Chapter Sixty-two<\/b><\/p>\n
Angel was lost in the intense sensations running through his body at the feel of Cordelia\u2019s warmth against him.<\/p>\n
He thought nothing of his guilt over what Angelus had done, or his fear for Cordelia. All he could think or experience was that somehow, someway his beautiful, caring seer was responding with equal fervor to his own need and love.<\/p>\n
His hands stroked up to the swell of Cordelia\u2019s breast. He had thought only a few days before that she would fit perfectly in each of his palms. Angel needed to test out his earlier theory. His hands cupped and palmed Cordelia\u2019s breast. Perfect, Angel growled. His fingers stroked and flicked at her hardened nipples.<\/p>\n
Cordelia moaned into his embrace, her hands tugging at the fabric of Angel\u2019s shirt. She squealed in triumphant as her hands found Angel\u2019s bare skin.<\/p>\n
The heat of her touch inflamed his body. Angel scooped Cordelia\u2019s willing body up into his arms and carried her to the bed. Angel tossed Cordelia onto the mattress, his body following immediately after. He covered her with his weight, his lips tasting every crevice of her mouth. Cordelia squirmed underneath him, her caresses never leaving his broad back. Her clutches held him closer, while divesting him of his shirt.<\/p>\n
Angel tore at her blouse, popping the buttons. He reached in with his lips, encasing a hard nipple. Never moving his weight, he tugged at Cordelia\u2019s jeans, tearing them off her body.<\/p>\n
Just as frantically, Cordelia pulled at Angel\u2019s pants. Soon, there was no material separating the two.<\/p>\n
Angel growled in pleasure as the length of his body covered Cordelia\u2019s hot skin. Their hands and lips reaching everywhere each touch increasing their desire. Their passion flourishing into a frenzied longing for completion.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel\u201d, moaned Cordelia in both an insistent and pleading tone. Angel answered with a growl and thrust into Cordelia\u2019s welcoming center. Angel stilled relishing the heat the surrounded him. Angel began to move slowly, then faster as Cordelia moans and whimpers urged him on.<\/p>\n
The warmth in Cordelia\u2019s center grew and formed into a seemingly solid form, building in size and pressure. Her desire threatening to explode into a thousand pieces, promising exquisite pleasure. Cordelia moved frantically beneath Angel\u2019s powerful thrusts, begging for the vampire to give her that release.<\/p>\n
The fire that encased Angel consumed his body. All of his senses were wired, amplifying Cordelia\u2019s scent and feel. He continued to thrust into Cordelia, spurred on by Cordelia\u2019s passionate responses. Angel dreaded and strived for their mutual release. His desire to maintain their connection was overwhelming, but his need for completion, like Cordelia\u2019s was becoming unbearable.<\/p>\n
The fragrance of Cordelia\u2019s heated blood circled around him, coating him with its aroma. The spicy, sweet scent triggered a primal lust and longing with in the vampire. He needed to possess all of the beautiful woman, not only her body but also her blood. His demon had to taste her, to mark her as his. Blinded by lust and need, Angel bit into Cordelia\u2019s neck, savoring the hot life giving fluid.<\/p>\n
Cordelia instinctively jerked away. The pleasure in her body at Angel\u2019s actions became almost painful in its intensity. Angel followed her movement never breaking contact. Cordelia\u2019s breath caught in her throat as her body tensed on the edge. With a strangled gasp, she felt her nerves fracture apart, a universe of stars exploded behind her eyelids.<\/p>\n
Cordelia clutched at Angel has he growled shuddering his release into her trembling body. Angel sipped and licked at the small wounds in Cordelia\u2019s neck, as the cloud of lust swept away from his mind. Cordelia signed at the ministration, hugging the vampire closely. Suddenly, Angel stopped and jerked out of her embrace. His brown eyes widened in horror as he stared at the drops of blood on Cordelia\u2019s delicate neck. Angel gagged at the tantalizing taste on his tongue.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel?\u201d Cordelia worried, her arms still out stretched.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh god,\u201d Angel backed off the bed, his eyes never leaving the puncture wounds. Self-disgust overtook his mind. He had let his beast touch Cordelia. With guilt and loathing, he grabbed up his clothing and ran out of the room.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel?\u201d Cordelia whispered.<\/p>\n
Chapter Sixty-three<\/b><\/p>\n
Cordelia sat in the bed, the covers wrapped around her. The fears and doubts that had reappeared in her mind at Angel\u2019s hasty departure transformed into pure anger.<\/p>\n
How dare he, she thought. Cordelia jumped up and grabbed at her clothes. She looked in disgust at her useless blouse. She rifled through Angel\u2019s closet, picking out a black sweater. Once clothed, she tore down the steps.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel,\u201d she yelled. \u201cWhere is he,\u201d she demanded to the three dazed men.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, um, he\u2026..He went down there,\u201d Wesley pointed to the basement stairs. \u201cHe seemed a bit upset.\u201d Wesley suggested.<\/p>\n
