Chapter 37<\/b><\/p>\n
Cordelia stopped in mid stride. She couldn\u2019t take it anymore. The image of her pale face and the gaping bloody marks which obliterated Angel small fading ones kept flashing in her mind.<\/p>\n
They had begun the further Angel and Cordelia had gotten from the hotel. The unwanted malignant feelings of desire and need for Dracula were flowing through her washing away the warmth and security that she had felt waking up in Angel\u2019s arms. This was just gross and it was making her mad. Why was she still feeling the effects of the beckoning spell? Wesley didn\u2019t say anything about the spell being on going.<\/p>\n
Cordelia looked around. Why was Angel so far away? Cordelia looked down at her hand. When had she released Angel\u2019s? Why wasn\u2019t he next to her, holding her? Cordelia looked down at her shirt in disgust. Why wasn\u2019t she wearing his damn shirt? That had worked before. Cordelia looked back up Angel. She needed him to stop the memories.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel.\u201d Cordelia called for the vampire to stop. She stood still and waited. Finally Angel paused and looked back. Cordelia sighed for a minute there, she didn\u2019t think he would. Why did Angel look angry? Cordelia looked around again. She didn\u2019t even remember walking this far. What the hell was going on?<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel?\u201d The rising panic in her tone changed to a gasp. Cordelia doubled over at the force of the intense longing that consumed her. Her feet started to move taking her further and further from Angel, the physical need to find the source of her desire quickly swallowing any pretense of rational thought.<\/p>\n
Cordelia tried to find her anger and Angel\u2019s presence amidst the blazing hunger. \u201cAngel,\u201d she whispered. \u201cMake it stop.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel stalled at Cordelia\u2019s call. He hadn\u2019t wanted to but he sensed Cordelia wasn\u2019t moving. He couldn\u2019t be near her, but he couldn\u2019t leave her, either. Angel just prayed that she didn\u2019t come too close. His demon had been growing in agitation and aggressiveness over the last half mile. Angel had been grateful, when she released his hand and slowed.<\/p>\n
He had continued on, keeping track of her presence but blocking out any true awareness of her scent. His demon didn\u2019t need any more enticement.<\/p>\n
The need to claim Cordelia had been growing with such intensity with each step closer to her apartment. Angel didn\u2019t understand it, unless it was a delayed reaction to Dracula\u2019s presence the night before and Cordelia\u2019s response to it. Angel rationally knew that her description of wanting Dracula had been the result of a spell, but his demon hadn\u2019t cared.<\/p>\n
Still, Angel had been able to control his instincts then. Now, Angel wasn\u2019t so sure it could be done. Angel had allowed the physical distance to grow between them, in the hope that he could gain control and understand what the hell was happening. It didn\u2019t make any sense that his demon was beginning to react violently now to something that happened over six hours ago.<\/p>\n
Angel turned to see what Cordelia wanted, automatically reaching out with his senses to detect if there was any danger. He felt nothing, except fear and anger from Cordelia. He involuntarily took a step forward to the young woman. His movement stopped as the full range of Cordelia\u2019s scent overwhelmed his senses.<\/p>\n
A deep sound vibrated from his throat, more primal than a growl. His golden eyes flashed as his demon took control. The scent of her arousal and burning hunger for another attacked him. Angel barely heard her whispered plea to make it stop, the red rage of his need to crush that hunger and forcibly claim Cordelia was too powerful.<\/p>\n
The vampire had no thoughts of loving or pleasing, just possessing what was his.<\/p>\n
Cordelia whimpered as Angel bodily pushed her hard against the wall of the sewer. She grabbed at him gratefully, frantically clutching at his jacket. Angel\u2019s body surrounded her, his hands roughly pulling at her clothes. Her hips jerked as Angel strong palm opened her thighs, Cordelia gasped as he thrust into her, pinning her to the wall. His thrusts were too fast and hard, she couldn\u2019t move quickly enough; Angel wasn\u2019t giving her a rhythm to match. He was just pounding. Cordelia didn\u2019t care, because with each forceful stroke the hunger caused by Dracula\u2019s spell diminished. Cordelia stopped the decent of his fangs, pulling his lips to her, not caring that his fangs were cutting into her mouth or that his grip was pressing painfully into her hips, the false desire was leaving, soon all she would feel would be Angel, she tugged at his clothes, willing him to go faster, push harder, do something to make it all go away.<\/p>\n
Angel growled, as his tongue tasted the small droplets of Cordelia\u2019s blood. He sucked capturing as much as he could. If there had been any thought left in Angel it had fled with the onslaught of pure raging instinct. Angel ripped his mouth away, moving along Cordelia\u2019s cheek down her neck, his fangs creating a scratchy trail.<\/p>\n
