Not In Sunnydale Anymore

by queenofcamelot

Buffy escapes hell only to be captured by Manticore; a government facility created to make the perfect soldier. Buffy just wants her freedom. X-5 494 just wants to get along and follow orders. Did Manticore just find it's newest project? Special Thanks to Mrsgooglybear for being my beta on this.

3. Chapters 20 thru 29

Chapter 20- Be careful what you wish for?

Alec was sitting with his arms draped over the latest in a long string of new women at crash. She was someone just to pass the time with, he might have just chosen her because of the blond hair, but she wouldn't be her no matter what- none of them could even come close. He knew she was working tonight, he could smell her presence as he tried to distract himself from said blonde by doing everything in his power to focus on the blonde currently pressed against him. It wasn't helping that he could feel her approach them.

Buffy took a deep breath and walked to the table, her fake smile plastered on her face, she was use to hiding things so its not like she couldn't handle one guy. She started by smiling at all of the people at the table. Tonight's outfit consisted of a see thru black top and tight short skirt, she was trying to take advantage of her more pronounced curves before her baby bump became obvious. "So, what can I get you guys tonight?" Buffy stood with her smile, looking at Cindy and focusing on anything other than Alec and his flavor of the moment.

Alec's eyes were torn away from the blonde against him as he heard her voice. As he saw her, he forgot how to breathe. 'Oh God, why did she have to wear that' he thought as he couldn't help his eyes from roving over her body; it quickly registered that other people could be checking her out too. His eyes scanned the room, taking in all possibly competition before reminding himself that them not seeing each other was his idea, being with him would get her more danger and in the process, killed. Still he couldn't help the deadly look he sent to Sketchy who was almost drooling over Buffy "I'll have the usual, and she'll have another of what she's having." he informed Buffy in a neutral tone forcing his eyes off her and back to the blonde against him. It was for the best. "Also it'd be better if we could get someone else to serve us. I don't want you around," he added as an afterthought, not daring to look at her so she couldn't read his true feelings.

"Sorry at the moment, it's either me or nobody, but hey if you wanna go serve yourselves be my guest, I can make way better tips at my other tables." Buffy glared at Alec, giving him a deadly look, and then she noticed she was getting a sympathetic look from Cindy and Sketchy was practically staring at her chest the whole time.

"Can I be the drool on your pillow tonight?" Sketchy rolled out with. His comment broke Buffy out of her anger and she smiled trying to hold back a laugh.

"Pretty boy, you need to chill, Anne is fine to wait on us, Cindy gave Alec a dirty look and kicked him hard under the table, " and maybe OC likes the view?"

"Ow" Alec exclaimed and scowled at the lesbian while rubbing his leg under the table. "Why don't you kick him? He's the one staring at your friend's chest." I guess since no one else is around you'll have to do." he said to Buffy, still glaring at Cindy, why couldn't she get it was for the best if Buffy didn't hang around him any more?

"Cause he got taste." She rolled her eyes at Alec and smacked Sketchy's hand in a high-five. "Cause the girl got it going on and if the girl started batting for the home team, OC be throwin' her thang down and taking her home."

"You really need to get laid alright," Alec muttered so probably only Buffy heard him.

"So can you get a move on already, we are waiting for our drinks, you know" the blonde under Alec's arm said. Alec looked at her, what was her name again? Debbie? Daisy or Daphne, Something starting with a D.

"No problem, don't want to hold you up from your night." Buffy smiled while keeping her head down, and Cindy gave her a wink. God bless, Cindy turning what could be deemed a nightmare into something funny. "Be right back with your drinks."

"No problem sugah, you take your time with that fiinnnne ass."
She walked to the bar and put their order in, a new guy, she hadn't seen before, grabbed her by the arm and started whispering things in her ear, and then he winked as he headed to one of her other tables.

Alec's full attention was on the guy who had grabbed Buffy's arm. 'What's that guy doing? Doesn't he know she's taken...she's not taken; she can do as she pleases. Its better this way, she won't be in more danger, and she won't end up like Rachel. I'm not going to responsible for that. Let it go Alec and focus on something else. Like the blonde under your Arm.' he scolded himself.

Delvina glared at the hot guy who had his arm over her, he was hot, and he was buying her drinks. But she really did not like the looks he was giving that waitress. (Or anyone not looking at her) "So sugar, when do you want to go back to your place and have some fun? The service in the place apparently sucks." she scowled at him as she saw an irritated look in his eyes directed at her. It was soon hidden away and she couldn't quite read what was going through the guy's head now.

