Part 10<\/b><\/p>\n
Angel\u2019s hand held fast to the door handle as he heard Willow bellow, \u201cDumbass! It\u2019s about your soul.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her use of Cordyisms, those quaint little phrases, nicknames and friendly insults, kept rolling off her tongue like she was born to them. Just another sign of the enthrallment Cordelia had placed her under, the major side-effect of which was Willow\u2019s unwavering devotion and sudden attraction to her mistress.<\/p>\n
The redhead\u2019s pursuit of Cordelia had prompted negotiations for more personal attention, which Angel had quickly shut down. Cordelia was his mate and not up on the auction block. Pet or no pet, Willow would have to be content with being shopping buddies rather than delve into the more intimate aspects of the role.<\/p>\n
Now Willow stood on the other side of his bedroom door claiming knowledge about his soul. If anyone knew anything about it, she would be the one considering that it was her mystic abilities that restored his soul again. Giving in to curiosity, Angel slowly opened the door to readmit her into his room.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat was that?\u201d<\/p>\n
Nervous, Willow realized he could probably sense that. As an ice-breaker, she muttered, \u201cSorry. You\u2019re not a dumbass.\u201d<\/p>\n
The look she got actually made the room feel even icier than before. Apparently, Angel had no sense of humor. Unless he was still mad at her for suggesting that he should let her be with Cordy. That might explain the shadowed eyes and growly expression. The big meanie just doesn\u2019t like to share, she thought huffily. Willow resolved that if the direct approach wasn\u2019t going to work on the vampire, she would put her backup plan into play.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy soul, Willow?\u201d Angel prompted the girl who made a habit of getting sidetracked.<\/p>\n
Yep! If Plan A fails\u2014 just move onto Plan B. Willow hoped that she didn\u2019t need a third option because Angel was just too experienced with deception. If he had any inkling of what she was thinking, the vampire would definitely toss her out on the street and bar all contact with his mate.<\/p>\n
\u201cWillow!\u201d<\/p>\n
Dragged out of her thoughts, the witch found Angel staring impatiently. \u201cHuh?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou were going to say something about my soul.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gathering her courage, Willow pressed on. \u201cI don\u2019t want my feelings for Cordy to get in the way of our friendship, Angel. I want you to be happy. If you\u2019re happy then Cordy will be happy and then I\u2019ll be happy too.\u201d<\/p>\n
His head was spinning trying to keep up with her. Happy, happy, happy people. Willow babble was akin to a foreign language as far as the vampire was concerned.<\/p>\n
\u201cUh\u2014 happy,\u201d Angel nodded. He\u2019d gotten that much out of it.<\/p>\n
Willow shuffled her feet, \u201cThere\u2019s something I didn\u2019t tell you when you appeared back in Sunnydale from wherever you were.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHell.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah. At first, I thought you had enough to worry about. You weren\u2019t\u2014 well. Then I realized what would happen if I spilled the beans about your soul,\u201d Willow explained. \u201cOpen Angel season. Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTorpedoes?\u201d Angel was seriously getting confused. He was hoping this conversation would eventually make sense. How did talk of torpedoes lead to concern over his soul?<\/p>\n
\u201cDefinite bone jumpage would have resulted,\u201d stressed Willow. \u201cYou were mourning Cordelia at the time. It wouldn\u2019t have been fair.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAre we talking about navy battles and bone yards?\u201d<\/p>\n
Willow crinkled her nose. \u201cNo\u2014 Buffy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ah! The missing link. Boning Buffy. Now he got it. \u201cYou were worried about my soul if we resumed our relationship.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes,\u201d Willow admitted, \u201cI was worried about you two starting up again, but that\u2019s not the point.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel figured he wouldn\u2019t like her point. It was sure to lead back to negotiations for him allowing Willow more intimate access to Cordelia. The teenager was too enthralled to get the fact that wanting any vamp to snack on you was not a healthy long-term relationship, especially a vampiress with a large, brooding, jealous mate.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat is the point?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDuh! Like I haven\u2019t been talking about it for the last five minutes?\u201d Willow looked a bit peeved at him. Taking the direct approach, she blurted, \u201cYour soul is permanent.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWh\u2014 permanent?\u201d Angel stumbled as he parroted back the word hardly aware that she watched his every reaction.<\/p>\n