Cordelia tensed, a small thought emerged through her need for Angel. It hadn\u2019t been a memory, it had been real and that wasn\u2019t right, unless\u2026.\u201dAngel, stop.\u201d Sudden knowledge cut through her desperation for Angel. She grabbed at the vampire\u2019s face, pulling it away from her neck. Angel growled, jerking his head away, slamming her back into the wall. \u201cMine.\u201d He growled descending again, ignoring her words.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, please. Stop, please.\u201d Cordelia moved her hands again, caressing at his ridged face. \u201cAngel.\u201d She whispered, trying to reach him.<\/p>\n
Gold eyes flashed into hers. \u201cMINE.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia nodded. \u201cBut Angel, Dracula must be doing the spell again. We can use it to find him, but if you do this, the spell won\u2019t work.\u201d Cordelia didn\u2019t know how she knew this, but she knew it deep in her gut. \u201cAngel.\u201d The vampire stilled, listening to her tone, trying to interpret her words, trying to regain his reason. Angel growled.<\/p>\n
The vampire didn\u2019t want reason. Angel wanted what was his. He wanted to obliterate all traces of Dracula\u2019s influence. He moved back to his goal at that moment willing to ignore Cordelia\u2019s wishes and act on his own instincts, his hips moving again.<\/p>\n
Damn stubborn vampire. \u201cListen to me, \u2018grr\u2019 Dork.\u201d Smacking Angel upside the head. \u201cDracula\u2019s the threat, not the spell. He needs to be dead, that means we have to find him.\u201d Cordelia pushed at the vampire, but his strength was immovable. Angel raised his head again, his eyes flashing gold flames; his hips and body still pinning Cordelia to the wall.<\/p>\n
Cordelia gulped, had she just hit a stubborn enraged vampire? She had, but it was Angel. He wouldn\u2019t hurt her. \u201cAngel.\u201d She said tentatively.<\/p>\n
Angel blinked. Cordelia sighed in relief as she felt his grip gentle on her hips, his face returning to that of a handsome man. She frowned at the shocked, guilt-ridden look on the handsome man\u2019s face. \u201cAngel, don\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy, I\u2019m\u2026.\u201d He moved gently, withdrawing, lowering her feet to the ground, his eyes never leaving the light parallel abrasions that trailed down Cordelia\u2019s cheek.<\/p>\n
\u201cShh, don\u2019t.\u201d Her hands back up to his face, only this time she moved to keep him close. \u201cYou didn\u2019t do anything I didn\u2019t need you to do. I don\u2019t really understand, but I did want it, but Angel, you can\u2019t. Marking me would stop the influence of the spell and we could use it to find Dracula. He must have been using the spell again. I thought it was just a memory, but it wasn\u2019t it was too intense. I was leaving you, going to him. If he does it again, you follow and kill him. It\u2019s a plan.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo. Angel, finding Dracula is what\u2019s important,\u201d Cordelia said confidently, praying that Angel would accept her statement at face value. She took a deep breath. \u201cI don\u2019t think he\u2019s close, though. I didn\u2019t see him or anything. But it was that way.\u201d She pointed in the direction she had been heading before Angel stopped her. \u201c Do you sense him?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel turned away.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, what did you say? Do you sense him?\u201d Cordelia grabbed at his shoulder. Angel had mumbled something.<\/p>\n
Angel turned. \u201cI said all I can sense is you. I\u2026\u201d The roughness left his voice as he slumped to the ground, cupping his head in his hands. Angel didn\u2019t know what to do.<\/p>\n
For once since this whole thing started his demon was silent as if Angel\u2019s shock at the realization of what he had been about to do to Cordelia had forced it into complete submission. Angel wanted to run in the direction that Cordelia had pointed, not stopping until he found Dracula and tore the vampire\u2019s limbs from his body, stamping his skull into dust, but he didn\u2019t have the energy.<\/p>\n
Angel wanted to run in the complete opposite direction until he reached the sunlight, have the burning rays take him back to hell, but he couldn\u2019t move. Angel wanted to reach for Cordelia and hold her until he found the love he very well could have destroyed, but he couldn\u2019t ask. He wanted to cry.<\/p>\n
Cordelia stood quiet, biting her lip wondering what to do. They really needed to get back to the hotel and work out the details of the plan. Wesley could tell them the range of beckoning spells, with that and the direction she was pulled to they might find a clue as the to the vampire\u2019s whereabouts.<\/p>\n
She really needed to process all that just happened. Cordelia glanced down at Angel. Her strong dorky champion was hurting. Cordelia smiled, she knew what she needed to do.<\/p>\n
Cordelia slipped down, sliding her body in between Angel\u2019s bent legs. Her arms went around his shaking body, her head nudging at his hands urging them to touch her. \u201cI love you.\u201d Whispering against the cool skin.<\/p>\n
Involuntarily, Angel\u2019s arms embraced the warmth. His desire to cry became even greater. He didn\u2019t deserve the warmth of the sun; just it\u2019s killing rays. But he couldn\u2019t leave the warmth or the tiny breaths that were leaving trails of moist kisses on his face and he couldn\u2019t leave the love that he saw in Cordelia\u2019s eyes as she asked him to make love to her.<\/p>\n
