Chapter 27<\/b><\/p>\n
Angel soaked up the sight before him. The pale gray shirt hiding and hinting at the beauty it covered.<\/p>\n
And it did cover Cordelia. His shirt graced her knees, the cut of the tail showed glimpses of tempting thigh. The width of its shoulders hung on her slender frame, the sleeves falling to conceal her hands. And buttons, buttons that closed the shirt, further hiding the lush body from his sight.<\/p>\n
Angel never considered the buttons of his shirt appealing, they were necessary, utilitarian, but now they were the sexiest damn things he had ever seen. The buttons stopped at her breastbone, the valley of cleavage hinted but not seen.<\/p>\n
Angel felt like a kid at Christmas with his very own prettily wrapped package. Or what he thought he would have felt had he been a happy child that had gotten exotic, beautiful presents.<\/p>\n
Then again, Angel doubted that the child in the holiday commercials experienced an almost painful hard on when viewing his present. Angel couldn\u2019t decide whether to rip at the wrappings hurrying to view his prize or take time and be delicate savoring every moment of the gift giving. It was a tough call. Angel waited for Cordelia to make the decision for him.<\/p>\n
\u201cDo you mind?\u201d A small fist appeared to tug at the shirttail.<\/p>\n
Did he mind? \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s just that it seemed\u2026\u2026Dennis packed flannel, nothing sexy.\u201d She apologized. \u201cThis isn\u2019t really sexy either, but it\u2019s a little late to get a negligee.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, it\u2019s sexy.\u201d Angel drawled, his eyes lingering over every attribute that was before him.<\/p>\n
\u201cReally?\u201d Pushing down at the material.<\/p>\n
Angel chuckled.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re amazing. You\u2019re beautiful, you know you are, you know men gawk, yet you stand here questioning the fact.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia scrunched up her face. \u201cI\u2026I want you to gawk, want me. This isn\u2019t going at all like I planned.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIf that was your plan, it worked.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia gasped, as Angel\u2019s arms were suddenly around her.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cYou do buttons very well.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel had used his mouth and fingers to slowly unbutton every single clasp, causing pleasure at each at release. Then as soon as the shirt was fully open, it was off her in an instant. Cordelia smiled at the material draped lamp then frowned.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t.\u201d She glanced at the shirt on top of the first. The buttons of that shirt were rolling around on the floor somewhere. \u201cSorry.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel nuzzled into her chest. \u201cI didn\u2019t like that shirt anyway.\u201d Chuckling. Cordelia had shown absolutely no patience at Angel\u2019s shirt still being on his body. Angel shifted bringing Cordelia over him, relieving her of his heavier weight.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou were being crushed.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI know, but it felt wonderful.\u201d She burrowed into his cool body.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou couldn\u2019t breathe.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnnoying habit; breathing interferes with kissing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel laughed. \u201cGod, I love you. You make me smile and god forbid laugh.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s cuz I\u2019m funny, as well as being beautiful, smart, loving\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnnoying and frustrating.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia stuck out her tongue at the vampire underneath her. \u201cHmm. Angel?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMake love to me again.\u201d Biting her lip.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can do that.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI know,\u201d Cordelia wiggled closer to his now harden state. \u201cSo do it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDid I mention bossy?\u201d Angel laughed as he pulled her under, their bodies coming together in a rhythm as old as time.<\/p>\n
Chapter 28<\/b><\/p>\n
Cordelia didn\u2019t want to wake up, she was comfortable very comfortable. But the urge to get up was there. She moved silently, gently untangling herself the vampire\u2019s body. She stood.<\/p>\n
How she loved him, turning back to look at\u2026.Dracula. Cordelia jumped and stumbled. Her mouth tried to form words but couldn\u2019t. She looked again. Angel\u2019s beautiful sleeping countenance stared back. Cordelia hugged at her body trying to get a grip; obviously she wasn\u2019t as calm about the situation as she thought.<\/p>\n