Cordelia narrowed her eyes and headed for the stairs.<\/p>\n
\u201cUm, Cordelia, that was Angel, right?\u201d John asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course it was, he didn\u2019t try to kill anyone did he,\u201d scoffed Cordelia, opening the door.<\/p>\n
\u201cUm, Cordelia, I don\u2019t think you should follow him, \u2026..I mean are you okay?\u201d asked Wesley.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m fine and the next person that asks me that is going to die.\u201d She stormed through the exit, slamming the door on the way.<\/p>\n
\u201cShould we go after them?\u201d asked Gunn.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m suggesting no.\u201d Wesley again was stuck in the position of not knowing what was going on with his two friends. But, his gut yelled at him to let Angel and Cordelia to handle whatever this was on their own.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have some more researching to do.\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Cordelia hated the sewers. They were smelly, dirty, and god only knew what gross things were hiddened under the muck that flowed on the ground. And of course, Angel was no where in sight. Cordelia stared at the dark tunnels that branched out before her. She had no clue as to where Angel ran off to.<\/p>\n
Cordelia slumped down on a broken stone column. What was she doing? It was obvious why Angel ran out on her. He regretted what had happened between them. The stupid vampire probably thought it was some sort of betrayal of Buffy of high. Cordelia shoulder\u2019s slumped down further. Buffy, Buffy, Buffy, she grumbled, then signed.<\/p>\n
She really had no one to be mad at except herself. It wasn\u2019t has if she hadn\u2019t known that Angel loved Buffy. She had just begun to hope that Angel had gotten over the blonde slayer. And that maybe, just maybe, Angel had started to really care about her, Cordelia Chase. Silly, stupid thought.<\/p>\n
Cordelia started at a weird sound coming from one of the darkened tunnels. Just great, she grumbled. Cordelia got up and looked to back from where she came. She hadn\u2019t realized that she had gotten so far from the hotel. She jumped again as the noise got closer.<\/p>\n
Okay, enough of this. Cordelia took a deep breath. \u201cAngel,\u201d she screamed. \u201cGet your dead butt back here. God only knows what unholy gross creepy crawlers are down here. Angel,\u201d she yelled.<\/p>\n
\u201cStop shouting or you will call every creepy crawler here.\u201d Angel materialized through the darkness.<\/p>\n
Angel and Cordelia stared at each other.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou shouldn\u2019t be down here,\u201d Angel finally said, not moving closer.<\/p>\n
\u201cDuh, but neither should you.\u201d She retorted.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia, I\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, god get over it will you. It was just a mistake that\u2019s all. It meant nothing, okay.\u201d Cordelia fought against the tears welling up in her eyes.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt meant everything, but it was a mistake, a horrible, unforgivable mistake. I\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, it just happened okay.\u201d Cordelia couldn\u2019t believe that she was forced into the position of minimizing the most spectacular and important moment of her life.<\/p>\n
\u201cUnforgivable, no, especially if you don\u2019t tell her. I mean why would you. Let\u2019s just call it a wacky side effect of glowing, healing thing and go figure out how to kill Bathym. Buffy never needs to know, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBuffy?\u201d Angel asked perplexed. \u201cWhat does Buffy have to do with it?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s right, she has nothing to do with it. That\u2019s why you don\u2019t have to get all broody and angsty. There is no reason to let this one mistake get you all guilt filled and confessiony. It meant nothing. You can still go running back to Buffy, but first can we please kill the big old ugly and get out of this gross place?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel contemplated the young woman. In an instant he was in front of her, his large hands cupping her face, forcing her moist eyes to meet his. \u201cWhat does Buffy have to do with any of this?\u201d he repeated searching her eyes.<\/p>\n
Cordelia tried to break away, but his firm tender embrace kept her close. \u201cBuffy, the love of your un-dead life. The one that Angelus said that you wanted to be with. That\u2019s why you ran out, right? Because, you got all guilty about\u2026. well, the mistake\u2026But Angel, there is no reason. It just happened, your soul is permanent, it won\u2019t happen again\u2026.So no harm, no foul.\u201d Cordelia claimed.<\/p>\n
