Chapter 51<\/b><\/p>\n
Gunn couldn\u2019t help but give the blonde vampire a smug \u2018I told you so\u2019 look.<\/p>\n
“Why aren’t you’ll doing something. Gimme a cross bow.” Cordelia glared.<\/p>\n
“Darlin, the target ain\u2019t cooperating. This is Angel\u2019s battle.\u201d Spike moved closer. He wasn\u2019t happy. There was nothing more he could do. The chit was safe and would remain so. If Angel lost? Spike turned to Wesley. \u201cIf this goes down any other way, you will get her out of here.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley blinked and then nodded, understanding immediately that the blonde vampire would stay and they would retreat. Wesley glanced at Cordelia, her body ringing with tension. Wesley could do it if Angel lost.<\/p>\n
Then it would be easy, even if they had to knock her out.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Cordelia just stared not resisting Spike\u2019s tight hold on her. Cordelia had seen Angel in so many different ways that spelled vampire.<\/p>\n
She fed him, warming his blood, she patched his cool skin, felt the non-beating of his heart. Cordelia had seen his coldness, his rage. Cordelia remembered his demon face above hers as he pinned her to the sewer wall as he thrust without thought. She saw him fight vampires and demons.<\/p>\n
But Cordelia never saw this.<\/p>\n
Cordelia stepped back. If she closed her eyes she could see a long time ago place, before man, where carnivores and predators were the only inhabitants of the earth. Where to fight meant to survive, to protect, to live was the goal minute to minute.<\/p>\n
Beast on beast- a battle where weapons were a luxury, something not invented yet, where the wining was done by tooth and nail, and flesh and blood. She screamed out for her dorky Angel, the demon that wanted to be human.<\/p>\n
This wasn\u2019t him. This wasn\u2019t even her champion. This was more than the vampires that they met and killed. This was more than Angelus. This was primal, without thought or reason. This was Angel. Cordelia bit her lip and moved further away.<\/p>\n
Spike turned. \u201cChit.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou were right.\u201d She blinked unshed tears and ran.<\/p>\n
Spike hunched, not even knowing why he was disappointed in the chit. His anger he would place at the feet at the battle above.<\/p>\n
Cordelia slumped to the ground as soon as the fresh air hit her. She had to figure out what to do. Angel was going to win. It was in the air, in the blood and violence that was bombarding that room.<\/p>\n
\u201cMiss.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia looked up at the concerned servant of Dracula. \u201cYou would be smart to leave, Dracula is dead.\u201d She\u00a0smiled.<\/p>\n
\u201cI do see the tide swinging that way. My concern is for you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know. Maybe it is just a memory of a feeling that I once had. Why are you out here? You were so sure before.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia\u2019s teeth dug into her lower lip. \u201cI still am.\u201d She smiled.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t understand.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia studied the servant for a moment. \u201cWhy? How did you stay with him?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI had no choice.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia’s smile could not hide the sympathy in her eyes. \u201cThat\u2019s really sad. What will you do now?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDie, I hope.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia shrugged. \u201cBefore that happens, go take a walk down Rodeo Drive, or see a good movie, or go watch the children in the park. Hell, go to Starbucks. You\u2019re alive now, you may see that you want to remain that way.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMiss, do you love the vampire?\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia blinked slowly up at the English gentleman. \u201cOh, yes.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThen\u2026\u201d He gestured to the fight inside.<\/p>\n
Cordelia shrugged. \u201cHe\u2019ll win and then he\u2019ll need me, but not right now.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a pleasure meeting you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia laughed. \u201cHey, Morty, if you\u2019re in the neighbor again stop by.\u201d Cordelia got up and decided that it was long enough.<\/p>\n
Chapter 52<\/b><\/p>\n
