Chapter 18 Gratitude
Spike’s heart swelled with pride as Buffy pledged to destroy her former love. He had not questioned her commitment to their love, but he was afraid she might not be able to do what she needed to deal with Acathla.
He no longer questioned her resolve. Spike could feel through the claim that she would undoubtedly do whatever it would take to protect her mate and child. Likewise, Spike would do the same.
Spike would not allow Buffy any slayage time yet, even with Angelus loose, until she had some more rest. She was now emotionally exhausted from this morning’s session. Slayer or not, she still needed her beauty sleep.
Of course, Giles spoke up before Spike could usher his Goldilocks off to bed.
“Buffy, how in your condition do you expect to be able to deal with Angelus?”
“Like I do in every situation that is new to me; kick ass and win.”
“Aren’t you even thinking about the danger you’re putting your child in?”
“Hello? Giles if I do nothing then there will be no child! Remember this whole ordeal started because of Acathla and the end of the world?”
Giles sheepishly looked down, and brushed his hand through his hair. The gesture would suffice as admitting he was barking down the wrong tree with his comments. It was hard for him to tell her that he loved her like a daughter and just wanted her to be safe. He wanted her to have only the best that life could give, and the current situation frustrated him. Mated to a vampire, pregnant, having to fight vampires every night. Instead of being honest with her, he hid behind the guise of Council rules and the expectations for a slayer.
If she made it through this, he decided it would be time to stop hiding. The current situation was so dire, that he could not do it now. She needed to think clearly and not based on emotions.
Killing Angelus would prove that she could do her calling as the slayer without letting emotions cloud her judgment. Still, he wanted to keep her in her mother’s house and send a special Council Task Force in to deal with the problem.
Of course that seemed like a great idea, and the best solution. Only problem being Quentin Travers would decline the Council’s resources. God forbid if he helped one of the young girls for once. Giles swore that bastard was more evil than some of the vampires he knew.
In fact, how odd was it that Quentin would not provide and protect the Slayers, but William the Bloody, Slayer of Slayers, would protect his mate, a Slayer, with his unlife.
Giles just shook his head and thought to himself ‘Bloody Irony, fucked up thing that it is.’
Spike decided that the awkward silence created the perfect opportunity to bring his princess up to bed.
“Look, we all know that we aren’t going to be able to stop the Slayer from doing her duty. As much as I don’t want her to go in either, she’ll find a way and I will be there every step of the way to back her up and protect her. We’ll need our strength, so Buffy and I are going to go upstairs to sleep.”
“Spike,” Buffy tried to protest, “We need to plan now.”
“Luv, look the best thing to do is catch Peaches in the daytime. The Scoobies can work on logistics while we rest. We’ll fill in the gaps when we rise, yeah?”
Buffy was tired. Willow and her mother nodded their heads agreeing with Spike. He made sense, so she decided she would not fight him. She would let him take the lead for now.
“Your right Spike. I am exhausted, especially after this morning.”
Spike had expected a full-blown battle with Buffy. He was pleasantly surprised that she chose not to waste her energy by fighting.
He reached for her hand to lead her towards the stairs, but was surprised when she backed off for a moment. It was a little puzzling since she agreed with him about going up for some rest.
Buffy sent him a reassuring look and loving vibes through the claim. She had decided she had a few things to say to everyone before she went up to rest.
“Look, I know not all of you are happy or accepting of the situation between Spike and I. I want to make it clear though that we are in this willingly, and I expect no more discussion about it when we wake from our rest later today. There simply will not be enough time to do anything but plan for the attack; I expect us to focus. Even after the task at hand is done, I would hope each of you will be supportive to us in your own way. I’m not asking for a blessing or approval, just that you don’t communicate to us your negative opinions or treat us as lepers. I love all of you, but if you put me in a position to choose between my relationship with you and my relationship with Spike, Spike is going to win.”
Joyce was touched by her daughter’s strength and resilience. She knew things were not going to be easy for her daughter, but she would stand up for her 100%. Joyce stood up and hugged her daughter. Then she walked over to Spike.
“Welcome to the Summers Family, Spike. I’m happy to have you as a part of it.”
Joyce walked up to Spike, without fear, and hugged him. Spike hugged her back and blinked back his tears. He could feel Buffy’s happiness of her mom’s approval through their link.
Buffy held back her own tears. She could feel through her link with Spike just how important this really was to him. Acceptance, love, looked upon as a man and not a monster.
Buffy gave her mom a kiss on the cheek and then took her mate’s hand. Silently, the pair walked up to her bedroom to retire for the morning.
~~~~~~
Once they settled into her bed, now their bed, Spike wrapped his arms around Buffy. He smelled her hair and placed small kisses along her neck.