Cordelia wanted to crawl back into Angel\u2019s arms. She had forgotten about the threat of Dracula in Angel\u2019s embrace. But she couldn\u2019t, Cordelia grabbed at the nearest piece of clothing. She grasped the torn sides to her body, backing away from the bed.<\/p>\n
The window beckoned her, she stared out into the blackness, there was no light artificial or natural, just dark never ending blackness. She stared. Cordelia leaned into the glass.<\/p>\n
He was there. She saw him, standing in the garden, staring at her, calling her to come to him, wanting her with a promise of passion never experienced. Her body began to ache with a longing, primitive and uncontrollable, she moved closer to the window.<\/p>\n
The sleeve of the shirt she wore brushing against her face, the smell of Angel drifting through her senses. Cordelia jerked away from the window, stumbling again. She was in a nightmare. Cordelia had to wake up.<\/p>\n
Cordelia leaned against the dresser. Wake up. Her silent order vibrating through her skull, she blinked. A mirror? The reflection was a pale imitation of what she knew she was. Pasty, drawn, ethereal as if the physical life was a burden, dark hair settled over her face, two large gapping holes replaced the minuscule temporary marks left by Angel.<\/p>\n
She stared at the spot over her shoulder; staring back at her in the glass was the vampire. Dark, heavy hair falling to his shoulders, his beautiful aristocratic features eased in a confident smile, \u2018Mine\u2019 his full lips mouthed. Cordelia wanted to lean back feel his embrace feel his cool touch, let him take her\u2026.<\/p>\n
She jerked and screamed, \u201c NO FUCKIN WAY. ANGEL.\u201d<\/p>\n
Chapter 29<\/b><\/p>\n
Cordelia screamed as she felt the cool arms around her body. She struggled furiously trying to break the vampire\u2019s hold.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy,\u201d Angel whispered.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel?\u201d Cordelia stopped her frantic movements. \u201cAngel?\u201d Swirling in the vampire\u2019s arms. \u201cOh, thank god.\u201d Grabbing at Angel, burrowing deep in his arms.<\/p>\n
Angel held her close, his hands rubbing and caressing trying to soothe her shaking form. \u201cWhat is it?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2026\u201d Cordy leaned back to look at the vampire touching the strong angles of his face confirming that it was Angel. \u201cI\u2026\u201d She started again, blinking widely at the vampire. She tried desperately to organize her thoughts so she could say the words.<\/p>\n
It was just a dream and she needed to tell Angel, he was getting worried at her stupid behavior. But she couldn\u2019t stop shaking and the words didn\u2019t want to form.<\/p>\n
\u201cCome here.\u201d Leading Cordelia back to the bed, settling her on his lap. \u201cTell me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tell him. She knew she had to, but something was stopping her. Tell him. She leaned in snuggling under Angel\u2019s chin, breathing in his scent, touching his skin, allowing her senses to recognize him. Cordelia pushed back and shook her head. \u201cI\u2026I had a dream. It was just a dream.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat was it?\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia blinked. Tell him. Why couldn\u2019t she tell Angel that it was dream about Dracula? It was if her tongue was frozen at the thought of telling. She was being stupid. Cordelia leaned in closer feeling the strength in Angel’s body.<\/p>\n
He was real, the dream wasn’t. Tell him.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeaches?\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Spike reached the first floor landing as Wesley, Gunn and Fred were coming out of their respective rooms at the sound of the Cordy\u2019s scream. Spike rolled his eyes passing them. \u201cPeaches\u2019 room you, nits\u201d<\/p>\n
The three humans looked from the doorway of the empty guestroom that Cordelia usually stayed in when she slept over and then to each other. Their expressions of concern changed to varying degrees of embarassment as they realized why she wasn’t where they expected her to be and why wouldn’t be from now on.<\/p>\n
\u201cRight, right. Of course.\u201d Wesley shook off his embarrassment and headed for Angel\u2019s room across the hall.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat? Did you think they saved the shagging for your desk?\u201d Spike turned and shook his head at the former watcher.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, said that\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Gunn hit Wesley\u2019s arm. \u201cLater.\u201d<\/p>\n
