Compelling, intriguing and fun! Can't wait for more!

Riley...Angel... *shudders* Don! those guys give me the creeps.....

very good chapter to read. and i can't wait to learn more about each character :)

A chapter revealing far more darkness than all the rest. Don is the silent meat cleaver who is not going to stay confined much longer; his base level of humanity is inhuman and there will come a point when Spike holds no sway with him.....

Spike's introspection re. Buffy and in fact himself, with his past, his own behaviour, his inner turmoil - it's brilliant stuff, Claudia.

And I love the phrase 'soft power'. I'm sure there is a certain amount of irony to be had there. For Spike is using it in the sense that the softly softly approach towards Buffy will reap the reward of her co-operation; I think perhaps that subliminally Buffy is using her soft power of Spike.

And it's working.

Fantastic writing.

Spike's fear and lack of control over his emotions and Buffy fueled this brutal interaction between them. He'd earned the title of monster she gave him. Great chapter, looking forward to more

Very intense! Buffy still thinks that she can manipulate her circumstance but did not take into account that Spike may have offered her a choice but in reality she has none. The violent attack Spike launched against Buffy was frightening and tramatic, thank goodness he stopped himself before he went even further with the violation. He's now marked Buffy in a very visable way and if Angel shows up, it is sure to spark an altercation. Reason got tossed out the window and reality took residence, hope that Buffy is strong enough to realize that worse could happen to her beyond death, her family could be threatened or worse, she could be given to the hired help for their pleasure. The lesser of all the evils that face her in this predicament would be to acknowledge Spike's ownership (even though it is repulsive to her)and face harsh facts. Feel conflicted about Spike's violent reaction since I want Spuffiness to happen but will see where you take the story from here.

Author's Response: Thank you for your dedicated responses! I totally understand the wanting of Spuffiness but I don't think they are really ready for it yet. Thanks Vette. I love reading your reviews.

Loved the chapter! Buffy's brazen words, Spike's retorts and finally the reason why she is there. The only thing I found strange is that he would kneel in front of her to tell her why she was there. That would show pleading, which up until that moment, he tried to conceal his weakness for her. Otherwise, really enjoyed!

Can't say that Spike has lied to Buffy about his intentions and need for revenge against Angel. A choice offered against a lethal alternative without any other options - Buffy must accept Spike's terms. Being made aware of the conditions for her continued safe existence, Buffy must wonder if Spike’s proposal comes with an expiration date. As a mistress, would she be expected to be displayed and pranced around to the organization as a symbol of consequence and conquest? Buffy would be a living testament to the power of the family, held within its grasp in defiance to the authorities who seek to destroy their organization. Better for Spike to explain the reality of her situation to Buffy, so that she will not make him appear weak to those around him. I shudder to think of Spike having to demonstrate his possession over Buffy to his family because of her willfulness. Look forward to more.

I am so liking this story. Can not wait for the update. What a place to end it. Impressive storyline.

Thanks for the update. I hope more is coming soon. :)

interesting things are going on here.. from Riley...to Xander...to Spike... to Buffy.... everyone.
i don't like Riley :)

thank you for the update!

Enjoyed. It's inevitable these two will lust after one another. For Buffy, this is Stockholm Syndrome at its finest!

I like your story. Are we going to get more background on Buffy and Spike. Also, is Buffy married? Why does she not consider herself single. Please update soon.

I'm so glad you are continuing this fic. It is really well written and just when you think you've read it all, you throw something else into the mix. Can't wait till the next chapter.