Cordelia glanced at the scene before her. In the scattered dust, she saw the smirking grin and the fondling hands. She looked at the standing dark vampire trying to reign in his instincts.<\/p>\n
Angel jerked his demon face in her direction, jerking as quickly away. Cordelia had no doubt at that moment that she hadn\u2019t been wrong to leave.<\/p>\n
But it hadn\u2019t been soon enough or long enough, Cordelia smiled. She walked to Wesley, Gunn and Spike. \u201cGo. We\u2019ll meet you at home.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCheerleader.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOuch, no chit or love.\u201d Cordelia\u2019s eyes twinkled. \u201cGo, Spike. No ribbing or rubbing. He\u2019ll be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2026\u201d Spike was unsure. The young woman had so many different faces. Which one was the truth?<\/p>\n
\u201cRemember, when you tell Connor, Angel gets the credit for being the hero.\u201d She stuck her tongue out at the blonde vampire as she walked to the motionless dark vampire.<\/p>\n
Spike nodded amazed, realizing then that every single strange facet of the young woman was real. He left his grandsire to the woman that truly loved him.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cI love you.\u201d Cordelia stared at the broad back of the dark vampire. She let her body go limp as it was swooped up and pressed up against the wall.<\/p>\n
\u201cMine,\u201d the low growl vibrated against the skin of her neck.<\/p>\n
Cordelia squirmed and held, moving and smiling. \u201cI think I should be mad. Where are these stupid doubts coming from?\u201d She nuzzled bring her hips closer.<\/p>\n
The instinct was still present, the killing lust gone as the last snap of Dracula\u2019s vertebrae ended with his dust on the floor, but the need to claim the body in his arms was still overwhelming, filling Angel’s senses. But as strong, not quite, but almost was the urge to smile.<\/p>\n
Cordelia was in his arms, her tone all knowing, so quietly authoritative. It made him pull back. Angel relaxed a bit. She hadn\u2019t been there. She didn\u2019t know.<\/p>\n
Cordelia cupped quickly, pulling Angel\u2019s face to her. \u201cI saw. I left, but I saw.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel pulled back further, his face clouding over in a hidden darkness.<\/p>\n
Cordelia ignored it. \u201c I didn\u2019t leave because of some stupid order that you gave or because I was seeing something unforgivable or un-understandable, but because I realized Wesley, Gunn and even Spike would weird out even more if I stayed. What exactly did you say to them? Would you believe that I had to actually threaten physical violence? They were scared of me.\u201d Cordelia beamed.<\/p>\n
Angel stared. The urge to smile was pushing forward, but not yet beating the urge to just take. He needed her, then he would take the luxury to smile, he first needed to make sure and to live.<\/p>\n
Angel stole her lips, stopping any more words. Cordelia leaned in pushing her hips forward.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel,\u201d she gasped, whispering against his dark head. \u201cIf you need my permission, then you have it. \u201d Cordelia pushed his head further against the skin and the sharp fangs that were pressed against it.<\/p>\n
Angel almost did it. Her words, his instincts it was to be done. Except. Angel leaned up, his rage fleeing quickly, because the willing body in his arms was the one that he loved. Angel moved away from the delicate skin. \u201cYou saw?\u201d His voice tentative.<\/p>\n
Cordelia tried to budge Angel\u2019s head closer, but he was being all vamp obstinate. \u201cYeah, but not the end, does that help.\u201d She tugged harder.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy,. I\u2026” Angel refused to let her pull him to her flesh.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you have the balls to say that you were acting all vampire and then apologize, I\u2019ll be so very pissed.” She smacked him across the head. \u201cWhat, a little show and tell of violence will clue me into the not so secret- secret that you\u2019re a vampire. Duh. Secret, I already knew, five years and running\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBut\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDamn you. Okay. Primal blood lust is a bit scary, but since it was for me and not against me, I\u2019m a little biased. Your vamp instincts say mark me, then mark me. Do it. I want it. I want to belong to you, to love every friggin part of you, no hidden areas, if you can\u2019t deal- then find someone else, go looking for a blonde as gorgeous, frustrating, and knows the exact temperature to heat your blood, I dare you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel stood, rage gone, joy and laughter threatening to emerge. And he was feeling just a little bit cocky. Cordelia loved him still. \u201cOkay. It shouldn\u2019t be that hard, I mean how hard is it to find a blonde in LA that can work a microwave.