Angel\u2019s hand drifted from her earnest face to caress the small holes on her neck. \u201cCordy, I bit you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah\u2026well\u2026. it didn\u2019t hurt,\u201d Cordelia reassured the vampire. \u201cReally,\u201d she emphasized at the vampire\u2019s questioning expression. \u201cIt was\u2026well, it didn\u2019t hurt,\u201d she repeated. Cordelia wasn\u2019t at all willingly to tell the vampire that the sensation of his drinking her blood was one of the most erotic sensual experiences of her life.<\/p>\n
That and having Angel\u2019s body over and in her had for the first time made her feel truly alive, loved and complete.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia, I\u2019m a vampire.\u201d<\/p>\n
Now it was Cordelia\u2019s turn to be perplexed. \u201cDuh, what\u2019s that got to do with anything, with Buffy? Though, I guess being a vampire is a little off putting to a vampire slayer. But she loves you and now that you have your soul- no more Angelus.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel was completely confused. \u201cCordelia, what exactly do you think the \u2018mistake\u2019 was?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou know,\u201d she stuttered embarrassed, waving her hands between the two of them. \u201cI know you didn\u2019t want it to happen.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHow did you come to that conclusion?\u201d Angel asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, we are talking about BUFFY, miss slayer, the \u2018One\u2019, the love of your\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUn-dead life, right. How else?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell\u2026Angelus,\u201d Cordelia glared at his incomprehension to the obvious.<\/p>\n
\u201cI see. Because the evil, sadistic, psychotic side of my demon, told you that I still loved and wanted Buffy, you believed it and decided that I thought that making love to you was a mistake.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe tells the truth,\u201d argued Cordelia.<\/p>\n
Angel nodded as if agreeing. \u201cSo, Cordy, when he claimed that you were his, that he wanted you, desired you, wanted to touch and feel your heat, Angelus was telling the truth?\u201d Angel asked lowly.<\/p>\n
\u201cUm, well…\u201d Cordelia started to fidget nervously. \u201cWell, then he may have been just trying to get under my skin.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes,\u201d Angel agreed. \u201cHe wanted to get under your skin and all over it. That was not the lie. The lie was that I still wanted Buffy. The truth, or the whole truth is that Angelus wanted you, desired you AND so do I, oh and, I love you too.\u201d Angel smiled.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat,\u201d Cordelia yelled pushing against Angel. \u201cYou do not.\u201d She argued.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t?\u201d asked Angel<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, if you loved me you wouldn\u2019t have left me, you would have stayed. But, it\u2019s okay, I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, Cordelia you don\u2019t.\u201d Angel was amazed. His seer, the woman he loved, truly believed that he had left her because of Buffy. Cordelia had no thoughts or fears about his biting her.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia I drank your blood,\u201d he claimed.<\/p>\n
\u201cEww, you make it sound so Bela Lugosi. I told you it didn\u2019t hurt. Wait, I\u2019m not going to go all \u2018grry\u2019 or anything am I?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhew, I wouldn\u2019t have liked that.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia, I lost control of my beast.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBeast, what beast? There was no beast. Just you and me. Jeez, what are you talking about? You aren\u2019t making any sense.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia, I\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you are going to say that you bit me one more time, I\u2019m going to hit you. So what? You\u2019re a vampire, you drink blood. Actually, you shouldn\u2019t just go around sucking everyone\u2019s blood that wouldn\u2019t be good. But just now, that wasn\u2019t a bad thing was it?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, it didn\u2019t seem bad. Not, that I want just any \u2018grr\u2019 guy to drink my blood. Gross. But, with you it didn\u2019t seem bad. It was\u2026\u201d Cordelia paused. \u201cIt didn\u2019t hurt or anything.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt didn\u2019t scare you, make you hate me?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay, I\u2019m clueless here. Why should I hate you, well except for you dashing off after\u2026well, you know. Is there another reason? Oh, and I don\u2019t hate you. I told you I understood about Buffy and all.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel felt his undead heart spin in circles. Cordelia was not in the least bit fazed by his lack of control over his demon. All, she seemed to be concerned with was Buffy, still.