Part 24<\/b><\/p>\n
\u201cAngel,\u201d Wesley called to the lurking leather clad figure in the corner.<\/p>\n
The vampire turned, glancing from Wesley to Gunn. \u201cWhat happened? Do you know something?\u201d Angel\u2019s eyes went immediately back to Cordelia rehearsing dialogue on the stage set. \u201cShould I get her out of here?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo. Angel, wait. Nothing like that- we\u2019ve discovered that the miniscule hot spots have been frequently appearing here and at Cordelia\u2019s residence.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel swung around. \u201cExplain.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s it? That\u2019s what exactly?\u201d Angel shook his head.<\/p>\n
Wesley started to add more when his cell phone interrupted. Wesley listened and nodded rapidly to the voice on the other end. \u201cThere\u2019s a hot spot forming now, here.\u201d Wesley snapped his phone shut, looking around the area suspiciously.<\/p>\n
Angel tensed only momentarily, then he swirled moving towards the sound stage. \u201cCordelia.\u201d Angel ignored the shout of the director and pulled the young woman to him, leading her off the stage.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel.\u201d Cordelia pulled trying to resist the vampire.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot now,\u201d he growled, keeping her close, nodding for Gunn too move closer.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can\u2019t just\u2026\u201d Cordelia struggled harder. \u201cI was in the middle of\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNot now.\u201d Angel repeated his growl, tightening his hold. \u201cWesley?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAggie can\u2019t pin point the exact location, but it is here. Cordelia, where did the note you got here show up?\u201d Wesley asked.<\/p>\n
Cordelia fought the urge to kick the vampire that was maintaining a tight grip on her. \u201cMy dressing room.\u201d She huffed angrily.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhere is\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis way,\u201d still growling. Angel pulled the woman behind him.<\/p>\n
\u201cGunn,\u201d Angel yelled, pushing Cordelia to the black man, once they reached the door with the star and Cordy\u2019s name.<\/p>\n
Gunn grabbed the woman. \u201cSorry,\u201d Gunn danced, hopping from foot to foot. \u201cDon\u2019t kick, damn girl.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel nodded to Wesley. The other man pulled out his small sword waiting for Angel. The vampire kicked in the door, thrusting his body into the room.<\/p>\n
Angel stood in the middle. His head cocked breathing in the air, glaring into the corners of the room, his gaze stalled towards the crackling of air. \u201cWesley,\u201d he called.<\/p>\n
The one-armed man followed quickly, stopping in front of the small break in the atmosphere. \u201cGunn,\u201d he called over his shoulder.<\/p>\n
\u201cWesley.\u201d Angel yelled.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not big enough for a person, Angel. I want Cordelia to see this.\u201d Wesley reasoned.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy?\u201d Angel growled.<\/p>\n
\u201cShut up,\u201d Cordelia smacked the vampire as she stared at the rippling air and the fluttering paper that shot through. She narrowed her gaze through the opening ignoring the paper for a moment. She stepped back. \u201cBit Tarzan but he\u2019s buff.\u201d She said as the fabric of air closed and become whole.<\/p>\n
\u201cExcuse me,\u201d Wesley coughed as Angel growled \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe beefcake through the looking glass.\u201d Cordelia shrugged.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeefcake, uh? I saw a ring of freaky- ass cloaked guys.\u201d Gunn interjected.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes.\u201d Wesley agreed.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat beefcake?\u201d Angel stood in front of Cordelia.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe guy standing next to the creepies- all leather and muscles. You didn\u2019t see him?\u201d She looked up at Angel.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe idiot with big teeth and bad hair?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI wouldn\u2019t go that far, sure he needs a fashion consultant\u2026and a haircut\u2026get rid of the animal skins\u2026maybe with your type of leather.\u201d Cordelia examined Angel\u2019s leather coat.<\/p>\n
\u201cPlease,\u201d Wesley groaned, holding up the letter.<\/p>\n
\u201cGimme me,\u201d grabbing. The note a sufficient diversion from her imaginary fashion makeover, \u201cOkay, idiot and creepy\u2026and weird.\u201d Cordelia handed the letter over her shoulder to the growling vampire.<\/p>\n
Princess, the time will be soon, we will be together as it was meant to be\u2026I will not let the beast confuse you as to your destiny. Remember and believe I\u2019m your champion not the beast.<\/i><\/p>\n
\u201cOkay,\u201d Cordelia threw up her hands. \u201cJust who or what is the beast? Can someone tell me? Unless, he has horns and a tail, I\u2019m saying I kind of like him, he\u2019s unassuming and not at all presumptuous, not like ‘champion guy’.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWesley, I\u2019ll take Cordelia home. Lorne\u2019s friend, Aggie, did she give you any indication on how to close the portals.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, just where they\u2019ve been appearing.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThere has to be a way to prevent them. The Portals need to be closed permanently.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, I agree, we need to make sure that this \u2018champion\u2019 does not come through. I\u2019ll start researching.”<\/p>\n