\u201d Angel smiled.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, while we both know that you are dead, we also know that you still have feelings in you lower regions. In fact, wasn\u2019t it you that screamed that you weren\u2019t a eunuch.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUmm, Cordy.\u201d Angel winced as Cordelia\u2019s gentle caress turned into a hard grip.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes.\u201d She smiled and squeezed harder. Cordelia laughed and relented as the vicious dangerous vampire that destroyed Dracula whimpered in relief.<\/p>\n
\u201cMake love to me now.\u201d She tugged at his leather coat.<\/p>\n
\u201cA funeral home?\u201d A split second later. \u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, you\u2019re right, sewers are \u2018our place\u2019 come on.\u201d Cordelia pulled at his hand.<\/p>\n
Chapter 53<\/b>
\nAngel\u2019s smile dimmed as his eyes grazed the young woman tugging at him. He had dressed Cordy before she left the hotel.<\/p>\n
Granted, Angel had no idea what clothes he grabbed from the floor. But he knew without a doubt it wasn\u2019t Gunn\u2019s jean jacket or the worn, dirty blanket that now wrapped Cordelia\u2019s body. Angel stopped, jerking Cordelia back to him. In game face, he took in the scents flowing around her, ignoring for the moment Cordelia\u2019s.<\/p>\n
Gunn\u2019s from the jacket, god only knows what and everything from the blanket that must have been in Gunn\u2019s truck from the beginning of time, and Dracula. Angel growled. It was there- faint, but there, the other vampire had touched her. Angel thought past the blinding instincts that he had welcomed when he entered the funeral home. Dimly, beneath that memory, Angel saw Cordelia slumped, naked being held by Dracula.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel opened the collar of the jacket, pushing the shoulders down her arms. Cordelia stilled, knowing that lovemaking wasn\u2019t the vampire\u2019s motivation. She waited as the demon flashed again over Angel\u2019s countenance. Bye, bye happy Angel. Cordelia shrugged; she\u2019d get him back in a minute. That\u2019s all she would give Angel to be all freaked.<\/p>\n
Angel\u2019s hands brushed the discolored skin around Cordelia\u2019s neck, Dracula\u2019s fingerprints quickly forming in the purple bruises. His hand wandered down to the similar evidence on the flesh of her upper arm. Angel\u2019s growl vibrated throughout his chest. Cordelia could swear she saw his body tremble with its force.<\/p>\n
This was ridiculous. \u201cAngel, he\u2019s already dead. You can\u2019t kill him again. AND I\u2019m fine.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel growled sharply, knowing Cordelia was right. But, with every fiber of his dead body he wished the battle with Dracula had taken longer, had been bloodier, had had the time for torture. Angel wanted another moment with the vampire, to kill him again and again.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, this stupid. Sewers, \u2018our\u2019 place, make love not war. Really stupid, to re-fight the war, when it\u2019s already been fought and won.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel didn\u2019t listen, his hands just stroked, alternating between soft and hard. His lips descended, brushing and kissing trying to find a way to make the marks of Dracula\u2019s existence go away.<\/p>\n
Cordelia purred into his touch and kisses, this freaking she could stand. In fact she welcomed it, needed it. Her hands reached to Angel\u2019s chest, moving up and around, only to jerk back suddenly.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel.\u201d She snapped, quickly but gently pulling the sides of his coat back to get a better look at the torn and tattered material obscured by the leather flaps. \u201cAngel.\u201d Her eyes blinked up, then down again at the tears of the shirt coated with blood. Cordelia\u2019s eyes flashed. \u201cStupid vampire, come on,\u201d tugging and pulling for Angel to follow.<\/p>\n
\u201cSewer, love not war?\u201d Angel said, hopefully.<\/p>\n
