Chapter 41<\/b><\/p>\n
Spike slid next to Gunn, jumping up on the counter. \u201cSo, how long you and the babbling brook over there been shagging\u201d He nodded towards Fred.<\/p>\n
The pretty brunette was hovering around Connor in the basinet, making cooing noises as Cordelia placed a bottle up to the baby\u2019s mouth.<\/p>\n
Gunn glanced up jumping off the counter. \u201cWe ain\u2019t\u2026it\u2019s none of your business. Shut up, dawg.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhoa, pardon mois, so that big stick you carry is just for show. Use it or lose it, that\u2019s what I say.\u201d Spike winked.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can stake you, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI was talking about your other stick, but if that\u2019s the only one you know how to use.\u201d Spike dramatically winced. \u201cI feel for the chit. Nice, growl.\u201d Spike laughed as the black man stomped off.<\/p>\n
\u201cSpike.\u201d<\/p>\n
The blonde vampire\u2019s head shot up at Cordelia\u2019s call. Damn, there was that tone again. \u201cWhat.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLeave Gunn alone and come here.\u201d<\/p>\n
Spike grumbled but dropped gracefully from the counter.<\/p>\n
\u201cHold Connor.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo.\u201d Spike back peddled his previous path. \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause, your family and he needs to get used to you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAgain, why?\u201d Spike wished she would stop with the family crap and the high and mighty tone.<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause I said so.\u201d<\/p>\n
Spike forced his feet to remain in place. He was not at her beck and call – and he didn\u2019t want to touch the little squirt.<\/p>\n
\u201cSpike, he won\u2019t bite.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s his first problem.\u201d Spike rolled his eyes. \u201cI ain\u2019t holding him.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd they call Connor a baby.\u201d Rolling her eyes back at the vampire.<\/p>\n
Spike\u2019s grumble turned to a sigh of relief. Finally, Peaches was back, let him deal with her. Poor sod. The blonde vampire went to the basement door, opening it. Spike restrained from yelling for the other vampire to hurry his ass up the stairs.<\/p>\n
\u201cSpike?\u201d Cordelia looked questioningly and then turned to Fred. \u201cHere, take Connor, please.\u201d Hurrying to follow Spike.<\/p>\n
Wesley pushed aside his books and got up. Good, with Angel back, they may be able to find out where exactly he and Cordelia were when the spell hit.<\/p>\n
Cordelia hadn\u2019t been very helpful. Wesley had managed to triangulate an area but it was over a twenty-mile span. He needed more specifics.<\/p>\n
Spike looked, smelled and pushed the other vampire back down the stairs, slamming the door behind both vampires. \u201cYou smell like death and look like shit.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel growled and moved forward.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou want her to see you like that?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel paused and looked down at his tattered and bloody shirt. \u201cShe\u2019s seen worse.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBut the reason?\u201d Spike cocked a brow.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe doesn\u2019t know that and won’t.\u201d Angel growled. Spike blinked and stepped back. Spike really hoped that the chit wasn\u2019t a tattletale.<\/p>\n
Angel moved towards the door, as it swung open. \u201cSpike, what the hell are you thinking.\u201d Cordelia stopped. \u201cAngel.\u201d She hugged him tightly. \u201cEww.\u201d She leaned back. \u201cHow much of this is yours.\u201d Her hands ignoring the multi color splotches of blood, concentrating on the red.<\/p>\n
She glanced at the vampire, scrutinizing every inch of his body. \u201cGo upstairs, see Connor later.\u201d She pushed. \u201cI knew you should have worn your coat. Hmmph.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel couldn\u2019t help but smile a little. Angel shot a gruff \u2018no\u2019 over his shoulder at Wesley\u2019s questions if he found anything of use as he headed up the stairs.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou are a stupid chit.\u201d Spike shot.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, you are the stupid one. What were you thinking? Anyway, he should\u2019ve worn his coat. Leather while being sexy and \u2018oh\u2019 so cool offers protection. He should\u2019ve been wearing it, if he was going to go off on some macho vamp \u2018instinctive\u2019 interrogation spree. He\u2019s just lucky he\u2019s not really hurt or he\u2019d be dead.\u201d<\/p>\n