Spike growled as Fred moved to follow them in Angel\u2019s suite. \u201cGet the squirt back in your room.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t growl at her, I warned you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGunn, he\u2019s right. We don\u2019t know what\u2019s happening.\u201d Nodding to the young woman, Connor resting in her arms. Fred backed into her room, shutting the door.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2026\u201d Cordelia took a deep breath and shook her head. She was through with being stupid. \u201cI had a dream that Dracula was here. It freaked me, sorry.\u201d She looked to the group that had formed in the doorway of Angel\u2019s bedroom.<\/p>\n
\u201cSpike.\u201d Angel pulled at his pants, wrapping a blanket around Cordelia\u2019s half naked form.<\/p>\n
The blonde vampire was already at the opened window scanning the black night. In game face he searched for any trace of the other vampire.<\/p>\n
\u201cGot him.\u201d Growling, his body disappeared as he jumped to the ground.<\/p>\n
Cordelia started her frantic blinking again. \u201cIt was just a dream, Angel.\u201d But the dark vampire was already gone.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was just a dream.\u201d She looked to Wesley and Gunn, only this time her tone wasn\u2019t so sure.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cPeaches, he was here.\u201d Spike tried again to find the presence of the vampire he sensed from the window.<\/p>\n
An instinct of danger to Cordelia, finely tuned over the last three years urged Angel to look up. \u201cThere.\u201d Pointing in the air.<\/p>\n
\u201cA Bat. A fuckin bat. Dracula isn\u2019t a vampire, he\u2019s a friggin Vegas act.\u201d Spike shook his head in disgust, turning to Angel. The dark vampire had solidified into the night.<\/p>\n
Just when Spike thought the darkness would completely consume Angel, the vampire abruptly turned disappearing back into the hotel.<\/p>\n
Chapter 30<\/b><\/p>\n
Cordelia was still wrapped in the blanket when Angel entered the room. \u201cCordy, what happened, tell me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia flinched at the harshness of Angel\u2019s tone. \u201cIt was a dream.\u201d She asserted, only this time there was hardly any confidence in her words.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was here. What happened?\u201d Angel moved quickly reaching for Cordelia\u2019s neck, jerking her head, studying the delicate skin.<\/p>\n
\u201cStop.\u201d Cordelia pushed at his hands. \u201cIt was a dream. I\u2019m not pulling a Lucy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLucy?\u201d Gunn whispered. \u201cAs in Ricardo? This ain’t funny.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLucy Westentra, Dracula\u2019s first character victim in Stoker\u2019s novel. She let him in, but either didn\u2019t tell anybody or didn\u2019t remember having done so. Night after night, he fed from her. He eventually turned her.\u201d Wesley explained.<\/p>\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t LET him in.\u201d Cordelia jumped up. \u201cAnd the only vampire that has bitten me in the last three months is Angel.\u201d She swung to the dark vampire, pulling at her hair. \u201cThese are yours. It was a dream.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel stared at the pale remnants of his mark. He bit down his growl and desire to remake them only this time to make them permanent. Angel closed his eyes, his hands reaching for the agitated woman.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know, I\u2019m sorry. But, Cordy, it wasn\u2019t a dream. Tell me what happened.\u201d The breath of his words brushed the crown of her head causing her body to shiver.<\/p>\n
Cordelia studied the vampire. The dark warmness of his gaze pulled her to him. The cold anger was no longer present for her to see, just love and concern. She resumed her previous position cuddled in his embrace. Cordelia didn\u2019t fool herself into believing that he wasn\u2019t still angry, but she knew now without a doubt it wasn\u2019t directed at her.<\/p>\n
So, why was she still hesitating in telling him? Cordelia looked up to the others in the room. Maybe it was because she had an audience. She wanted them all to leave, but she knew her friends they wouldn\u2019t- not until they knew the danger she faced.<\/p>\n
Even Spike was rooted to his spot. The blonde vampire’s gaze was indiscernible. Was it concern, understanding even or was it just indifference? Cordelia couldn\u2019t tell, but the blonde vampire wasn\u2019t leaving.<\/p>\n
She nudged at Angel. He sat her back on the bed, she wasn\u2019t on his lap this time, but still cradled in his arms. \u201cI was sleeping. I woke up. I needed to get up. I didn\u2019t want to, I was very comfortable, I didn\u2019t want to leave Angel.\u201d Cordelia paused.<\/p>\n
