This was another entetaining chapter. The Initiative has certainly changed the rules, and Buffy's sickened reaction was well realized. Her lack of initial response to The Initiative was explained, though Oz' disappearance should have set off slayer alarm bells.

Angelus is certainly one smug vampire, sitting about trying to decide what his heart's desire is so he can be justly rewarded? I hope his reward is a lot less pleasant than he imagines!

Having Willow join them for dinner is a good way to get information and reconnect. I'm looking forward to her arrival as well as I'm Spike's reaction to taking down The Initiative.

Author's Response: Thanks, hun. Yep, rules have been changed and the playing field is not as it was. And my, aren't you eager to see Angel get what's coming to him! Hoping to have more for you soon. Thanks for reviewing, as usual. BFN, sweetie.

REVIEW: Wow!!! You've left me speechless!!

Author's Response: Oh! I so hope that's a good speechless! Thanks, hun.

ohhh. i really hope that we find out what is happening to giles soon. and why isn't angel a slave right now? can't wait for more. soon please

Author's Response: Will find out about Giles soon (glad you're worried about him) and Angel was saved by having a soul (which I may or may not have mentioned - just trust me on this!). Hoping for more next week but Monday is looking dodgy. Thanks for your constant reviews, hun.

*smiles* I love the interaction that Spike and Buffy have together now. It's warmth, but not hot. Not time for that yet. ;) But I hope it could be!

But the one thing that still bothered me, is Rupert/Ethan and Angelus. Their plans are still kinda hazy and that scares me.

Love the chapter.... update soon?

Author's Response: Glad you are liking the interaction of our favourite pair - hot will be much later! As for the rest...be scared, be very scared! Am having probs with next chapter so may be a late update. Sorry, but want to make it right before I post. Thanks, as always, for the review, hun.

My my...Angel is one smug bastard, isn't he?

Ethans intentions for Spike.....a resounding EWWWW...

Can't wait to find out what happened between all the Scoobys..What happened to Xander? I'm going to have to go back to see if it was mentioned in an earlier chapter..

Yipeee!! I am so glad that Buffy is going to try to take down the Initiative! I bet the whole Demon community would be more than willing to help in any way....
Also, that may be the only hope that Spike can gain back some of his ........I don't know....pride, confidence?? I hope he gets some of his back from what they have done to him..

Another riveting update...Looking forward to more!

Author's Response: Angel - smug? Yep. Ethan - intentions? Not good! Some mention was made in Chapter One - Joyce dead, Dawn died on Tower, Riley turned and Buffy killed him, Oz went into Initiative and was never seen again, Anya and Xander are in Cleveland. That's about it, I think. Glad that you're liking and more should be up some time next week (Monday is looking ifffy though). Thanks for reviewing, hun.

hi sweetie! sorry for the delay in my review... :(
but i'm still here... reading, in awe, this amazing story... (ok... can i say i couldn't comment before because your great authorial skills sent my mind reeling? lol)
uhmmm... so in this chap you focused more on the growing bond between spike & buffy, letting the conspiracies in the background... This means either you're a real nice person who wants to reward the readers with some spuffy quality time or... not, and you just left us hanging about, wondering... (i do know the truth... but i'm not telling! lol)
hugs & kisses


Author's Response: Hi, klylu! Delays are not a problem! LOL I might be coming up with some of my own in a few (hides under desk!). There will be no having of the Spuffy time - just yet. When it comes I hope you think it'll be worth the wait (gulps!). Anyway, am off to post next chapter now - hope you like it. Hugs, sweetie. xxx

Another taut, engrossing chapter. So, Angel is evil and wants to acquire Spike? The rape scenario was brutal and well written. Your attention to detail makes this story sing - Spike stopping in the kitchen to clean up really drove home how changed he is. Ethan's replacement of Giles is an intriguing new plot twist, especially with The Council retaining ownership of Spike. His vulnerability will be a constant even as he and Buffy grow closer.

Author's Response: Yep, Spike has changed but that doesn't mean he's stopped changing or that he won't become more 'himself'. Spike will defo be vulnerable for most of this fic, in one way or another. We'll just have to hope that all turns out for the best. Thanks for reviewing, hun.

I would say that this entertained me very well. I thoroughly enjoyed Ethan and I am looking forward to learning of the Initiatives nefarious plans. Poor Giles, hope he is not being totured. I think the Spike and Buffy scenes are very well done and not over the top. Okay, waiting for the next chappy.

Author's Response: I don't believe that Giles is being tortured, just being kept out of the way (but don't take that as gospel until you read it in a chapter!). Glad this entertained and hope the next chapter will do so also. BFN

I hope that Willow doesn't get caught! Now that Giles is MIA and that dastardly Ethan is in his place, we can't have all of our good guys in hot water!!

Wonderful chapter, as per always, my dear.

Author's Response: Thank you, me! LOL I'll try and keep the good guys out of hot water but you know what they're like! Thanks for reviewing. BFN

so loving the story chapter was excellent which there would have been more hope to see a new chapter very soon .........thank you great read maggie

Author's Response: Maggie, you are incorrigible in your desire for more - and you know full well that it'll be next week now! LOL Thanks for your continued supprt and regular reviewing. Hugs, sweetie.

So good!

The Initiative has reached an all new level of evil.

Not sure what to think about Ethan. I know he won't help the Initiative, but...he's still a trouble-making bastard.

And what's happening to poor Giles?

Author's Response: LOL! You are so right about Ethan, Kim. And I'm glad that some are interested in Giles' fate. More will be revealed in time, pet. Thanks for your comments. BFN

Good update

Author's Response: Thanks, Bridget.