Nodding, Willow told him. \u201cI altered the restoration spell. Left out the happiness clause.\u201d<\/p>\n
The impact of a permanent soul brought endless possibilities into Angel\u2019s existence. The most important of which was no more Angelus. He felt a heavy weight lift away from his shoulders, the burden of binding his demon by sheer will alone was now gone. Angel was fully aware that this news had an impact on Cordelia as Willow suggested\u2014 an impact on their happiness together.<\/p>\n
There would be no need to hold back his emotions, no need to keep his demon close so that he would remember the risks. No losing his soul because he allowed himself a single unguarded moment of bliss. The times he had struggled with that and against the feelings that only continued to grow every time he held Cordelia in his arms seemed countless. It had been a danger every time she walked into the room and flashed her smile.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy tell me now?\u201d Angel\u2019s cynical side knew there was a catch. \u201cMore negotiations? I already told you to forget it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay. Forgotten,\u201d Willow assured him. Not! \u201cTalk to Cordelia about what I\u2019ve told you. Let me know if you have a\u2014 change of mind.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel looked down at Willow\u2019s guileless expression. She was getting better at hiding her emotions. No blushing. No change of posture. Heartbeat steady. Just a cute little poker face.<\/p>\n
\u201cClose the door on your way out,\u201d he told her. \u201cI need time to think.\u201d<\/p>\n
As Willow pulled the door shut behind her, a triumphant smirk spread over her features. If she couldn\u2019t have what she wanted, then at least she could ensure that Mistress Cordy was not denied anything. As crazy as it sounded, Willow would give her anything she wanted including Angelus.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Having abandoned her vigil outside Rupert Giles\u2019 house, Cordelia headed home to the Crawford Street mansion. The conversation with Spike had unsettled her. Spying on Giles and his Watcher Council buddies lost its thrill.<\/p>\n
Love Angel?<\/p>\n
Cordelia found the idea disturbing. What was love to a vampire? Spike and Dru seemed dedicated to one another. They had remained together for over a hundred years excepting the recent breakup and reunion. As far as the bounds of vampire relationships went, they had something that kept them coming back for more.<\/p>\n
Love Angel?<\/p>\n
Her sire had claimed her as his mate and Cordelia had delighted in it. Angelus brought her into the night. Gave her this existence. Tied them together by bonds she thought were unbreakable. The soul added a different layer to the bonds, but it was no less strong for it. She had chosen to reclaim their link. Angel\u2014 her mate.<\/p>\n
Love Angel?<\/p>\n
Gack! Was she actually brooding about love? That was so not right. Want. Take. Have. That was what it was really all about. That and the normally obsessive possessiveness in her nature. The blood that linked their bodies. Peel away the human past, the appearance, the memories and they were just following their demonic instincts.<\/p>\n
Love Angel?<\/p>\n
The stirring sensations that knotted up in the space between her heart and her stomach every time Angel was near hinted at that possibility. Was it just the need to have her sire near? The pull of their blood? The instinctive call of her mate? What was love if it wasn\u2019t all of those things?<\/p>\n
Love. Angel.<\/p>\n
Cordelia\u2019s mouth curled upward at the thought of him picturing his handsome human and demon features. So different with the soul present. So much the same. Yet there were boundaries that she could no longer cross with Angel. Walls he put up between them that she knew were built to protect everyone he else cared about in this accursed town.<\/p>\n
Those were walls she wanted to break, to knock down until there was only a cloud of dust left behind. Cordelia knew that she would not attempt it. She knew it after their first night together upon her arrival in Sunnydale. Such an act would not only defy her sire\u2019s wishes regarding his existence, but would no doubt destroy any feelings he had for her. That was a risk Cordelia was unwilling to take.<\/p>\n
Loving Angel suddenly sounded so right in her mind. She felt like shouting it out at the top of her lungs. Instead, she pulled out her cell phone. Pressing a couple of buttons, she suddenly heard ringing coming from behind a tree slightly downwind. Cordelia flipped the phone closed, not bothering to wait for an answer.<\/p>\n
