Death Is Only The Beginning

by MillieMaeB

Anna is a powerful Aurelius vampire, Childe of the late, great Angelus, she is also servant to Patrick Sheppard. Upon his death she is willed to his sons, promising to watch over them. But with three million light years between David & John can she protect them both? & why can't she shake the feeling that everything is about to change, again? Spike & Dru feature. Rated M lang/smut.

2. Chapter 2

John,

I hope this email finds you well, and safe. It is only two days now until we make the move to Colorado Springs, Anna has found us a very suitable home up in the hills and I hope you will approve on your next visit.

We have a new member of our household, Drusilla, she is one of two of Anna's Aurelius brethren we hope to take with us to the new house. I'm afraid that we found her in a workhouse which was fronting as a brothel. Anna assures me her insanity was already present before her unfortunate experience but it has escalated. She will not be able to provide me with much service as such but she is certainly an interesting conversationalist.

This evening Anna and I are to call on George Bambridge, I don't know if you remember him? He made a pretence of being a good friend of Father's but I have always found him to be an arse. We are hoping to release William from his service before we leave. I know you had your doubts about me bringing more vampires into the household so I have attached a number of photos acquired by our PI. As well as feeling as if I should do what I can to get William out of that house he will also provide Drusilla with some stability and comfort as they spent many years together before the war.

His presence will also be beneficial in the next few months as O'Neill has approached me to discuss Anna taking on some duties within the SGC. Her strength, along with her unique trait of having a soul, could make her a very valuable asset. William is quite capable of stepping in here, and he has already proved himself an excellent bodyguard from his aid in the prevention of several attempts on Father's life. Although concerned for her family Anna is well and has organised our house move with terrifying efficiency.

I shall continue to update you through email, and I know it is not so easy for you to reply regularly so please don't worry John. We look forward to seeing you at Christmas time, hopefully with all the right bits attached to the right places.

David.

Colonel Sheppard snorted and clicked open the attachment. His stomach rolled a little and he hissed.

"Sir?"

He looked up to meet Major Lorne's concerned gaze. John cleared his throat. "Tell me Lorne, have you heard of a George Bambridge?"

His 2IC furrowed his brow. "Um, wasn't he at your Father's wake?"

"And?"

"Um, he's a prick Sir?"

"Knew you had a good eye Ev" John spun his laptop.

"Bloody hell" Evan's eyes quickly flickered over the screen and looked up.

"Hmm. Your friend still around?"

"He can be Sir"

"I'll transfer the funds" John tipped back in his chair. "Send him these Evan. Tell him he has free reign"

"My pleasure Sir"

---

Anna knelt by his side, head bowed, hands locked behind her back. David hated this show of submission, as had his Father before him, but she'd told him it was necessary if they had any hope of taking William without fuss. The guards wouldn't be a problem, even the vampiric ones, and the werewolf standing behind Bambridge didn't worry her but she didn't really want to engage them with David present. Humans were so delicate, it wouldn't take much to hurt him.

She could smell William, fear and sickness coming in waves from the room next door. Anna tried to reach out, a mental calming hand over his troubled mind. She felt him relax a little and smiled. He knew she wouldn't leave him here tonight, it was over. Almost.

"Your interest in this vampire is curious David, does your slave not provide you with everything you need? She appears to be a very fine specimen"

Anna felt her Master tense, too subtle for Bambridge to pick up on but the others in the room would have. "Anna meets all my needs George but as you know we are to move soon and I will require further staffing. William has caught my eye in my time spent here since his arrival and I would pay well to take him with me"

"Your offer is indeed most generous but as you can see I have no need of more money, although it is always welcome, and William is so very special. We have come to be very fond of him"

"Of course, I understand. However I really must insist you reconsider"

"I do not believe I must do anything David. William will not be leaving us"

"Hmm, at least until you have used him up yes?"

"Excuse me?"

"I know what you and your equally disturbed wife are doing to him George and I won't leave him here for you to continue until he is dead, or insane"

"David, whatever you have heard.."

Her Master flicked open the envelope that had rested in his lap, pulling the sheets from it. He threw them towards Bambridge, the obscene images spreading out over the floor. "These are not the only copies George, my PI also holds a set, as does my brother. And he will show them to every superior officer in the Air Force on my say so. I am sure you are aware of John's influence, of how far both of our social circles stretch. You will be outcast, even by those who share in your perversions, if only to save their own worthless hides"

"How dare you, in my own home!"

"Fetch William and these will never see the light of day, we will leave you in peace"

"You're a fool David, to come here and threaten me. The boy stays until I tire of him, you are right in that at least"

Anna growled, long and low.

"And control your damn slave unless you want her torn apart by my guards"

She raised her head, eyes flickering gold, fangs sliding down. "Your guards are weak, cheap muscle for hire and your stinking werewolf does not scare me either. Give me William or I will rip out your throats and then I shall go find your wife and son"

"David!"

"I'm sorry George but I'm afraid once Anna sets her mind on something there's just no stopping her. I suggest you comply"

---

David glanced in the rearview mirror. Thankfully they hadn't had to resort to ripping out throats. The other vampires in the room had picked up on Anna's dominance, and unlike William she was at peak condition, well cared for by her Master. They had hurriedly whispered to George that perhaps he should just give up his favourite toy and get the highly pissed off vampiress out of his house.

Now she was sat in the corner of the backseat, William curled into himself, head on her lap. Her hands ran through his hair and she was murmuring in a language David couldn't understand but seemed to soothe the other vampire. She briefly met his eyes in the mirror and smiled, mouthing 'thank you' before returning her attentions to her rescued loved one.

Focusing back on the road he allowed himself his own small smile. His household was complete, full of crazy vampires, but complete, and David felt a contentment that had been missing since his first wife had left him. And soon they would be tucked away in Colorado Springs, away from the ridiculous clichés and rituals that seemed to be held in high esteem by the privileged here, and free to focus their efforts on more worthwhile ventures.

---

One month later.

There was a muffled giggle and a quiet moan. Anna sighed. "I believe it is time you both moved into your assigned rooms"

William's head appeared over the edge of the bed and he grinned. "Oh come now pet, you are only jealous"

"No William, I really am not" Anna sat up and shook her hair out from her day's sleep. "And you are both recovering well, you no longer need my presence"

"Mother is cross, she'll chop off our fingers and take away our cake"

"Shut up Dru"

"Shh, something comes" The other vampire rose from the nest of blankets on the floor by the bed, head tilted up. "If it can not hear us we can kill it"

"No killing the guests Drusilla" Anna eyed her. "And get dressed"

William snorted. "Probably best Princess, or we shall get nothing done this evening"

---

General O'Neill took the offered glass and nodded his thanks, leaning back on the couch. "Your Master has told you about the Ori?"

Anna nodded. "He has given as much information as was available to him. They sound most..persistent"

The man next to him huffed a laugh. "You can say that again. And quite frankly I do not get paid enough to have my arse handed to me this regularly"

"Man up Mitchell, how do you think I got my promotion huh?" He poked his 2IC. "I'll tell you how, letting Baal play 'how shall we kill O'Neill this week?' on a regular basis"

"Of course Sir, I'll try to remember"

David grinned at Anna who raised a brow in return. "The General is hoping you will agree to join Colonel Mitchell's team Anna, SG-1 are working towards a way to defeat the Ori by targeting Adria, their leader"

"She is powerful?"

The Colonel nodded. "Yes, we've only encountered her a couple of times but with each meeting she seems to get stronger. We think it is linked to the number of people who convert to the Ori.."

"She draws her strength from their faith?"

He raised a brow. "That seems the most likely explanation. We have identified a weapon that is able to at least weaken her, but she will still be strong, still be a force to be reckoned with"

"And that is where Anna would come in?"

O'Neill nodded. "We are hoping the Ark will affect her enough for Anna to be able to take her down. Once she is gone the Ori ships should be left, at least temporarily, defenceless allowing our forces to take them out of the sky"

David frowned. "And Anna?"

"I won't leave Adria's ship without her Mr Sheppard, and I have no intention of being blown up along with it" Colonel Mitchell looked serious. "Once it is done my team and I will be transported onto the Odyssey"

"She is a part of my family Colonel, make sure you keep your word"

---

Cameron watched the young woman as she moved about the kitchen gathering utensils for the evening meal, he and O'Neill were to eat with the Sheppard's before heading back to the mountain. "Thank you for agreeing to help"

She turned from the open refrigerator and smiled. "I shall do what I can, and there is no thanks needed"

"Pretty sure there is" He played with his glass. "I won't leave you there, but I can't guarantee…"

Anna nodded. "I understand, and I have seen through nearly four lifetimes, that is plenty for anyone"

"I always thought the longer you lived, the more you experienced, the harder it would be to willingly give it up"

"Sometimes" She smiled again. "I hope you are hungry, I'm afraid Dru has yet to grasp the concept of the human appetite"

"Um.."

