201d Buffy lowered the stake and stepped close. \u201cWhy *aren\u2019t* you evil by now? Your vamp girlfriend has probably been taking every chance she gets to strip your soul away.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBuff\u2014,\u201d Angel began only to be cut off.<\/p>\n
The Slayer glared at him. \u201cDon\u2019t call me that. Angelus called me that\u2014 and don\u2019t bother with the \u2018I am Angelus\u2019 speech. I\u2019ve heard it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Maybe it was safer to change the subject. Angel was still confused about the fact that he could make love to Cordelia without any repercussions for his soul. There were times that he tried to caution her, but Angel simply couldn\u2019t resist the temptation of his mate. Want and need were too strong to deny.<\/p>\n
There was a pause as he lost himself in thought. Finally, Buffy broke the silence, \u201cAren\u2019t you going to say something? Tell me you haven\u2019t been with Cordelia? Lie to me?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019d never lie to you, Buffy. Even as Angelus, I never lied to you,\u201d he pointed out. No, his soulless self preferred to tell it like it is. Though it was probably going to hurt her to say it, Angel had to remind her, \u201cCordelia is my mate. That may have something to do with the fact that nothing has happened. We\u2019ve been\u2014 safe.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPardon me if I don\u2019t wanna get into the details of your *safe sex* routine,\u201d Buffy\u2019s jaw tightened. God, she was so jealous! The feeling flared up in her chest like a burst of flame until her whole body was burning with it. \u201cShe\u2019s evil. The kind of vampire that you help me dust on patrol.\u201d<\/p>\n
Muttering, she added, \u201cUsed to help me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel heard the words. \u201cCordy is my family. She\u2019s my blood and I am hers. That doesn\u2019t change.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the past, Spike and Drusilla tried to kill you,\u201d she pointed out. \u201cThey are your blood too. Darla was your blood\u2014 your sire\u2014 and you staked her.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s different. There were reasons.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy just rolled her eyes in response. It sounded like an excuse to her. \u201cYeah. Reasons.\u201d<\/p>\n
Trying a different approach, Angel asked her, \u201cIf your mother was turned, would you be so quick to stake someone you loved?\u201d<\/p>\n
Loved? The word on his lips shocked Angel leaving him to wonder if he really said that in reference to Cordelia. Did he mean it? Buffy did not seem to pick up on it. She was too focused on her own thoughts.<\/p>\n
Now she had him, Buffy glared almost triumphantly as she pointed out, \u201cI put a sword through *your* chest and sent you to hell, didn\u2019t I?\u201d<\/p>\n
Subconsciously rubbing his chest, Angel conceded, \u201cYou\u2019ve always done what you had to do, Buffy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cJust don\u2019t forget it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Realizing what she was threatening, the vampire\u2019s eyes turned dark amber. \u201cStay away from Cordelia.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t make that promise, Angel,\u201d Buffy told him. \u201cNot with everything that is going on right now. I know she\u2019s behind it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat are you talking about?\u201d<\/p>\n
Ever observant Angel, the vampire who once seemed to know everything that went on in the demon world now claimed ignorance? \u201cAsk your mate.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBuffy, I\u2019m asking you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWeird stuff is happening.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel demanded more details. \u201cDon\u2019t accuse Cordy of wrongdoing unless you\u2019ve got some evidence to back it up. What is going on?\u201d<\/p>\n
She told him about Giles. \u201cPrinciple Snyder suspended him indefinitely. I have no access to my Watcher during school hours and can\u2019t sneak over to his house because his nosy neighbors are keeping an eye on him.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo one who really knows Rupert Giles would accuse him of that,\u201d Angel pointed out. \u201cI can see how rumors might get started, but what does Cordelia have to do with it?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cShe was the one he was supposed to be having the affair with.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNot to mention you and Willow,\u201d some part of Angel found it funny. He supposed that was his demon coming out for a laugh at Buffy\u2019s expense. Even so, Giles was certainly innocent of the accusations.<\/p>\n