Reaching behind the tree, she pulled out Willow who was still holding the matching cell phone Cordy had given her. \u201cNow you\u2019re spying on me?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNot spying,\u201d Willow pouted. \u201cFollowing.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPfft! Just as bad.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cJude was walking me home when Spike came along. He said you were at Giles\u2019 house,\u201d the redhead explained. \u201cI didn\u2019t see much of you today so I snuck out again after they left.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s three a.m.,\u201d Cordy pointed out. \u201cYou have school this morning.\u201d<\/p>\n
The mention of the time only made Willow yawn. \u201cDon\u2019t wanna go to school. I want to be with you. Don\u2019t make me go.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia realized, \u201cGeez! I\u2019m not your mother. Besides, I was calling to tell you to that I need your help to seduce Angel.\u201d<\/p>\n
Droopy eyes suddenly opened wide as Willow processed Cordelia\u2019s words. \u201cYou\u2019d better tell me that again, because I just had all kinds of pictures pop into my head that just do not belong there.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rolling her eyes, Cordelia warned her lightly, \u201cNaked Angel is my domain, pet.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSince when do you have problems seducing Angel?\u201d asked Willow rather sleepily. Snort! Like she could help Cordy with that. \u201cJust walk into the room and you\u2019ll have instant seduction.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHello, I am Cordelia Chase,\u201d the vampiress responded with a haughty tilt to her head and paused just long enough before letting out a laugh. \u201cIt\u2019s not the end result that\u2019s in question, Willow. I just wanna have fun getting there. For that I need your help with a little magic.\u201d<\/p>\n
Magic. Obviously no hands-on assistance required. Damn! Willow refused to pout. This was actually going to fit in quite nicely with her own plans. When Angelus returned he would be so grateful that Willow helped him lose the soul that he would let her have just about anything she asked for. What did a vampire without a soul care if his mate paid a little attention to her pet every now and then?<\/p>\n
Wide awake now, Willow was eager to start planning this seduction scene. Not that she knew much about it herself, but Cordelia could fill in the details and she would give it a little push to help things along.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo when are you doing it?\u201d She asked Cordy, then blushed at the way she had phrased the question. \u201cI mean your plan. Soon, I hope.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy are you so eager?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBetter to go for it now when the idea is firm in your mind.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI hope that\u2019s not the only thing that\u2019s firm,\u201d Cordelia waggled her eyebrows.<\/p>\n
Willow squirmed. \u201cCordy!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNow I\u2019m having naked Angel thoughts. Mmm! Yummy goodness.\u201d Cordelia licked her lips as if she could still taste his mouth on hers. \u201cI\u2019m not sure that I want to wait, but this can\u2019t happen now. It has to be after the next sunset. That seems so far away.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy wait?\u201d Willow wasn\u2019t certain that Angel would want to delay sharing his news with his mate. Simultaneous news sharing and seduction would involve a high percentage of the bliss factor.<\/p>\n
Cordelia found it odd that Willow seemed clueless about the importance of the day to come. \u201cThis is the day that changed everything.\u201d<\/p>\n
Instantly, Willow realized what she meant. \u201cToday was Buffy\u2019s eighteenth birthday. I forgot about it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSorry you missed it?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo. Buffy\u2019s not speaking to me. Mainly because I stopped listening to her, but I don\u2019t think having me show up with a present would be appropriate.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia thought about sending Buffy a gift, but the type of present she would have picked would have made Angel angry. That was not the emotion she wanted to evoke right now.<\/p>\n
\u201cSunset will mark the one-year anniversary of the night Buffy lost her virginity, Angel lost his soul and I lost my life so that I could be reborn as a vampire.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUh\u2014 yeah. See your point. Definite reason to celebrate.\u201d Willow hated that night, but then again if those things hadn\u2019t happened she would not be best friends with Cordelia Chase. Now that she thought about it, Willow loved that night. It was definitely a good night.<\/p>\n
\u201cLets go, pet,\u201d Cordy hurried her along. \u201cLast minute shopping.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s first?\u201d The redhead asked imagining silky, lacy, leathery things along with toys that the vampires seemed to enjoy. Rummaging through Cordelia\u2019s things was rather eye-opening at times and Willow knew that the vampiress allowed her explorations mostly because she was amused by her reaction. \u201cPerfumed bubble baths? Scented candles? Body oil?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSomething I don\u2019t already have,\u201d Cordelia waved off the ideas. \u201cThough you\u2019ve got a point, Willow. I thought you said you couldn\u2019t help with this seduction.\u201d<\/p>\n