She held up a very large bowl of Mac'n'Cheese with hotdogs sticking out of it.

"Oh..uh, wow?"

"Of course it would be beneficial to my Master's health for me to return and not leave him at the mercy of her cooking"

Cam snorted. "I'm sure it'll taste great"

"And provide your General with much amusement I feel"

"Yeah, he does.."

"Oooh, pretty birdie.."

"Dru.."

"Will you sing for me?" Cam eyed the brunette standing in the entrance of the kitchen, she was beautiful, in a batshit crazy kinda way.

"Um, Colonel Mitchell this is Drusilla. She is quite harmless despite her obvious insanity"

Drusilla stepped towards him. "Don't listen to Mother, I'm special not crazy, Daddy says so"

"I'm sure you are" He tried a confident smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you Drusilla"

She smiled back then frowned, finger reaching out to trace up his leg.

"Um.."

"No inappropriately touching the guests Drusilla" Anna waved a serving spoon at her.

Completely ignoring the other vampire Dru's finger trailed higher. "Poor little birdie" She whispered. "Did it hurt when they took your wings?"

"I.."

"No more flying for you, bad little birdie"

"Drusilla, that is enough"

He held out a hand. "No, it's fine" Cam gently removed the hand from his thigh. "You are very special Drusilla"

"Told you" She twirled away from him, humming quietly.

Anna sighed. "I do apologise.."

"Hey, doesn't matter, met crazier" He grinned at her. "Interesting little talent she has there"

"Dru was very special as a human, she could..see" The other vampire followed Drusilla's erratic dance path. "That was why he took her, after making sure he turned her completely insane first"

He nodded. "A shame"

"Yes, sometimes she comes up with something useful, if you can decipher her ramblings, but since David and I found her in that workhouse her mind seems to have become even more twisted, more complex. Although she has improved with William's presence"

"Not yours?"

"Although she seems to have decided I'm her Mother" Anna rolled her eyes. "I never really knew William and Dru until my Sire became Master of the Order. After the war, and Angel's death, I tried to keep them close, not lose track of them. They are.." she tilted her head. "…different, something about them that makes them more..human"

"The insanity probably helps" He followed her gaze thoughtfully. "Kinda makes you want to look after her"

She snorted. "I guess. But please don't forget that in her day Dru was a killer, as much as any vampire"

"Right" He tensed slightly as Dru pressed against his back. "Really not working the personal boundaries are we Princess?"

"Ooh Mother, he call's me Princess, just like William"

"Ah, should I.."

"I took away William's pain, do you want me to fix you birdie? No more scars" She leant her chin on his shoulder. "No more pain. I can make you strong, together we could.."

"Dru!"

"Mother is shouting again"

"No turning the visitors into vampires, it is bad manners"

---

Six weeks later.

John,

I know you receive regular reports from the SGC but I thought I would personally inform you that Anna leaves on board the Odyssey tomorrow, SG-1 are ready to implement their final strategy in the fight with the Ori.

Colonel Mitchell has been a regular presence in the house these past few weeks and he and Anna seemed to have formed a strong bond. It is enough for me to now believe he will do everything he can to return her to me. Dru also seems to have taken a shine to him and is his constant shadow whilst he is here, I am unsure whether he is flattered or a little afraid.

I will email you again as soon as I know the outcome of the battle and I hope that when you return to us at Thanksgiving our household will once again be complete.

Take care little brother,

David.

John rolled his eyes. "Bloody Mitchell"

"Pardon Sir?"

He glared at Lorne. "Nothing"

"Are you sure Sir?" His 2IC grinned at him from over the file he was holding.

"Shut up Lorne"

"You don't mean that Sir" The grin turned into a smirk. "How is Anna's initiation into SG-1 going?"

"I will shoot you Evan"

"So you keep saying Sir"

He flipped him off. If Cameron bloody Mitchell didn't return his vampire in one piece Evan wouldn't be the only one getting shot, bond or no bond. "Fucking Mitchell" He muttered and deleted the email, ignoring the Major's quiet snort of laughter.

---

Cam slumped down onto the pillow. "Bloody hell"

There was a small huff of laughter. "I'll take that as a compliment"

"That was.." He licked his lips, keeping his eyes closed. "..disturbingly awesome"

"Well, don't think I've ever had that said to me before"

"I like to be original"

"Uh huh" A cool body wound itself around him, an almost relief to his heated skin. "Thought you weren't supposed to do this before battle?"

"Um, I think that's football players"

"Really?"

"Yeah" Cam slipped his arms around them. "Something to do with a drop in testosterone or something"

"You said something twice"

"The blood hasn't returned to my brain yet"

"Romantic aint ya?"

"Yeah, it's my southern charm"

"Hmm, I like your accent. Get's thicker when you're fucking too"

"Jesus"

"Makes me all.."

"Ok! Sleep now. I need to replenish my testosterone levels"

---

One week later.

With SG-1 finally out of the room Anna turned her gaze back towards the Orici. They had been right to call her powerful, even with her levels drained by the Ark Anna could smell it, it was firing up her nerves, making her hair stand on end. She shifted her features. Adria tilted her head, regarding her with interest. "What are you?"

"I am Vampyre"

"What is..Vampyre?"

"It is what haunts the dreams of humans, what stalks them in the night, it brings fear wherever it goes"

"I fear nothing"

"Then you are a fool"

"I am the Orici!" The flames burned brighter in the other woman's eyes. "Nothing is more powerful than I, join me, give your faith to the Ori"

"Yeah, joined a few crazy cults in my time. It always ends the same. The congregation dead, and the leader a hell of a lot richer"

"Then you will take the path that all the unrighteous walk"

"You know you'd give Dru a real run for her money in the insanity stakes"

Adria smiled and held out a hand. Anna felt the power hit and swayed back slightly. The Orici frowned and tried again, a bigger hit this time but Anna still stood firm. "Vampyre" whispered Adria.

"Yes, and I have come to deliver you from this evil Orici"

"No.." She stepped back.

"Yes, and I am sorry. Like me you were given no choice. They made you into a monster, you should still be a little girl, playing with toys and eating ice-cream. Because of this I will give you one chance to sacrifice your power, to return to what you once were"

"Never" Her eyes widened then narrowed. "You may be strong but the converted make me stronger"

"Perhaps" Anna's fangs slid down further and she leapt, a small growl escaping her throat.

It took only a moment to pin the woman under her, her struggles becoming weaker as Anna sank her teeth in deeper, the Orici's power pouring down her throat, her taste overwhelming her senses. She purred around her feeding then, as Adria grew still and Anna heard her heart slow then stop, the demon began to scream. There was a new being battling for dominance in its hosts body and it was not impressed.

Anna rolled away, body arching up as the Orici and the Vampyre fought. But the demon had been there a long time, it was old, and strong, and like hell it was going back to..hell. Even this domesticated host was preferable to there. Anna opened her mouth as red smoke poured from it, eyes burning, skin on fire. She screamed, fire was bad, fire hurt, fire killed. Then it was cool and dark, and the Vampyre whispered soothingly in her head.

Her fingers uncurled, leaving behind them dents in the metal floor and she relaxed her body. As she heard his running footsteps Anna allowed her self to slip away. He would know what to do, she would be fine.

---

Hitting the transporter signal on Vala's vest Cam watched her disappear then ran back down the corridor thankfully free of Ori soldiers. As a woman's scream echoed through his ears he cursed and picked up his pace. All of his team were safely away, now he had thirty seconds to get his arse, and Anna's, off this ship before the Odyssey opened fire. They couldn't afford to lose this window.

Skidding back into the room that had held the weapon, and the Orici, he dropped to his knees beside her still body. Eyes slowly opened, flames dancing in them for a second before they flickered and died. "Time to go home Anna"

She nodded and her eyelids dropped again. Ignoring the sick feeling in his stomach he hit their signals.

"Get us out of here Colonel"

"Transporting now Mitchell"

---

One week later.

John,

We are looking forward to having you home in a few days little brother.

However as promised I am emailing to notify you of Anna's return. I must admit that when Colonel Mitchell suddenly appeared in my study with her lifeless in his arms I feared the worst, it momentarily escaping my mind that had she been dead he would have been bringing her back in a dustpan. In her defeat of Adria she was greatly weakened and it was only that Mitchell and his teammate Miss Mal Doran were willing to let her feed directly from them that she survived. I am eternally grateful for the trust and care they showed towards Anna.