Angel wanted to tell her no, to tell her that she deserved so much more than a vampire and the sewers, but he couldn\u2019t. He wished that he wasn\u2019t what he was, he wished they were anywhere than in this dark place. How much more darkness could Cordelia stand before she ran away into the light where she belonged? She asked him again, her hands never stopping in their gentle caresses.<\/p>\n
Angel shrugged off his coat, lying Cordelia on top of it, protecting her as much as he could from the grime. It wasn\u2019t enough. The dirt touched her legs, staining her pants. It would never be enough; she would never be free of the filth if he loved her. \u201cAngel.\u201d Cordelia\u2019s soft voice and touch broke his thoughts.<\/p>\n
He stared mesmerized by the sight, the darkness of the surroundings disappeared.<\/p>\n
\u201cHow?\u201d Angel whispered, his finger tracing Cordelia\u2019s features hesitantly as if it would be smacked away at anytime.<\/p>\n
Cordelia smiled. That was vague. Luckily, she knew the question. The answer, however, she shrugged. \u201cI don\u2019t know, I just do, but then, I don\u2019t know why you love me. So, I guess we\u2019re even, uh. A perfect match- two clueless best friend in love. Of course the fact that you\u2019re great in bed has nothing to do with it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy.\u201d Angel leaned up.<\/p>\n
\u201cAh, almost made you smile.\u201d She pulled at his shirt. \u201cAngel, it doesn\u2019t matter how or why, it just is.\u201d Cordelia added softly.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cShh.\u201d Angel allowed her to pull him even closer until their lips met. Angel was tentative, testing the response, still unsure. He groaned. Cordelia\u2019s tongue flickered against his lips begging entry. Angel leaned into the kiss tasting\u2026Angel shot up.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2026blood\u2026I cut you. I hurt you.\u201d His eyes darting along her body. Angel huddled further into himself. He knew if he peeled away the torn jeans and top he would see bruises, bruises left by his hands.<\/p>\n
Cordelia leaned up on her elbows. \u201cYou\u2019re being an idiot. Do I have to dance around naked or would you rather me recite nasty thoughts about Dracula.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy,\u201d Angel growled.<\/p>\n
\u201cThen make love to me, stupid. Geez, what does a girl have to do to get you in bed\u2026or in a sewer, I mean? Is it the hair? No more highlights, not blonde enough? Or is it buttons? I had buttons, but you tore them already. What is it? Geez, nevermind.\u201d She got up.<\/p>\n
Angel\u2019s hand shot out. \u201cCordy, \u201c he said in warning. Regardless of the guilt he still felt, Angel knew then he wouldn\u2019t let her leave. He managed to successfully block out the further additional thought of \u2018then or ever\u2019.<\/p>\n
She glared. \u201cAre you going to be all dorky?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI was worried about being all \u2018grry\u2019.\u201d Angel was guilty, conflicted and amazed. He wanted to smile. Cordelia was making him want to smile again. She wasn\u2019t going to leave him.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, I love both, I want both. But, now I\u2019m out of the mood. I want to go home.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel studied the young woman from his position on the ground. She was tapping her foot, her hands on her hips. Angel then smiled. \u201cCordy, I\u2019m calling your bluff.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat? I\u2019m serious.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUh, \u2018grry\u2019 remember, the other part you love. Well, that part can taste how much in the mood you are- it\u2019s drenching the air. So, I\u2019m calling.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia narrowed her eyes. \u201cMaybe I want to go home frustrated. Ever think about that, hmm. Maybe, I want to just say screw you and leave. I\u2019ve a hand and a loofah. \u201d<\/p>\n
An old memory of a conversation overheard snapped in Angel\u2019s head and with it the implication that he missed at the time. \u201cYou are never taking a bath at your apartment again.\u201d He stated clearly and firmly.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLooFAHnoochtskmuch demon, my ass. You and Wesley were talking about your way too friendly ghost with a loofah. That ghost is exorcised and don\u2019t think I can\u2019t do it, I can.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou leave Dennis alone and that\u2019s just perverted. Dennis only scrubs my back. He always leaves when\u2026.\u201d Cordelia narrowed her eyes. \u201cOh.\u201d Stamping her foot.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen what Cordy? Is your loofah better than this,\u201d In an instant, Angel\u2019s hand cupped her center rubbing alternating between fast and slow, but always gentle.<\/p>\n
Cordelia fell catching herself on Angel\u2019s shoulders. \u201cAre you going to stop being stupid?\u201d She took a deep breath, pushing her hips closer to Angel\u2019s moving palm.<\/p>\n
\u201cProbably not. I\u2019m a dork. Cordy, please let me make love to you.\u201d He whispered.<\/p>\n