Spike stumbled back at her glare and Hmmph as she stormed after Angel. Damn, she had listened to him and more amazing she had understood. Spike wandered back into the lobby, his eyes going from Connor to the young woman.<\/p>\n
Cordelia\u2019s tattoo dancing as her hips swayed with every stomp up the steps. Spike was back to his original thought that he yelled to Angel when he first arrived in LA. His grandsire was a fuckin lucky bastard.<\/p>\n
Lorne, who had been watching the interesting displays of the major player\u2019s auras from sidelines, moved beside the blonde vampire. \u201cLollypop, like I said take what is offered and what you want can\u2019t be far behind.\u201d<\/p>\n
Spike growled. He needed a cigarette. \u201cWilliam.\u201d Fred called. Spike didn\u2019t bother to growl at the young woman. \u201cYes, pet.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou sure you don\u2019t want to hold him.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFred, I don\u2019t think\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cShh, Charles, Cordy said it was all right, besides he\u2019s family. I worked out the diagram. It\u2019s in the files.\u201d Fred stated as if that made it fact.<\/p>\n
\u201cGunn, Fred\u2019s right. Cordy said it was okay and you didn\u2019t hear Angel disagreeing.\u201d Wesley mumbled shoving at his glasses never looking up from the pages he was reading.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, like he could. Geez whipped dawg, well, okay, but if blonde vamp even\u2026.oh shit, do we ever get to kill vampires anymore?\u201d Gunn whined flopping back against the counter.<\/p>\n
\u201cCharles, only the other night, you killed a bunch.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTrue.\u201d Gunn said grabbing for his computer game.<\/p>\n
Spike looked at the group remaining in the lobby. Fred, the cute crazy young woman was smiling at him, holding the squirt out. Jr. Giles\u2026Wesley, he corrected, had after a frustrated sigh sat back down to his books. Wesley had barely said a word to Spike, since his original threats.<\/p>\n
But, Spike wasn\u2019t offended; Wesley had pretty much ignored everybody since he embarked on his research tasks. Only coming up for air when he needed a question answered or Fred to fire up her computer. Gunn sat on the counter, now intent on his computer game. The young black man had glowered and growled at Spike since he first arrived, not to mention threatened. Spike was used to that, moron boy did it all the time, but unlike Xander, Spike had moments of connection with the young black man.<\/p>\n
Granted, all to the disgust of Gunn, but still they existed. Gunn\u2019s threats didn\u2019t bother him; Spike understood that they were reflexive to Gunn\u2019s nature. He hated vampires. But as long as the others accepted Spike, the young black man would remain all talk and truthfully the threats had stopped for the most part, leaving a reluctant acceptance, angry only when Gunn remembered to be hostile.<\/p>\n
The green demon, well Spike wouldn\u2019t begin to decipher the flaming demon. Spike glance up the stairs, finally truly understanding. Spike was accepted by these strange people, not because Angel decreed it so, but because the young woman that followed him said it was so.<\/p>\n
Spike smiled. He had told the chit wrong. Angel couldn\u2019t mark her, she already owned him. A flash of pain passed momentarily as a vision of how Spike could be with the Scoobies if Buffy loved him. He could acknowledge that she owned him.<\/p>\n
But it was only her love that would give him a family in Sunnydale and that he didn\u2019t have.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Buffy stood dazed outside of Willie\u2019s. Spike had gone to a party- in LA? What kind of party? LA? Buffy blinked.<\/p>\n
Angel was in LA. Was there a connection? No they hated each other. Spike wouldn\u2019t go running to tell Angel about their relationship. Buffy paused and scrunched up her face.<\/p>\n
\u201cHey, slayer.\u201d<\/p>\n
She glared at the vampire moving towards her. \u201cGo away, can\u2019t you see I\u2019m in the middle of something.\u201d<\/p>\n
The vampire looked around at the empty alley. \u201cUh, no.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cStupid.\u201d Buffy moved to walk away.<\/p>\n