As per her instructions Mitchell brought her straight back to the house, she had informed him that if anything went wrong that she was to be immediately reunited with William and Dru. Their presence will assist in her eventual complete recovery. As I write she is with them, her room locked and darkened as they work their magic. I hope she will at least be able to join us for some of the time once you are here. During his breaks William is always kind enough to come and inform me of her progress.

You may not find us as prepared as we are usually for the Christmas break but we have all done our best, and there shall be food and wine, and small gifts. Unfortunately with Anna resting it will be up to me and Dru to prepare the dinner. I know you have experienced my cooking brother, and I am saddened to tell you that Drusilla's is no better. The lasagne she prepared shortly before Anna's return was..interesting.

All the best dear brother, please try not to get killed in the next few days, and we look forward to seeing you soon.

David.

John grinned despite himself. His brother's cooking was truly awful. He had a feeling he'd be stepping in on that one when he got back. As for Mitchell there would be words concerning a certain vampire, and possibly some violence.

---

Anna lay in the dark, the demon murmuring quietly, for once a comforting presence in her head. The Vampyre was preferable to the Orici, the memory of its power rushing through her veins making her tremble again. The Ori believed in fire, it cleansed and it punished, and Anna's insides had been burned as it licked its way through her.

The other's had smelt it as soon as she had been placed on her bed, Dru's cries apparently causing Colonel Mitchell to turn even paler than he already was. On the outside she had looked no different but internally she was charred and blackened. It still hurt, hurt to speak, to move, she was forced to lay there as she was drip fed their blood, feeling the slow process of healing.

And that hurt too, everything knitting back together, layers of muscle and metres of blood vessels. Her memories were hazy of the journey back to Earth but Anna knew they must have given her fresh blood, she would have never survived otherwise. And from William's description of Cameron's appearance she had a suspicion that he was at least one of the people who had kept her alive, begun the healing as quickly as it had needed to be.

The bed dipped as another body joined her and she groaned quietly. This was worse than the time her and Angelus had been nearly burned to death by Darla, they had looked worse than she did now but the outside was so much easier to fix than the inside. "Poor pet, still hurting?"

She nodded gently, hissing at the flash of pain in her neck. Another mind brushed her's, William reaching out and calming, taking some of the pain as she had done for him all those months ago. "Time to feed pet, know it don't feel like it yet but you're healing, soon have you up and out of here. Christmas is coming, can't let Dru decorate the tree again. Remember Brussel's?"

Anna smiled slightly against his offered wrist before parting her lips and letting the blood run down her throat. Forbidden from taking human life Dru had chosen to decorate several trees in the park with doll's heads and dead birds. Disturbing and yet charmingly child like. She must get William to tell David the story over dinner one evening. And she must get up before the Sheppard's tree was given the same treatment, William still couldn't deny his Sire anything.

Lost in her thoughts Anna twitched slightly as a hand ran over her hair, relaxing when she sensed Drusilla's presence. "It is morning Mother, time to get up"

"Princess…"

"Please get up" She nuzzled into Anna's neck. "Daddy promised we could go to church if you do, fat little calves for the lion"

"For fuck's sake Dru, if you can't make any sense.."

"He always took me, every Sunday. Made the cherubs sing for me" Her tongue ran over Anna's skin. "They'll sing for you Mother, even as you tear their throats, stand upon their corpses"

"Delightful conversation as usual Drusilla" William shifted slightly. "There'll be no ripping of throats, or going to church. Bloody places make me sick"

Anna removed her teeth from his wrist, lapping gently at the wound to close it. "Tomorrow Drusilla" Her voice was raspy, barely above a whisper. But they were the first words she'd managed. "If you will read for me?"

Dru loved books, devouring them with a child-like intensity. She liked to be read to but also took pleasure in reading for other's, creating voices and movements for her characters. It was an impressive sight and she wondered if David had yet to be treated to that particular form of entertainment.

---

Four days later.

John strode down the ramp at the mountain.

"Welcome home Colonel"

"General" John offered a salute.

O'Neill rolled his eyes. "What have I told you about that Sheppard?"

"That its proper behaviour between a Colonel and his General"

"Bite me Sheppard" O'Neill rocked on his heels slightly. "Colonel Mitchell is in Briefing Room One. Please don't kill him, he's actually proving himself rather useful"

"You spoil all my fun Sir"

"Bugger off Colonel, and have a good Christmas"

"You too Sir" Ripping off another sharp salute he grinned at the narrowed gaze thrown his way then strolled out of the gateroom. Mitchell had better have a good explanation ready. Two minutes later he stepped into the room and opened his mouth to start his tirade then snapped it shut again at the sight of the other Colonel. Mitchell was pale, dark circles under his eyes, and John was pretty sure he'd actually lost some muscle mass. "Jesus Mitch, you look like shit"

Mitchell flipped him off. "You try keeping a vampire alive for a whole week"

John swallowed. Right, don't forget he essentially saved her life. "Right, well, uh thanks for that"

He snorted tiredly. "So, get the bollocking over and done with will you? I've got a date with my Momma's pie and a hell of a lot of beer"

"Difficult asshole"

"Pot, kettle" Mitchell smirked at him.

John sighed and sat down. "What the hell happened Mitch?"

The other Colonel ran a hand over his face. "All went to plan until Vala lost it. Knew I should have listened to my own instincts. Adria was her daughter, albeit a genetically modified, sped up ageing one" He closed his eyes briefly. "But I let her talk me in to having her there. She did a runner, right as the Ark was opening. I ordered the other's to beam back over to the Odyssey and chased her down. By the time I'd fought off the three Ori soldiers that were attempting to make her dead and got back to the Ark room it was all over"

"I think..Anna fed from her. When I got back Adria was dead and Anna was unconscious, opened her eyes once and there were flames there. Like how Adria's used to look when she engaged her powers. But then they were gone and she passed out"

"I.."

"Every time she woke up Val and I let her.." He swallowed. "..you know. I know that fresh is better, when they're hurt. She didn't know about this.." He gestured to himself. "..was barely lucid" He gripped his hands together. "When they're fully conscious it's actually a lot more of a pleasant experience" He snorted.

John clenched his jaw. "Is that so?"

Mitchell's head snapped up. "Uh.."

"I don't like it Mitchell, but I guess I have no choice. You'd better be careful.."

"Um.."

"I will be keeping an eye on you, even from Pegasus when I return.."

"Hey look, I know what they've been through ok. I'm not a fucking monster"

This time John gaped at him. "Uh, what?"

Mitchell raised a brow. "You know with.." He suddenly grinned. "Hey, you think I'm sleeping with your vampire"

"Cameron!"

He cleared his throat. "Um, I guess technically I am.."

"Mitchell" John growled.

"But not uh.." He waved a hand.

John eyed his friend, forcing his brain to move past the whole Anna thing. "Oh my God, you're having sex with the crazy one?!"

"What?!"

"She sounds mental"

"John" Mitchell groaned.

He blinked. "Oh"

"Now Shep.."

"Oh" He smirked at his friend. "No fucking way"

Mitchell pointed at him. "Now Sheppard.."

He grinned. "Well, that's uh, new. But William is still.."

"I know John. I looked into Bambridge after I first met William, but apparently someone had already taken offence to his questionable dinner parties. Was found in his basement, naked so rumour goes, with.."

"Yes, thank you Cameron" John nodded. "Ok, just be careful. It won't just be me and David who'll be pissed, but I'm sure once Anna is back up to speed she'll be on your arse too"

"Hmm, lucky me"

"I will shoot you Mitch"

"Yeah, I'll just get in line shall I? Right behind Lorne"

He flipped him off. "Go have your pie Colonel"

---

John raised a brow as his brother met him in the entrance hall. "I smell cinnamon, and nutmeg"

David grinned. "Anna is up and about, which means cookies are being baked and decorations are being put up. I was advised not to let Dru decorate any tree"

"Um, ok?"

"Apparently there was an incident in Brussel's" He waved a hand. "I find it best not to ask"

John snorted. "She is recovered?"

His brother shook his head. "Better, but not what she was. William has said it will take time. Maybe even until spring"

"Jesus, why?" He frowned, perhaps he should have yelled more at Mitchell despite the man's haggard appearance.

David sighed and took a look around but the hall was empty apart from them. "Burned on the inside William said. She looks ok but apparently there was severe damage internally, Anna has basically had to rebuild her insides, from blood vessels to muscle"

"And she's walking around, working?"

David rolled his eyes. "You want to try stopping her be my guest little brother. And yes she is walking, albeit a little slowly, and I have been assured she is merely giving orders not actually carrying out any work"

"You've checked?"