Willow was rushing beside her as the vampiress moved with a speed slightly faster than her normal gait. \u201cImagination is my strength.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re going to the 24-hour Wal-Mart. I need mirrors.\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is late even for you, Slayer,\u201d commented Spike as he found Buffy sitting atop a tombstone. Having gone to the Bronze for a couple of hours after leaving Jude and Willow, he left only when the club closed.<\/p>\n
Buffy slowly turned her gaze to his not even bothering to pick up the stake that rested next to her. \u201cOh look! It\u2019s the peroxided pest. My best birthday present ever.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWant to unwrap your present, luv? There are surprises inside.\u201d Spike gave her a leer and hooked a thumb inside the waistband of his jeans.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat do you want, Spike?\u201d The question came out glumly and not with any of the spark she normally put into their usually brief conversations.<\/p>\n
Since the Slayer did not appear to be interested in jumping off of the tombstone to stake him, Spike chose a spot directly opposite her position and stood close. \u201cWhat does any vamp want with you? I want to bathe in your blood, fuck you, break you and suck your life away. Not sure which one I want first. Suggestions?\u201d<\/p>\n
The eyes staring at him were cold. There was no heated quip. No clenched jaw. She did not even bother to threaten him.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat the bloody hell is wrong with you, Slayer?\u201d It seemed to him like the blond bint was depressed. \u201cIf this is your birthday, you should be out partying not moping about in the cemetery like an overripe zombie.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy managed to get out a half-hearted curse and added, \u201cShut up, Spike. Go away.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGo away!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNot until you tell me why your head is shoved up your ass,\u201d Spike argued. \u201cTell Uncle Spike what\u2019s on your mind.\u201d<\/p>\n
He actually hopped up onto the large tombstone next to Buffy while also managing to toss her stake on the ground. The look on his face seemed almost genuine and suddenly Buffy found that the feelings that tightened her chest and closed up her throat were pouring forth. She spilled it all.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere was no party. My mom has been sick. My friends are dead, vamped or ignoring me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Seemed like legitimate reasons for depression.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m so tired of this.\u201d Buffy figured that Cordelia told Spike about the evil plot against her. Cordy had taken up where Angelus had left off, but apparently a quick kill was too merciful. She wanted to drag out the pain.<\/p>\n
She told Spike about Giles. \u201cThe Watcher\u2019s Council came today. Giles is going back to England.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo Watcher?\u201d Spike tried to hide his glee.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey brought a replacement. A know-it-all with a snooty name. Mr. Wesley Wyndam-Price at your service.\u201d<\/p>\n
Too bad.<\/p>\n
\u201cI hardly see Willow anymore. She\u2014 forgot my birthday today. Guess I shouldn\u2019t be surprised considering how much time she spends at the mansion.\u201d<\/p>\n
Red had an excuse. She was enthralled. Spike wasn\u2019t going to give that one away without good reason. Not unless he particularly wanted Cordelia to crush his balls under the heel of her shoe.<\/p>\n
\u201cEven Angel forgot. You\u2019d think he would remember.\u201d<\/p>\n
Spike had to point out, \u201cPeaches has distractions.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cQueen Slut,\u201d mumbled Buffy.<\/p>\n
\u201cJealous?\u201d Spike figured she had reason to be.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo.\u201d It came out as little more than a whisper.<\/p>\n
Buffy\u2019s head was turned away refusing to look at what she thought would be triumph in his eyes. Then Spike\u2019s cool fingers curved around her jaw bringing her about to face him. There was no censure in his bright blue gaze, just a determination of unknown origin. As the first of her tears gathered on the curve of her cheek, Spike leaned in to brush it away with his lips.<\/p>\n
Then his mouth covered hers as Buffy let out a gasp. She was so startled that she did not move. Not at first. Not when his lips came over hers in such a gentle way that it was little more than a soft caress. His mouth moved against hers following the bowed shaped of her lips. Only after Spike\u2019s efforts pulled a moan from her throat did he attempt to deepen his kisses.<\/p>\n