Gunn smacked Wesley as the former watcher coughed and Spike looked at Wesley.<\/p>\n
\u201cMissish, aren\u2019t you? If I say the word sex are you going to break out in the bright red willies?\u201d He rolled his eyes to Gunn. The black man nodded in agreement, until he realized whom he was agreeing with. This finding common ground with the blonde vampire had to stop.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy,\u201d Angel encouraged, ignoring the others.<\/p>\n
\u201cI got up. I looked back at Angel, only it wasn\u2019t Angel, it was Dracula in bed lying there. That kind of freaked me, I looked again and it was Angel. I thought, I was just more shaken up about the whole Dracula thing than I realized. You know, subconscious stuff. I went to the window, I\u2019m not sure why. I didn\u2019t even want to leave Angel. But I did. I saw him in the courtyard. He wanted me to come to him.\u201d Cordelia scrunched up her brow.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t remember opening the window. But, I\u2026I didn\u2019t want to go, so I moved back away from the window and\u2026\u201d She paused again. \u201cIt had to be a dream. He wasn\u2019t in the bed, Angel was and there is no mirror there.\u201d Pointing to the framed picture hanging over the dresser.<\/p>\n
\u201cI saw him in the mirror. But there is no mirror and vampires don\u2019t have a reflection. It had to be a dream. Anyway, that\u2019s when I screamed.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel sensed Cordelia\u2019s remaining hesitation; it was fear and something else. She wasn\u2019t telling everything.<\/p>\n
\u201cLove, he was out there.\u201d Spike leaned up from the wall.<\/p>\n
\u201cMaybe, but he wasn\u2019t in here.\u201d Cordelia stared at the blonde vampire trying to convince him.<\/p>\n
\u201cI believe you\u2019re right, Cordelia.\u201d Wesley took off his glasses.<\/p>\n
\u201cWes, he was here. Spike sensed him and I saw him- he had transformed into a bat, but it was him.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia blinked to Angel. \u201cA what? He was a bat?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel nodded. Cordelia\u2019s fear jumped in degree. Angel was going to have to find out what she was still hiding.<\/p>\n
\u201cFriggin side show.\u201d Spike grumbled.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, I\u2019m not disputing any of that. I\u2019m merely saying that I believe Cordelia is right in that he wasn\u2019t actually in this room. What she has described is very close to the effects of a Beckoning Spell.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe did that mind mojo on me?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, he just did magic. Correct me if I\u2019m wrong.\u201d Wesley glanced to Angel and Spike. \u201cFor a vampire even with the power, there has to be contact between the vampire and human, physical contact.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDracula kissed my hand. It was Eww.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo. It is my understanding that the contact has to be more\u2026substantial usually involving frequent feedings.\u201d Wesley looked at Angel for confirmation.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt depends\u2026.about the feeding part, anyway. That is the ultimate goal, but the power over the human can come through sustained contact of a different sort, be it pleasurable or painful or both for the human. The frequency or the degree of the contact depends on the power of the vampire and the weakness of the victim. Dracula has not had an opportunity to have any sustained contact of any sort with Cordelia. Believe me, \u201c Angel smiled into Cordelia\u2019s wide eyes, his tone low and loving.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt would take more than hand kissing to get you to do anything you don\u2019t want to. If that worked, I would\u2019ve kissed your hand everyday since you took over my life and bent me to your will.\u201d<\/p>\n
This time Gunn joined Wesley in his embarrassed coughing and shifting of feet. Spike rolled his eyes but couldn\u2019t stop the fidgeting of his hands. He chalked it up to just being embarrassed for the wussiness of his grandsire.<\/p>\n