"Yes Dad"

John glared at him.

His brother grinned back. "A little over-protective aren't we?"

He flipped him off.

David's grin got wider. "Come on, they are in the library decorating yet another tree. Drusilla appears to have a small obsession with the things" He shifted his expression into a gentler smile. "It's good to have you back John, you ok?"

He nodded, falling into step with the other man. "Yeah, Pegasus has been kind for the past few months. I'm expecting it to all go to hell in the near future"

"Such a pessimist"

"Realist"

"Pessimist"

"Bite me"

"I wouldn't say that around here too much if I were you"

"You're hilarious"

"I know"

He looked around as they made their way through the house. "It's impressive David, didn't even know there were houses like this in the Springs"

"Yeah, sometimes I have a sneaking suspicion Anna somehow had it built without my knowledge"

"I think that may exceed even her powers David"

"There were already UV shielded windows installed, and an underground tunnel that leads to every outbuilding"

John raised a brow. "Huh, ok I concede to your suspicions"

He got another grin before they stepped into the library, the dark walls and flickering fire instantly warming his bones, whispers of home echoing strangely in his ears. He looked around taking in the shelves stacked with books, a tree stood by the spiral staircase that lead to even more reading material, the large fireplace and comfortable seating placed around it.

A pretty brunette and a man who he identified as William from the photos he'd received all those weeks ago were stood by the tree apparently discussing whatever was gripped in the woman's hand.

"I said no Drusilla" The voice was soft but there was a definite undertone of a growl. He turned in its direction to see Anna propped against a shelf wrapped in an over-sized cardigan and looking tired, and also a little pissed.

"But Mother.."

"No" Her eyes flashed gold for a minute. "You may place it on the one in your room"

"Mother woke up cruel" She pouted then smiled at William. "Isn't it wonderful?"

He snorted. "Yeah, a pissed Alpha vamp, just what the Doc ordered"

Filing that piece of information away for later perusal John cleared his throat, padding over to the tree. Inquisitive blue eyes fixed on him. "Ooh, new blood"

He smiled. "You must be Drusilla, it's a pleasure to finally meet you" He held out a hand. "May I?"

Dropping the object into his open palm she leant in, nose running up his throat. "Smell's like Master David but more..dead"

The vampire beside her groaned. "Dru.."

John waved a hand. "It's ok" He studied the doll's head in his hand. "I'm David's brother, John. And I'm not dead, at least as far as I'm aware"

"I think I like him William" She sidled up to him, fingers stroking up his arm. "Why do you smell so nice new blood?"

He shifted his gaze, her head was tilted, eyes wide, lips pursed in thought. He thought about his answer. "I'm a soldier" As she nodded in reply he smiled again. "A slightly non-traditional Christmas decoration?" John raised a brow, dangling the head from its gold ribbon.

Drusilla leant in to his ear. "Like the cherubs, they sing to me" She whispered, hand sliding over his back.

"Ah, I see" John ignored the hand slowly travelling downwards. "Maybe it would be best upstairs, that way you could hear them better and plus we wouldn't want to scare any guests. But will you let me see your tree when it's finished?"

"Oh yes, will you come alone?"

He jumped slightly at the pinch to his arse. "I don't think that would be wise"

William snorted again. "No molesting, remember the talk after Cameron Princess?"

"Hmm, he's pretty too" She unwound herself from John and moved back to the tree, seemingly content to put the head away for later use.

"Very impressive" John whirled at the voice a mere foot behind him. Anna was looking at him curiously. "There isn't many who can placate Dru when she becomes fixated on an idea. At least without any violence or temper tantrums ensuing"

"Then I feel honoured" He frowned slightly. "Shouldn't you be sitting or something?"

"I'm fine"

"Mother lies!"

"Dru.."

"Miss Enid will cut off her fingers and feed them to her!"

John fought back a laugh then watched as the quite clearly batshit insane vampiress began to twirl around the staircase. Anna growled quietly. "Drusilla, please.."

William waved a hand. "I'll deal pet. Go sit"

"I do not need to sit"

John wrapped his fingers around her arm feeling her flinch slightly under his touch. "Come and sit, don't make me make it an order" There was another quiet growl. "Wow, you are mean today, never heard you growl this much before"

Anna glared at him. "I can not help it"

He raised a brow.

"Its her healing mate" John looked over at William who was currently being forced into some kind of Waltz. "Uh Sir..sorry" He grinned. John rolled his eyes. "Brings out the vamp a bit more for a while. Don't worry, she shouldn't bite"

"William!"

"Shouldn't?" He eyed the woman still in his grasp. Perhaps that hadn't been a good idea.

"Yeah, just don't piss her off..Sir"

He grinned and was given another growl. "Stop that Anna" He tugged her gently over to the large couch. "Sit. Point me to the whisky. Want one David?" His brother had been stood to the side watching the scene with a strange smile on his lips.

"Not yet, I've got a phone meeting in twenty"

John frowned. "David.."

He waved a hand. "Last one I promise John" David smirked. "So you're in charge for the next hour or so"

"Gee thanks"

"Welcome" Another smirk and he was slipping out the library door.

Making sure Anna was actually staying put on the couch John made his way over to the globe that she had gestured to, opening it up and eyeing the bottles there. He drew one out and ran his eyes over the label. "Very nice" He murmured. Grabbing two glasses he poured a good measure in each and handed one to her. "How about the other two?"

"If you would like Sir" He glared at her address of him. "But only a small one for Drusilla, her and alcohol have an unpredictable outcome"

"So I imagine. And stop calling me that, I already told you" Turning his back so she couldn't reply, or take a chunk out of him he poured another two and placed them on the staircase nodding at William's thanks. Settling into the chair nearest the fire he eyed her, Anna was sat in the corner furthest from the flames, eyes flickering over it nervously. "It bothers you, the fire?

Her gaze darted towards him. "The Vampyre is still wary of it"

He frowned. "Aren't you the vampire?"

She tilted her head slightly. "I retained my soul so in part I am still human, a host to the Vampyre. Usually we work in tandem but it has been forced to the forefront, I needed it to heal. It will quieten the further into my recovery I get"

"You can hear it?"

Anna nodded. "And feel it. It was most displeased to find another being attempting to take over its home"

He raised a brow. "The Orici?"

"Poor Adria was a mere vessel, as I am. But nothing could be done, she wouldn't relinquish her power"

"Would you?"

She frowned. "Pardon me?"

He smiled. "If you could, would you give up your power, get rid of the vampire?"

"Oh" Her brow furrowed. "I'd like to say yes, but I fear that like Adria I have become too accustomed to it, the advantages it brings. If you had asked a hundred years ago, maybe even fifty, then possibly my answer would have been different"

"What's different?" He waited to be told to piss off, mind his own business but she merely sighed.

"Like this I can protect my family.." She gestured to the two who had returned their attentions back to the tree. "..and yours. Also, for the first time in many years I am curious to see what the future brings. I can..smell change"

"A good change?"

"Perhaps. But good and evil blur when eternal life stretches before you"

John nodded. He wasn't going to live forever but since he'd stepped in to the role of Commander there'd been decisions he'd made that he would have balked at five years ago. Many things could blur those lines. He decided to change the subject. "What happened to Drusilla? Not that I don't find her incredibly charming"

Anna smiled slightly. "Most people do, until she tries to eat them" He snorted. "Dru was sired by Angelus.."

"Like you?"

"In a way. But he called her his greatest work, at least he did before he was ensouled. Dru could always see things, glimpses of the future, warnings, omens. He used that to his advantage, turned her own gift against her. He allowed her to see what he was gong to do to her family, to her, before he actually did anything. As she descended into madness he began to kill them, parents, then sisters, then finally the Nun's that had taken her in"

"He sounds like a monster"

"He was one" She stared into the fire. "We are monsters"

"Not you"

"By a sheer twist of fate. If Angel had not been hit by his curse when he turned me I would have been just like them. I still can be if I push down my soul, let the Vampyre rise up"

"But your soul won't let you"

Anna gave another small smile. "Haven't you ever felt the rage Colonel, as a soldier you must have lost people, felt threatened? Imagine if you had my power in those situations, simmering just below the surface, so close, so tempting"

John stared at her. She was different from his last visit, the proper decorum of an owned vampire seeming to have slipped slightly and her usual serene image interspersed with glimpses of a temper, he suspected her patience and control was reliant on her human side. The part of her that was still relying on the more primal demon. "Nope, still can't see it" He grinned.

There was another brief flash in her eyes before she took a sip of whisky, apparently choosing not to display her displeasure at the remark. Drusilla appeared by his side, curling at his feet and propping her head on his knee. "Did you bring me a present?"