\u201cAren\u2019t you going to try to kill me?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know are you going to be a dumb ass and try to kill me? I\u2019m not in a good mood, you know. Oh, hell. I\u2019ll just kill you.\u201d Buffy pulled a stake out of her pocket in a flash, twirling it expertly for a killing strike.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhoa, hey, I was just joking about the killing bit. I\u2019m going to Willie\u2019s- sanctuary you know.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m a slayer, you\u2019re a vampire, sanctuary isn\u2019t a concept that I know.\u201d<\/p>\n
The vampire rolled his eyes. \u201cGreat, lovely. Look I\u2019ll just go on my way. Really, I just wanted a drink and hear the gossip. It\u2019s not every day one of ours gets to hang with Dracula.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy stopped her twirl, the stake resting directly on the vampire\u2019s heart. \u201cDracula?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, Spike got an invitation. He\u2019s gone to the birthday bash. Which kind of boggles the mind with Spike being not a hundred percent if you know what I mean.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSpike and Dracula?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHey, that\u2019s what I heard that\u2019s why I\u2019m going back to hear more.\u201d The vampire pointed to the back entrance of Willies. \u201cI\u2019ve already fed, I don\u2019t want to tangle with you. Gossip.\u201d He nodded back to the door.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, I should let you live? You just admitted to killing a person.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m a vampire, what do you expect. Damn. And you the slayer, sleeping with that soul freak must have thrown you. Hey, a word on the street is you\u2019re screwing Spike now. Is that true? What kind of slayer are you, anyway? Would you sleep with me?\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy didn\u2019t even blink. She just stabbed. She shrugged off the dust and went back into Willie\u2019s kicking the door in.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhere exactly is this party?\u201d Pulling Willie across the bar.<\/p>\n
\u201cBabe, you\u2019re late, it was two, three days ago.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy shoved Willie flying against the wall.<\/p>\n
\u201cHow is it that some newbie knows about \u2026knows\u2026How\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve moved on from the party, haven\u2019t we?” Willie got up rubbing his head. \u201cIf you\u2019re trying to ask how does everyone know that you have a thing for killing and\/or sleeping with vampires check the bathroom wall.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHey, it there in carved wood.\u201d Willie shrugged.<\/p>\n
Buffy stood and stared. She wanted to kill, throw up and cry all at the same time. She read it again through the gashes in the wood that had been obviously put later in an attempt to obliterate the words.<\/p>\n
Buffy and Angel sitting in a tree
\nkissing
\nFirst came the love and then the fuckin\u2019
\nNow comes Angelus and some serious funin\u2019
\nAs death greets scoobs one by onein\u2019<\/i><\/p>\n
Buffy went back to Willie. \u201cWho did that?\u2019<\/p>\n
\u201cWho do you think?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBut, Angel, came back and crossed it out?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe ensouled one barely set a foot in here after hell spit him back, Spike did that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy slammed the door. She was going to LA.<\/p>\n
Chapter 42<\/b><\/p>\n
Lorne leaned over again. \u201cYou haven\u2019t been listening to me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Spike looked at the demon than back at the others. Gunn and Wesley ignoring him, but not rejecting him. He stepped towards the young woman. \u201cI don\u2019t know how.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fred flashed a big smile. \u201cIt\u2019s easy, here let me show you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe neck, the neck.\u201d Gunn said never looking up. \u201cGot hold the head up.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, but be careful, the little chap likes to spit.\u201d Wesley turned the pages of his books.<\/p>\n