She could hear his voice, "Later sweetheart. Let's enjoy ourselves here first. Relax, drink." she noticed he wasn't even looking at her anymore but at the guy who had grabbed that waitress's arm earlier. She had half the mind to tell him off or remind him she was over here. If only the guy wasn't so, hot. She really wanted a piece of him and was not going to blow her chance with him by saying something wrong. She'd just have to keep the waitress away from them and show her this hottie was taken.

Buffy grabbed the drinks with a smile and as she turned to go, the guy from earlier, grasped her by the arm again." So beautiful, did it hurt when you fell?"

"Huh?" Buffy shot the man a quizzical look.

"Cause Heaven must be missing an Angel." The man winked at Buffy with a lascivious smile. Buffy blushed and told him she would be right with him.

Alec's bat like hearing had picked up what the two had said to each other. He couldn't help the words that fell, 'Oh for the love of' or suppress the groan that escaped his lips causing every member at the table to look at him. Those quick enough could quickly entertain where Alec had been looking at. Those who weren't, like Sketchy, were left in the dark. "Everything ok Alec?" Sketchy asked.

"Why wouldn't it be, just waiting for some service?" he said saying service a bit louder so Buffy could hear him. He wanted her away from that guy. Screw that he and she weren't a thing, that guy was not worthy of her.

Buffy smiled weakly, "Sorry," she placed all the drinks in front of the guys and turned to go when a dark haired and definite male of the hottie variety bumped into Buffy and gave her a deep smile.

Dante turned around to follow the luscious blonde, he gave her a wink. "I think I just found a reason to stay late tonight." He smiled appreciatively at Buffy. When he swung his sights around Dante spotted Alec at his usual table, it had been awhile since he had seen him, Manticore not withstanding. They had been on at least five missions together. He imagined it was time to catch up; he was heading to Alec's table but kept his peripheral on the hot blonde as she walked away. His eyes lit up with a mischievous glint as he studied the blonde who was the most beautiful creature he had ever bore witness and she had an incredible scent almost like a perfume that spoke directly to him.

Alec watched her bump into someone and unconsciously straightened at bit, so he could jump in fast if necessary. He knew that guy, Dante. X5-501. He was bad news, they'd been on some missions together, and Dante liked his violence. Of course, some X-5 respected him because of that. But Alec did definitely not like the way 501 checked out Buffy. He wanted to go over there and tear him away from her; instead, he said leaning toward Cindy, "You should get her away from him. That guy is bad news."

"Nuh and Uh, if sister gurl gonna get her freak on, I say it's about damn time." Cindy rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.

Dante made his way to Alec's table and had a seat; He licked his lips looking back toward Buffy's way. "I sincerely hope they have that on the menu, because I want a double portion." Then Dante looked Alec's way. "So how you been? been awhile?"

"Yeah, not since before Max's show." Alec said sparing Cindy a look to see if she got his double meaning. He turned back to 501, "So you like Buffy, huh? Dangerous waters my friend. She's Max's friend and you know how Max can get."

"You know Max?" Sketchy asked the big man who had yet to introduce himself, or be introduced. Delvina let her pretty blue eyes rove over the man's body. Maybe she could convince Alec to have a threesome.

"He was at the hospital while Max was recovering from heart surgery." Alec quickly lied to Sketchy.

"Yeah," He turned slightly still distracted by Buffy's form and waited till he saw her almost approach. "Sorry name's Dante." He offered his hand around. He watched Buffy approach and said with a sultry voice. "Yeah but some peril is well worth it." 'Damn she's hot,' Dante muttered to himself.

Buffy's hair fell across her face, and she approached the table to ask the new guy if he wanted anything to drink, he definitely had the rippling muscles and handsome face down and he seemed to be appreciating her form completely. "So what can I get you?" Buffy smiled while waiting for the man's order.

Dante had turned completely to face Buffy, not aware of the heated, angry glares Alec was shooting his way, "Has anyone ever told you, you have the most beautiful smile and eyes that a man could drown in?" He took her hand bringing it to his lips. "Please tell me you're not taken?" He dropped her hand from his lips still trying to caress it with his fingers, "If not… would you like to be?" Dante raised a flirty eyebrow in Buffy's direction.

Alec narrowed his eyes at Dante, after all his sacrifice and hard work to try and get Buffy to get over him while he tried to do the same, she was not going to hook up with another X5, especially 501.

"Alec, you think maybe we could have your friend join us later?" Delvina asked.

"She's taken, isn't she Cindy?" Alec asked hoping the lesbian woman would finally start to cooperate. "She plays both teams bro. She's with Cindy here," he informed the transgenic hoping he'd stop now. 'Buffy better not screw this up' he thought to himself prodding Cindy so she'd say something. He hadn't even heard Delvina ask him something.