Buffy was tired, but he was arousing her quickly. She began to moan in response to his ministrations, which only encouraged Spike to continue. She turned around so she could easily reach his hard member with her hands.
“‘Cor luv, I love the way you touch me.”
Spike gently removed the t-shirt Buffy was wearing. He peppered kisses down her neck to her swollen breasts. He gently licked around her nipples before finally taking one into his mouth.
Buffy threw her head back and moaned in delight. She began to grind her crotch into Spike’s leg. She rapidly increased the stroking of his luscious cock.
“Spike, I need you now. I need you to make love to me, please?”
Spike immediately responded to her pleas by removing the remainder of their clothing. He gently touched her pussy to make sure she was ready for him.
Buffy was ready for him alright. While he was gently stroking her, she pushed him on his back, and then lavished his chest with kisses. She made her way up his body to his neck and lips.
Spike could not believe what his golden goddess was doing to him. One moment she pleaded with him to make love to her and now she was taking control. She positioned herself on top of his cock and quickly impaled herself on it.
The pleasure of being sheathed in her warmth was going to cause him to explode. The feelings of love they exchanged through their link were bound to send them over the edge harder than they had before.
“God luv never had it so fucking good before. Fuck love. Ride me. That’s it baby, ride the Big Bad.”
Spike’s encouragement turned Buffy on more and more. She moved up and down on his shaft, squeezing her inner muscles on each upstroke. Her inner walls were trembling, ready to explode.
She looked into Spike’s eyes. His love and devotion reflected back at her.
“I love you Spike.”
“Love you too Buffy.”
Buffy felt her orgasm beginning and she swiftly moved her lips to her claim mark on Spike’s neck. She bit hard and deep; her screams of passion muffled by his neck.
“Mine!”
“Yours luv, always. All fuckin’ yours.”
The second her teeth broke his skin, Spike spilled his release into her. His game face came to the fore and the demon reciprocated the reaffirmation of their claim. He took a few quick pulls of her blood, and then sealed the puncture wounds with a quick lick of his tongue.
“Mine. My Buffy. My love.”
“Your girl. Forever.”
Although falling asleep immediately was the natural thing to do, they knew with a houseful of guest someone could walk in and get an eyeful. Spike helped Buffy back into her clothes, and he threw on his jeans.
Spike gently took her hand to assist her back onto the bed. She safely climbed in and cuddled into Spike.
‘Love you. My princess. My goddess. Love you so much, never want to lose you.’
‘You’ll never lose me Spike.’
‘Buffy, was that you in my head?’
‘Yeah, pretty neat. I guess since we renewed our claim, it made our link stronger.’
Spike was pleased that he could communicate with his mate on a telepathic level. It would certainly help them in protecting one another. There was nothing like the sound of her voice as she told him she loved him.
It was, after all, his favorite sound in the world.
“Buffy?”
“Yeah, Spike?”
“I love you.”
“I love you too. How come you didn’t use our link?”
“Because I like to hear you say it. The sound of your voice, please don’t forget that.”
“Never Spike. Hey Spike?”
“Yeah luv?”
“I love you. Let’s rest now, ok?”
“Anything for you my love; anything.”
~~~~~~
Joyce was in the kitchen with the remainder of the household. The sounds of breakfast sizzling on the stove were providing a much needed distraction to the noise from the second floor of her home. While she was accepting of her daughter’s situation, it did not mean that she approved of the loud lovemaking that was occurring under her roof.
She would have to have a conversation with Buffy about this later. Joyce thought about what would happen. ‘Would Buffy and Spike live with her?’ Of course not, Spike was certainly too mature to want to live with his girl’s mother. ‘Would they move into his place? Where does Spike live?’
“Mrs. Summers, the bacon’s starting to burn.”
“Oh. Thanks Oz. I appreciate it. “
“Finally,” Cordelia whined, “I thought they’d be going at it for hours. I thought she needed to rest.”
Giles put his glasses back on after his marathon polishing session.
“Cordelia, I think its best that we not comment on whatever is happening upstairs.”
“Well maybe they are just having a pillow fight?”
Willow knew it sounded stupid and naïve the minute the words left her mouth, but she figured that was a better visual for Buffy’s mom than her daughter naked with a nummy vampire.
“Tell yourself whatever makes you feel better Willow.”
“I will Cordelia, thank you.”
Oz smiled for two reasons. First being that his girl stood up to super bitch. Second, the melodious sounds of his friends getting it on upstairs. What self respecting male wouldn’t enjoy it, except for Giles who clearly thought of Buffy as a daughter.
Anyhow, Oz felt it was time to take the focus off Buffy and Spike.
“Yum. French Toast, it looks delicious Mrs. Summers.”