Spike held Connor. His hands were hesitant as he tried to remember not to use too much pressure. His eyes shot to his brow thrusting the child back to Fred as the baby let out a wail.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh dear.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d Cordelia yelled running back down the stairs, pushing back her damp hair. \u201cWhy is Connor crying?\u201d Cordelia paused on the staircase taking in the scene.<\/p>\n
\u201cSpike, show him the vamp face, he likes it. Hurry, otherwise, Angel will come flying down here like a bat out of hell.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with Connor?\u201d Angel rushed down with a towel clutched to his waist.<\/p>\n
\u201cNothing.\u201d Cordelia held her hand against the vampire\u2019s chest. \u201cHe\u2019s just getting use to Spike.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel considered, and then nodded. \u201cSing to him, he likes Irish lullabies or the standard.\u201d Angel winced as Connor cried out again. \u201cCordy?\u201d Angel moved closer to his son.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel.\u201d She said softly.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe standard?\u201d Spike held the child out. \u201cPeaches?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe vamp face,\u201d The room cried out.<\/p>\n
Wide eyed, Spike transformed. Connor stopped, his cries small gasps.<\/p>\n
\u201cNow, talk to him you dolt.\u201d Cordelia rolled her eyes.<\/p>\n
\u201cAbout what?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWho cares, just keep it clean.\u201d Cordelia tugged at Angel. \u201cIt\u2019s okay.\u201d She whispered. Angel looked once more at his son in the arms of Spike, who was now introducing himself to the child in game face. \u201cBut, I wanted to\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLater, let them spend time together, when we\u2019re done, we\u2019ll put him to bed and you can vamp and baby talk all you want.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we\u2019re done?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDid you think we were?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel tightened the towel around his waist and looked at the smiling hazel eyes. \u201cUh, Spike keep it clean, no cussing or smoking.\u201d Angel pulled at Cordelia\u2019s hand. \u201cWhat we\u2019re we doing?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m going to have to start from the beginning, aren\u2019t I?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI think that would be best.\u201d Angel tugged the young woman back up the stairs.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
The slight smile on Angel\u2019s face had left as Wesley\u2019s questions cascaded around him. The balance that he had violently obtained wavered as he strode up the stairs.<\/p>\n
Angel had learned nothing of value. But his rage had been appeased momentarily. The reluctance of the informants gave him an excuse and with that violent satisfaction. Ignoring for the time that it was more ignorance than reluctance. He had reached a fragile balance as he left the last demon alive. But Spike almost ruined it. He smelled of her.<\/p>\n
It hadn\u2019t mattered that Angel\u2019s mind knew that the scent was fleeting, not damning. It still caused his instincts to flare. Angel could\u2019ve killed him, if she hadn\u2019t shown up. Her scent first appeared, her true scent, not one mingled with another\u2019s. Angel had almost smiled. There was another. His son. Again, Cordelia and Connor\u2019s scents were intertwined. His very own evidence that miracles existed.<\/p>\n
Cordelia\u2019s tone, both chiding and lecturing, the love apparent with every word did make him smile. Angel went obediently up the stairs. The balance no longer needed, until Wesley spoke. His voice so full of questions, reason and reality, proving that Angel\u2019s self-indulgent rampage hadn\u2019t done anything to change the danger or situation. Angel\u2019s body tensed as he continued on his path.<\/p>\n
Cordelia leaned against the bedroom door, staring at the closed bathroom one. She thought for the moment about the best course of action. She had to be careful. Cordelia believed Spike. Angel was walking a tightrope and she didn\u2019t want him to fall or be pushed, especially by her, in any one direction.<\/p>\n
When it was time, she would lead him the best she knew how, but now, her gut told her to keep him up there safe and balanced. She shrugged. The best way she knew to keep the vampire balanced was to keep him unbalanced. He was broody and angry, so she wouldn\u2019t be. Cordelia strode into the bathroom.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI was\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGoing to just jump in the shower. Come one, let me look at you first. Damage control. That\u2019s me. You\u2019d just rinse off and get into bed without even a by your leave at cuts or bruises. Come on.\u201d She pulled the vampire out of the bathroom pushing him on the bed.<\/p>\n