\u201cIdiot, You\u2019ve been hurt. We\u2019re going home, so I can get a better look. Geez, Angel were you going to say anything? No. Remembered what happened the last time you forgot to mention to me that you were hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel thought back and considered. If he remembered correctly, it resulted in Cordelia kneeling before him swallowing him whole with delicious moist precision. Was that supposed to be a threat? Angel hoped so. He followed quickly.<\/p>\n
Chapter 54<\/b><\/p>\n
Gunn was grumbling. \u201cStop.\u201d He knocked the blonde vampire\u2019s hand away from the truck\u2019s stereo.<\/p>\n
Spike rolled his eyes and took out his cigarettes.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t smoke in here, dawg.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, please, like I\u2019ll ruin the pristine condition of the vinyl.\u201d Spike rolled his eyes and threw the cigarette out the window.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t like it ride with Wes.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBloody hell, I\u2019m not riding clutching on to English wanker\u2019s waist wearing a pink helmet. What self-respecting vampire would wear such a pansy ass thing? Not me,\u201d Spike\u2019s hand reaching for the stereo again. \u201cHey,\u201d Spike started to move in the seat, yanking the volume up. Spike smacked at Gunn\u2019s approaching hand, thumbing his fist on the dashboard starting to sing with the words emerging from the contagious beat.<\/p>\n
Buddy you\u2019re a young boy make a big noise
\nPlayin\u2019 in the streets gonna be a big man some day
\nYou got mud on yo\u2019 face
\nYou big disgrace
\nKickin\u2019 your can all over the place singin\u2019<\/i><\/p>\n
We will we will Rock you
\nWe will we will Rock you<\/p>\n
Gunn clinched his hands tighter around the steering wheel to stop his traitorous fingers from tapping. \u201cShut up,\u201d glaring at Spike\u2019s jabbing finger in the air.<\/p>\n
Spike ignored the black man picking the words back up as they began again.<\/p>\n
Buddy you\u2019re a young man hard man
\nShoutin\u2019 in the streets gonna take on the world some day
\nYou got blood on yo\u2019 face
\nYou big disgrace
\nWaivin\u2019 your banner all over the place<\/i><\/p>\n
We will we will rock you<\/p>\n
Gunn was just grateful that the vampire didn\u2019t look over as the young black man belted out in accompaniment.<\/p>\n
We will we will rock you<\/i><\/p>\n
Gunn tried to stop, but he had to admit the song made a body move. He started bouncing in the seat, taking over the next set of words.<\/p>\n
Buddy you\u2019re an old man poor man
\nPleadin\u2019 with your eyes gonna make you some peace some day
\nYou got mud on your face
\nYou big disgrace
\nSomebody better you put you back into your place<\/i><\/p>\n
Both Gunn and Spike looked at each and grinned, their fists beating in time with the music, singing loudly together.<\/p>\n
We will we will rock you
\nSingin
\nWe will we will rock you
\nWe will we will rock you<\/i><\/p>\n
\u201cWe rocked Drac\u2019s fuckin ass,\u201d Spike slammed his fist on the dashboard.<\/p>\n
\u201cRocked his dead ass dead.\u201d Gunn banged his hand down on the steering wheel.<\/p>\n
They both looked at each other. \u201cShit, we helped.\u201d Spike and Gunn said together. The pickup truck bouncing and jerking along the road as the two men, one human, the other demon started singing again – we will we will rock you<\/i>, as loud as they could.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Fred and Wesley stood up as Gunn and Spike entered the lobby. Neither Gunn nor Spike paid attention, they were to intent on their heated argument. Fred scrunched up her face, pushing up her glasses.<\/p>\n
She got that she had trouble understanding the blonde vampire sometimes, but Charles? He was sort of her boyfriend. What was so L.L Cool about being Notoriously big? And why was Charles shaking his fist in the vampire\u2019s face yelling for William to get in the millennium.<\/p>\n
\u201cAin\u2019t. Ramones.”<\/p>\n
\u201cHell and George Clinton! He\u2019s like old, man. Is he even alive?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe IS the funk master. This techno, gansta rap, is not music.\u201d Spike shook his head.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd the Punk crap is. Shit.\u201d<\/p>\n
Spike threw up his hands.<\/p>\n