"Boy don't make OC, get lost in the fantasy, Nah she single, Trust me if OC could she would definitely take that home with her but she play for the all boys, team." She smiled smugly at Alec. It was about dam time- Alec started stepping up to the plate and if someone else was interested in the woman he claimed he didn't want, well would serve his transgenic ass right, she would back Buffy up whatever she wanted to do.

Buffy turned to go to the bar; she could feel the heated stares from the hottie at Alec's table. Well he wanted her to stay away, wanted her to move on – claimed he didn't want her- well what better way then with a handsome guy, who obviously found her attractive. Dante just winked at Alec's companion, "Sorry sweetheart, I got my eye on something that looks like I might be eating all night. Thanks for the offer." He still kept his eyes glued on Buffy's backside. He turned back to Alec, "I plan on being all over that tonight."

Alec racked his brain, there had to be some way he could get what he wanted without resorting to a fight with Dante or him having to reveal to Buffy he still had feelings for her.

He ignored the comment to his girl though he wondered why Dante seemed to be able to just walk in and both Buffy and the woman whose name started with a D, both wanted him, of course he couldn't be 100% sure of what Buffy wanted "Thanks, you're so very helpful tonight." He sarcastically informed OC first; secondly, he asked "You know back at the hospital with Max?" Alec leaned a little closer in confidentiality, "There was this new patient brought in. She was really angry at having to be there, you remember." Alec asked then made sure Dante caught his eyes as he subtly looked at Buffy. The larger man must surely have gotten the message now- that he didn't want to mess with the girl and was best to back off. If this didn't work, he was just going to tell Dante hands off. If it got to a fight, the big man may be built for combat and therefore stronger, but he was faster.

"Are you going to pay any attention to me tonight or are you just going to join him in starring at that waitress all night?" Delvina huffed.

"Depends, are you gonna stop your whining?" Alec asked her bluntly and uncaring of the girls feelings.

"If you're coming with me right now, I might just let you have your way with me. I think your friend here can handle the waitress on his own." Delvina informed him with a pout.

Alec's jaw set as he glared at the woman; "You can leave now." he was so done with her. He could always get another woman who made less noise than this one. He just couldn't let Buffy go home with Dante.

Delvina glared at him and huffed, "Fine!" grabbing her purse from the chair she stalked away from Alec over to some other guy and immediately started to flirt with said guy hoping to make Alec jealous.

Alec meanwhile had already forgotten about the woman and glared at Dante, "Just stay away from Buffy." he informed him, now through playing games and going through hoops. He slammed his glass on the table for emphasis.

Damn, Dante's lips curved in a smile. Dante was taking her home for sure now, the slayer, the one in the same and in his bed. No freaking way was he not taking the opportunity to take the blonde home, "I think the lady should decide whether she's interested or not and I'll make sure Buffy," The name fell from his lips with a sigh, "Finds her way home eventually." Buffy approached and sat Dante's mug in front of him." So beautiful, you busy tonight?"

"Nope…"Buffy said with a small smirk in Alec's direction," Very single and very available."

He stood and ran his hands over the mark on her neck, he knew what it was, but apparently, her mate had decided that he didn't want her cause no way was something this delectable left without a mate watching her 24/7. "What happened to your neck?" Dante brushed the hair away from her neck, sniffing the strands as they ran through his fingers, "Something try n' to take a bite out of you sweetness?"

Buffy snorted in amusement with a slight lilt to her voice, "No, just an angry puppy."

Dante continued to brush her hair with his fingers, "Must be a helluva brute, not that I can blame him, bet you taste like sweet peaches."

Buffy laughed a light blush covering her cheeks as she gripped her tray in her hands.

Alec huffed flaring his nostrils. He had enough; NO he had enough fifteen minutes ago. 'Ok, that was it. Dante knew what a mark like that meant to an X-5. She had a mate so back off. Obviously, Dante wasn't going to back off. "Actually, that's my mark. You know, the hospital put us in the same room; she couldn't keep her hands off me." Alec snorted with amusement, "No surprise there, so I'd prefer if you went after someone else's leftovers." There he was still being mean therefore pushing Buffy away, and at the same time warning Dante off. He just had to not look Buffy in the eyes and continue to glare at Dante and he'd be ok.

Buffy's mouth fell open in shock; she could not believe the nerve of Alec. Just because he didn't want her didn't give him the right to chase every guy that might away, she continued just to glare at Alec the hurt showing in her eyes. She turned back to Dante with a flirty smile, "What did you say your name was?"

Dante took one look at Alec, "Dante but you can call me anything you want?"