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia, once and for all, I don\u2019t love Buffy. I did, very much at one time. But it was never meant to be. But, her love allowed me to believe that I can love, can hope. And I do love, YOU.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBut,\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd,\u201d Angel interrupted, so the never-ending circular conversation would stop. \u201cI left you, because I did bite you. Because, even without the fear of Angelus, I lost control. My demon wanted to taste you, to own you, to mark you. And I wanted it, because I am my demon.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou love me, but left me feeling rejected, stupid and scared, because you suddenly realized that you were a vampire.\u201d She raised her brows.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, I love you and of course I know that I\u2019m vampire. But, Cordelia, I bit\u2026..\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia smacked her hand hard against his head. \u201cI warned you, stupid,\u201d she grumbled and turned away leaving a stunned Angel.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy,\u201d Angel ran up to her. \u201cWait.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, we have a demon to kill.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBut\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel,\u201d Cordelia swung around to face him. \u201cI love you. You are a vampire. Believe me, I know this. But do I care? Yes. But does it change the fact that I love you? No.\u201d Cordelia took a deep breath, her tone softening.<\/p>\n
\u201cI love you. Making love to you, bite and all, was the most exciting, loving and safe experience that I ever had. I love you,\u201d she whispered reaching up to caress his still face. She grunted in irritation at the still confused look on Angel\u2019s face.<\/p>\n
Chapter Sixty-four <\/b><\/p>\n
Angel watched the beautiful young woman stomp away from him. Did Cordelia just say that she loved him, demon and all? That\u2019s what it sounded like. But he had to be sure.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia, wait…\u201d Angel called, running up to the young woman.<\/p>\n
Cordelia huffed to a stop. She scrunched up her brow and waited.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou love me?\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia raised her brows even further. She shook her head and left the vampire, grumbling as she moved.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d she mumbled as Angel reached out holding her still.<\/p>\n
\u201cI asked\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cClueless, dense, broody, \u2018grr\u2019 guy,\u201d she hissed, lunging for his lips. Cordelia grabbed at Angel, seizing his mouth. She pressed a hard, loving kiss onto the vampire. Angel\u2019s surprise turned quickly to passion has Cordelia\u2019s lips traveled over his. Angel\u2019s hands clutched at Cordelia\u2019s body, holding it tight.<\/p>\n
After awhile, the couple parted. Cordelia licked at her swollen lips. \u201cUnderstand, now,\u201d She claimed.<\/p>\n
Angel slowly nodded, a smile growing large on his face.<\/p>\n
\u201cGood,\u201d Cordelia sighed. \u201cNow lets go kill Bathym.\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, any luck,\u201d Cordelia asked Wesley, Gunn and John as the surrounded a book laden table.<\/p>\n
Wesley stumbled to his feet. \u201cUm, Cordelia.\u201d Wesley looked around for Angel. His eyes and brows shot up as he saw the vampire and the very goofy grin on his usually somber face.<\/p>\n
\u201cUm, yes, Angel, Cordelia. It seems that Bathym is vulnerable to the usual way of killing. Just more. The toughness of his skin makes the standard slice and dice more difficult, but not impossible. But the more difficult part will be get close to the demon.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe zapping and moving thing, ummph,\u201d added Cordelia.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes,\u201d<\/p>\n
The room became silent. Wesley looked up towards Angel. He expected the vampire to be angry and tense but Angel still wore that goofy expression. His gaze never leaving Cordelia.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngelus,\u201d Cordelia called out.<\/p>\n
The room jumped. \u201cWhat?\u201d Angel called out.<\/p>\n
Cordelia ran to the vampire. \u201cThe big ugly thinks that you don\u2019t have your soul. He expects Angelus to bring me back dead, necklace in hand. Let\u2019s give it to him. Not the dead part, obviously. But, you know. You take me back as Angelus, then when we get close. Wham Bam, evil dead.\u201d She nodded pleased with her idea.<\/p>\n
\u201cI..\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, you can do it. Get in touch with the sarcastic, icky side. It\u2019ll work.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUm, Angel, she may have a point. Bathym expects Angelus. Give it to him, then \u2026..\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWham Bam,\u201d finished Cordelia.<\/p>\n
\u201cQuite.\u201d Nodded Wesley.<\/p>\n