Fred turned to Wesley, grateful that the man was pushing and shoving at his glasses in confusion, also. He smiled weakly at Fred and shrugged back to Spike and Gunn. \u201cAngel and Cordy?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLeft them, like the chit said.\u201d Spike wandered around. \u201cHey, where\u2019s the squirt?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAsleep.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh.\u201d Spike shrugged at the coat around his body, he couldn\u2019t decide if he liked it or not. It gave better kick room, but was it has cool as black leather swooshing around his ankles? \u201cHey, pet, do you like this coat or mine better,\u201d turning.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s Angels.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI know that.\u201d Spike shook his head. Useless. \u201cDanger over. I\u2019m going to grab a cup of blood and\u2026any bars around? What about the green queen\u2019s?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s open, still.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGood, I need a drink. Anybody else,\u201d His eyes going from tired human to the other. \u201cNevermind, pansies. See ya.\u201d Spike turned meeting Gunn\u2019s eyes. \u201cHey, We ROCKED.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDamn straight.\u201d Gunn shot up his fist smacking the blonde vampire\u2019s.<\/p>\n
Wesley coughed, slightly perturbed that Gunn was doing that hand-smacking handshake with Spike. \u201cI see, Gunn, that you and Spike have reached an compatible understanding.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUh.\u201d Gunn swirled, the grin dropping from his face. \u201cUh, hell no.\u201d<\/p>\n
Chapter 55<\/b><\/p>\n
Cordelia dragged Angel into a darkened lobby. \u201cGee, did they or didn\u2019t they want to know if I was safe.\u201d Her face scowled at the absence of fanfare.<\/p>\n
Angel searched the hotel. \u201cGunn and Wesley are back. I imagine they told Fred that you were safe.\u201d Angel sensed again. Spike was gone. Angel frowned he didn\u2019t want the blonde vampire to have left yet. Angel looked at the hand that was tugging at him. He smiled. Spike could wait.<\/p>\n
\u201cCome on, out of your clothes, I want to see you naked.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI would\u2019ve obliged earlier.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGet upstairs, I want to see your injuries, smart ass. Though, it is very cute ass.\u201d Cordelia smiled.<\/p>\n
Angel turned to look behind him, he wasn\u2019t sure what constituted a cute ass in Cordelia\u2019s world, he was just glad he had one. He looked again at the young woman tugging him.<\/p>\n
He had two choices. Angel could let Cordelia boss him around in her loving dominatrix mode or he could just throw her on the floor. The scent of desire building in the young woman\u2019s body told him he could do the later without any guilt. But, then again, if he chose the first, she would be all dominatrixy, loving and teasing on his body and then he could throw her on the bed.<\/p>\n
Angel frowned. \u201cCordelia, I\u2019m fine.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, the heroic, denial mode still, Hmmph. Come on.\u201d She pulled. Angel shrugged and followed wondering how long he would last before he just took her. It could be very fun trying to find out.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel.\u201d Cordelia bit her lip as she gently wiped away the dried blood on his side and back.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m okay, Cordy.\u201d Angel said softly. Angel inwardly cursed. Cordelia\u2019s arousal dipped to an almost negligible level as soon as she saw the first injury, anxiety and worry quickly replacing the more enjoyable scent.<\/p>\n
Cordelia\u2019s eyes clouded, her fingers lightly tracing the gashes on Angel\u2019s back. Wounds made without weapons, a strong dead hand with so much force caused the deep bloody parallel scratch marks. Cordelia\u2019s eyes blinked back the tears as her gaze rested on the gapping bite mark on Angel\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n
It truly had been a fight between two beasts. Cordelia briefly laid her face against the vampire\u2019s back, grateful that Angel had been the stronger, the more violent. If he had died\u2026. Cordelia couldn\u2019t complete the thought.<\/p>\n
Angel shifted, beginning to worry as he felt her weight leave the bed. Angel didn\u2019t need to see his injuries to know what they evidenced. They were proof of the brutality of his battle with Dracula, confirmation of Angel\u2019s own violent instinctive nature. Something, he had always wanted to keep hidden from Cordelia, something he knew had failed to do when he wanted to mark her in the sewer and something he was still failing at.<\/p>\n