Cordelia smiled looking forward the vampire trailing behind her. Two out of three, she just hoped at the next fork in the road, she would choose correctly. Angel was letting her lead, trusting where she would go. \u201cShirt off\u2026or do you need help.\u201d She fiddled with the tears in the material and the colored stains. \u201cMost of this looks like a rainbow demon blood, but not your particlar brand of borrowed blood. I\u2019m right, right? How much of this is yours. Damn\u2019t Angel, if you\u2019re really hurt.\u201d Cordelia pushed away his hands, efficiently unbuttoning the shirt, displaying a defined chest covered with lacerations. \u201cWhat? Nevermind, they don\u2019t look deep.\u201d Cordelia smacked Angel on the head. \u201cCoat.\u201d Cordelia looked down at Angel\u2019s pants. She nodded, no red splotches or stains.<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay, you can go, but clothes go in the incinerator pile.\u201d She pushed.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhere are you going?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNowhere, stupid, just going to get the Florence Nightgale stuff ready when you\u2019re clean.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel got up and moved to the bathroom. He had to admit he was in a daze. All of his rage kind of plummeted when Cordelia took over, he would go with it. It seemed to be less complicated. It was still there in the background, but it was contained for now, as long as she was there. Angel smiled again; he could hear Cordelia humming softly, the pleasant sound barely masking her heartbeat. She wasn\u2019t leaving him that was all that mattered.<\/p>\n
\u201cLet me see.\u201d Cordelia opened the shower curtain. \u201cHow have you lived so long? Hmmph. Give me that.\u201d She grabbed at the washcloth. \u201cEven vampires need to be wary of infection.\u201d Leaning in, half her body still safe from the spray of water.<\/p>\n
\u201cUm, I never got infected before.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSo? That means what, exactly?\u201d Cordelia squeezed soap on to the cloth and gently cleaned every cut.<\/p>\n
\u201cUm, Cordy?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHmm.\u201d Cordy not looking up, busy with her ministrations.<\/p>\n
\u201cUm, you\u2019ve dropped the washcloth.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia looked down at the material balled on the porcelain. \u201cYeah, it looks like it doesn’t. Your point?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUm, no point.\u201d Angel tried to find a place for his hands. He was losing balance quickly. \u201cUm, Cordy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia looked up impatiently. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not injured there.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYet, but if you don\u2019t shut up, who knows.\u201d She smiled and went back to her task.<\/p>\n
Angel looked down at the dark head that move forward once again. He tensed as he felt the lips encase his penis returning to their original pattern. His hands finally finding purchase entangled in the dark strands of hair. It wasn\u2019t helping, his knees were beginning to buckle and he couldn\u2019t get a steady stance.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy?\u201d he moaned, not wanting to interrupt but knowing that if he didn\u2019t he would he would crush her when he fell.<\/p>\n
\u201cGeez, fine. I\u2019ll stop.\u201d Cordelia jumped up.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo. No. Just its slippery\u2026.the tub\u2026carpet maybe, bed better, bed, bed, yes.\u201d Angel tried to regain the moment.<\/p>\n
Cordelia glared, then scrunched up her face. \u201cFinish your shower.\u201d She pushed the vampire back into the pelting water.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy?\u2019 Angel stumbled to get out of the shower. Shit. He looked down at his raised and very hard, suddenly neglected penis.<\/p>\n
Shit. Angel grabbed at the towel, moving quickly after Cordelia. He was the one with super vampire hearing and she was the one that heard Connor cry out first.<\/p>\n
Chapter 43<\/b><\/p>\n
Angel paused on the top step.<\/p>\n
\u201cDo you or don\u2019t you trust Spike?\u201d Cordelia cocked her head.<\/p>\n
