*calms a bit (your answer)*
Spike doesn't know how much he has hurt Buffy even if he saw how she looks like. She is reacting in the only way she knows when she's hurt: Hitting (back) what causes hurt *sigh*
More soon?

Author's Response: it causes hurt and confusion and they are both at that stage just now - I will make this better - wait until the next chapter

GOD DAMNIT WHY DID SHE HAVE TO REACT VIOLENTLY, IF SHE HAD BROKEN DOWN SPIKE WOULD HAVE SEEN HOW MUCH SHE LOVES HIM!!!!!!!! i love this story so much and am so happy that u updated. i cant believe that buffy tried to slap him, that reinforces to him the idea that shes still the same buffy as before and doesnt care for him. i understand buffys reaction though, it must have hurt so much. i really hope that spike and buffy talk and that she admits she loves him. also i hope this whole spike having a mate thjings is bullshit or can some how be erased and that everything works out well between buffy and spike and that they end up together. PLEASE update as soon as u can, i CANT wait to read the next chapter and read his explanation to claim. thanx

Author's Response: Hi sarah g, there will be lots of things answered in the next chapter which will be up real soon

Your KILLING ME with this story, absolutely KILLING ME, that fact that you can get me riled up attest to how great a writer you are. I think know what your doing here but don't want to ruin your surprises by hypothesizing.i didn't like the way Buffy reacted, but it makes sense, I would have preferred being big about it all and making him feel like shit . Him i just want to slap upside the head, Dawn had'nt opened her mouth he might have said something else , hint hint. Hope you had a good holiday and update again soon . I spent my whole weekend looking for this update

Author's Response: Hi JO, sorry but I had some RL issues when I came home, but everything is OK now - More before the end of the week - I hope

WOW, please go on as soon as possible, to whom is Spike mated, I know somehow Buffy deserves this but my heart still wants them to find their way back to each other (with much love and "spuffyness".

Author's Response: Hi babes, do you honestly think it wont be spuffy? Time will tell honey, time will tell

Have to let you know that this is THE best story going. So so glad to see your update! Hope real life isn't getting in the way of your writing. You have a wonderful imagination and a great way of creating and consequently treating your characters. They really come to life so beautifully.

This update was wonderful ... wish it was longer (as in 10 chapters longer). I love the fact that you actually had Spike attempt to move on with his life and also stop Buffy when she attempted to hit him. Bravo for you. No more martyr Spike ! This will be great from here on out I can tell. Well, that, and it is one of your stories of course...

Author's Response: Thanks Kim, for understanding where I am coming from . I warned everyone that my Spike would no longer be whipped, but some folks just want the smut. I want them to fall in love for keeps for a change

You know i used to love Spike but now i hate him with all my heart!!!! I hate Buffy then for treating Spike so shabilly before but now that the tables are turned I cant help it if i want to stake Spike now for being such an asshole.

Author's Response: You and Dawn both. I will make it better soon, I think you have waited long enough now

Interesting so far, to say the least. Now, let's get on to the secrets!

Author's Response: I agree Ella, I have left you hanging for far too long. secrets and lies in the next chapter

good story. But dawn is getting on my nerves. She has no right to be mad at spike. I mean really

Author's Response: I dont like Dawn much either - but she was angry at Spike. She uses her mouth, Buffy her fists - hell of ride to come

Silly Buffy is still at it... when is she ever going to learn... serves her right if Spike moves on... I certainly would not blame him... hope you had a great holiday and update soon!

Author's Response: I had a great holiday, thanks babes. A lot will be explained in the next chapter so we will see how that pans out