Chapter Sixty-five<\/b><\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t like it. You should stay here,\u201d argued Angel. \u201cI can just go back as Angelus and tell Bathym that I couldn\u2019t find you. I don\u2019t want you anywhere near the demon.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia rolled her eyes. \u201cYou need me, I\u2019m back up. Wesley and the others won\u2019t be able to follow right behind.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel gaped at the young woman. \u201cBack up? You\u2019re a distraction.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia\u2019s stubborn expression turned beautiful as slight smile centered on her lovely face and she giggled. \u201cI guess that\u2019s better than saying that I would just be in the way, uh.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel\u2019s frown turned goofy, as the vampire fought against the smile threatening to overtake his stern expression. He couldn\u2019t help it, Cordelia\u2019s sparkling eyes and smile begged for a similar response from him.<\/p>\n
Wesley and Gunn stood stunned. Angel and Cordelia\u2019s usual battle over whether she went or stayed behind during a fight was absent. Instead, Angel and Cordelia just stood there, staring and smiling at each other. It was bizarre.<\/p>\n
Gunn\u2019s eyebrows shot up as he turned to Wesley. \u201cI think the vamp just giggled,\u201d he whispered in disbelief.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, but he will if we don\u2019t put a stop to this nonsense,\u201d Wesley grumbled. Obviously, whatever had been going between his friends was settled, favorably so, Wesley thought.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, Angel,\u201d he repeated trying to get the vampire\u2019s attention. \u201cCordelia\u2019s right. It would be better to have her and the necklace with you. We don\u2019t want Bathym to be suspicious for any reason,\u201d Wesley continued once Angel acknowledged the former watcher\u2019s presence.<\/p>\n
Cordelia smirked and stuck her tongue out at the vampire. The \u2018I told you so\u2019 clearly written on her face.<\/p>\n
Angel goofy smile disappeared. He growled. \u201cWesley, Gunn get the weapons together. You,\u201d Angel clutched at Cordelia\u2019s arm. \u201cAre coming with me.\u201d He commanded firmly.<\/p>\n
\u201cHey,\u201d she called as Angel dragged her upstairs.<\/p>\n
Gunn looked at Wesley. Wesley shrugged. \u201cDon\u2019t ask. Let\u2019s just gather every sharp, heavy weapon we can. John are you still with us?\u201d Wesley asked the Indian.<\/p>\n
John nodded.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cI want you to stay here.\u201d Angel growled as soon as they were in the bedroom.<\/p>\n
Cordelia scowled at him. \u201cJust because we\u2019ve actually said the words \u2018I love you\u2019 doesn\u2019t mean you can order me around. I\u2019m going. You need me there.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia, I don\u2019t want you to be near the demon.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI know. But, we don\u2019t really have a choice. You need me so Bathym doesn\u2019t get suspicious. And what if the big ugly tries that soul corruption thingy again. Just because Angelus is gone for good, doesn\u2019t mean you’re immune to Bathym\u2019s regular bad vibes, or what if he goes after Wesley, Gunn or John. You need me and the necklace.\u201d Cordelia claimed.<\/p>\n
Angel glared at the young woman, knowing she was right. \u201cFine, but Cordelia don\u2019t ever stick out your tongue at me again, unless you are prepared to use it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia cocked her head and smiled. She ran towards the vampire. Angel caught her and kissed her. She giggled as she used her tongue quite effectively against Angel\u2019s.<\/p>\n
Angel broke away. He shook his head in regret, pushing down his growing desire. Angel shook his head at the flushed young woman. \u201cWe better go.\u201d<\/p>\n
Chapter Sixty-six <\/b><\/p>\n
\u201cThat was weird,\u201d Gunn whispered to Wesley.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes,\u201d his friend agreed.<\/p>\n
The group had just arrived at the underground warehouse. The car ride had been silent. That wasn\u2019t what was weird or odd. Nor was it that Angel was back to his grim mode.<\/p>\n
Gone was the silly smiling vampire; the goofy grinning vampire had actually been pretty weird. But now, Angel was back to his usual broody, determined mindset. No. What was odd now was that Cordelia seemed content almost happy at the overprotective, sullen glances that the vampire kept shooting towards her.<\/p>\n
And why was Cordelia riding shotgun, Wesley grumbled. That was his usual seat. He always sat there so he could give Angel last minute instructions from his books.<\/p>\n
Wesley sighed in sudden insight. Angel and Cordelia must have finally acknowledged their feelings for each other. Thank goodness, Wesley thought. No more, pouting, insecure, angry Cordelia and no more unsure, anxious and tense vampire.<\/p>\n
It was worth giving up his front seat privileges. Now, there would be peace at last. Or there will be once Bathym was defeated.<\/p>\n
\u201cEverything is fine,\u201d Wesley assured Gunn.<\/p>\n