Buffy found herself responding to the cool and tender sensations. What she was feeling was far better right now than wallowing in her thoughts. Opening her mouth a bit wider, she touched her tongue to Spike\u2019s tasting the strange mixture of dark flavors that was uniquely him. Buffy ran her tongue along his bottom lip and then alternated kissing lips with him. Lower lip. Upper lip. Touch. Taste. Forward. Retreat. Smooch. Lick. Mindless stirring pleasure kept her coming back for more.<\/p>\n
The hand that had cupped her jaw no longer needed to maintain that position. Spike let it move up so the silk of her hair fell through his fingers before fisting it in his hand. Every passing second changed the sounds and scents he sensed. Her quickening heart beat was steady, but noticeably faster. Little moans emanated from the back of her throat as her soft breath panted upon his face. Her scent alone made him hard. That heady Slayer scent mixed with warm vanilla and the spicier enticement that was the first hint of arousal.<\/p>\n
It surprised him, causing Spike to part their mouths long enough to stare down into her heavy-lidded eyes. The pupils were larger than usual even here in the moonlit darkness of the night. He saw a flash of something in those eyes that he took as acceptance. Surprised at seeing it, Spike didn\u2019t take the time to ponder the reasons. He simply brought their mouths together again now a little less careful, meshing lips and probing tongues. More voracious kisses that filled him with the taste of her.<\/p>\n
Using his strength, the vampire swept her off of the tombstone to straddle his lap never once breaking the kiss. Buffy let out a gasp as she settled on to his hard bulge, but it was a good feeling. Not like the feelings that had filled her so recently. Spike\u2019s arm curved around her back and he yanked her hard into his lap pressing her groin into his.<\/p>\n
\u201cSlayer,\u201d he muttered now kissing his way across her jaw to the pulse of her throat.<\/p>\n
\u201cSpike.\u201d The name on her lips came out as a groan. Buffy called out to him again as his tongue darted along the sensitive flesh of her throat and his lips nibbled their way from the spot behind her ear down to her collarbone and back again.<\/p>\n
Her head lolled back exposing her throat even more when Buffy\u2019s humming body gave her a signal that jerked her out of the pleasurable place Spike\u2019s kisses had taken her. Her Slayer senses kicked in and Buffy felt the difference as his face shifted even while Spike kept his mouth on her skin.<\/p>\n
Almost curiously, Buffy waited a couple of seconds to see what Spike was going to do next. He lapped softly, kissing the cords of her neck and his mouth gently sucking at her flesh. Strangely, it felt awesome.<\/p>\n
Buffy\u2019s hands, which had been clinging to Spike\u2019s shoulders, now moved up to clasp his head. She hissed in his ear as his sharp fangs scraped superficially across the surface of her throat. Then Spike licked up the tiny trail of blood left behind feeling a rush as it touched his tongue. Slayer blood. Spike breathed it in and moved his tongue around his mouth to get every drop.<\/p>\n
Just as Spike leaned in for more, Buffy gave his head a strong pull separating them. His vampiric eyes glittered with dark arousal. There was no mistaking that she was making out with a demon, but this wasn\u2019t like it was with Angel. Here, there was no excuse of the presence of a soul. Just a vampire\u2014 a killer.<\/p>\n
\u201cIs this the lead-in to draining me?\u201d Buffy queried. \u201cDistract the Slayer with a kiss and let the bloodbath begin.\u201d<\/p>\n
So the fun was over, Spike realized and promptly lifted her to the ground. Standing, he adjusted the crotch of his jeans to a more comfortable position. \u201cNo, luv. When I kill you, I want a little spring in your step. A challenge. Not this sad excuse for a Slayer.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy digressed quickly from feeling the rush of his kisses back into the pit of gloom. What kind of Vampire Slayer was she? This wasn\u2019t how vamps and their Slayers were supposed to get physical. Obviously, she hadn\u2019t learned her lesson the first time.<\/p>\n
Reminding her of the night he sought out her assistance against Angelus and the threat of Acathla, Spike returned the words Buffy had used on him. The ones that had acted as a slap in the face, \u201cRight now, you\u2019re too pitiful to kill.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bastard. As she thought the word a glint returned to the depths of her gaze. Spike latched onto it and stayed focused. Moving in close again, he added, \u201cThat doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re not worth a quick tumble.\u201d<\/p>\n
C\u2019mon, Slayer, hit me, he urged silently. Show me that spark.<\/p>\n