Cordelia closed her eyes, her hips rocking in the rhythm Angel\u2019s hand was creating, her fingernails piercing his shoulders. \u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you.\u201d Angel said softly, his hands moving to remove the denim. His lips quickly covering the center now revealed.<\/p>\n
Cordelia gasped, her knees buckled as she slumped further on Angel\u2019s shoulders. Angel\u2019s broad hand moved firmly to her hip keeping her steady.<\/p>\n
Angel breathed in deeply as his tongue flicked back and forth tasting ever crevice hidden in the delicate folds. As each drop of moisture coated his sensitive taste buds, he truly wondered at his previous violent need for her blood. In this tasting, he felt no guilt, no loss of thought, just wonderment, desire and love. Angel made a promise to himself then. He would never touch the beautiful woman that gave so freely to him without those feelings being in the forefront of his mind ever again.<\/p>\n
The other had been primal, instinctive, reflections of a dark past and predatory demon this was a promise of that demon\u2019s redemption.<\/p>\n
It was a glimpse of his future, his dream coming true. This was what he truly wanted. His lips and hands moved to explore more. He was transfixed at the gentle tremors of the delicate flesh as his lips and hands brushed at the skin. Cordelia wanted him, even after he had shown her, hell forced his demon on her, and she still wanted him. Angel wanted to yell and shout in joy, he wanted to bury himself in her; he wanted to know how she could still love him. \u201cCordy?\u201d Angel lips brushed her abdomen.<\/p>\n
Cordelia swayed and gulped. \u201cAngel,\u201d her voice raspy and gasping for breathe. \u201cAngel, I don\u2019t think I can stand anymore, my legs seem to be\u2026\u201d she trailed off slumping more as her knees buckled again, giving evidence of her statement.<\/p>\n
Angel wanted to laugh at her apologetic tone. \u201cThen don\u2019t.\u201d He whispered, chuckling softly as he had her down on his coat. Maybe, Cordelia was right. Maybe it didn\u2019t matter, it just was.<\/p>\n
Cordelia stared up into the fathomless dark eyes gazing at her. Her heart lurched and suddenly she got scared. Love, passion, awe, gratitude swirled in the black pools; it was all there in Angel\u2019s eyes for her to see. She didn\u2019t deserve it. How could she live up to it? But she couldn\u2019t lose it, not now that she found it. \u201cLove me, always, please.\u201d Tears welling in her wide eyes.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlways,\u201d Angel promised, tenderly brushing away the small tears escaping along a path down Cordelia\u2019s smooth skin. Angel smiled leaning down to kiss Cordelia. Angel knew that his vow would remain the truth; it wouldn\u2019t wane away over the years. It would only lose its power when he was gone from this earth and he wasn\u2019t so sure about then either. Angel wanted to ask her to promise the same, but he wouldn\u2019t. His future to uncertain and Cordelia deserved so much more.<\/p>\n
Cordelia clutched at the nape of Angel\u2019s neck bringing him closer. \u201cAlways, me too. Love you, I mean.\u201d She pressed her body up into Angel\u2019s.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Angel lifted Cordelia to her feet. She scrunched her nose down at her dirty ripped clothes. Then looked around. \u201cAngel.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel pulled his coat up from off the ground smacked at the material trying to get rid of the most obvious grime.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel.\u201d Cordelia repeated.<\/p>\n
\u201cMmm.\u201d He whacked one more time and shrugged. He turned putting the coat over Cordelia. Cordelia slipped the coat over her torn clothes. \u201cThanks. Um, Angel.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel stopped the wiping of his own clothes. \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, we need to this again.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel blinked. \u201cHere, now?\u201d He thought about for less than a second. \u201cOkay.\u201d Reaching for Cordelia.<\/p>\n
Cordelia grasped her hand around his forearm, leading it to her body. What had she been thinking? Oh. \u201cNo.\u201d Pushing away. \u201cNot here, again, somewhere else. I don\u2019t want the sewers to be \u2018our\u2019 place.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy, I don\u2019t think one time,\u201d he stopped at her arched eyebrow. \u201cWell, okay two\u2026okay three\u2026okay\u2026., okay, we will definitely, soon, wherever you want, as many times, more even.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia blinked. She took a step and then nodded. Her legs still worked so she could do more. She blinked again. \u201cWhat were we doing? No, not that,\u201d she pushed at Angel\u2019s arm that had snaked it\u2019s way around her. \u201cRight, Dracula. Back to the hotel.\u201d She pulled at it his hand.<\/p>\n
Angel growled at the mention of the other vampire. \u201cWe were going to find out what he took from your apartment.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy bother, he obviously took something. I think we can safely say it was personal. I want a bath. Of course, I could always do that at my apartment.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBack to the hotel, it is then.\u201d Angel pulled her towards the direction of the hotel.<\/p>\n