Buffy let out a laugh of bitter irony. \u201cIt\u2019s so stupid.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe truth will come out,\u201d Angel assured her. \u201cI\u2019ll ask Cordelia to clear thing up with your principle. That and your own word should be good enough to fix this.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou forget this is Commandant Snyder we\u2019re talking about,\u201d Buffy tucked her stake away. \u201cMy word is nothing to him. As for Cordy\u2014 I\u2019ll believe it when I see it, Angel.\u201d<\/p>\n
All Angel could do was try. Cordelia was so strong-willed that sometimes it seemed as though she was in charge. He conceded that his determination to have nothing to do with her minions left his mate to run the works. The only time he stepped in\u2014 or needed to\u2014 was when the boys got rowdy. The only time they ever stepped out of line was if their mistress was not around.<\/p>\n
\u201cI understand,\u201d Angel acknowledged her cynicism. Turning to go, he added a parting, \u201cGoodnight.\u201d<\/p>\n
Holding out her hand to stop him, Buffy pleaded, \u201cDon\u2019t leave. Not so soon. I-I wanted to ask you about Willow.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel knew this would come up. He had hoped to forestall the questioning, but now it was too late. This was the main reason the vampire knew that Cordelia would only act on Giles\u2019 behalf if it was in her interests. Willow\u2019s case had already proven that she could and would defy him. Cordelia had refused to end her mental manipulation of the little redhead declaring that she wasn\u2019t really harming the girl. Though it might already be past the point of no return. Their bonds were mental rather than physical and Angel\u2019s warning in that regard had fallen on deaf ears.<\/p>\n
Short of physically overpowering Cordelia and torturing her until she agreed to obey him, there was little he could do to change her mind. They both knew it would never happen. The only thing Cordy responded to was sex, which he would not allow to become an arguing point between them. Angel realized that his soul sometimes put him at a distinct disadvantage in dealing with his mate.<\/p>\n
All Angel could do was point out the bare minimum of the truth. \u201cWillow is happy and healthy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy frowned while acknowledging to herself that she believed Angel when he claimed that he wouldn\u2019t lie to her. \u201cSo\u2014 she\u2019s not vamp bait or hanging around as an afternoon snack?\u201d<\/p>\n
That pissed him off. \u201cI\u2019d never let that happen.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is so weird. I feel like I\u2019m losing my best friend,\u201d Buffy admitted. Her eyes were a little shiny and damp. \u201cOne day we\u2019re hanging out every minute she\u2019s not studying. The next I\u2019m a pariah.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople change.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNot Willow.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy would be surprised at how much the girl had changed. He was surprised that it was not a noticeable difference. Unless that was the weirdness that Buffy mentioned. \u201cPeople always change. Even when those around them least expect it. You may have to accept the fact that Willow has interests in other things.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOther things!\u201d Buffy ranted, \u201cLike befriending vampire minions named Jude and evil bitches who dress to kill\u2014 literally?\u201d<\/p>\n
A low growl rumbled from his chest making the Slayer realize she was pushing Angel\u2019s buttons about Cordy. She was so a bitch. That was the one thing the two girls ever really agreed upon.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo what you\u2019re saying is that Willow is really there because she wants to be? Or is it that Cordelia is putting some kind of Vulcan mind-meld thing on her?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUh\u2014 yes.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI was being sarcastic.\u201d Which question had Angel actually answered? Buffy tried again. \u201cLet me guess, Cordy is trying to imitate big bad Dracula.\u201d<\/p>\n
Looking confused, Angel told her, \u201cCordelia has never met Dracula to my knowledge, so she is certainly not imitating him.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy stood frozen for a second. She couldn\u2019t believe this. Just one more weird thing to add to her list. Angel had actually made a joke.<\/p>\n