"Dru.."

He waved Anna into silence. "I'm ashamed to say I didn't. What do you buy a vampire for Christmas?" He smiled down at her.

"Um.." She furrowed her brow then smiled back up at him. "A pony"

"A pony?" He raised a brow. "Tell me Drusilla, and I want the truth.." She nodded. "..are you planning on keeping this pony as a pet or eating it? Because if it's the latter that would be a terrible waste of money, and make a mess on the expensive carpets"

Dru giggled. "Father's amusing"

"Dru, he isn't your.." John shook his head and Anna shrugged before draining her whisky, shooting him a its your funeral look.

"I may eat it. They make such pretty noises"

"You are incredibly disturbing Drusilla"

"Thank you" She blinked back up at him. "So?"

"I think we should discount the pony" He looked down at the crazy vampire who was dangerously close to important body parts, and giving him a suspicious look. Probably best to think fast about this. John licked his lips then started slightly as a cool hand pressed against his chest, right where the Wraith had fed from him. He swallowed and lowered his gaze to carefully watch Dru, she was frowning slightly at his chest.

Her eyes fixed on his again. "Did it hurt when they took your time? Tick, tock, tick, tock"

John tried not to shiver. "Yes, it did"

She nodded. "But they gave it back" She smiled at him. "With some to spare. Tock, tick, tock, tick. Don't be late, times a-wasting"

He gently removed her hand, giving it a brief squeeze. "Very clever Drusilla. You are very special"

"And so I shall have a pony?"

He brought his brain round full circle to rejoin her disjointed conversation. "No. You may have anything you like as long as it is not alive…or was alive in the past decade"

William huffed a laugh. "He learns quickly" He grabbed Dru's hand. "Come on Princess, now we can do your tree"

"Oooh, birdies and dolls, my favourites" She allowed herself to be pulled to her feet and smoothed the white dress over her stomach. "Will Mother come?"

"I shall wait until it is finished Drusilla, it will be a lovely surprise" Anna smiled up at her

"I will make it beautiful for you Mother" She leant down to whisper in John's ear. "Mother has to rest, nasty fire burnt her insides out"

"Drusilla I can hear you" Anna raised a brow.

She got a smile in return. "You will rest, or Miss Enid will take out your entrails and make stew"

John snorted. "I really have to start writing these down. Threatening to shoot people is getting a little old, and Lorne just smirks back at me now"

"Please don't encourage her Sir" Anna rested her gaze on William. "I shall prepare dinner for eight, and I will need you to serve William, sorry"

The blonde vampire rolled his eyes. "Stop bloody saying sorry, of course I will. You ok to cook?"

"You want Dru to cook?"

William eyed the back view of Drusilla as she studied the spines of some books, humming quietly. "Right, fair point pet. We'll be back down at half-seven. Come on my dark Princess, we've got a tree to decorate" He looked thoughtful. "I swear we did more fun things on a Saturday night"

John watched them leave, the faint echoes of the list of fun things they used to do on a Saturday night drifting disturbingly back down the corridor. Then he frowned at the suddenly empty couch, scanning the room he found her gathering the discarded decorations into a box. "Sneaky aren't you?"

Anna straightened. "I am a Vampyre Colonel, albeit a slightly crippled one at present"

He rolled his eyes. "Leave that. And I'll cook tonight"

"I currently have hardly any duties, and cooking brings me pleasure" She smiled. "I have prepared a room for you, turn left at the top of the stairs and it is the third door on the right. Dinner will be served at eight" Picking up the box she moved slowly back across the room towards the door.

"Anna.."

"I shall tell David where you can be found" Giving a small nod she disappeared from view.

John sighed and pushed himself out of his chair. He was tired, and in need of a shower. And if Anna was as efficient as David claimed then his belongings from the old house should all be in his new room and the memory of thick towels and comfy sweats was incredibly tempting. Padding up the stairs he turned left as instructed passing the other closed doors making a mental note to explore thoroughly later and pushed open the third one.

The door swung shut behind him and he raised a brow. It was a near on match to his childhood room, the dark check in blues and greens on the lower portion of the walls was paired tastefully with a deep green paint above it, and the wooden floor was stained a dark mahogany, a good portion of it covered by a luxurious rug that begged you to go barefoot and scrunch your toes into it. But the furniture was definitely more grown up, the large sleigh bed was covered in warm throws and plump cushions, a sheepskin draped over the end of it and the matching bedsides both displayed lamps that were probably worth more than his first car had been.

Opening the door to his left he found a large walk-in wardrobe, his collection of watches that he'd started on his thirteenth birthday displayed in a locked glass cabinet in its centre and his numerous training shoes and sneakers lined the wall to his right. On the other wall his clothes were hung and folded in their colour groups, suits hidden inside large protective bags. John grinned, he didn't know vampires could be OCD too but if Anna had prepared this room she was definitely displaying some of its traits.

Walking through he opened the door at the far end to find a luxurious en suite, the black marble polished to within an inch of its life, toiletries presumably shut away in some hidden cupboard that he knew was going to be a bitch to find. Peering into the shower he eyed the controls, this looked like McKay territory, there were so many switches and dials he wouldn't be surprised if it didn't take off when turned on. Sighing quietly he went on the hunt for a towel.

---

"It is perfect William"

He smiled at his Sire. His world had always revolved around Drusilla, she was the one who had changed the course of his life for eternity, and ok so she had killed him and then brought him back as a monster, but they had loved each other and still did. Not the hot, burning passion that had fired through their veins for that first century but something that ran deeper.

As she had spiralled even further into madness William had gone from lover and co-conspirator to carer, often the only one who could decipher her ramblings and bring her what she really wanted. But with Anna's presence he finally had another who Dru was happy to go to, spend time with, and the once feared vampiress was beginning to resemble her old self again. He just hoped she kept walking the thin line between entertainingly crazy and blood thirsty insanity. With Angel gone and no new Master of the Order sworn in Aurelius vampire's were once again free to take human life.

And William kinda liked humans, always had, sure you got assholes just like you did with any species but more and more of them were beginning to whisper about changing things, throwing around words like barbaric and ungrateful. The enslavement of his kind was starting to be viewed as an embarrassment, another blot on the history of the human race. He ran a thoughtful finger over his collar, but there would be a lot to do before the two species could truly trust one another again.

He refocused his thoughts. "It is indeed my love" He eyed the tree. "I am sure Anna will love it"

"And Master David and Father too?" Drusilla had fallen into the role of submissive servant a little too easily, he suspected that maybe there was something there that even he'd never gotten to see.

"I'm sure they'll find it interesting Princess" He ran strand of hair through his fingers. "Tell me my pet why do you call John Father?"

She leant in to his touch. "The stars told me to"

"Really? How fascinating"

"Change is coming William" And his Sire looked at him with the clearest gaze he had seen in decades. "Even Mother smells it. The blood of Aurelius runs through our veins and it sings. Sings with promise, the Order will stand tall once more" Drusilla spread her arms wide and spun, eyes to the ceiling. "We shall rebuild the line William the Bloody, a line that even the Master could not have imagined"

William shook the feeling of dread in his stomach. "How Dru? Can you see that too?"

She stopped spinning. "I see…the ceiling"

He sighed. There goes the one moment of lucidity in a hundred years. "Try moving your head back down pet"

Drusilla lowered her face. "Oh, thank you William"

He sighed again. "You're welcome Princess"

---

Anna turned as her Master entered the kitchen. "It was not a successful meeting?"

David ran a hand through his hair. "He's an old friend of Bambridge's, making things difficult"

She nodded. "I am sorry Sir"

"Don't be Anna, if he wasn't the only supplier of the parts we need in this hemisphere I wouldn't even be bothering" He made his way to the fridge. "I'm beginning to think I should just pay the extra shipping costs, get it from the Chinese"

She stirred the sauce thoughtfully. "Perhaps you would let us help?"

"As tempting as it is I can't start threatening bodily harm to close important deals"

Anna smiled. "And as wonderful as that sounds David that is not what I meant"

He raised a brow which she matched before turning away to reach a spice from the rack. "I have lived for a long time, when that happens you tend to..collect things"

"Things" He sat at the large island and twisted open his beer.

"Paintings, jewellery…things" She faced him again. "As long as no one has discovered it you are welcome to whatever is there"

"I don't need your money Anna"

"I know you don't Sir, I've seen your bank statements" He rolled his eyes at her. "But it will still be a hefty bill, one that you will have to foot until the ship is complete. It is because of us that many will not deal with you, or that push up their prices. Go to the Chinese, it will be my pleasure to contribute to the newest member of the SGC's fleet"

"It is not needed"

"Your other projects will be neglected until you are reimbursed" She folded her arms across her chest. "Do not be stubborn Sir"

He snorted. "Calling me Sir does not cancel out your cheek"

She raised another brow.