Spike was leaning back toward Buffy\u2019s bowed mouth determined to get some kind of reaction out of the chit when a large four-legged creature bounded out of the darkness landing on both of them. Letting out a short cry of surprise, Buffy reacted instinctively by thrusting Spike aside in order to deal with the hairy beast.<\/p>\n
Then she realized that it was just a dog. A huge furry monstrosity of a dog that was nearly as big as her. A small glob of slobber dripped from its mouth as it gazed down at Buffy with its keen eyes. It wasn\u2019t attacking her, just acting playfully in a friendly doggy kind of way.<\/p>\n
From his position on the ground nearby, Spike groaned aloud as he realized Drusilla had sent her hellhound after him. The vampiress had not wanted to come out with him tonight as he had been planning to play pool, but apparently he had stayed away too long. It was the one real trick she\u2019d taught the pooch\u2014 fetch Spike.<\/p>\n
Her dog\u2019s timing sucked. Muttering, \u201cBad Puppy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy heard Spike censure the dog and remembered the tiny pup from only a year ago. \u201cI don\u2019t believe it. This is Puppy?\u201d<\/p>\n
Hearing her speak its name, the dog lowered its head and proceeded to lick at her face. \u201cI- ugh! Stop. Puppy! Gross. Enough with the doggy kisses. Ick! Dog slobber.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pushing Puppy aside, Buffy struggled to her feet and wiped at her face. Laughing at her, Spike commented, \u201cStill upset at my kisses, Slayer?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGuess whose kisses I preferred more,\u201d smirked Buffy as she patted the dog\u2019s head.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you say Puppy\u2019s then you\u2019re one helluva liar, luv.\u201d Spike was about to order the dog to head toward the mansion when he suddenly remembered what happened the last time Puppy returned smelling of Slayer scent. Dru noticed immediately and blamed him for letting the Slayer contaminate her pet.<\/p>\n
Now he was gonna need about six bottles of dog shampoo and a blow dryer. When Spike suddenly asked if she could run an extension cord outside her back door and described what he had in mind, Buffy found herself laughing aloud. There was a hint of darkness in her voice, but it held no sign of the misery that had been clouding her. \u201cSpike\u2014 Puppy\u2019s not the only one who\u2019s covered in my scent.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBloody hell!\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Angel slammed shut the door blocking out the first rays of the dawning sun as he swept inside at the last possible second. Pressing his back into the wooden door, he was struck by d\u00e9j\u00e0 vu. Almost a year ago he had done this, searching Sunnydale for his mate without finding a trace. Now as then, the vampire felt deep in his gut that Cordelia remained alive and assured himself that he would know it if she was dead.<\/p>\n
Only this time, he had not been alone in his search. Spike and the minions reacted with as much concern when Cordelia did not return during the wee hours of the morning. As with many of her outings since coming to town, she had gone out on her own. The blond had vampire returned from his encounter with the Slayer nearly two hours ago and found his grandsire pacing the floor.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo sign of her?\u201d Spike asked him now though the answer seemed obvious. Otherwise Angel would have the chit with him. \u201cNo indication of trouble at the Watcher\u2019s house. His council buddies finally left and he was all tuckered out. Looked a little pissed when I woke him up to ask if he\u2019d seen Cordelia. He has a surprisingly good vocabulary of expletives.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel had been a bit surprised that Cordelia had been hanging out at Rupert Giles\u2019 house, but he had no reason to doubt that Spike saw her there. \u201cWhere did she go from there?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI tracked her from the Watcher\u2019s house through the cemetery,\u201d Spike told him, \u201cbut it only led to the church parking lot. Cordy had the Corvette.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel had asked Spike to go knowing that Rupert Giles was still wary of him considering that Angelus had tortured him and killed his girlfriend. \u201cI had no better luck at Richard Wilkins\u2019 place. Whatever Cordelia is scheming, she wasn\u2019t there tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n
One by one, the minions reported their findings. Jude informed Angel that he awakened Mr. and Mrs. Rosenberg in order to question Willow. \u201cThey told me she was staying at the Summers\u2019 house. I didn\u2019t tell them otherwise, but I think we all know that was a lie.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cRed snuck out of the house?\u201d Spike thought this enthrallment was getting to be a pain. It was getting hard to make the little witch behave.<\/p>\n