Okay, so the mind-meld thing was a dumb idea anyway. Playing along, \u201cDracula\u2019s real. Riiiight!\u201d<\/p>\n
She didn\u2019t believe him? Angel decided to drop the issue fast.<\/p>\n
\u201cI will watch over Willow,\u201d he assured her. \u201cNothing will happen that she doesn\u2019t want. I won\u2019t let it. So far there has just been computer work and shopping with Cordelia.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSee\u2014 that\u2019s just against the laws of nature.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cJust keep your eyes open, Buffy,\u201d he told her. \u201cI\u2019ll lend a hand when needed.\u201d<\/p>\n
Huh.<\/p>\n
\u201cLend a hand? Cordelia keeps you\u2014 busy. You\u2019re watching out for Willow and fending off minions. Then you say you\u2019ll lend a hand to help me?\u201d Buffy scoffed, \u201cLooks like your hands are already kinda full, Angel.\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Cordelia pressed a manicured finger against the doorbell. The Slayer was still out on patrol, but the lights were on in the house suggesting that Joyce Summers was home. After a couple of minutes, the door opened and Buffy\u2019s mother stood agape at the sight of her standing there.<\/p>\n
\u201cHello, Mrs. Summers,\u201d Cordy flashed a grin.<\/p>\n
Collecting herself, Joyce gripped the doorknob a little tighter. She reminded herself that no vampire could enter her house without an invitation. It was so difficult to believe that Cordelia Chase was a vampire. Then again, the last time Joyce had seen her was sitting dead in her Corvette out front.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy are you here?\u201d Proud of herself for asking calmly, Joyce gave herself kudos for not slamming the door in the vampiress\u2019 face.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust paying a friendly visit.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joyce sometimes walked through life with blinders on, but she wasn\u2019t stupid. \u201cI highly doubt that, Cordelia. My daughter isn\u2019t home.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, but I\u2019m here to see you,\u201d Cordy laughed.<\/p>\n
Invite me in.<\/i><\/p>\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUh\u2014 I need you to say it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay. Come in, Cordelia.\u201d Stepping back, Joyce invited her into the house.<\/p>\n
Cordelia immediately convinced Joyce that she needed to take the artifact. Keep that in your room tonight. No need to mention it to Buffy.<\/i><\/p>\n
\u201cI won\u2019t tell Buffy,\u201d Joyce repeated. Then she realized she was being a poor hostess. \u201cCan I get you anything from the kitchen?\u201d<\/p>\n
An idea came to mind that Cordelia just could not resist. \u201cWhat a great suggestion, Mrs. Summers.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bring me a big knife.<\/i><\/p>\n
Joyce returned with a large chef\u2019s knife. \u201cIs this big enough?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it will do,\u201d Cordelia assessed the seven-inch blade. \u201cMind if I stop in Buffy\u2019s room for a minute?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t ask. <\/i><\/p>\n
\u201cOh, go right ahead, dear,\u201d Joyce reminded her which way to go. \u201cI\u2019ll just wait here until you get back.\u201d<\/p>\n
Each person reacted a little differently to her mental powers, but Cordelia didn\u2019t care as long as they obeyed her wishes. Opening the door to the Slayer\u2019s room, Cordelia walked toward the bed, eyeing the pillow. She planned to leave the knife stuck to Buffy\u2019s bed. It would freak Buffy out, especially when her mother would remember nothing of the entire incident.<\/p>\n
Cordelia was about to thrust the knife into the pillow when she pulled back. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of something better. Oh, yeah! Buffy would go insane over this one. Grabbing the soft pink object, Cordelia racked her brain for the creature\u2019s name.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe jig is up, piggy. No more Slayer snuggles for you. Die, Mr. Gordo. Die.\u201d Giggling, Cordelia thrust the knife deep into the stuffed animal so that it hung suspended from the wall over the headboard of Buffy\u2019s bed. Geez! That was fun.<\/p>\n
Downstairs again, Cordelia told Joyce Summers that she was leaving. The reaction was one of sadness. \u201cSo soon?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI figured I\u2019d better leave before I decided to forget my plan and just kill you instead,\u201d the vampiress told her.<\/p>\n
Before Joyce could sputter an answer, Cordelia sent her a mental command to forget that she was ever there. Not that the Slayer wouldn\u2019t figure it out when she saw her surprise.<\/p>\n