\u201cHey, maybe Aggie, knows more. How about I go check. Probably be more useful there then reading dusty books.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGunn, she didn\u2019t have any other information.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t remember you asking about closing the portals.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGunn, I think you should go with Angel and watch Cordelia.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe vamp\u2019s got it covered. If he gets a vision- Cordy will call. Right?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course.\u201d Cordelia shrugged. Though she didn\u2019t see why Angel wouldn\u2019t be able to call. He couldn\u2019t get so crazy that he couldn\u2019t use a phone, could he?<\/p>\n
\u201cGunn, I think\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWesley, I\u2019m fine.\u201d Angel interrupted harshly.<\/p>\n
\u201cNow, Angel, but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t need a babysitter just yet, Wesley.\u201d Angel growled through clenched teeth.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCome on, Wes man,\u201d Gunn smacked him on the arm. \u201cLet\u2019s go find out important stuff.\u201d<\/p>\n
With one last concerned look, Wesley followed Gunn down the hall.<\/p>\n
Cordelia bit her lip her eyes traveling from the departing men to Angel. Wesley seemed to be really anxious about Angel\u2019s mental state, but Angel seemed perfectly fine, just really angry in sort of still-as-a-statue kind of way. She gave a mental shrug, if she remembered correctly, stuffy Sunnydale watcher Wes was always anxious about something or another.<\/p>\n
He may be gruffier in a more hot way and missing an arm, but she didn\u2019t see that he changed all that much. It\u2019s not like she actually saw him use that small sword yet. If Wesley used it and didn\u2019t scream like a girl, then maybe she’d be willing to completely upgrade her opinion of him.<\/p>\n
Cordelia looked over to Angel. \u201cAfter I go make nice-nice with the director for leaving everyone in the lurch, I\u2019ll call my driver. What do you want for dinner? I\u2019ve this chili spice packet I got when I was in Mexico last month. I thought I would actually try to make chili. It\u2019s not store bought- the chef at this great restaurant mixed it up for me. Do you want to try it?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cChili?\u201d Angel blinked, confused again by Cordelia\u2019s ability to change subjects in a breath. Who was he kidding- Angel didn\u2019t think the woman took a breath when she started on one of her verbal topsy-turvy trains of thought.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe spices, dork, in your blood.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo.\u201d Angel shuddered at his comprehension of what Cordelia was saying.<\/p>\n
Cordelia pursed her lips. \u201cOkay. I\u2019ve got some Thai, it\u2019s store bought though or I could make something up.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not really hungry. The breakfast was very filling.\u201d Angel gulped, curry blood sounded scarier than Mexican blood.<\/p>\n
\u201cFine. But, you\u2019re still cooking for me, right? I\u2019m starving- only had some toast- didn\u2019t even put peanut butter on it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel studied the young woman. \u201cWhy not?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFattening.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia.\u201d Angel said harshly.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m over it now. It was just left over insecurity from the articles. Now I\u2019m starving.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI thought I got rid of those.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia blinked. She could\u2019ve of sworn that the vampire pouted.<\/p>\n
\u201cGuess you\u2019ll have to try harder tonight.\u201d Cordelia teased grabbing his hand.<\/p>\n
Part 25<\/b><\/p>\n
“I’m beginning to think this was a waste of time.” Lilah sat on the edge of Lindsay’s desk swinging her legs.<\/p>\n
“Don’t you believe in chairs? Get your ass off my desk.”<\/p>\n
Lilah rolled her eyes and slid into a cushion chair. “Better?”<\/p>\n
“It be better if you went to your own office and took up space. And it is a waste of time. Six portals- and nothing, except insight on how ugly some demons can be.” Lindsay grunted.<\/p>\n
“Until you actually come up with an effective plan other than spreading mud, I wouldn’t be oh so judgmental. Have you checked the on-life stuff? The Internet fans and critics are ready to tar and feather your ‘paid’ reporter over his last article about their favorite ‘sweetheart’. Talk about a waste of time. At least, my suggestion is bringing some new information to the firm. Holland said that last demon maybe very useful to the situation on the east coast.”<\/p>\n
Lindsay’s retort was stalled as his intercom blared. “What is it?” He barked into the phone.<\/p>\n
“And?” Lindsay replied, suddenly more interested.<\/p>\n
Lilah looked up studying the other lawyer’s change in posture.<\/p>\n