Gunn looked at him questioningly. Wesley responded by shooting his eyes upwards and wiggling a finger discreetly at Cordelia and Angel in the front seats.<\/p>\n
Gunn\u2019s eyes widened in sudden comprehension. \u201cIt\u2019s about damn time.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s is?\u201d Cordelia asked, catching Gunn\u2019s comment.<\/p>\n
Gunn coughed.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat we got here,\u201d Wesley quickly covered.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt didn\u2019t take too long,\u201d she disagreed.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, it was way too long, if you ask me,\u201d Gunn stated quietly.<\/p>\n
Wesley shot Gunn a sharp look. This was not the time or place to make observations about the change in Angel and Cordelia\u2019s relationship.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia, I really don\u2019t think\u2026\u2026\u201d Angel was ignorant of the by-play in the back seat.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel,\u201d she interrupted rolling her eyes,<\/p>\n
With a disgruntled sigh of defeat, Angel got out of the car. \u201cWesley, give us a fifteen minute head start. Bathym will be too busy by then to notice that you all are coming.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cRight, of course,\u201d Wesley nodded, helping Gunn unpack the trunk.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd Wesley,\u201d Angel got close to the former watcher. \u201cWhen you get there your first priority is getting Cordelia out of there. Understood.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course.\u201d Wesley slammed the truck closed, and gave Angel his sword.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo matter what,\u201d the vampire emphasized. \u201cUnderstand.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, Angel.\u201d Wesley nodded sharply, trying to give the vampire the assurance that he needed.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, come on.\u201d Cordelia called from near the entrance.<\/p>\n
Chapter Sixty-seven<\/b><\/p>\n
\u201cI was thinking,\u201d Cordelia commented. Angel looked warily at the young girl.<\/p>\n
So far, he hadn\u2019t been real pleased with any of her ideas about how to get close to Bathym. In fact, they were starting to make him very angry. They all seemed to star Cordelia in some sort of dangerous scenario. Angel began to have some serious regrets about listening to her or to Wesley. His original plan could have worked. And Cordelia would still be safely in the hotel.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know you don\u2019t like it, but I think you should hit me,\u201d she suggested again.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor the last time, I\u2019m not hitting you,\u201d Angel growled.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, its going to look mighty peculiar for me too show up without any signs of injury. Bathym thinks that Angelus can really hurt me. So, I think you should hit me or something.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel took a deep breath, trying to calm down. \u201cFor the sake of argument, even if I agreed, which I don\u2019t. I can\u2019t hurt you. The necklace. The same reason Angelus or Bathym couldn\u2019t permanently injury you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh yeah, well at least you could chain me up. I have to look like Angelus\u2019s prisoner.\u201d Cordelia started to move over the steel grate that Angel had tore off on his first trip to the underground rooms.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia, I\u2019m not chaining you up. You need to be free to move. You\u2019re supposed to be an actress, pretend to be unconscious.\u201d Angel called after her.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, all right,\u201d she sighed. \u201cI can do that. At least, my bite marks still show. Maybe that will convince the big ugly that Angelus sucked me dry. But,\u201d Cordelia touched the marks that had been hidden by Angel\u2019s sweater. \u201cThey’re awful small. Hey, maybe you could bite me again.\u201d Cordelia stopped to look at the vampire. \u201cHey, stop that, you\u2019re going to break your sword.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel had ceased to move at her words. His fierce grip was straining at the steel of the sword. The intense pressure that he was exerting seemed to be bending the metal. \u201cCordelia, come here,\u201d he growled, afraid to move. Angel was afraid that the rage that was building in his body would erupt in some violent fashion.<\/p>\n
Cordelia tensed. Angel was mad. But she hadn\u2019t done anything. She went over to him. The vampire didn\u2019t seem to be in the mood for any argument from her.<\/p>\n
Angel said nothing as he pushed at the neckline of the sweater. Two small puncture wounds glared at him. Angel stared back. Shock and rage swirled through his body. And he disgustingly acknowledged a sense of satisfaction.<\/p>\n