Nodding, Jude told him, \u201cI followed her scent, but it led to the cemetery where you were tracking Cordelia. They must have met up for some reason.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel was actually relieved at the idea rather than any one of the other scenarios he had envisioned. \u201cSo there was no indication of Buffy\u2019s involvement in this?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUh\u2014 no.\u201d Spike pointed out. \u201cSlayer was actually otherwise occupied tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh?\u201d Angel paused to ask just as he caught the expression on the other vampire\u2019s face. \u201cOn second thought\u2014 don\u2019t tell me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Spike wasn\u2019t planning on it.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Bronze was shut up tight,\u201d Tom reported. \u201cI checked it out anyway, but no sign of the mistress.\u201d<\/p>\n
Keanu had gone to Willie\u2019s demon bar with Mel and Brad. \u201cThere was no word on the streets of anything going down tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDammit!\u201d Angel growled as he strode away from the door. \u201cWhere is she?\u201d<\/p>\n
Dru suddenly appeared at the top of the landing staring down at them. She had refused to take part in their little search and even kept her freshly-scented Puppy with her. \u201cSilly boys. Cordelia and her Willow are just fine, my Angel.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHow do you know that?\u201d Angel bounded up the stairs two at a time to stand by her side.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe ringing told me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel guessed that she had a vision. \u201cThe stars sent you a message?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe stars twinkle,\u201d Dru corrected. \u201cThe telephone rings.\u201d<\/p>\n
Crooking a finger under Drusilla\u2019s chin, Angel held her still. \u201cWhen did this call come?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAges ago.\u201d<\/p>\n
With a sigh, Angel figured that Drusilla probably thought their frantic search for Cordelia was an amusing game of hide and seek. \u201cWhat did Cordy say when she called?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSomething about being stuck at Wal-Mart.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWal-Mart?\u201d Keanu gasped overhearing them. No wonder they had not found Mistress Cordy before the sunrise.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia and Willow went on an all-night shopping spree?\u201d Angel was glad it wasn\u2019t his bank account in such jeopardy. \u201cIs there a reason you didn\u2019t tell me about it?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes,\u201d Dru answered with a smile.<\/p>\n
Angel prompted, \u201cAnd that reason would be what?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a secret.\u201d<\/p>\n
The creak of the door caught their attention and the vampires darted out of the light that filtered in through the cracks as it opened wide. Willow stepped into the room instantly darting out of the way to make room for the running figure swathed from head to toe in a steaming burka.<\/p>\n
\u201cClose the door,\u201d Cordelia\u2019s muffled voice came from beneath the confining layers. \u201cGet me out of this thing.\u201d<\/p>\n
After slamming the door shut, Willow dropped the keys to the Corvette onto a table in the center of the foyer. A quick glance around the room showed the entire membership of the household in various states of irritability. Drusilla was the only one smiling, but that was clearly in anticipation of knowing what was to come.<\/p>\n
Her minions were already crowding around her murmuring their relief that their mistress was alive and apparently well. For the moment. They scattered apart as Angel descended the stairs and crossed the foyer with a growl sounding under his breath. He barked out at them a dismissal, \u201cGoodnight!\u201d<\/p>\n
Without a word of protest, all five backed away and disappeared into other parts of the mansion.<\/p>\n
Pulling the hot cloth away from her head, Cordelia found Angel standing directly in front of her. She knew her mate had been anxious for her return even before meeting his gaze. After removing the rest of the confining garment that completely covered her, Cordelia looked up only to react with a start. Angel\u2019s expression was one of intense control. Any second now, she sensed it was going to break.<\/p>\n
Even so, when Angel reached out and yanked her against his hard torso, Cordelia was not prepared for the fury behind his kiss. The hard swipe of his lips came close to bruising as they traced hers. Angel\u2019s mouth pressed open her lips to delve inside tasting her on his tongue as he wound his fingers through her hair to hold her in place. Not that he needed to since her arms moved around his back to clasp his shoulders. After the initial shock, Cordy returned his kiss voraciously eating up the no-holds-barred manner in which he claimed her mouth.<\/p>\n