"How do you feel about leftovers?" Buffy asked with a lick of her lips.

"What do you mean?" Dante asked suddenly curious.

Buffy gave Alec a spiteful look, and leant into Dante's shoulder her hot breath on the shell of his ear, she whispered but loud enough for Alec to hear. "I get off in twenty minutes, how bout you take me home and you can mark me..." Buffy took her finger and traced the outline of Alec's mark right about here." Buffy beamed, 'Take that asshole' she openly smirked in Alec's direction.

Alec clenched his jaw even more if possible, that was it. If Buffy was gong to be with an X-5 no matter what she was going to be with him. He was the one that loved her. Dante would only hurt her. "You do know that if you go after her, you'll be dead before you can touch her." he threatened in a whisper so only Dante could hear him and maybe Buffy.

Dante had to frown at Alec's obvious jealous state, well not like he couldn't take the other X-5. He really didn't have a desire to fight over a woman but this one had oh so much potential. "Look you obviously don't want her and I'm not stupid enough to turn something like that down." He leered deviously, "Alec I respect you man, but if it means you want to fight for mating rights then you got yourself a challenge." Then he turned to Buffy, "Sweetheart if you're offering …I'm definitely taking."

"Then I guess we have a fight." Alec stated as he rose from his chair- giving the other X5 five seconds to digest before he grabbed the back of Dante's head and slammed it against the table. "You should get him out of here" he nodded to OC referring to Sketchy.

Dante in turn grabbed Alec by the arm and slung him in the direction of the wall. Alec rebounded flipping over and facing the X5 with a sneer.

Cindy grabbed Sketchy dragging him to the poolroom. And out of harms way. Buffy looked in both directions trying to ascertain what the hell happened. She had only been flirting with Dante and before she could say another word, Alec stood grabbing Dante and slamming his head into the table. She barely had time to register. Buffy attempted to intervene by whistling, "Hey, guys stop this..." Her mind finally snapped out of the incredulity of the scene unfolding before her.

Alec was back on his feet in no time and grinned a little at Dante, this was going to be interesting fight. He vaguely registered Buffy telling them to stop. (Too late for that) Maybe if both she and Cindy had cooperated with his plans to try and diffuse the situation before it started. But now it was way past too late. Nobody fondled his mate. Alec easily blurred out of the way of Dante's punch, grabbed the arm, and brought it down unto his knee before jabbing a blurred punch towards Dante's head.

Dante snapped back and wiped the blood from his nose and grinned, "She must be damn good for you to be fighting this hard." He smiled and punched Alec in the face with a rabbit punch.

Cindy had run to the bar and grabbed the phone, calling Max; she needed her boo here to stop this because no way was she strong enough to pull two- X-5's apart. After several rings, Max picked up. "Boo, ya' need t'get t'Crash, PDQ. Cause Pretty boy done lost his mind, and fightin'."

Max sighed, what the hell had Alec gotten himself into this time, "I'm on my way, who's he fighting?" Max rolled out with a disgusted sigh.

Cindy just snapped her gum and rolled out with, "Another damn pretty boy named Dante, boo you say what you want but they sure did make you guys pretty."

"Dante… Crap, that X-5 is bad news. I'll be over as soon as I can." Max blurted out. She had already walked over to her Ninja motorcycle with helmet in hand, located in her and Cindy's apartment

Buffy threw her tray down and tried to separate the men, but it was hard with Alec's speed and Dante's ability to easily maneuver around her. Both men barely acknowledged her speaking to them, "What the hell is this about?" She looked between the two males.

Dante just pushed her out of the way. "You need to have a seat, sweetness because when I'm done you can kiss all the pain away." Buffy stumbled a bit but caught herself and got back to her feet. Lucky not that many people were around including Michael, he would so not be happy and despite his kindness-, she could end up loosing her job causing men to fight over her. What was she a piece of meat?

Alec spun around in a blur and aimed a hard kick against the other X-5's stomach. The other X-5 however caught his foot; grinning. Alec used the captured foot as leverage to throw up his other leg and kicking 501 against the side of his head, making him loose the grip on his foot. He blurred around ready for the counterattack from 501.

Dante advanced on Alec, kicked his knee, and hit him with full force in his abdomen. He sneered with fists raised nodding in satisfaction at Alec's bloodied nose and smiled evilly at the sound of a loud crack.

Buffy attempted once more to push the two males apart, trying to keep them separate and put an end to the male pissing contest. Dante unaware snapped his fist and hit Buffy Square in the jar causing her to fall back against the table. She was barely able to catch herself from falling prostrate on the floor. She shook her head from the blow trying to clear her vision; the punch was unexpected so she was caught off guard. She had to sit for a moment; this damn pregnancy was causing her to have periods of weakness. So, she had to get her bearings back before trying to separate them again.