\u201cGood night, dear,\u201d Joyce waved. \u201cCome back anytime.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI might just do that.\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Willow whined as she completed her computer networking project. She had tweaked and perfected it until she couldn\u2019t stall anymore. It was finished. Would Cordelia send her away now? It was a question she had asked before. Several times actually. Cordy assured her that would not be the case, but she was still worried.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat is it, Willow?\u201d Angel asked from his position in one of the comfortable chairs. He had been reading while the redhead worked on the computer. With Cordy out and some of the minions hanging out at the mansion, he decided to stick around as long as Willow was there.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhere is Cordy?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHunting,\u201d Angel told her. If Willow was going to be part of this family\u2014 even in the status of a vampire pet\u2014 she needed to be aware of the reality of it.<\/p>\n
Willow rose from the chair and stood staring out of the study doorway like she had lost something and was trying to find it. Just one more sign, as far as Angel was concerned that Cordelia\u2019s little mind trip was taking this too far. The redhead seemed to spend time actually pining for the vampiress when she wasn\u2019t around.<\/p>\n
With a deep sign, Willow turned around and walked over to stand next to Angel\u2019s wing-backed chair. \u201cDo you miss hunting? Probably, huh? You are a vampire even if you are just\u2014 Angel. Drinking pig\u2019s blood\u2014 eew! I can imagine that the taste and consistency are nothing like the real thing.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou imagine correctly,\u201d Angel commented hoping that she would drop the subject, even while noting that she was even starting to sound like Cordelia at times.<\/p>\n
\u201cIs it hard living around humans without biting them?\u201d The questions just kept popping into her head. Angel had never really been one to give out the personal details and Willow\u2019s curiosity just couldn\u2019t wait.<\/p>\n
Angel closed the book he had been trying to read. \u201cYes, Willow. It can be very difficult to curtail what is basically an instinctive urge. I have had a hundred years of practice at controlling those instincts, not that I have always been successful.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh.\u201d Then Willow asked, \u201cSo a vampire with less practice, say one almost a year old, might have a harder time not biting?\u201d<\/p>\n
It was obvious that she was talking about Cordelia. Every conversation seemed to turn back to the subject of his mate. This enthrallment was getting a little annoying. \u201cCordy has more strength at controlling her need for blood than other vampires because she is a childe rather than a mere minion. Why do you ask?\u201d<\/p>\n
Willow\u2019s gaze darted away from his as she stared in the vicinity of the floor. Mumbling something incomprehensible even to the vampire, she fell silent. It was too much to hope that she had decided to forget this line of questions. Angel did not bother to reopen his book. He had the gut feeling something was bothering her.<\/p>\n
\u201cIs that why Cordelia hasn\u2019t bitten me?\u201d Willow\u2019s eyes carried confusion and hurt as she lifted her gaze back to his.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy would Cordy bite you?\u201d Angel asked her curious to see where she was taking this.<\/p>\n
Sharply, Willow told him. \u201cI\u2019m not stupid. Everyone around here except you calls me pet. I know what it means. Do you have any idea how much research I have done on vampires?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cQuite a lot,\u201d guessed Angel knowingly. \u201cSo you\u2019ve figured out that Cordelia considers you to be her pet.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t be! There\u2019s been no biting.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rising to his feet, Angel tossed the book down on the seat cushion, \u201cYou sound upset.\u201d<\/p>\n
As her features tightened with anger, Willow\u2019s mouth drew into a tight bow and her pert nose scrunched a bit. \u201cUpset? Upset! How would you like to be someone\u2019s pet and never get touched?\u201d<\/p>\n
Then Willow gasped realizing what she had said and clapped a hand over her mouth. Her eyes were wide pools of green on an ocean of white. Angel barely reacted, as if her words were not as shocking to them as they were to her own ears.<\/p>\n