Angel considered. He had asked the other vampire to stay and protect both Cordelia and Connor. He looked at Cordelia. There was no doubt in her eyes. \u201cYou trust him?\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia shrugged. \u201cHe\u2019s been okay, but one cigarette and he\u2019s out. Come on, he\u2019s Spike, that means he\u2019s annoying but he has helped us.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI thought I was suppose to be convincing you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia grabbed Angel\u2019s hand. \u201cHe\u2019s alright.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel smiled. \u201cFrom the beginning?\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia looked at the towel wrapped around the vampire\u2019s waist. \u201cI\u2019m thinking I don\u2019t have to waste the time, what do you think?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not.\u201d Angel scooped the young woman up in his arms rushing her to the bedroom.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cSee, Connor loves your vamp face the best.\u201d Cordelia murmured into Angel\u2019s chest.<\/p>\n
Angel dragged Cordelia\u2019s compliant body further over his. \u201cI\u2019ve a new song for him do you want to hear it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia snuggled in closer, groaning. \u201cI\u2019ll wait for that particular \u2018pleasure\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel laughed hugging her closer.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Spike was the last one up. He wandered through the first floor, stopping at Fred\u2019s bedroom. Spike opened the door quietly. He didn\u2019t cross the threshold, the young woman\u2019s earlier warning making him smile as he glanced at her sleeping form.<\/p>\n
Gunn was an idiot, if he wasn\u2019t in bed with the chit. Crazy, she may be, but cute as a button, she definitely was. But that wasn\u2019t why Spike stopped. He glanced at the small child in the crib. The squirt laughed at his vamp face. Fred assured him that it was a laugh, not gas or anything like that.<\/p>\n
For the first time since Spike got the chip, he felt something other than embarrassment, disgust or helplessness at being laughed at. The kid was okay in his book.<\/p>\n
Chapter 44<\/b><\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll admit I was disappointed initially at the last attempt.\u201d Dracula paced.<\/p>\n
\u201cTruly unfortunate, Master.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMortimor, its not over. Disappointed is not defeated. Never am I defeated. The young woman felt the effects. She was coming. But, Angelus\u2019 influence must be more substantial than I\u2019ve come to believe. How he managed to have such a strong hold on the young woman, I will never know. But have no fear, Mortimor I will overcome. Hand me more of the powder. The spell will be done correctly tonight. And then, well, then she will be mine.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mortimor bowed. Fearing the worse. He had tried to keep his unspoken thought hidden, banishing it forever. Gratefully, it seemed to have worked in regards to his master. Dracula still had not considered that the woman was bound to Angelus by anything more than his mark.<\/p>\n
A soul and an unexplained bond, love. Mortimor couldn\u2019t completely ignore the possibility. For the first time in over 75 years, Mortimor thought of something other than his own wish to die. He wished death on the poor woman before Dracula discovered the truth. Mortimor bowed again handing the vampire the potion.<\/p>\n
He couldn\u2019t betray Dracula or fight him, but he would attempt to do whatever was left in his broken being to make sure that this Cordelia Chase died before she was destroyed.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Cordelia woke up with her hand on the doorknob. She stared. Cordelia saw her hand twist the object, opening the door. She looked and saw her feet move across the threshold. Cordelia didn\u2019t understand.<\/p>\n
She recognized the feelings flowing through her body, lust and desire. She looked back at the bed she must have just left. Angel, so beautiful, so desirable, but Cordelia didn\u2019t want him. Who she wanted was outside, calling for her. She took another step and stopped.<\/p>\n
\u201cLove?\u201d<\/p>\n
A flash of worry, doubt, disbelief bombarded Cordelia. \u201cWhy are you sneaking around Connor?\u201d<\/p>\n