“How many security? Get more- we’ll be right there.” Lindsay hung up staring at Lilah.<\/p>\n
“Well.” Lilah perched on the edge of her seat.<\/p>\n
“Jack pot”<\/p>\n
“Hot damn and you owe me lunch.” Lilah jumped to her feet.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cWell?\u201d Lindsay asked one of the many security guards in the basement as he stared at the bound unconscious man.<\/p>\n
\u201cFighter, has real skills, took out half a dozen of my men before we could even pretend to do damage. Finally, I was able to stun him with a tranquilizer dart.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHuman?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSeems like it.\u201d The guard shrugged.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat happened?\u201d Lilah asked.<\/p>\n
Again the guard shrugged. \u201cThe mystics, who you will have noticed ran, garbled some mish-mash of words and equations- the air vibrated, a portal opened, almost sucked us all in, this guy popped out, the shimmering stopped and poof, portal gone along with the cloaked figures watching from the other side. He,\u201d the guard pointed to the unconscious man, \u201cstarted yelling for his princess, then noticed us and started fighting.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cJack pot,\u201d Lindsay and Lilah said together.<\/p>\n
Part 26<\/b><\/p>\n
Angel looked at the counter with dread. Curry or chili powder- it was tough but the sight of sour cream and cheese was leaning him towards curry. He tried one more time. \u201cCordy, really, plain blood is fine.\u201d<\/p>\n
He could’ve sworn Cordy’s earlier ‘fine’ meant she’d given up on the idea of tampering with his blood. Something deep in his gut told him that he had been stupid- that he should\u2019ve known better.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, you just made me a sumptuous pasta dish, I can\u2019t let you have boring yucky blood. Hey, I can do this. I might not be able to cook regular food, but I can do this.\u201d Cordelia beamed.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy, I can teach you how to cook, no reason to waste your obvious need to spice on blood.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou don\u2019t like it.\u201d She pouted.<\/p>\n
Okay, when did he turn pathetic? Angel winced, giving in. \u201cCurry.\u201d<\/p>\n
That\u2019s when he turned pathetic, Angel decided watching Cordelia\u2019s pout transform into one big beautiful smile. A little spice in his blood was worth that sight.<\/p>\n
Cordelia jumped as rapid knocks on the front door interrupted her cooking endeavors.<\/p>\n
Angel immediately strode to the door.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel.\u201d Gunn called.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d Angel stood by as the black man ran in.<\/p>\n
\u201cAggie sensed a major as in major shift in dimensions, the same as before but as in BIG\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHere?\u201d Angel moved towards Cordelia.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo.\u201d Gunn shook his head. \u201cWolfram & Hart, I called Wesley, he\u2019s on his way there.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWolfram & Hart?\u201d Angel growled as Cordelia squeaked.<\/p>\n
\u201cGunn, stay with Cordelia.\u201d Angel ordered, grabbing for his coat and sword.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel,\u201d Cordelia said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m sick of hearing that firm’s name.\u201d Angel growled.<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay so am I and Wesley shouldn\u2019t be alone, but you haven\u2019t eaten.\u201d She held up the carton of blood and mixture of Thai spices.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo time for gourmet,\u201d Angel said snatching the plain blood. \u201cGunn.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll watch her.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia stared as the vampire stormed out. \u201cI think he did that on purpose. I don\u2019t think he likes my cooking.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe’s a blood drinker, but I think it smells great. Whatcha make?\u201d Gunn looked around.<\/p>\n
\u201cMe? Nothing,\u201d she looked at disgust at the packet of Thai spices. \u201cAngel cooked the pasta. He made tons. Hungry?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe vampire cooks?” Gunn followed Cordelia towards the source of the appetizing smells.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cWere you planning to go in alone?\u201d Angel leaned into the driver\u2019s side the truck.<\/p>\n
Wesley jumped. \u201cAngel.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI was assuming either you or Gunn would appear.\u201d Wesley huffed getting out of the vehicle. \u201cActually, I was hoping for Gunn.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m fine, Wesley.\u201d Angel growled.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, I can see that, but I also can see that the lobby of the firm,\u201d he nodded to the glass windows surrounding the first floor of the multi-rise building that was Wolfram & Hart,\u201d is full of what can only be vampire detectors.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel studied the hunched wrinkled cloak figures scattered around the front entrance.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve an idea, be back in a minute.\u201d Angel turned and in an instant disappeared into the night\u2019s darkness.<\/p>\n