Chapter 38<\/b><\/p>\n
Cordelia bit back her sigh, trying to grab on the happiness that was rushing away like a runaway freight train. She knew exactly when her euphoria started to desert her.<\/p>\n
Exactly 30 seconds after Angel started to brood and tense again. Though, she didn\u2019t know exactly when that happened. It could\u2019ve been 60 seconds after she mentioned Dracula or maybe it was 10 seconds after Angel glanced for the fifth time at the scratch marks on her cheek.<\/p>\n
She didn\u2019t know. But, Cordelia did know that less than two minutes after feeling the most loved and the safest of her life, she was back to feeling uneasy and chugging along to being scared again. At least Angel hadn\u2019t let go of her hand this time. It was firm in her grasp. Cordelia knew if he even attempted to move it, she would yell holy murder.<\/p>\n
Cordelia snuck another sidelong look at the vampire. It just wasn\u2019t fair. Angel had been able to wipe all of her fears away. Why couldn\u2019t she make him feel better? Cordelia wasn\u2019t sure which was driving Angel to brood more, Dracula or Angel\u2019s \u2018grr\u2019 display. Or were they one and the same? Cordelia sighed. She didn\u2019t know. She had just hoped that she had at least reassured Angel that she hadn\u2019t been mad or hurt by his overly aggressive love making style.<\/p>\n
Hell, hadn\u2019t he noticed that she hadn\u2019t been exactly shy during the whole thing. Cordelia had told the vampire that she wanted it, needed it even. Didn\u2019t he believe her? Shit, this was more unnerving than worrying about Dracula\u2019s next move. \u201cAngel.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel stopped, his eyes resting once more on the scratches before reaching Cordelia\u2019s gaze. Cordelia\u2019s heart hurt as a cloak settled briefly over Angel\u2019s eyes, hiding in that moment what he was thinking and feeling from her.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy,\u201d Angel released her hand, but cradled Cordelia\u2019s face before she had a chance to take a deep breath and scream. \u201cI won\u2019t let him touch you. I love you, so much.\u201d He rested his forehead on hers. \u201cTrust me, please.\u201d<\/p>\n
Conflicting thoughts smashed into each other. Part of her wanted to smack the vampire silly for even asking such a stupid question and for concealing whatever else he had been thinking. Sure, Cordelia didn\u2019t doubt that her protection was on the top of Angel\u2019s broody list, but she wanted to know what items two and three were.<\/p>\n
But the other part of her just wanted to jump back in Angel\u2019s arms at his declaration and the now visible love overflowing in his dark gaze. Cordelia sighed, she would let the happiness win out over her irritation for now. Cordelia smiled and wrapped her arms around Angel. \u201cDuh. I love you, too.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia\u2019s smile got brighter, happy that she made the right choice. Slapping Angel wouldn\u2019t have brought such a goofy grin to the vampire\u2019s face. Lord, her vampire was adorable when he did that. Cordelia squeezed tighter. She didn\u2019t want to let go, ever.<\/p>\n
Angel buried his head in Cordelia\u2019s hair, reveling in the scent. This is what he needed to remember. Knowing that Cordelia loved him gave him the strength of will to combat his instincts. He just needed to remember. Angel made his promise and he meant to keep it, but it was hard. Dracula\u2019s name, the other vampire\u2019s intent brought Angel\u2019s raging instincts flashing forward.<\/p>\n
Angel leaned up brushing the broken skin on Cordelia\u2019s neck with a gentle thumb, his lips tenderly coating Cordelia\u2019s smile. Angel could do it; he was stronger than his demon and Cordelia\u2019s love too precious to lose because of his rage.<\/p>\n
Angel pulled up at Cordelia\u2019s mumbled breath on his lips, his brows arching in a questioning angle.<\/p>\n
\u201cI said, sewers it is,” pouting and reaching to pull the vampire closer.<\/p>\n
Angel stepped back and chuckled. \u201cNo. We\u2019ve a perfectly good bed waiting for us, come on,\u201d Angel urged Cordelia forward.<\/p>\n
Cordelia tugged back. \u201cIt\u2019ll do for now, anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel turned back, his eyebrows reaching again.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, the bed\u2019s kind of small. I mean it\u2019s okay for us, but what about when Connor falls asleep with us? Smooshed baby,\u201d starting to move ahead of the vampire, totally missing the return of his goofy grin.<\/p>\n
Angel started to follow trying to remember which store web sites had the biggest bed. He had looked at so many.<\/p>\n
Chapter 39<\/b><\/p>\n
Cordelia frowned. Maybe the sewers wouldn\u2019t have been that bad for their \u2018place\u2019. She looked again at the faces staring at her and Angel as they walked into the lobby.<\/p>\n
Every single person\u2019s questioning look turned to concern as they saw her dirty and disheveled appearance. Well, except for the blonde vampire, Spike just stared. Cordelia bet real money that was a sniff he just did.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo bed for now, that\u2019s for sure,\u201d mumbling to Angel. Cordelia looked behind her. The vampire was gone. Where did he go? She looked back to the others. Well, she found him. Angel had Lorne pressed up against the counter.<\/p>\n