"Where is my obedient vampire?"

"She is off sick"

He grinned at her. "Then please pass on my thanks"

Nodding Anna returned to her cooking. With the arrival of Drusilla and William David and his household had grown even more dear to her. They made a strange family but that is what she would label them as, not servants and Master. And if she'd had any doubts about the three vampires place's here they were wiped away in the face of the care she had received since her encounter with Adria.

"Where is John? Did you kill him and hide his body under the patio?"

She shot a smile over her shoulder. "I sent him to his room"

"I refuse to rise to that Anna" He grinned at her from behind his bottle.

---

John ran a towel over his hair and stepped back into his bedroom. So the shower was awesome, once he'd figured out how to use it. Although he must remember that the bottom dial should always be firmly switched to off, unless he had company and they liked that kind of thing. His eyes rested on the sleek dressing table and he padded over, picking up the photo frame and peering at it.

With a sad smile he ran a finger over the faces there, it had to have been taken only a few months before their Mother died. He thought he remembered her pretty well but every time he saw her smiling up at him from a picture he realised that his memories never gave her enough credit. She had been beautiful and, as sure as he was that there were times when she scolded him, he could only remember her smiling at him, or laughing with him and David as they played.

Placing it back down with a quiet sigh he turned as there was a quiet knock at the door, "Come in!" He eyed the person stepping inside. "David, how was the meet?"

"Sucked arse" He snorted as his older brother sat on the side of his bed. David frowned and bounced slightly. "I swear she's given you a comfier mattress"

"I'm her favourite" John smirked as he got the finger. "So.." He raised his voice as he walked back into the closet. "..why did it suck?!"

"Bambridge's buddy!"

He rolled his eyes as he pulled some sweats out. "Just don't bother Dave!"

"They have my parts! And don't even say it!"

John grinned and came back out, pulling on a tee. "Did you look at the Chinese?"

"Yeah" David played with the edge of the sheepskin. "Shipping's hefty"

"Always is. You been on some kinda spending spree or something?"

"No. Well, apart from the house" He waved a hand around. "But the sale of the old one more than covered it"

"You sure? Anna seems to have expensive taste, even more so than Clare"

David glared at him, his little brother had always warned him about his ex-wife's spending habits. ""Bite me"

"Now who's the one pushing his luck" John raised a brow.

He got the finger. "Anyway she may have expensive taste but she drives a hell of a hard bargain. I'm tempted to put her in charge of sales"

"Using your vampire to close deals" John tutted.

"Fuck off John" David chewed his lip briefly. "We can pay it but the other investments would suffer, at least until the SGC sent a nice fat cheque" John snorted again. "Anna said she could maybe help"

"Excuse me?" John turned from rummaging around for a pair of socks.

"Apparently she has a stash, if it's still hidden then it's ours"

"Sounds dodgy"

His brother shrugged. "Said she'd lived a long time, gathered stuff"

"So we take that as well as owning her?"

"I said no, twice"

"David.."

"I think we need to let her do this. It's her way of saying thank you, and acknowledging what I risked by taking William, and Dru"

"You didn't do it for money David"

"Try to twist your brain to her way of thinking"

"Is that wise?"

David rolled his eyes. "Probably not. Come on, dinner's ready and she sends Dru if you're late"

"Terrifying"

---

Slipping from the library where they had gathered after dinner to be entertained by Drusilla's version of Dracula Anna made her way to the kitchen. She was beginning to feel tired again and it still needed cleaning before she headed to bed. There were also the final arrangements to be made for the event on New Year's, David had offered to cancel the party but she thought it a shame to ruin his plans because she was still a little jaded.

William had been a big help in the organisation of everything and she was still a little surprised at his ability to step into this kind of role so easily. Perhaps they were all a little weary of the life they had been leading before. She also had a sneaking suspicion he still wanted the night to go ahead as one Colonel Cameron Mitchell was due to attend. She had smelt William on him the day they shipped out on the Odyssey and Anna had cautiously accepted this new development.

Dru was no longer what William needed despite their continued devotion to each other and the other vampiress had seemed to accept it as well, seeing as Cameron was still alive, and had all body parts attached. She lost herself in her thoughts as she stacked the dishwasher. Inter-species relations were more common now, but anything that went past sex between humans and vampires, and werewolves, could really only have two outcomes. Either the human must be changed by their lover, or the other must watch their mate grow old and die.

And her friend seemed quite enamoured of his new human bed mate, Anna just hoped that it would not end horribly, for either of them. She got that strange feeling again in her stomach and the demon muttered to itself, it happened more often now, the niggling feeling that something was coming, and soon. She sighed quietly and tried to shake it off, if Anna had learnt one thing in her many years it was that interfering in what was to be never worked. In fact it often made it worse. The future must be allowed to roll out before them as it wished.

Her legs wobbled slightly and she gripped the counter at the same time as a warm hand slid round her waist, arm supporting her as she steadied herself. Anna fought the growl threatening in her chest.

"You should be resting"

"I am fine. And I wouldn't want to be a waste of money"

The grip tightened. "That is unfair. And a little childish"

She closed her eyes briefly. "You are right. I apologise" Anna moved trying to politely dislodge the grasp on her. "I shall finish this tomorrow. Perhaps I should sleep again"

He moved with her. "Anna.."

"Is there something you need before I go up Sir?"

The warmth disappeared from her back and she offered up a silent prayer of thanks. Proximity to humans made the Vampyre whine deep inside, and it was now sulking at not being allowed to turn and get a taste. She told it to get a grip.

"Stop calling me Sir" There was a light touch to her arm. "Come on, I'll walk you up"

"I shall be fine but thank you"

He sighed behind her. "You nearly collapsed"

Anna turned and raised a brow. "A little dramatic Colonel" She waved a hand. "Go and enjoy the rest of your evening. I am quite capable of taking the stairs alone"

"No" He grinned at her. "And last time I checked I'm the boss" John offered an arm. "So, come on"

Allowing her eyes to briefly flash which just caused his grin to turn into a smirk Anna took his arm. "This is not necessary"

"Shut up"

As he led her up the staircase Anna felt a wave of lightheadedness and tried to lean her weight on the banister instead of him. He stopped. "You ok?"

"Fine"

"You are very stubborn" John frowned down at her. "You did too much today"

"I made dinner"

"And all the other things that probably no one saw" He raised a brow. "Do I need to carry you?"

"Do it and die"

"So ladylike" John grinned at her. "You ready?"

"Do not.." She was swung up into his arms. Anna growled. "This is not.."

"Pretty sure I said shut up"

As she was effortlessly taken up the rest of the stairs he paused at the top. "Your room?"

"I shall be fine from here thank you"

"Have you always been this stubborn?"

Memories of her Father, and then her husband sighing with exasperation at her flashed before her eyes. "I believe so"

Her Master huffed a quiet laugh. "Your room? Or I shall take you to mine"

Anna frowned then smoothed her expression. "To the right, then first door on your left"

"I'm a little disappointed"

She refused to reply, instead remaining in silence as he turned and walked the small distance to her room, hand sneaking out from under her to twist the handle. She was taken over to the bed where he set her down gently. Moving to a sitting position Anna began to remove her shoes. "Thank you Sir, I shall rest now. Breakfast will be on the table at seven"

John crouched down in front of her, stilling her movements. "Do not call me that, how many times? And we can feed ourselves in the morning. You rest"

"A few hours sleep will be sufficient, thank you"

"You're incredibly frustrating do you know that?"

"I apologise"

"Will you stop..?" He frowned then cupped her chin. Anna watched him warily. "Just stop" He seemed to hesitate then the contact was gone and he was standing. "I will organise breakfast, I don't want to see you downstairs until after 1000. Get some sleep"

Her eyes followed him as he turned and left without another word. Anna took in an unneeded breath so she could force it out again in a sigh. After he had returned to Atlantis from his Father's funeral she had allowed herself to occasionally think on the kiss he had bestowed upon her. With his name around her neck he could certainly take whatever he wanted without her being able to put up a fight but apart from the odd innuendo his behaviour had been perfectly acceptable.

Standing Anna stripped her clothes and went to the drawers for a nightshirt, the cool cotton brushing her thighs as she slipped it on. She had been half expecting to have been taken to his room, as well as he had behaved no human could disguise their body's reactions from a vampire, and Anna always caught the scent of his interest in her whenever they were in close proximity. But Colonel Sheppard appeared to have tight control over his actions, and emotions.