But, Angel knew that he couldn\u2019t have fought Dracula any other way and truthfully he hadn\u2019t wanted to. Angel was again wondering how Cordelia could love him. When would she say she had enough of the darkness of his demon?<\/p>\n
Angel shifted again, wanting to run away from the young woman\u2019s gaze that was once again centered on his wounds. He breathed in her scent as he felt her gentle touch bandaging the tears in his dead flesh.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel,\u201d Cordelia whispered, moving again, this time around his body, pressing hers against his. She gently nudged his head towards her certain eyes. Cordelia scrunched her face as guilt and doubt flashed in the brown eyes that now held hers. She closed her eyes turning away. When would Angel learn to trust her? Would he always doubt her love? If it didn\u2019t make her so sad, it would make her angry, very angry.<\/p>\n
Cordelia shrugged off the blanket that was still wrapped around her. She leaned back on the bed, pulling at the vampire\u2019s hand that she grabbed. \u201cAngel.\u201d She beckoned.<\/p>\n
Angel hesitated. \u201cAngel,\u201d Cordelia called again, her voice tinged slightly with growing annoyance.<\/p>\n
Angel blinked, looking at the beautiful woman laid out before him. He leaned down, unable to resist the beauty offered. His hands and eyes gently caressed the deep hazel eyes that held so much love, the lips that could smile such a smile bringing laughter and light into his dark existence.<\/p>\n
Cordelia reached up to stroke Angel\u2019s forearm down to the hand that was touching her neck. \u201cAngel, I meant it. If it\u2019s my permission you need, then I give it. Mark me as yours.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel slowly shook his head, his eyes leaving Cordelia\u2019s. The young woman\u2019s complete acceptance of him continued to amaze him.<\/p>\n
\u201cDamn\u2019t, Angel.\u201d Cordelia lifted her other hand, jerking his face back. \u201cIf marking me will get rid of your stupid doubts about me, then do it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t doubt you.\u201d Angel said softly.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, you do. You don\u2019t think I can love you completely, the whole you, the \u2018grr\u2019 guy and accompanying instincts. Well, I can and I do. Mark me and prove it to yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel was silent, moving her hand from his face bringing it to his lips. He leaned in further, pushing his pant-covered leg between Cordelia\u2019s thighs trapping her center by the hard muscles of his thigh. Angel dropped her fingers, placing his hand possessively around the slim delicate column of her neck. He moved in closer until his chiseled chest was plush against her soft one. The fingers on her neck began to fondle upward, tracing the line of Cordelia\u2019s jaw up to her lips. \u201cIts not doubts, Cordelia.\u201d Whispering as Angel\u2019s mouth followed his fingers.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel.\u201d Cordelia argued, just as softly, her breaths coming in small little gasps.<\/p>\n
Angel smiled and shook his head. \u201cIt\u2019s pure wonderment,\u201d his thumb caressing her cheek. \u201cAnd, I will always be amazed by your heart and love for me. Marking you won\u2019t change that.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBut, you\u2019re vamp instincts?\u201d Cordelia tried to keep the annoyance in her voice, but it was hard when Angel\u2019s hands were turning her body into a liquid swirling electric mush. \u201cYou wanted to.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes,\u201d Angel nuzzled against the crook of Cordelia\u2019s neck.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, do it,\u201d pulling his head closer.<\/p>\n
Angel allowed her to press him closer to her flesh, continuing with his soft kisses.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel.\u201d Cordelia pushed him away or at least tried to. \u201cWhy not?\u201d Cordelia gave up and just clutched his head closer, whispering in his hair.<\/p>\n
Angel leaned up, brushing her hair gently away, adjusting his thigh closer into the warmth of her center. \u201cCordy, those times I was reacting on pure instinct, not seeing you as a person, but something that I had to claim -to prove to myself, to you and to anybody else that you belonged to me. The need was real brought on by the threat of Dracula. But even before that threat was gone, I promised that I would never touch you like that again. I never want to touch you or make love to you without seeing YOU.<\/p>\n