Spike stared at the dark dilated pools that should\u2019ve been sparking hazel. \u201cLove, why are you naked walking away from your poof lover boy?\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia staggered, blinking. \u201cOh, god. Spike, get Angel.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGet some clothes, love.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2026\u201d She looked down. \u201cRight. Get Wesley and Gunn. I\u2019ll get Angel\u2026and shit\u2026clothes. That bastard won\u2019t see me naked.\u201d<\/p>\n
Spike whispered a wish for that to be true as he ran banging on the nearest door.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Angel wasn\u2019t sure what woke him first, the warm weight that was no longer draped over his body or the burst of rage at the scent that overwhelmed him. He shot out of bed, rushing towards the scent, only stopping as he heard a small whispered plea.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, don\u2019t.\u201d Cordelia staggered swaying to keep her feet still from either running away or running towards the glowing demon eyes of Angel. \u201cI thought you could end it, but you can\u2019t. It\u2019s okay, I used you to hide from the spell, but I can\u2019t hide from it. I have to go and you have to follow. Then it will truly be ended. Just\u2026Angel\u2026I can\u2019t move, just please\u2026I can\u2019t go naked, help me\u2026.love me\u2026please.\u201d<\/p>\n
The sudden flash of reality that had cut through Cordelia’s stupor in the form of worry for Connor was disappearing rapidly. Now, there was just an aching need to leave the hotel and a conflicting knowledge that Cordelia didn\u2019t want to go, that it was not real.<\/p>\n
Angel jammed down his demon as his step faltered. He turned quickly grabbing up Cordelia\u2019s clothes from the floor. \u201cHold on to me,\u201d He whispered as he lifted her leg, pulling on her jeans.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t want to go.\u201d Cordelia struggled fighting the urge to bury herself in Angel\u2019s arms.<\/p>\n
\u201cI love you,\u201d Angel said softly, putting the final piece of clothing on Cordelia\u2019s body.<\/p>\n
Cordelia blinked. \u201cI\u2019ve got to go, he wants me. I\u2026\u201d She pushed at Angel trying to get away from his arms. \u201cI\u2019m his\u2026NO. Angel, help me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia Chase, you are stronger than any spell, you can control this.\u201d Angel whispered holding her tight, ignoring his demon that demanded to throw her down and make her forget forcibly any spell or want for anything but him.<\/p>\n
Cordelia pushed at Angel. Angel maintained his grip until he saw Spike, Wesley and Gunn fanned out in the hallway.<\/p>\n
\u201cGo.\u201d Angel growled, saying the hardest words in his life.<\/p>\n
Cordelia jerked back in relief, turning for the door. Her arms swung out clutching at the doorframe, stopping her movement. \u201cDon\u2019t lose me.\u201d She whispered, pushing her body through the door.<\/p>\n
\u201cNever,\u201d Angel growled. \u201cWesley, the list of possibilities. Go, to the first. Gunn, go to the next. Spike, you come with me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel?\u201d Wesley called.<\/p>\n
\u201cGo. Spike and I will follow Cordelia. Call, if you find his lair before she gets there.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMan, shouldn\u2019t we\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGunn, we\u2019re wasting time. Go. If there is a chance that you find it before \u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201dUnderstood,\u201d Wesley nodded. \u201cAngel, take your phone, it goes both ways.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel nodded as Wesley and Gunn ran out.<\/p>\n
Spike threw some clothes at Angel. \u201cNot that I care, but the \u2018cool\u2019 coat at least, she swears by it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel flashed golden eyes at the other vampire. Spike just shrugged. \u201cHurry, the chit is on the move. I guess, I\u2019ll just go without,\u201d nodding to his red shirt.<\/p>\n
Angel growled and pointed to his closet, yanking on his pants and shirt.<\/p>\n
\u201cBloody hell, Peaches, how many do you own?\u201d Spike pulled out a black leather coat in the midst of many. \u201cFetish or what? Right, we\u2019re gone.\u201d He headed out the door, shrugging on a car length black leather coat.<\/p>\n
Chapter 45<\/b><\/p>\n
Cordelia was decidedly in a very weird place. She could see her feet move in steady determination urged on by an unnatural desire.<\/p>\n