Well, Cordelia always knew Angel was quick. But that was impressive. Though, she wasn\u2019t real pleased to see the tension build back up in the vampire, he was so still and Lorne was turning blue.<\/p>\n
Cordelia glared at the blonde vampire. He kept staring and sniffing. Finally, Spike leaned back against the counter, his gaze now shifting to Angel going all intimidator on poor Lorne.<\/p>\n
\u201cSpike,\u201d Angel nodded towards Cordelia, leaving the hotel lobby as quickly as he entered a piece of paper clutched in his grip. Cordelia\u2019s body turned as he went past her. \u201cAngel?\u201d<\/p>\n
The dark vampire stopped suddenly and was back in front of her. \u201cUnder no circumstances leave Spike,\u201d pulling her roughly into a fierce kiss. Cordelia blinked and he was gone.<\/p>\n
Cordelia slowly turned back to the others. Why were they all staring at her? Cordelia glanced back at the door to the basement. Angel left without his coat. That wasn\u2019t right. Cordelia tugged the leather closer to her body.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia turned back to Wesley. \u201cUh.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAre you all right? You look\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia shook her head. \u201cI\u2019m fine. Where\u2019s Angel going?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLorne brought a list of possible leads on Dracula.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy,\u201d Wesley moved closer. \u201cYou\u2019ve been hurt,\u201d Pointing to the scratch marks on her face. \u201cWhat happened?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not hurt,\u201d snapping back. \u201cI\u2026I fell.\u201d Cordelia shot a glare at Spike\u2019s cough.<\/p>\n
Spike shrugged and got more comfortable against the counter. Spike didn\u2019t quite understand but he had been concerned when Angel and Cordelia entered the lobby. His eyes going to the cheerleader immediately, his first thought had been that grandsire had broke bad with the young woman and hurt her.<\/p>\n
But, again he didn\u2019t understand his relief when he realized that Peaches might have broke a little bad, but not Angelus bad. Though, Spike looked again at the door Angel just ran through, Angelus was not that far. Spike couldn\u2019t help but wonder if Cordelia knew just how close.<\/p>\n
\u201cDid you find out what Dracula took?\u201d Wesley asked accepting Cordelia\u2019s explanation about her appearance.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe never got there. Dracula did another spell.\u201d Cordelia scrunched up her face turning back towards the basement door. \u201cSpike, shouldn\u2019t you go with him or Gunn?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cChit, he can take care of himself.\u201d Spike said. \u201cAnd, it seems I\u2019ve been assigned as your personal body guard. Come here, chit, let me guard you.\u201d He held his arms out. Spike smiled at her glare letting his arms fell back to his sides. A glaring cheerleader was much better than an increasingly worrying cheerleader.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia, tell us what happened.\u201d Wesley demanded, his glasses firmly in his hands.<\/p>\n
Cordelia took a deep breath. \u201cWe were on our way to my apartment. Then I felt it, the spell. Dracula wasn\u2019t near, but the spell was powerful. Um. I\u2026Angel\u2026we were able to break the influence\u2026uh, that\u2019s when I fell.\u201d Cordelia looked up at Wesley. \u201cI was heading east before\u2026um\u2026it stopped. How far does a beckoning spell reach?\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley pushed the glasses on his head. \u201cUsually, it\u2019s within a small radius, but depending on the specific spell and item used, it could be several miles. We need a map of the sewers.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGot it.\u201d Gunn went to the drawer of Cordy\u2019s desk.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes. Cordy, where were you? How far from the hotel?\u201d Wesley urged.<\/p>\n
Cordelia shrugged. \u201cHalf way, maybe? I\u2019m not really sure.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley frowned. \u201cThat\u2019s okay, we\u2019ll figure it out. Oh, Cordy, put this on.\u201d Handing her a bright stone attached to a chain.<\/p>\n
\u201cYuk, and why?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a general block to beckoning spells. It will help give resistance while we search for the exact spell.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUh, no. I\u2019m thinking that we should just let it be. If Dracula does the spell again, I go and Angel\u2026and you\u2019ll follow. Viola, we find him.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPeaches okayed that brain fart?\u201d Spike cocked a brow.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, and shut up.\u201d<\/p>\n
Spike rolled his eyes. Well, at least he better understood his babysitting duties. The cheerleader would be glued to his hip until Angel got back. She wasn\u2019t wandering off on his watch. There would be hell to pay after his grandsire killed him. Spike squirmed, Angel trusted him that much? Things were getting really weird.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy, I think that is dangerous.\u201d<\/p>\n