Following a long pause, Angel sought some clarification. \u201cAre you saying that you want to be touched? Want to be bitten by Cordelia?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI-I can do without the biting if she can,\u201d gulped Willow as she lowered her hand from her mouth.<\/p>\n
Angel grabbed Willow and thrust her down into the chair uncaring that she was now sitting on top of one of his first editions. \u201cYou\u2019ll do without more than that,\u201d he told her leaning down to grasp the arms of the chair and bringing his face closer to hers. \u201cI don\u2019t think Cordelia understands that the connection she created is stronger than she intended.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201dConnection?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, yes\u2014 pet,\u201d Angel made a point of using the term. \u201cShe has you enthralled, Willow. You\u2019re here solely because she wants you to be.\u201d<\/p>\n
After a pause, Willow realized that while she understood the fact that Cordy manipulated her into being here, the need to stay was too overpowering. Nothing was going to make her leave short of Cordelia sending her away.<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIs that what you would normally do? Abandon Buffy for Cordelia?\u201d<\/p>\n
Thinking about it, Willow had to admit, \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSo why are you still here?\u201d<\/p>\n
Willow shrugged. \u201cBecause\u2014 uh?\u201d<\/p>\n
Interrupting what was certain to be a confused answer, Angel asked her, \u201cDid you always lust after Cordelia this way?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLust?\u201d Willow looked horrified. \u201cI do not!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLittle liar. Why do you think you\u2019re reacting this way? You\u2019re whole body is humming at the idea of being touched. I don\u2019t even think you\u2019d know what to do, Willow.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nibbling nervously at her lower lip, Willow dared to ask, \u201cWould she?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel let out a dark laugh. \u201cAfter living with Spike and Dru for several months, I have to guess that she probably does.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh!\u201d Well that was a picture that Willow wanted to erase from her mind.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter,\u201d Angel told her. \u201cThat makes no difference to you. Cordelia is mine, Willow. Anyone who wants her has to go through me first.\u201d<\/p>\n
The light that came over her face suggested Willow had taken that as an offer rather than a threat, so Angel vamped out and glared down at her, \u201cNo one touches what\u2019s mine.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pressing herself back into the cushions of the chair, Willow let out a gulp and asked him in a shaky tone, \u201cIf I\u2019m Cordy\u2019s pet that makes it her decision. What if she wants\u2014?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel abruptly straightened pulling Willow up with him. \u201cI am her sire. So technically, that makes you *mine* too.\u201d He brushed his thumb along the pulse of her throat. \u201cDo you want to be bitten? I could claim first rights.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo!\u201d Willow struggled powerlessly to get out of his grasp. \u201cI don\u2019t want that.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThen keep it in mind next time you go sniffing after my mate,\u201d Angel growled. Maybe he could scare some sense into her. \u201cWhen it comes to Cordelia you can look all you want, Willow, but if I find out you are volunteering yourself rather than being controlled you\u2019ll be out on your ass faster than a snowball melts in hell.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI guess you\u2019d know about that,\u201d Willow muttered unhappily.<\/p>\n
***
\nThree weeks later.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeaches!\u201d Spike called out upon entering the foyer of the mansion. His voice echoed in the stillness. Though there were lights on, it seemed quiet. \u201cI know you\u2019re in here mate.\u201d<\/p>\n
Drusilla released her hold on Spike\u2019s arm and glided further inside, the skirt of her long crimson dress brushing the hardwood floor. A huge dog walked beside her sniffing the air and scenting the familiar and unfamiliar. He added a gruff woof to Spike\u2019s bellowing, but Dru waited patiently knowing her sire detected their arrival.<\/p>\n