“I hope it tastes as good as it smells!”
‘Willow and Oz are so kind. Unlike that Cordelia who won’t even be grateful that I cooked for her. I’m glad some of my daughter’s friends are decent.’ Joyce put out the breakfast spread on the kitchen island for everyone to help themselves.
“Joyce, my lord, this is absolutely delicious!”
“Why thank you Rupert. I’m so glad you appreciate my culinary skills.”
“Mmm. These are really good. You know my mother hasn’t cooked a breakfast since I was a little girl. The maids will do it, but it’s not the same as hers. Mom’s make breakfast with love, which makes it taste soooo much better. I really miss that. Buffy’s is lucky to have a mom like you.”
“Why thank you Cordelia that was kind of you.”
For a second time that day, Joyce and Rupert were shocked!
Oh my, you all came out and reviewed like mad! Thank You! Thank You Thank You!! When I started this, I figured I'd be lucky if I got 10 reviews! You are all so kind.
Thanks to my Beta Meli, without her this wouldn't be the work it's become! Thanks :)
Chapter 19 -Calm Before The Storm
After breakfast, Joyce went into the gallery to get some work done, while Giles, Oz, and Willow went to the library to gather weapons and Cordelia went home to get some beauty sleep.
In reality they had left to avoid a repeat of the earlier activities they heard emanating from Buffy’s bedroom. After all, no one wants to hear it if they are not getting any.
While under the pretense of requiring attending to other matters, they dispersed to their own agendas, but not before agreeing to meet back at the Summers’ house around 4 p.m.
An empty house would be a good house for the mated pair should they awake. Buffy and Spike were so thoroughly exhausted that they just slept, peacefully.
It was possibly the last chance at peace they were going to get.
~~~~~~
The mansion was buzzing with activity. The minions were elated that the secret to unlocking Acathla was uncovered. The only thing holding them back was they did not want to disturb Angelus from his slumber to share the news with him. They were minions, but they were not stupid. If they pissed off Angelus, they were dust. The good news they brought would not be enough to counter balance his rage.
Unfortunately, the majority of the minions in the house were not as quiet. Angelus’ roar of displeasure silenced everyone in the mansion that could hear it.
“Who dares to cause such disrespect to me by waking my slumber?”
The minions were too scared to answer. Some of them scattered, forgetting how quick and agile Angelus could be. He reached out and grabbed a scampering minion by the throat.
“Boy, you know what is going on here?”
“Yes.”
“Speak to me properly boy!”
“Yes Master.” The minion choked. He knew that he would be dust in a moment anyways; he may as well try to spare the two bearers of good news the same ending.
“So share boy.”
“The scholars completed their research.”
Angelus was furious. That was not an excuse for that ruckus. He squeezed the minion’s throat tighter.
“All that fucking noise for that!”
The minion choked out his reply as he met his dusty ending. “No master Angelus. It is because they have found the answer to Acathla!”
“Excellent!” Angelus mood changed quickly to one of elation as he walked through the dust still lingering in the air over to the scholars. “I expect that you have proper preparations being made as we speak?”
“Yes Master.” The both answered. Each of them silently pleaded with the Powers That Be that they were correct in their translation.
Angelus unleashed a cocky grin across his face as he leaned up against the wall.
“So tell me, what is required of the great and mighty Angelus?”
“Well it would require your blood.”
“My blood, that’s it! All this time and the damn thing only needed was my blood?”
“Well Master, there is a specific time for you to provide your blood. It’s not that simple.”
Angelus felt his temper dissipate. He had to control his anger until after his mission with Acathla was complete. He needed his scholarly minions to provide their knowledge they gained in researching the ritual.
“So how long do I have to wait? Two days, a fortnight?”
“Not long at all Master. Tonight. You must only wait until tonight, but it must be at dusk.”
Angelus was thrilled. In only a few hours, we would bring hell on earth. No more slayer, no more wayward child.
No more stupid soul to get in the way. His tribute to Acathla would ensure that his soul would not return.
He made his way back to his chambers to cleanse himself and prepare for the evening. He walked by the room that held the Slayer’s lap dog. He walked in, attempted to break through the protective barrier and failed.
Xander looked up at Angelus. He was fearful, even with the barrier still intact.
Angelus quickly sensed the fear radiating from Xander. He took the opportunity to inflict the only harm he could on the boy.
“Boy by tonight this barrier won’t save you. Your Slayer won’t save you. But I’ll be here to welcome you through the gates of hell that open up. When they do, I’ll be the first one to take you and drain every last drop of your precious blood from your veins.”
His fear paralyzed Xander. He could not speak to come back with a witty comment. He knew without the barrier and without Buffy, he had no hope.