Spike nodded encouragement to the jr. Giles.<\/p>\n
\u201cPooh, I\u2019ve resisted so far\u2026well..\u201d Cordelia looked back to the basement door. She had when Angel was near her. Why did he have to go all \u2018grry\u2019 after the leads? Cordelia glared at Spike. \u201cYou should\u2019ve gone.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cChit, I wished I had.\u201d Spike didn\u2019t need or want this particular responsibility.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia, you have resisted, I wonder why?\u201d Wesley chewed on the arm of his glasses.<\/p>\n
Cordelia shrugged. \u201cI didn\u2019t at first, but then I guess \u2026.I don\u2019t know. Angel was there and it stopped.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley swirled around. \u201cAngel? No. Of course.\u201d Wesley slapped his head and sat down.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d Cordelia moved closer a long with all of the others.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt so simple. How\u2019d I miss it?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGee, tell us and maybe we could fill you in on what an ass you were?\u201d Cordelia glared.<\/p>\n
\u201dCordy, Bram Stoker\u2019s Dracula is a not only a work of fiction but it\u2019s a treatise on the vampire. None of his victims knew he was feeding, influencing them. It correlates with every thing I\u2019ve read on beckoning spells. But you\u2019ve known, affected okay, but you knew. And that\u2019s because you knew.\u201d Wesley shot up pleased with himself.<\/p>\n
\u201cUh, can I tell him he made no fuckin sense?\u201d Gunn looked around.<\/p>\n
\u201cLet it flow.\u201d Spike rolled his eyes.<\/p>\n
Gunn flinched. Damn. Again, he agreed with the vampire.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy, you\u2019ve been able to resist because you know who and what Dracula is and what he\u2019s trying to do. You know that whatever feelings the spell induces is just that a spell. So you resist.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia blinked. \u201cOh. Do you need me anymore? I want to take a bath.\u201d Cordelia headed for the stairs. \u201cWhy are you following me?\u201d She turned smack against Spike.<\/p>\n
\u201cChit, think of me as super glue until Peaches gets back. Let\u2019s just \u2018stick\u2019 together. I\u2019ll hold the soap.\u201d Spike winked.<\/p>\n
Cordelia waited she wasn\u2019t exactly sure why, but she did. When they were out of the sight and hearing of Wesley and the others, she turned on the blonde vampire.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou want to stick<\/i> to me? So, stick<\/i>, come on Spike, let\u2019s stick<\/i>.\u201d Cordelia brushed up against the vampire.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhoa, get away, stop. Are you nuts?\u201d Spike pushed at the young body thrusting towards him.<\/p>\n
“Hmmph. No. I’m just not in the mood for your attempt at witticisms.” She cut, her demeanor polar opposite from only a second ago.<\/p>\n
“I get it. No more ribbing and NO more rubbing from you. I don’t need Peaches going all granddad on me. I’m doing you’ll a favor, you know.”<\/p>\n
“Hmmph.” Spike caught the door before it slammed in his face.<\/p>\n
“Chit, I meant it, I’m next to you until the poof comes back. I’m not taking the chance of you wandering after Dracula in some fogged out lust trance.”<\/p>\n
“I\u2019m not LUSTING after Dracula.”<\/p>\n
“Not now, sure. But, if he does that magic again, bang goes the hormonal hotwiring, flash goes the heat in the belly and off you go. And if it happens, I’m not losing you. Jr. Giles may not have mentioned the lust factor of beckoning spells, probably make him blush, but you and I know and from the looks and smells of you, Peaches knows too. You all right?” Spike reached out to touch the scratch marks.<\/p>\n
Cordelia slammed away his hand. “Angel didn’t hurt me. I’m fine. I told him last night. He’s not…we’re fine. You don’t know what you’re talking about- I don’t know what you\u2019re talking about. And for your information, Wesley is not a jr. anybody. His name is WESLEY.” Cordelia slammed the door of the bathroom.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Cordelia leaned back against the shower wall, wishing the last 24 hours could wash away along with the dirt and grime that coated her body.<\/p>\n
Had it only been 24 hours ago? She had woken up knowing that Angel loved her. She had walked into the nursery to see Angel and Connor. Her men. Cordelia had been so happy. Dracula only a minor blip on their trouble radar. Even Angel’s worry that Dracula would come after her hadn’t dimmed her happiness, not really.<\/p>\n
He was just another bad guy that Angel would fight and win. Cordelia still didn’t doubt that they would eventually defeat Dracula. She just hated that he was messing with her mind and that it was affecting Angel.<\/p>\n
Chapter 40<\/b><\/p>\n
Spike couldn\u2019t help but glance appreciatively at the towel wrapped body that came out of the bathroom. The chit was really quite a tasty piece.<\/p>\n
Bad thoughts, death wish thoughts, even. Cordelia ignored the vampire and went straight to her duffle bag taking it back into the bathroom.<\/p>\n