Pulling her hair over her shoulder and into a loose plait she considered her own thoughts and feelings towards this man, he was certainly handsome and he appeared to have the loyalty and friendship of all who served him, whether they be military or otherwise. And Dru, for all she was insane, was always a good judge of character and she seemed to have adopted him as some kind of Father figure within a minute of meeting him.

Anna eyed her rather tired image in the glass. But ultimately her Master was human, and her owner, and whilst she sometimes missed the physical intimacy sex could bring she could live without it, had done for many years now. And John Sheppard seemed like the kind of person who could get under your skin and when you were a vampire that could have dangerous consequences. Perhaps he had come to the same conclusion, that it wasn't worth it for just one night of sharing a bed with her, and decided to back off.

Perhaps the kiss had been an impulse thing and he regretted acting on his desire. She took one last look at herself before making her way over to the small fridge hidden away and pouring herself a tumbler of blood. But the reasons didn't matter, they seemed to have both reached the same decision and whatever had led them to it was unimportant. Sliding under her covers Anna took a sip of her drink and opened her book. Half an hour to clear her mind and then she would sleep, as were her orders.

---

John woke with a start, his body instantly reacting to whatever noise had jolted him from sleep, his blood began to pump faster and he strained his ears for any more sounds. There were faint voices coming from downstairs. Frowning he slid out of bed and pulled his service weapon from the bedside drawer. The vampire's of the house were slowly readjusting their bodies to operate on human time, sleeping through the night and working through the day. With UV fitted windows throughout the house they no longer had to worry about bursting into flames.

Slipping through his door which was thankfully creak free he padded as quietly as he could down the landing and making his way down the stairs. The voices were still muffled but definitely coming from the entrance hall. He mentally cursed as he rounded the corner of the staircase and saw four unknown vamps standing in his house. Anna was stood in front of them, blocking their path to the rest of the house, for now. One of them spotted and him and smiled, not a pleasant experience with his game face on. Yellow eyes glinted dangerously.

"Your human is skilled, nearly as quiet as a vamp"

"I'll take that as a compliment" He descended the rest of the stairs. He was pretty sure that in her current condition Anna wouldn't stand much of a chance against these ones. They didn't exactly look like newborns.

"Sir, you should return upstairs"

"And miss this, I don't think so" John tried to keep a relaxed smile on his face. Perhaps the others would pick up on Anna's bloodline and just fuck off.

One of them chuckled. "Heard the great Childe of Angelus took a big hit. Really think your slave is capable of beating us all, alone?"

"Your people have quite the obsession with my family. What is it about us?"

"You keep pissing people off"

"It's a tradition"

"Sir" Anna glared at him. "Will you please leave?"

He raised a brow. "No"

Another dangerous laugh. "What do you think, make the Master watch, or the vamp slave?"

"That is incredibly clichéd" Anna smiled at them. "Although it is true that I am currently not quite myself" John shot her a look trying to convey what the fuck through his glare. "Unfortunately you may well out match me, I don't suppose you'd consider returning in a few weeks? When I can rip out your spinal cords and beat you to death with them?"

They grinned. "Nope"

"I didn't think so, such a pity" Another smile and this one looked dangerous. John shifted his stance slightly. "Then I shall leave you to the others"

There was a change in the atmosphere. "Others?"

"Do you know what Angelus taught me first? A stupid vampire is a dead one. You become too reliant on your power, let your ego swell, neglect your research and then one day someone comes along with a blunt stake and you're dust" She gestured behind them. "This is William and Drusilla. You may have heard of them as William the Bloody and his Dark Princess? I believe he also went by the name of Spike for a few decades"

They spun slowly on their heels to face the other two vampires now blocking the front door. John raised a brow. "Spike?"

Anna leant in to whisper theatrically in his ear. "He went though a nasty phase of torturing his victims with railroad spikes"

"Ah, how..original"

"I like to think so mate" William grinned, with way too many teeth. "And I haven't gotten to kill anything with less than four legs for more fucking years than I care to admit" He turned his gaze on the intruders. "So, wanna play or what?"

Dru giggled and clapped her hands. "Oooh William lets start from their toes. Like the pretty lady in Russia" She spun on her feet. "She sung so pretty" She stopped facing the other vampires again. "Gonna make you sing, naughty niblets"

"You may not want to watch this Sir" Anna raised a brow.

"Nonsense Anna, I'm always looking for new ideas. And I've never started from the bottom before" John grinned at her.

"I am quite sure that is a lie"

"Maybe" He rocked back on his heels as David ran down the stairs to join them. "Ah David, just in time to watch William and Dru do what they do best"

"Um.."

"Can we kill them now Father?" Drusilla pouted at him from her position.

"Go ahead Drusilla, try not to stain the rug. It's Persian you know"

---

He looked down at the floor. "What did I say Dru?"

"I'm sorry Father" She tried to look suitably chastised.

"That is never going to come out" John eyed the large stain that was slowly darkening. "Perhaps we should just consider lino throughout the house Dave?"

"No way" His brother grinned at him. "It's fine. It'll be a talking point"

"Dru is a talking point"

"Thank you Father"

"Come on Princess" William held out a hand. His eye was purpling nicely and the usual slick hair was looking a little ruffled but he was grinning happily. "Anna is preparing hot drinks"

"I do not like my blood hot" She frowned as he led her down the hall.

"No blood pet, you've had enough"

"Nasty vampire blood"

"Yes, some of which you spilt all over the floor"

"Squirmy dinner"

Their voices faded as they turned into the kitchen. David raised a brow, John grinned back. "Well, that was certainly..informative"

"Hmm, I didn't think that you could actually do that with another persons leg"

"I don't think you can, guess that was kinda the point" John turned his back on the ruined rug. "And maybe it only works with vampires" He made his way to the kitchen. "At least I know you're well protected here"

"But you're not"

"You met Ronan?"

"Yeah I guess" David smiled. "But you send word if the shit really hits the fan. I'm sure Dru would love Atlantis"

"A hundred terrifying possibilities" John pursed his lips in thought. "Wouldn't mind seeing her face the Wraith though. Bet their legs could do that too"

His brother snorted. Stepping into the kitchen he was hit with the smell of coffee, and bacon. "Breakfast..at 0500?"

"I did not think you would be ready to return to bed S..John" Anna smiled before reaching for the eggs. "I do apologise for the damage"

"Replaceable, unlike us" John watched as Drusilla discovered a drop of her blood on her finger and licked it off. "Enjoy yourself Dru?"

"Yes Father, they sang so pretty" She wrinkled her nose. "But they smelt like the sewers"

"Yeah, tasted like them too" William was placing plates and cutlery on the island. "May be more of them"

"A nest?" Anna turned and frowned.

"Perhaps pet" William raised a brow. "They're rare these days though"

She nodded. "However, there are factions.."

"Factions?" John grabbed his coffee before waving her away from the stove and cracking a couple of eggs.

"Ones who flee their families, or fledglings that wake without their Sire. Rogue vampire's still turn humans, an attempt to swell their numbers again"

"Shit, there's a lot of important people living in the Springs"

William nodded. "The SGC certainly has its enemies, but most vamps like you guys. Your open policy on recruiting different species is a big plus. Got a lot of support"

John dumped the eggs on a plate and reached for two more. "I'll call O'Neill, put out a warning about possible house invasions, and get all personnel to be ultra aware when out and about" He turned to face Anna who had propped herself on a stool by the counter. "What were you talking about before I got down there, I heard voices? Thought they usually just went for the kill, no wasting time?"

"The usual bluster" She played with a stray napkin. "How they're going to kill you, how awesome they are" He grinned. "But they'd heard about me, knew about the Order, and that I was a direct descendent" She frowned. "They didn't smell like Aurelius though"

"Definitely not" William took a seat beside David, keeping one eye on Dru who was happily swirling the marshmallows in her chocolate with her finger. "But they were old, strong. Not many of us left now either"

"And where there is a nest there is an Alpha Vampyre" Anna licked her lips. "And I am not ready to meet another in battle yet. Especially if the Alpha is as old as they were"

John frowned. "How would William and Dru match up to an Alpha?"

"We'd hold our own Sir" William smiled. "But whether we could actually kill it whilst fighting off its minions would be a whole other question"

"You would need me, and at full strength" She looked thoughtful.

"What is an Alpha, exactly?" David took a bite of his bacon.

"You've seen Anna's dominance, way other vamps shy away?" He nodded at William whilst chewing. "They can pick up on it, the scent of an Alpha makes the demon in you practically roll over and beg. No one knows what makes them different but it appears in all bloodlines, usually manifesting in direct descendants only. I'm too far to the left of the Aurelius line, Dru here was sired by Angelus and so was Anna. They are directly in line with Aurelius himself. He turned the old Master, who turned Darla, who turned Angelus"

"So, you're more of a nephew?"