Then Angel appeared on the landing above stairs dressed in a blue shirt and black leather pants, looking different and yet the same. It did not matter, Drusilla told herself. The stars had given her a sign that her sire had returned from the hell to which the Slayer had sent him. As he approached them coming down the stairs at a steady if not enthusiastic pace, Dru wasn\u2019t so restrained.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy Angel!\u201d She threw her arms around her sire burying her head against his chest. \u201cI thought the Slayer sent you away forever.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe thought you were dead for good,\u201d Spike commented. \u201cSo tell me, Peaches. Who are you today? The vampire who nearly fucked up the world or the souled poof who can\u2019t get enough of saving it? I gotta tell you\u2014 seeing you in that leather is confusing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel\u2019s arms were still around Dru in a comforting hug as he responded, \u201cIf I didn\u2019t have the soul, Spike, you\u2019d already be dust for your part in helping the Slayer defeat me. That is one betrayal Angelus would not likely forgive and forget. As for what I think now\u2014 I\u2019m glad you stopped me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe poof is back,\u201d Spike groaned. Then he had to admit, \u201cDamn, but I\u2019m almost happier to see you than that insanely obsessive bastard. Angelus may know how to party, but at least you don\u2019t go around trying to suck the world into hell vamps and all.\u201d<\/p>\n
When Drusilla finally stopped clinging quite so closely, she pulled back and asked about Cordelia. \u201cHer scent is here. Where is my sister?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOut.\u201d<\/p>\n
Spike finally noticed it too. \u201cSo Cordelia found you. Was that before or after she put the big hurt on the Slayer for nearly killing her and ending your pitiful life?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI saw her the first night,\u201d Angel told him. \u201cIt was a surprise to both of us. As for Buffy, no one has laid a finger on her and it\u2019s going to stay that way.\u201d<\/p>\n
Raising an eyebrow, Spike got the feeling that his grandsire knew crap about Cordelia\u2019s revenge game. Not that he knew a whole lot himself, but there was no way the beautiful vampiress was going to let Buffy Summers get away with what she had done.<\/p>\n
Angel felt something rubbing against one of his hands. It was the dog, a huge black-furred monster of a creature with large guileless eyes. \u201cPuppy?\u201d<\/p>\n
The dog plopped his back end down to the floor and stared upward at the vampire. Woof!<\/p>\n
\u201cNot so much of a puppy anymore,\u201d Spike pointed out. The name hardly suited the mutt he had given to Dru as a Valentine\u2019s Day present. He thought she would consider it a nice snack, but no\u2014 his sire kept it. Now it was this gigantic vampire hound who obeyed her every whim and made his own life the occasional hell.<\/p>\n
Drusilla bent down to ruffle the dog\u2019s fur. \u201cPuppy likes you, Angel. Even with the nasty soul.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cProbably because of it,\u201d Angel pointed out. The puppy had been scared of Angelus and only the fact that it was a low priority probably prevented him from snapping the puppy\u2019s neck.<\/p>\n
Spike\u2019s attention turned to the front door. \u201cWhat the hell is that noise?\u201d<\/p>\n
Listening, Angel told him wryly, \u201cThat would be my darling Cordelia and her crew of misfits and minions.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia has minions?\u201d Dru clapped her hands together in delight.<\/p>\n
Angel noted sourly, \u201cFive of them.\u201d<\/p>\n
There was a squeal outside as Cordelia recognized the black DeSoto, followed by the fast approach of clacking heels. \u201cYou\u2019re here. You\u2019re both here!\u201d<\/p>\n
Spike was the closest to the door and Cordelia ran directly into his arms. \u201cWhat took you so long to come home?\u201d<\/p>\n
The blond vampire didn\u2019t bother answering. Taking her by the waist, Spike pulled Cordy close covering her mouth with his. Far from being a simple greeting, the kiss was full of passion. Angel noticed that Cordelia looked like she was actually enjoying Spike\u2019s mouth on hers. She was enthusiastically pressing herself into the kiss. At one point it looked like she was going to swallow his tongue.<\/p>\n
Beside Angel, Drusilla watched her childe with equal scrutiny. Her arms crossed over her chest and her long red nails tapped against her pale ivory skin. Sharing a look of irritation with her sire, Dru took hold of Spike\u2019s arm just as Angel latched onto Cordelia\u2019s. Pulling their childer apart, each told the other\u2019s childe, \u201cDon\u2019t touch what\u2019s mine.\u201d<\/p>\n