There was no fear, which was stupid, since it was in the middle of the night and she was wandering around the sewers towards Dracula without any type weapon. A stake would have been smart. And she called Winona Ryder dumb.<\/p>\n
The part of her that was watching and thinking was angry, angry that her body was responding to the spell, angry that she couldn\u2019t just stomp her feet and shout fuck no to Dracula and all of his shit. She could do it too. Cordelia knew she could. Wesley had been right. Angel hadn\u2019t been the one that broke through the spell\u2019s influence.<\/p>\n
Cordelia had done that. Angel just had helped.<\/p>\n
In Angel\u2019s arms, it was easy to get lost in real passion and need, forgetting all that was around her accept the reality he created. She wanted that reality, not the falseness the permeated her body. That falseness just disgusted her.<\/p>\n
Angel would welcome her turning and running back to him. Cordelia stumbled against the sewer wall, struggling this time not against the spell, but against her own mind. She had to go through this; she had to find the proper equilibrium. The spell was leading them to Dracula and they had to find him, so the threat could truly be gone.<\/p>\n
Cordelia took a deep breath and looked over her shoulder. She couldn\u2019t see or hear Angel in the blackness of the tunnels, but she knew he was there following. Cordelia hoped that Angel would be able to allow this. He had to.<\/p>\n
A small smile danced on Cordelia\u2019s lips as she forced her feet to move forward again. Dracula was an arrogant asshole, but soon he was going to be a very surprised and dead arrogant asshole.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Spike remained quiet as he matched stride with Angel. Every once in awhile he flashed vamp, to make sure the cheerleader\u2019s scent was still in the air. Spike looked at his grandsire. He really didn\u2019t need to bother. Angel had morphed into true predator mode as soon as the young woman hit the sewers.<\/p>\n
All of Angel\u2019s senses were locked on to one scent and one heart beat. The stillness of the other vampire\u2019s rage was apparent in each fluid step he took. Angel wouldn\u2019t lose her. Spike was impressed and a bit surprised that the vampire hadn\u2019t just ended the plan and grabbed the chit and locked her away.<\/p>\n
Angel paused, a growl vibrating from deep in his chest. Spike went back on vamp alert. She was still in the tunnels. The blonde vampire glanced at Angel. The growl began louder as Angel started to run, only to stop and slam his fist in the wall. Spike searched again for what could\u2019ve triggered Angel\u2019s overt show of violence.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeaches?\u201d The chit had stopped, but Spike couldn\u2019t sense Dracula or any other danger to the young woman.<\/p>\n
Angel ignored Spike, hitting the wall again, until crumbled cement scattered on the ground at his feet. Angel needed to feel the pain, to regain his focus. Cordelia had stopped. Her heartbeat had increased, the pumping signaling an anxiety. Angel needed to go to her, not just follow her. But he couldn\u2019t. If Angel went, he would destroy the plan because he would take Cordelia violently not caring about anything but claiming her and dragging her back to the hotel, locking her safely away. Angel raised his fist again, forcing his mind to take control of his instincts.<\/p>\n
The plan was the quickest and best way to find Dracula. Dracula dead would be the only way to truly keep Cordelia safe. Angel paused his fist\u2019s blow. He raised his head to the air. The anxiety was gone, Cordelia was moving again. Angel dropped his hand. It was more than that. He sniffed at the air. The arousal, the lust that had triggered Angel\u2019s rage was diminishing, leaving Cordelia\u2019s true scent.<\/p>\n
Angel\u2019s brown eyes turned to Spike. \u201cCordy\u2019s broken the spell.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUh?\u201d Spike saw the pride in Angel\u2019s gaze.\u201d Spike vamped. \u201cPeaches, she still moving\u2026.away.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel nodded, starting to jog in their previous direction. \u201cShe\u2019s controlling it, leading us to him. But, she\u2019s not under the influence anymore. God she\u2019s amazing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Spike blinked after Angel. The poof gave one those goofy smiles, again. Spike shrugged. He just hoped Angel got that idiotic grin off his face by the time they met up with Dracula.<\/p>\n
Dork Angel was not a vampire that could be taken as a serious threat.<\/p>\n