Angel gently cupped Cordelia\u2019s face, giving a gentle smile waiting for one in return. His grin got bigger as Cordelia face lit up, shaming his attempts at smiling. Satisfied for the moment that Cordelia was okay the fear dimming, Angel turned to Wesley. \u201cBeckoning Spells?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes.\u201d Wesley shoved his glasses back on and tried to copy Angel\u2019s urgent and professional tone, though it was a bit hard. Just looking at Cordelia\u2019s smile was enough to make anyone go all nervous and mushy. \u201cThere are a variety to choose from, all designed to bring a person to another, subjugating the target\u2019s will.\u201d Wesley paused.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d Angel asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cUsually for the incantations to work, the spell caster must have a personal object of the individual they wish to enchant. The more\u2026the personal objects can range from a book or some object that belongs to potential victim or something more personal, hair, blood, certain items of clothing, perhaps. It depends on the goal of the spell caster.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe didn\u2019t take any of my hair or blood. You were there, Angel, he didn\u2019t did he?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBut he did ransack your apartment, love. No telling what he pick pocketed on the way out after leaving his \u2018gift\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, where are you going?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy, if he took something from your apartment, we need to know. Dennis, didn\u2019t mention it, but I better go back.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI mean- I\u2019m going with you.\u201d Cordelia knew the vampire was right, but she also knew that she needed to be near him right now, she couldn\u2019t have him out of her sight or away from her touch. She needed him to make sense of what had happened to her, she needed to get rid of the memory of the aching want she had felt in Dracula\u2019s presence.<\/p>\n
Dracula had done something to her, a spell- whatever. Cordelia wanted the effects gone for good. Cordelia needed everyone to leave them alone. If they didn\u2019t in two more seconds she was going to scream again.<\/p>\n
Angel started to argue then stopped. The anxiety was back. He could feel it vibrating from her body. \u201cCordy?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll go with you, how else are you going to figure out what I\u2019m missing. I\u2019m not letting you go alone.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel heard the plea behind her statement. She wasn\u2019t going to be left alone, not just alone; she wasn\u2019t going to let him leave her.<\/p>\n
\u201cI could go, Peaches. Casper and I seemed to reach an understanding of sorts. I took out the bleedin trash, he has to let me in this time doesn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, please.\u201d Cordelia said.<\/p>\n
Angel’s dark gaze remained fixed on Cordelia. \u201cCordy and I will go in the morning. Everybody just try to get some sleep. Wesley, assume that Dracula did take something from Cordy\u2019s and\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSearch accordingly. Yes. The decent thing about beckoning spells is that they always have a counter. Yes. Well. Goodnight. Um, I\u2019ll go tell Fred, so she doesn\u2019t worry all night. I’ll need her help in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGood idea,\u201d Gunn followed immediately. Maybe, he could get another goodnight kiss out the pretty young woman, once Wesley finishes with his instructions.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI just want to go to the bathroom, okay.\u201d Her expression neutralized the exasperation in her voice.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeaches. He may not have been in here, but he was in your pretty little chit\u2019s head, playing his mind fuck games. That ain’t good.\u201d<\/p>\n
“Spike,” Angel growled a warning.<\/p>\n
“Hey, I’m just telling it as it is.”<\/p>\n
“Spike, don’t.” Angel forced his anger back down. Angel took a deep breath. \u201cSpike, this may take longer than I hoped and Dracula more of a threat than I considered. How long can you stay? Do you need to get back to Buffy?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re asking me to stay again.\u201d Spike said just to clarify.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes. I will need you to help keep her safe and Connor. Dracula hasn\u2019t done anything to indicate that he knows of Connor\u2019s existence, but he may. Not to mention all of the other humans and demons that want him dead or dissected. I can\u2019t do both right now. I need you. Gunn, Wesley and Fred are strong, trustworthy and dependable, but they are just humans. I’d feel better if you were here.”<\/p>\n
Spike face remained impassive his eyes never leaving Angel\u2019s. Spike’s blank stare concealed the confusing and complex thoughts and feelings running rapid through the blonde vampire. “Sure, why not? Nothing better to do.\u201d Shrugging.<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, whatever. Don\u2019t shag too hard.\u201d Spike retorted.<\/p>\n
\u201cGo to bed, Spike.\u201d Angel got up and headed for the bathroom.<\/p>\n