Then Dru added with a curling smile and a naughty wink, \u201cNot without me getting my share.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel was still glaring at Spike as the dark vampiress tagged on the line. Maybe Drusilla and Spike had done more than protect Cordelia during the time following Acathla, but that did not mean he was going to allow it to continue now. Nor was he about to dig up parts of their relationships that belonged to the past.<\/p>\n
Noting his jealousy, Cordelia turned into his arms and kissed the corner of his mouth. \u201cI love that you want me to yourself, my Angel, but it\u2019s just the family. Aren\u2019t you as happy to see them as I am? Dru and Spike are back. Now we\u2019ll really have some fun.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDepends on the fun you have in mind,\u201d commented Angel as his fingers touched her cheek.<\/p>\n
A low growl sounded that startled Cordelia. Glancing down at Angel\u2019s side was the largest dog she had ever seen, but despite the changes that came along with its growth spurt, Puppy was still recognizable. \u201cWhat are you\u2014 part horse? Geez, Spike! Couldn\u2019t you just get Dru a lap dog\u2014 like a little Toy Poodle or a Chihuahua\u2014 instead of this monstrosity?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWasn\u2019t thinking he\u2019d live to be a dog,\u201d Spike admitted with a shrug.<\/p>\n
Puppy sent another low growl in Cordelia\u2019s direction. \u201cRude, much? This is why dogs aren\u2019t my thing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Signaling to her minions, Cordelia instructed them to lay out her shopping bags in the living room so she could show Dru what she had purchased. While they followed her instructions, Cordy made introductions. Spike was not overly impressed with the five minions and felt a flash of jealousy as Dru wandered around them inspecting the guys from head to toe and front to back.<\/p>\n
Then Dru and Cordelia were giggling and chatting over clothes and men, talking about having a girl\u2019s night out for the first hunt after their reunion and all that. So Spike turned his attention back to his grandsire and Puppy surprised to find them with someone he recognized.<\/p>\n
What the hell was *she* doing here? Spike took a moment to look at Willow Rosenberg in much the same manner as Dru had been eyeing the minions. Who knew the little witch could look so tasty? Cordelia had obviously been fixing her up a bit.<\/p>\n
\u201cHello, Red,\u201d Spike greeted her with a leer. \u201cLooks like there\u2019s a new pet it the family. I think Puppy may be jealous.\u201d<\/p>\n
The dog was actually quite happily situated between the petite human and the vampire with a soul. Willow scratched behind the dog\u2019s ears until its mouth hung open with sheer contentment. She simply glared up at Spike as he approached.<\/p>\n
\u201cMiss me?\u201d<\/p>\n
Drawing a deep breath, Willow told him, \u201cYeah! Like a plague of locusts. I really missed you trying to kill me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Spike smelled no fear on the girl. She did not blink or attempt to cower from his close presence. That might have something to do with Angel standing next to her, but the girl seemed to be genuinely unafraid of him. She was confident of her protected status here in the mansion.<\/p>\n
\u201cSee you\u2019ve grown a little backbone, Red,\u201d Spike let out a laugh. Eyeing Angel, he sent him a glance to indicate he was only playing. No use coming home only to have your head ripped from your shoulders. His grandsire was close-mouthed, but clearly watchful. \u201cSo who do you belong too, luv? Angel or Cordelia? Both of them?\u201d<\/p>\n
Flashing him a defiant look, Willow actually stepped toward him. \u201cI belong to me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cRight,\u201d Spike seriously doubted that. He knew that it was Cordelia\u2019s influence. Peaches wouldn\u2019t have the balls to keep a pet\u2014 especially this one. Not having both Cordelia and the Slayer around. Cupping her jaw, Spike turned her head from side to side noting that her ivory skin was completely smooth.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo marks, pet?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cShut up, Spike!\u201d That was still a bone of contention with Willow. After a month, Cordy had not even tried to bite her.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot even a nibble?\u201d Spike went on though he dropped his hand to his side. \u201cPoor little Red. Keeps you on a tight leash, does she?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel issued a warning, \u201cWatch it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Both Spike and Willow ignored him. The blond vamp was too amused and Willow too angry to stop now. \u201cI don\u2019t have to take this from you, Bleach Brain. Cordelia is my best friend.\u201d<\/p>\n