William snorted. "Yeah, I guess. Still pretty strong by vamp standards but haven't got enough of the juice pumping through my veins"

"But Dru's not one?" John slid the last of the eggs onto their plate and placed it on the island.

"Oh yeah, my Princess is real powerful. But Angelus screwed up, when he messed with her mind he destroyed any hope of her ever being able to take the role of Master of the Order, or lead a nest. Anna's our best bet these days"

"Huh" He took a sip of coffee. "How about William tracks the vamps and if he finds a nest we just bomb the shit out of it?"

"Father would make a wonderful vampire"

"No turning the boss into a vampire"

---

After clearing the breakfast things Anna had made her way to the library, the room always called to her, in fact the whole household seemed to be drawn there often, and now she sat in the corner of the couch with Drusilla's head in her lap whilst the older vampire slept soundly. William was building a fire, standing back and throwing a lit match into it. None of them were particularly fond of being close to the flames.

She looked down at the notepad in her hands. At least John appeared to have forgotten about her sleeping until mid-morning. She could rest like this and there was much to be done for New Year's. "We need to chase up the champagne order William, threaten bodily harm if they try to wiggle out of it again" He turned to grin at her. "And we actually need David to settle on how he wants the house to look. This is the only time I wish our Master had a wife, or at least a girlfriend. They are so much more decisive about these things"

He snorted and sat at the desk, opening up the laptop there. "Not sure how welcome we'd be with a Mistress here too"

"You think so?" She raised a brow.

"Well, not you and Dru anyway"

"I'm ignoring that William" She returned her gaze to the pad. "Perhaps if he has not made a decision by this evening I shall tell him we will be forced to go with Drusilla's idea"

"It would certainly be atmospheric pet" There was the sound of tapping on the keyboard. "Why don't you choose? You and Peaches always threw a good party"

"Which you nearly always gatecrashed William, we had to start arming our guests"

He grinned. "The good old days"

"You wish to go back to them?"

William shifted his gaze from the screen to her. "You do sense it too don't you?"

Anna looked down at Dru who still appeared to be sleeping. "Drusilla also?" He nodded. Anna frowned. "It…worries me"

"Its cause you're not feeling well sweetheart, it'll ease"

"Perhaps"

"Do not worry on it" He raised a brow. "Cant do nothing about what you can't even see yet"

"I know William. It is just…everything feels so fragile at the moment. That the slightest touch.."

"I don't envy you and Dru that ability pet. Just remember not to touch" He waggled his brows at her.

She growled quietly. "Champagne William. Tell them we know where they live"

"Isn't that a little extreme?" John appeared around the corner of the sofa holding a mug. He crouched be her side and handed it over, the scent of slightly warmed blood causing the woman in her lap to shift slightly. "I take it you're not actually going to rest today now so I may as well keep you topped up"

"Thank you" Anna eyed him. "You didn't have to do that"

He shrugged. "You made me coffee this morning" There was huffed laugh from the desk behind him. "Now, why are we threatening the good people of Matherson & Matherson?"

"Because despite quite happily taking the money for thirty crates of Veuve it is yet to manifest itself in the entrance hall"

He grinned at her. "Ah, well threaten away. Have you considered putting Dru on the phone?"

"That's our next move" William smirked at him before lifting the recover and dialling. "Things were so much easier when we just took what we wanted"

"But now we are civilised William, most of the time at least"

"Sounds interesting" John settled on the other end of the couch and gestured to her hands. "Why don't you use one of the thousand laptops or iPads that seem to reproduce in this house?"

Anna frowned. "I prefer this way"

"And you have no idea how to turn the things on" William grinned at her as hold music played down the phone.

She refused to stick her tongue out, which would be unseemly behaviour for a two hundred year old, satisfying herself with a quiet growl instead.

---

New Year's Eve.

Anna stepped into her dress pulling the two thick straps that formed the deep halter over her breasts and fastening them at the back of her neck. David had insisted upon hiring a catering company to serve this evening, stating he wished his resident vampire's to be viewed as part of the family rather than as servants. The man certainly liked to raise brows, and occasionally fingers, but Anna was aware that most of the guests were members of the SGC and many would also be bringing their supposed staff. There must be something about travelling to other worlds that altered your perception of how life should be viewed, and treated.

She took a step back and eyed herself critically. It had been too long since she had been considered a guest rather than a servant at a large event and she hoped she had gotten her image correct. The emerald collar was still in place and was now complimented be a delicate emerald bracelet and studs that had been given to her on Christmas morning by David and John. She had given thanks that she had chosen to also wrap small gifts for her Master's, sending William out one evening to investigate one of her houses. He had returned with a watch for John which she had parcelled up with a small working model of a ferris wheel and cufflinks for David which were stamped with the personal mark of a certain powerful but long-dead ruler.

The draped neckline stopped a hairbreadth from her navel affording a little modesty and the floor scraping skirt was split at the front to mid-thigh, a small train pooling behind her. Her back was bare, hair curled around itself to form an intricate bun to show the small tattoo of ancient vampiric scripture that sat at the base of her neck. Dru had placed small green gems in her hair, they weren't emeralds but the colour was a close enough match, and they caught the light as she turned.

The material of the dress was the colour of the precious stones around her neck and in her ears, Anna hoped that it wasn't overkill and she looked like a giant..well, whatever was green all over. Her pale skin was scrubbed and moisturised, perhaps a pointless exercise but she hoped it showed a slight difference, and her eyes were lined in black, the green of her irises now seemingly glowing in the light of the room, being accentuated by the emeralds. She slipped into her delicate, and very high, silver sandals and tested out her balance, at least some of her vampire agility had returned. It should help her keep steady on her feet.

After the invasion of the house Christmas had passed peacefully, and quickly. William had soon traced the scent of the invaders to a small nest five miles out of town. No one bothered to question the occupants, there had been an Alpha there and the SGC had indeed bombed the shit out of it. Anna had decided to let her concerns about what this could mean be pushed to the back of her head until the holiday was over.

Now the house was lit by chandeliers and candles, trees glittered and every available surface was covered in bowls of treats and glasses of champagne. A large dance floor had been laid over a good portion of the garden along with a casino and a large seating area scattered with plump floor cushions. The marquee that stretched over it was attached to the side of the house, the large sliding doors that brought in the sun during summer were once again opened wide allowing the guests to move seamlessly between them.

Anna had given up trying to get either Sheppard to make a decision and had gone ahead with her own plans for the house. She hoped they approved, but if they didn't she could at least pointedly tell them that it was their own faults. She knew Drusilla was already downstairs, under the watchful gaze of David as she moved from room to room lighting candles and stealing the odd sweet treat. The other vampire looked beautiful, in her usual white but now it was lace that hugged her curves and sat low on her shoulders. She smiled slightly at the memory of the sight of their Master stopping mid-conversation and staring at her, whoever was on the other end of the phone shouting his name through the earpiece.

William had balked at the idea of a tux but was looking very handsome in all black, the shirt tieless and unbuttoned perhaps a bit too low. At least he was wearing the jacket..and trousers. She hoped Colonel Mitchell found him as irresistible like this as he had William in his torn jeans and tee's. The man was due to arrive a bit later this evening, his flight having only landed an hour ago. Anna had slipped William the present from Cameron that she had been handed before they'd shipped out to meet Adria before breakfast, wishing for him to be able to open it in privacy. She still had no idea what it was but he'd seemed happy enough.

Turning she looked over her back view, noting the movement of her muscles and bones beneath her skin. Still a little thin but not as bad as she had been. In a strange twist of roles John had been taking care of her, she had felt strange at first but it had become clear she was only going to get everything done if she allowed him to so Anna had let it continue. Now it would feel even stranger when he was gone, back to his city and his real life as Anna called it. The people in this house were an interlude, a relaxing and entertaining break from the gritty reality of running an off-world base.

Moving over to the bed she flicked off the bedside lamp and made her way to the door just as someone knocked from the other side. "Anna, if you want an escort downstairs you need to be ready now"

She growled quietly at the closed door before opening it. "I did not request an escort"

"And yet here…" He stared at her. "…I am" He trailed off, his eyes running down then back up. "Damn"

Anna was glad she was no longer capable of flushing. "That is enough. If you don't mind I need to make sure…"

"No working" John licked his lips. "Whats the back view like?"

"Sir.."

He raised a brow.

"John, the back view is the same as it always has been, as is the front" She gestured down the hall. "Shall we?"

"Oh please, after you" He grinned and waved her on.

"As you wish, please try to keep up"

"Oh, I will"