Spike blinked, his face finally showing the confusion he felt about Angel’s request and his own response. Where was the hostility? Spike wanted the hostility back. It was familiar, comforting. Angel wasn’t supposed to be civil to him, but he was- again.<\/p>\n
His grandsire hated him and the feeling was mutual. Hell, Spike would even settle for the mocking disdain of Angelus, right now. This was just confusing. Spike wandered back to his room.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Buffy looked around at the empty crypt. She had yelled, but no response. She had looked and no evidence that Spike was there. Where was he?<\/p>\n
Probably causing trouble somewhere. She bit at her lip. He had been gone when Dawn came around after school and he was gone now. She would give him until tomorrow to show up and explain himself or \u2026She would get to the bottom of this.<\/p>\n
Buffy left determined to find out what the vampire was up to. She pushed down the worry. Spike was like a cockroach, an unwanted pest able to survive a nuclear war and all other attempts of extermination.<\/p>\n
He was all right.<\/p>\n
Chapter 31<\/b><\/p>\n
Cordelia was staring in the mirror when Angel walked into the bathroom.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can smell you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel stopped, that didn\u2019t sound real flattering coming from her. Sure, he thought it all the time in regards to the beautiful young woman, but he loved her scent.<\/p>\n
She scrunched her face and turned to face the vampire. She had put on his sweater. Angel frowned, that sweater had been in his hamper to be taken to the cleaners, but it did better explain Cordelia\u2019s comment.<\/p>\n
He watched the young woman, the arms of the sweater balled in her fist wrapping around her body.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can smell you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re wearing a dirty sweater.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia couldn\u2019t help put laugh. \u201cA doofus clean freak, I fell in love with a doofus clean freak.\u201d Shaking her head still laughing.<\/p>\n
Angel was just glad to see her laugh.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, I can smell you. You knew, didn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat you could smell my dirty sweater? It hadn\u2019t crossed my mind to even consider it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, silly, that I wasn’t telling everything. You know, I really do love you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m glad to hear it. Cordy?\u201d Angel was confused about Cordelia\u2019s change in demeanor. He had planned to wheedle, argue, and beg whatever secret she was hiding out of her. Angel had expected her to be resistant, not laughing at his soiled sweater or bringing up the subject herself.<\/p>\n
\u201cReally, Angel, this sweater had a couple more wears in it. You are so anal about your clothes. It must be that vamp super noggin.\u201d She grabbed his hand and pulled him back towards the bed patting the empty space next to her as she sat.<\/p>\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t want to say everything in front of the others.\u201d She scrunched her face, hesitating again. Cordelia took a deep breath. Angel wasn\u2019t going to like what she had to say. But, she had to tell him, so he could fix it.<\/p>\n
\u201cI wasn\u2019t even sure that I could tell you, something was\u2026I don\u2019t know, it was like something was blocking me from even telling you that it was a dream and about the other stuff, but I put this on and now I can. Weird, uh.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel didn\u2019t say a word; he was about to hear everything without cajoling or arguments. He waited.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I was at the window, I saw Dracula and he was calling to me. It was a hunger, a want, intense\u2026\u201d Cordelia searched the air for the words. \u201cIt was stronger than anything I \u2026.I wanted him.\u201d Cordelia searched Angel\u2019s face, her lips crumbling under the bites her teeth made.<\/p>\n
Angel refused to react at her words. The fact that he smelled Cordelia’s fear at what had happened and heard the disgust and guilt in her soft tone, helped a little. The words that should’ve driven him to a rage didn\u2019t because of the voice that was speaking them. \u201cGo on.\u201d Angel forced his hand up to gently caress her hair.<\/p>\n