Angelus strode out of the room, proud he had accomplished something to bother the boy.
Xander’s faith returned shortly after Angelus departed.
“Buffy will come. She always does. She always wins.”
Xander shut his eyes and pleaded with the Powers That Be that everything would work out right.
When he opened them he was shocked to see Drusilla in front of him, stroking his cheek.
“What the...”
“Shh. Don’t fret, I won’t hurt you.”
Xander was shocked into silence. ‘This was Spike’s crazy girlfriend, well former girlfriend thanks to some prophecy that made Spike Buffy’s.’
“She’s not for you anyways. Spike was never meant for me to keep.” Drusilla said.
“Are you reading my mind?”
“I’m not crazy any more. Does that answer your question?”
“Yes.” Xander barely managed to squeak a response out of his mouth.
“You have nothing to fear. I have placed this barrier around you and it will not falter.”
“What about Buffy?”
“Buffy will come. I am warning you though. In exchange for my kindness and the protection I have given you, you must give me one thing in return.”
Xander was afraid she was going to ask for his soul or his blood. Drusilla just smiled and cupped his cheek in her hand.
“Be kind to her and William. Do not deny or mock their relationship. The Powers have willed it to be.”
“I don’t understand?”
“Xander, I know you thought Angel was not good enough for Buffy because he was, let me quote you, the ‘Evil Undead.’ William is different. Always have been, his capacity to control his demon and love is amazing. I wish he was mine to keep, but as I said that was not in the Powers plan for me.”
“So you’re saying Buffy was meant to be with a vampire?”
“Yes. Xander she is the Slayer. She does not realize it, but she is not all human. She could not be the Slayer if she was. On the other hand, she would not be able to do her job if she was not partially human. She needs the compassion, the understanding of being a human in order to protect them.”
“It won’t keep her from dying young.”
“You do not need to worry about her dying dear boy. She was destined to be the mate of William the Bloody. They will live a very long, long, long time.”
“What do you mean by mate?”
“Silly boy, for someone who goes out to help the slayer, you do not know much of what you are killing do you?”
Xander bowed his head in shame. She was making sense. He just went with his one track mind, undead equals evil. Yet it could not be true if Spike loved Buffy, and Drusilla had saved him.
“Xander do not be ashamed. We all make bad choices or decisions, and this is why I ask you again that in exchange for the protection I have granted you that you give your love and support to Buffy and Spike.”
“I believe I can. Now can you tell me, what do you mean by mate?”
“It’s very sacred, rarely done within the vampire community. It is a commitment between two vampires or demons to love, cherish, fiercely protect, and maintain monogamy to your mate until the end of time, which is a long time for an immortal.”
“So it’s like a marriage.”
“Yes, like a marriage except it is more because it is mystical in nature.”
“How is it done?”
“Well it is done through an exchange of blood.”
Xander tried not to cringed, but the words out of Drusilla’s mouth confirmed his fears.
“Yes Xander, they bite each other. And they will do it periodically to renew their vows to each other. Really it is quite pleasurable, so do not knock it until you try it.”
Xander again realized that Drusilla had a very good point. Drusilla began to walk away from him, and then she turned around to face him.
“You see Xander; if we did not have this discussion then you would not have come to realize that not everything is in black and white. Then when Buffy came to your aid and you realized the reality of her situation between herself and Spike, you would have said things that would have broken her heart.”
Xander nodded in agreement.
“Incidentally, has not almost every man that has been important to her taken her love and trust just to throw it in her face? Let us list them: her father, Angelus, and now her watcher, who is not exactly taking her decision to mate with a vampire very well either. I am not saying it will be easier for you, but now being enlightened you are equipped to react better.”
Drusilla walked back up to Xander, and looked him in the eyes.
“William will not be one of them. He will never, ever, leave her. Tell me Xander, which list do you want to fall on?”
“I want to be there for her.”
“Good. Someday for her, your time on earth will be a distant memory. Make them all good for her.”
“What do you mean?”
“She is now an immortal. Angelus cannot kill her, but she does not know it yet. You cannot tell her until after things settle. It will alter the course of tonight’s events. Just have faith in me.”
Xander had to agree with her, after all she had been nothing but kind to him.
“Ok. I agree.”
Drusilla walked away towards the shadows of the room, when Xander stopped her one last time.
“Will I see you again?”
“Perhaps. If needed I will make myself known.”
Xander was saddened at the response.
“Well then, I want to thank you for your help. Really. I would be beat by now and it sounds like after Angelus is dealt with I would have made a real mess of things. From my heart Dru, thank you.”
Drusilla smiled and disappeared into the shadows, whispering in the air, “You’re welcome. Just be the man I know you can be.”
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