Cordelia pulled out her clothes, studying her shirt, her fingers rubbing hesitantly over the small marks on her neck. Cordelia glanced up catching her reflection in the mirror. Cordelia frowned and slowly drew her hand away from her neck.<\/p>\n
Cordelia bypassed Spike as she exited the bathroom, stopping in front of Angel’s closet. She was tempted to go get one of Angel\u2019s shirts. Cordelia bit her lip, undecided. Wesley had said that her ability to resist wasn’t because of Angel.<\/p>\n
Still, she wasn\u2019t completely convinced. Cordelia knew what she felt during the \u2018dream\u2019 experience and in the sewers. Cordelia sighed, shaking her head at the door, she needed to find out if Wesley was right.<\/p>\n
Spike’s eyes never left the young woman. The towel was now gone. In its place was a pair of jeans and simple t-shirt, showing off a tease of a tattoo at the cusp of the low waistband of the pants, Spike noticed in approval.<\/p>\n
The bright design was certainly strategically placed on the chit\u2019s backside to give off the most optimal tempting effect. Spike narrowed his eyes upward towards Cordelia\u2019s neck. Spike seriously doubted that the young woman knew that she was fondling at Angel\u2019s mark, her fingers\u2019 manipulations bringing visibility back to the fading wounds.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt won\u2019t do any good, you know. They\u2019re going bye, bye.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?!\u201d Turning.<\/p>\n
\u201cThose little babies are fading fast. In a day or two, any evidence of Peaches\u2019 nibbles will be gone, like they were never there.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia jerked away her hand. \u201cAngel\u2019s mark\u2026.His mark\u2026. of ownership, you mean.\u201d<\/p>\n
Spike shrugged. \u201cWhatever. No wonder he\u2019s a basket case. It must be frustrating the hell out of him.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t follow.\u201d Cordelia stared.<\/p>\n
Spike shrugged again and looked away. Maybe he had already said too much. The possible fallout from his speaking his mind wasn’t something Spike usually concerned himself with, but in this particular instance maybe he should start.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, nevermind, you don\u2019t know what you\u2019re talking about.\u201d She said cuttingly.<\/p>\n
Spike swung back around, getting annoyed at her tone. \u201cI tell you what I know- I know that Peaches loves you, I know that he\u2019s a vampire, whose soul makes him a wuss about almost everything, but it doesn\u2019t change that particular truth. I know that Dracula\u2019s pissing in his playground, trying to take his most prized toy. He\u2019s walking a tightrope right now, between that soul of his and his baser and more violent instincts. And you should know that, too. After all, you\u2019re the picture of pure acceptance, but is it acceptance or just denial or god forbid stupidity?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI get that he wants Dracula dead. So do I.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat ain\u2019t all he wants, love.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia blinked, flashes of Angel in the sewer, his true vampire visage glowering, his strength pushing her against the wall. She had experienced as Spike put it, Angel\u2019s baser and more violent vampire instincts.<\/p>\n
Cordelia didn\u2019t want to be a \u2018sex slave \u2018 or \u2018pet\u2019 or \u2018prized toy\u2019, even to Angel\u2019s \u2018Master\u2019. Did Angel want her as a \u2018sex slave\u2019, as his property? Cordelia couldn\u2019t believe that. She was obviously missing something.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat if he marks me again\u2026.really marks me? Will, I be some sort of slave?\u201d Cordelia\u2019s tone no longer snapping just contemplative.<\/p>\n
Spike\u2019s earlier warning signals to just shut up and just watch the chit, flared up again. He knew that his grandsire would not be pleased at all about this conversation. \u201cDon\u2019t you think these are tidbits you need to find out from Peaches?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re here, he\u2019s not. I want to know.\u201d<\/p>\n
Spike sighed and began to understand how the chit could order Peaches around. Though, Spike couldn\u2019t decide whether it was her glare or tone, both were regal, daring you to deny her. The cheerleader would\u2019ve made a helluva vampire.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe mark is just a symbol. Humans did it, still do. They branded their cattle and slaves, collared them even. Any property they think valuable enough they \u2018mark\u2019. Hell, wedding rings are the same, just not as blatant. Sure, cloak the vows in God and love, but once that ring is on the finger, the human is claimed as taken. It\u2019s a symbol, love. It gives the right to be royally pissed if someone poaches. It\u2019s the culmination, not the beginning.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia listened, then nodded and turned to leave.<\/p>\n
Spike couldn\u2019t tell if her nod was one of understanding, but he could tell he had just been dismissed. Well, he wasn\u2019t leaving, determined to stay put. Shit, she was leaving. \u201cHold on, chit, where you going?\u201d Moving to follow.<\/p>\n
Cordelia stopped in mid stride. \u201cTo get Connor and wait for Angel.\u201d<\/p>\n