Then his rounded teeth nipped her lip causing her to let out a small cry as it drew blood. Angel sucked away the crimson stain taking the lip into his mouth laving it until the wound closed. It was one thing to be anxious, but this behavior seemed strange. \u201cAngel?\u201d<\/p>\n
Breaking away from the embrace, Angel held his mate at arms\u2019 distance still looking at her with barely controlled rage. \u201cDon\u2019t ever put me through that again, Cordelia. This is not some sleepy little village in the middle of Central America where you have your run of the place. This town has a Slayer who is not exactly fond of you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPfft!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat the hell were you thinking, Cordy?\u201d Angel barked angrily. \u201cDid you even consider the possible consequences or that I\u2014 we\u2014 might be concerned when you didn\u2019t return at the expected time?\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia did not like being questioned, even by her sire. Especially when Angel was in a lecturing mode and she did not deserve it, \u201cI called. I talked to Dru.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDrusilla has as much sense as a\u2014,\u201d Angel broke off mid-sentence not really meaning to insult his other childe no matter how true the words. \u201cYou should have called me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Licking at her sore lip, Cordelia narrowed her eyes at him. If she was going to be accused of worrying her sire then Angel better get his facts straight. \u201cCheck your cell phone. You will see that I tried to call you not once, but twice.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMy cell phone,\u201d Angel muttered suddenly remembering that he owned one. \u201cMust be in my car.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHah!\u201d Giving him a scornful grin, Cordelia knew she had won that point. For someone who was as intelligent and well-read as Angel, you would think the vamp could learn the simple use of a cell phone. His determination to avoid aspects of modern technology was a mystery.<\/p>\n
Spike dared to cut in with, \u201cThe chit has a point.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGo to bed, Spike; take Drusilla with you.\u201d The words were accompanied by a growl that indicated he was angry with the vampiress.<\/p>\n
\u201cWho do you think you are\u2014 Angelus?\u201d Spike didn\u2019t like to hear anyone threatening Dru even if Angel had the right to do so.<\/p>\n
\u201cI told you to get out,\u201d warned Angel now turning to Spike. \u201cI want to be alone with my mate, not have a fucking family reunion.\u201d<\/p>\n
Drusilla giggled from the top of the stairs. Hearing Angel use bad words was always a treat since he normally avoided them. Only when he was really mad did her souled sire ever say such naughty things. Heading up the stairs, Spike told Dru, \u201cDon\u2019t take it so literally, luv. He wasn\u2019t really suggesting *that* kind of a reunion.\u201d<\/p>\n
Eep!<\/p>\n
Willow turned as red as her hair as she thought about what the vampire had suggested. It was a rather graphic picture that popped into her head and wouldn\u2019t seem to go away. As she needed to go back out to bring in their purchases, she crept back toward the door and stood there with her back pressed against it. If Cordy and Angel remembered that she was there, neither acknowledged her. They were too caught up in each other.<\/p>\n
Cordelia found herself simultaneously ticked off and turned on by Angel\u2019s bad attitude. It was not like him to be quite so rough with her. She demanded an explanation, \u201cWhat the hell do you think you\u2019re doing treating me this way?\u201d<\/p>\n
Without waiting for an answer, she stared back to his lips asking, \u201cCan I have more?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re about to get it all, tigress,\u201d Angel swept her up into his arms and headed for their bedroom.<\/p>\n
Willow heard the door slam shut behind them. \u201cDon\u2019t bother saying goodnight to me.\u201d<\/p>\n
As she headed out to retrieve their packages, Willow found herself smiling in spite of her tiredness. She had wondered how Cordelia was planning to make Angel wait a whole day before her little seduction scene. Some days the vampires barely got out of bed and Cordy thought she would talk her naturally amorous\u2014 downright horny in her presence\u2014 mate out of taking her to bed?<\/p>\n
Cordy\u2019s favorite response seemed to be apropos, \u201cPfft!\u201d<\/p>\n
If things went right, Willow wouldn\u2019t have to wait until tomorrow night to see if her plan worked. She\u2019d find out today. Because it looked like Cordelia and Angel were definitely gonna do it. Sometime between their multi-orgasmic clinches, Angel would recall that his soul was safe and then happiness would be had by all.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, Cordy,\u201d she murmured darkly, \u201cyou can have more\u2014 of Angelus.\u201d<\/p>\n