Cordelia gulped. \u201cThat\u2019s must have been when I opened the window, I really don\u2019t remember doing that, but that was when\u2026I don\u2019t know, I was wearing your shirt,\u201d she pointed back to the bathroom floor. Her gaze following to land on the shirt she had just discarded, the one that Angel had been wearing earlier, the one she had ripped off him.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe material brushed my face and I smelled you. It was gone; whatever the spell was doing to me stopped for an instant. I turned to go back to bed, to you, where I really wanted to be. But then I saw myself in the mirror, which wasn\u2019t real, but at the time it was. I looked pasty, ugly, pale, your marks gone, his there- big, bleeding holes. Then he was behind me, I felt the same thing as before, it was gut\u2026.it wasn\u2019t me, it was something else, but it was powerful. I was leaning back towards him going to let him touch me, and then it happened again. I could say, I heard you breath but that\u2019s not possible, but I knew you were with me, maybe it was the smell, the feel of you still on my body, I just jerked and yelled. Calling for you. Angel, I want him gone, dead, dust, whatever. He can\u2019t do this to us. We just found each other, really found each other, love and everything. I won\u2019t let him destroy it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel jammed down his demon. He pulled her in his arms. \u201cHe won\u2019t and he will be gone, obliterated from this earth. You are mine.\u201d Growling, his demon not quite as successfully curbed as Angel intended.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re mad at me.\u201d She mumbled into his chest. \u201cMark me again, do something make him go away.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel\u2019s demon rage fled at her heartbroken tone. \u201cCordy, I love you. I could never be mad at you.\u201d He paused at her raised eyebrows. \u201cWell, I could, but not about this. Dracula used a spell. We\u2019ll stop it. And he will die.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia didn\u2019t even stop to wonder how Angel\u2019s promise of a beings death could bring her comfort. \u201cAngel, could you make love to me again?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel didn\u2019t bother to answer. He just moved, in an instant the sweater was on the floor and Cordelia’s body was covered by his greater weight. Angel\u2019s need to reclaim what was his overwhelmed him.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Spike stared at the ceiling of room. What was he still doing in LA?<\/p>\n
He’d gotten what he came for, or rather he didn\u2019t, but at least he knew that Peaches wasn\u2019t a threat to his relationship to Buffy. He smacked his head. He didn\u2019t have a relationship with the slayer, whatever they had was just plain unhealthy and twisted.<\/p>\n
The beautiful young woman could teach vampires a trick or two about seductive torture.<\/p>\n
She had the ‘give pain, give pleasure, back to pain with the promise of more pleasure’ scenario down pat. She was vicious. Spike knew the drill but that hadn’t stopped him from falling into the trap like some weak willed human pet. Spike growled.<\/p>\n
Spike wanted the good old days back, the days when everyone followed the rules. He was a bloodthirsty killer that hunted slayers rather than follow them around like a beaten puppy. Angel was Angelus, a cruel sardonic bastard that subjected Spike to constant ridicule, frequent beating and occasional torture.<\/p>\n
Those were the days, he knew what to expect and feel in regards to his grandsire, he had loathed him. It had only been because of Dru that Spike endured the other vampire\u2019s presence. But now, he was in LA helping him. Why? Spike hit the pillow. Angel asked. He didn\u2019t order or threaten and the chit called him family to the little squirt.<\/p>\n
Fuck, he didn\u2019t have a soul and he was more pathetic than Angel.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel?\u201d Cordelia\u2019s breath brushed against the vampire\u2019s chest.<\/p>\n
\u201cHmm.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat about Spike?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel opened an eye, glancing down at the dark head nuzzled into him. \u201cWhat about him?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIs he staying? Do you trust him?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes\u2026and\u2026yes. He\u2019s got the chip.\u201d Angel said to justify his statement.<\/p>\n
\u201cHmmph. That only means he can\u2019t bite and hit. But\u2026are you sure, about the trusting apart.\u201d Cordelia moved her head up to face Angel\u2019s.<\/p>\n
Angel was silent and then he nodded. \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d Cordelia leaned back down draping herself further around Angel. She sighed sleepily. \u201cThen, we better get more blood. Nite. Love you.\u201d Cordelia buried even closer into Angel\u2019s body as she fell asleep.<\/p>\n
\u201cI love you,” holding Cordelia\u2019s sleeping form even tighter. “Mine,” Angel added in a low growl.<\/p>\n