You are the most beautiful woman I\u2019ve ever met or seen; you have the most extraordinary heart and courage. Loving and seeing you like this right now gives me more pleasure, more joy than marking you ever could. Biting you is an act of a vampire and you allow me too be so much more, you give me the hope for a real future- a real life with you and Connor.”<\/p>\n
Cordelia bit her lip getting lost once again in the deepness of Angel\u2019s eyes. The vampire was telling the truth. She should\u2019ve realized it. Cordelia smiled and she thought she was so smart and all knowing about Angel.<\/p>\n
She remembered his guilt in the sewers and in the funeral home. Cordelia thought she could alleviate it for him, but he didn\u2019t want it gone. \u201cAngel, you aren\u2019t really loving me right now, you\u2019re just talking- a lot, too much,\u201d whispering, reaching her hands down his chest towards the waistband of his pants.<\/p>\n
Angel laughed, helping her fumbling hand to get rid of his offending pants. He pushed Cordelia back on the bed.<\/p>\n
Cordelia pushed back up. Angel groaned. This had been her idea. Okay, it was his to. But she was the one tugging at his pants, now she was pushing him away. Angel was getting serious groin ache. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYour injuries, maybe we should wait?\u201d Cordelia\u2019s light touch twittered over the bandages at Angel\u2019s side. Cordelia had to be clear headed about this she couldn\u2019t let her desire ignore Angel\u2019s need to rest. Someone had to be responsible.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy,\u201d Angel said clearly, forcing the frustrated growl down his throat, \u201cIf it is my welfare that you are concerned with then waiting will hurt a helluva a lot more than these stupid little injuries.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia was about to argue that the injuries were not little, but Angel\u2019s hand had replaced his thigh, doing very distracting things to her logical and responsible thinking. \u201cOh, I don\u2019t want you to be in any pain.\u201d She squirmed capturing his exploring fingers with her thighs, her hand coming up to embrace Angel\u2019s hair, pulling him down.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s very considerate of you. You\u2019re very sweet.\u201d He murmured, \u201cSo very sweet,\u201d tasting every inch of skin available. This was another one of those times that having vampire instincts was a good thing. Angel breathed in the scent he tasted; the sound of the soft whimpers trapped in Cordelia\u2019s chest along with her faster heartbeat was an intoxicant. Angel knew then without a doubt, he was right. He could never imagine just the instinctual taking of the beautiful young woman. This is what Angel craved, her responsiveness and her love.<\/p>\n
God, he needed Cordelia, love was too tame of a word. Angel growled moving his head from the apex of Cordelia\u2019s thighs, traveling quickly to her lips. He had to get completely lost in all of her. Angel thrust as his lips captured Cordelia\u2019s. Angel didn\u2019t stop his thrusts as he felt the salt laden tears trailing to their joined lips and searching tongues. The continuous whimpers of his name echoing in his ears told him that the tears weren\u2019t ones of pain or sadness. Angel was sinking into Cordelia\u2019s depths. Warm hot walls seized him urging him to do more. Angel was lost in love, pleasure and heat. His hands moved, clutching between the clefts of the sweet mounds of Cordelia’s buttocks. Angel paused only momentarily, feeling the firmness and softness.<\/p>\n
Angel groaned a chuckle. Cordelia hadn\u2019t appreciated that small stopping. She bucked grabbing at his hips, slamming into his groan. \u201cAngel,\u201d she chastised.<\/p>\n
Angel resumed his previous actions, sensing that the tightness in Cordelia\u2019s body was about to explode; he wanted to be there when it did. Angel groaned seizing Cordelia\u2019s cries as her heat melted around him in short hard long burst. Angel shuddered against the warm cushion surrounding him. He moved quickly, ignoring Cordelia cry of loss. His lips descended again. Angel had to taste the evidence of their love. Cordelia\u2019s hips jerked at the contact, the burst beginning again. Cordelia blinked wondering, lights flashed under her eyelids, breaking through the blackness that was overcoming her mind.<\/p>\n