Those abominations were supposed to have disappeared. Angel wanted them to disappear. He wanted all evidence of his demon\u2019s actions to be erased. Didn\u2019t he, Angel question, as the sense of satisfaction and lust rose up within him fighting against his feelings of anger.<\/p>\n
Undeniably a part of him was pleased that the marks of his taking Cordelia were still present for the world to see. In fact, that part of him agreed with Cordelia. The marks were too small. Forcibly, Angel pushed down his demon\u2019s possessive glee and observations.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy aren\u2019t these gone? The necklace it is suppose to heal. Angelus\u2019s marks, they disappeared.\u201d He struggled to finish. Angel paused; bile rising to his throat at the memory at what his evil self had done to Cordelia. There was no satisfaction in that memory. Angelus\u2019 marks weren\u2019t his.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, weird uh. But, I figure it had to do all with the context. Angelus was trying to drain me, the big ugly and his scrawny human side kick tried to stab me and saw off my throat\u2026can I just say ewww.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel staggered back. \u201cSTAB- SAW?<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, right you hadn\u2019t shown up yet. Yeah, they were testing the necklace. Human-lackey started to hack away at my neck, but the necklace kept healing. It hurt,\u201d she understated. Cordelia glanced questioning at the paler than usual vampire. \u201cAngel are you all right?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia,\u201d Angel croaked out. Every emotion in Angel’s body stalled. Angel desperately tried to come to grips with the picture of Renfield slicing at Cordelia\u2019s delicate neck.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel?\u201d she questioned gently. The vampire didn\u2019t seem at all well. \u201cAnyway,\u201d she continued, taking concerned glances at Angel. \u201cAngelus, Bathym and the other guy were trying to kill me. And well, it did hurt. So, the necklace healed. But, you didn\u2019t hurt me, not at all. So, it did nothing, I guess.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel closed his eyes willing down the red cloud of rage that threatened to take over his whole being. \u201cYou are going back to the hotel.\u201d He said calmly and coldly, his tone offering no room to argue.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, \u201c Cordelia started tentatively, recognizing his tone. \u201cAngel, what\u2019s wrong. If it\u2019s about these,\u201d Cordelia hand brushed the puncture wounds. \u201cThey\u2019re fine. No need to make them bigger. It was just a thought.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel\u2019s face if anything became darker. Cordelia\u2019s eyes widened.<\/p>\n
\u201cI will not let you near Bathym,\u201d he growled. \u201cAnd those, will never happen again.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia took a deep breath, than another. \u201cAngel, you have to take me with you. It\u2019s the plan. And,\u201d she raised up her small hand to Angel\u2019s clenched jaw. \u201cAs for the other, it will happen again. Because, we will make love again and again and again. Unless you really want to see me pissed off.\u201d Her eyes bored into Angel\u2019s blazing eyes.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes. Am I going to have to hit you again?\u201d she whispered, bringing her body closer to Angel\u2019s tense one.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t hurt you. I can\u2019t let you be hurt.\u201d Angel struggled. His anger gone, replaced by sadness and determination.<\/p>\n
\u201cFirst,\u201d Cordelia said gently moving until her taunt body was pressed against Angel\u2019s. \u201cYou won\u2019t hurt me, you don\u2019t hurt me. Second,\u201d she cupped his strong face in her small hands.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou won\u2019t let Bathym hurt me. I believe this. I know this. You will kill the demon and you will save me like you have always done before, always Angel. But this time, I will be able to truly thank you as I have wanted to for so long.\u201d She placed a gentle kiss on the vampire\u2019s lips.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou mean it, don\u2019t you?\u201d Angel whispered, feeling the love flowing from the young woman.<\/p>\n
Cordelia\u2019s sweet smile beckoned to the vampire. \u201cNever doubt me or my love.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not you\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, it\u2019s you. Angel, don\u2019t doubt yourself either. I don\u2019t. I love you. Please, finally will you get that through your dense vamp skull.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, I love you, but a good ten minutes have been wasted. We have to go.\u201d She gently urged.<\/p>\n
Angel took a deep breath and nodded. Cordelia smiled in return. Angel\u2019s hand shot out to grab her as she took off for the tunnel. \u201cCordy, I love you.\u201d His tone was a mixture of love, awe, and possessiveness.<\/p>\n
Cordelia\u2019s smile widened even more to light up the dark tunnel. Hand in hand the two ventured further into the underground passage.<\/p>\n