Red was using one of Cordy\u2019s nicknames for him and she still claimed that the vampiress was not influencing her? \u201cBest friend? I thought that was the Slayer.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPfft! Buffy? Buffy who?\u201d Willow stood with her hands on her hips. \u201cThat girl is going nutso. All she does is call me at all hours when I\u2019m at home. Never talks about anything I want to talk about. Blah, blah, blah. Cordy is way more fun.\u201d<\/p>\n
It was as if Cordelia\u2019s words were coming straight out of Willow Rosenberg\u2019s mouth and her hatred of the Slayer was showing. Spike was stunned. He knew exactly how this was happening, but he was amazed that Angel let this go on. The vampire appeared grim after Willow\u2019s little rant, but remained stoically silent.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou actually allow this?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel shrugged.<\/p>\n
This was obviously part of Cordy\u2019s scheme, but he found it interesting that she hadn\u2019t claimed her little pet. All that smooth skin\u2014 what a waste. When Cordelia and Drusilla suddenly emerged from the other room it was to find Spike slowly weaving his fingers through Willow\u2019s straight red hair, absently petting her.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat the hell are you doing, Spike?\u201d Demanding an explanation, Cordelia stalked up to him.<\/p>\n
Realizing what he was doing, Spike grinned sheepishly, \u201cTouching what\u2019s yours. Got a problem with that?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOnly if Willow has a problem,\u201d Cordelia stood back and waited for the girl\u2019s response.<\/p>\n
Back in the limelight of her mis\u2014 of Cordy\u2019s attention, Willow\u2019s confidence increased by leaps and bounds. She pulled away from Spike\u2019s touch, glared at Angel for not saying anything to stop the other vampire and then proceeded to verbally rip Spike up one side and down the other.<\/p>\n
After a minute of Willow\u2019s ranting, Spike was still grinning, now in admiration of her spirit. \u201cI like a chit with a bit of fire in her eyes.\u201d<\/p>\n
Almost instantly, Spike saw the whites of her eyes turn dark and a red flame leap to life in the back void of her pupils. \u201cWhat the bloody fuck was that?\u201d<\/p>\n
Spike leapt back a couple of feet and found Willow laughing at him as her eyes returned to normal. \u201cWanna play with fire? You\u2019re gonna get burned.\u201d<\/p>\n
Drusilla threw her head back and laughed merrily at her childe\u2019s response. \u201cDid the witch surprise you, my Spike?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHell, yeah. That\u2019s a dangerous little pet you have there, chit,\u201d Spike told Cordelia with a look of shock still plastered across his face.<\/p>\n
\u201cWillow is getting quite powerful now that the Watcher is not around to restrict her study of magick.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDidn\u2019t know she was a witch,\u201d Spike pointed out still flabbergasted.<\/p>\n
Angel told him, \u201cWillow cast the spell that returned my soul.\u201d<\/p>\n
Suddenly, Drusilla wasn\u2019t laughing anymore. She glared at Willow despite the fact that she had just witnessed what the human could do. \u201cGet rid of your pet, Cordelia or I will.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia stepped between the older vampiress and Willow. \u201cDon\u2019t threaten what\u2019s mine, Dru. I won\u2019t have her looking over her shoulder every time I\u2019m not in the room.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cShe gave him the nasty soul. Took Angelus away from us. The witch shouldn\u2019t be here.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGet used to it,\u201d Willow snapped as she peeked around Cordelia\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n
Angel took matters in hand, smoothing out the tension that had suddenly skyrocketed in the room. Soon, Dru was cooing in her sire\u2019s ear and promising not to hurt the little witch as long as she stayed away from her.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo problem,\u201d Willow promised. Like she wanted Drusilla anywhere near her. If anyone scared her in this mansion full of vampires, it was certainly the loony lady vamp. There was little doubt considering her knowing smile that the black-eyed vampiress knew it as well, sensing the sudden fear that welled from her inner depths.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, I\u2019ve had enough of this happy reunion for one night,\u201d announced Spike. \u201cI\u2019m going out for a little kitten poker and a helluva lot of booze.\u201d<\/p>\n