Cordelia fought the encroaching unconsciousness wanting to feel all of the next amazing feeling, only it wasn\u2019t just one but a continuous bombardment. Torture was easier than this. But, damn, it was beautiful, she gasped as her body went limp.<\/p>\n
Angel moved and pulled Cordelia\u2019s body into his, cradling it, stroking and licking the sweat covered skin. This was perfect; he curled into her body, nuzzling further into the flesh. \u201cAngel,\u201d Cordelia whispered.<\/p>\n
\u201cMmm,\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWow?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWow, is right.\u201d He chuckled turning to kiss the beautiful swollen lips that had settled in a small-pleased smile.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cUh, Angel, is that you?\u201d Fred rubbed at her eyes reaching for her glasses.<\/p>\n
\u201cSorry, Fred. I just wanted to get Connor.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, of course. Angel, is Cordy okay? The guys said she was, but is she, really?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy is fine.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fred blinked, pushing at her glasses. Either that was the biggest, goofiest grin she ever saw or she needed new glasses.<\/p>\n
\u201cGood night.\u201d Angel left with his son cradled in his arms.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cWhere did you go?\u201d Cordelia yawned rubbing her eyes, and then opening them wide at the gurgling sound coming from Angel\u2019s arms. \u201cConnor.\u201d She jumped up. \u201cOh. Shoot.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel watched the grin still wide on his face as Cordelia scrambled around trying to find a shirt or something on the floor that wasn\u2019t torn or bloodied. Finally, she stood up with a triumphant yell.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy coat?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDamn\u2019t,” throwing the leather jacket to the ground. Cordelia ran to Angel’s closet, yanking the first shirt she could lay her hands on.<\/p>\n
\u201cGimme.\u201d Cordelia held out her arms, the sleeves of Angel\u2019s shirt covering her flexing fingers.<\/p>\n
\u201cHoney, come on, let\u2019s all sleep together, you, me and daddy, maybe in the morning we\u2019ll convince the cheap sake to get a bigger bed. Wouldn\u2019t that be fun,\u201d nuzzling into Connor\u2019s chubby cheek.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m working on it, I\u2019ve narrowed it down to two.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTwo? I better look.\u201d She smiled getting back into the bed, slapping the empty side next to her and Connor. “Come on, Angel, join Connor and Auntie Cordy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel paused, his knee barely on the bed. \u201cAuntie Cordy?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, I\u2019m family.\u201d Cordy hugged the baby, her tone almost defensive.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re not Aunt Cordy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI am, too. Why not?\u201d Cordelia\u2019s tone was definitely rising. She turned quickly to the baby in her arms. \u201cShh, honey, Daddy is being stupid.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, Connor, Mommy is being stupid.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?!\u201d Cordelia blinked adjusting her grip on the baby she almost dropped on the bed. \u201cWhat?\u201d she whispered.<\/p>\n
\u201cMommy, you.\u201d Angel proceeded in his descent seizing hold of both of his miracles.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou want me to be Connor\u2019s mother?\u201d Wide hazel blinked and widened into a large questioning stare.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s what you\u2019ve been since he came. That\u2019s what you are to me and to him. See,\u201d Angel pointed to his son, who was happily grabbing and \u2018blurslurping\u2019 at Cordelia\u2019s hair.<\/p>\n
Cordelia gulped and took a deep breath. Connor\u2019s mother. She could do it, she wanted to, but. \u201cYou can never take that back, never, ever, ever.\u201d Cordelia glared a warning. \u201cNever\u201d, she said again with emphasis.<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay,\u201d Angel making the easiest promise of his life. He snuggled both beings closer savoring their scents and heart beats.<\/p>\n
\u201cWatch it, daddy. Smooched baby alert,\u201d Cordelia pushing one of Angel\u2019s hands down to her waist and pulling the other to rest on Connor\u2019s belly with hers.<\/p>\n