Alec watched as Dante hit Buffy and she went down, "You're so dead." he informed the man as he narrowed his eyes on the other X-5. His knee might hurt a bit, but his ass was going down. He had hurt his mate, a rage Alec had never experienced before took over, and his nostrils flared as he savagely began to attack the other X-5. Alec used his superior speed to dodge, block, and evade the hits Dante threw at him while at the same time tearing into the other X-5; his only interest was taking down the thing that had dared to harm his mate.

Dante returned the punches with less accuracy, he could hold off the Alec with brute strength but he didn't have the super speed thing and he was wearing down. He stumbled slightly and fell right on top of Buffy against the table as she prepared to get up- she let out a loud ufff at the contact. He smiled at her seductively "How bout I take you right now and let him watch."

Alec grabbed Dante by the shirt and dragged him to his feet and off Buffy, Dante took advantage of Alec not attacking him and decked Alec hard making the rogue X-5 stumble backwards. Alec wiped the blood off his lip and stared at Dante, "Come on 501, that the best you've got? I think Max can punch harder then you can?" he taunted the physically stronger X-5.

Meanwhile Max sped through the darkness of the night on her Ninja towards Crash, hoping Alec wouldn't do something stupid and cursing the X-5 for getting in a fight with someone like Dante.

Buffy's eyes grew huge at Dante's tone and remarks when she felt him being pulled off her by Alec; who still wore the look of complete rage on his face when he pulled Dante off of her.

The first time the opportunity presented itself. She was going to put a stop to all this madness and find out what the hell everybody's problem was.

Dante stood and punched Alec Square in the face, his fist knocking Alec's face to the side. "Forget it 494, I'm gonna have her one way or another...so just accept you've been replaced. Once I take her, you're gonna hear her screams of pleasure from here to your place." Dante mock laughed.

Finally fed up with the display and almost total destruction that two had caused in the small alcove, she marched between the two men and used her slayer strength to push each in the opposite direction.

Alec blurred forward, letting the other X-5 think he fell into this obvious trap, at the last moment Alec blurred sideways and kicked as hard as he could against the back of Dante's left leg. He didn't waste any more time and continued quickly with a hard elbow against the side of Dante's head.

Alec's previous date dismayed by the complete display and pissed that they were not fighting over her ranted. The few patrons still left inside the bar watched as Delvina shrieked and yelled, "Stop it... stop fighting." The blonde screamed louder trying to intervene, "Look at her; she's not worth it. You can take turns on me or even share me at the same time, just stop fighting." She needed to win back her date and regain her prospect for the night as well as lay groundwork for future prospects with the hottie with the rippling muscles.

Dante dry snorted, "Go ahead Alec, go screw your tramp, I can use that time on the slayer...bet she's tight" He made a slurping sound with his tongue.

Buffy was completely and utterly fed up; she got between the two X-5's pushing them in opposite directions once again. She pointed first to Dante, you sit..." Then she pointed to Alec, "You outside NOW!" She started toward the backdoor and expected the X-5 to follow.

Just then Max stormed in expecting to see a fight, but she saw the two X-5's in question and also saw Dante about to push Buffy aside, "Buffy, watch your step."

Alec was faster then Buffy and threw himself at Dante, tackling him to the ground. Both men struggled until Dante and Alec were suddenly forcibly removed from one and other. Max glared at Dante first, "Leave before I kick your ass." Max instructed to 501 releasing her hold. He stumbled away, smirking at Alec and blowing a kiss to Buffy. Alec was about to go at Dante again but Max held him back by his collar, "You calm down before I start beating on you too."

Dante continued to smirk as he walked to the other side of the bar to gather his coat and then threw one last wink at Buffy.

Buffy was furious; she couldn't believe how juvenile these two were acting. She guiltily looked to Max, "Thanks, sorry you had to come baby-sit."

"Don't be sorry, it's not your fault." Max replied glaring at the rogue X-5. "It's his. You wanna fill me in on why you thought it was a good idea to start a fight with Dante?"

"He challenged me. He got what was coming to him. I ain't apologizing here." Alec snorted with a huff. He didn't do anything wrong and he was surely not apologizing for protecting his mate.

Buffy looked between the two with crossed arms, "Max, could you excuse us for a few minutes- Alec needs to come outside and explain some things to me? "

"Sure, just make sure they'll be enough left of him for me to hit." Max replied releasing Alec's collar.

Alec glared at Max then looked at Buffy, "I don't see why I'm the bad guy in this. He challenged me. I tried to defuse the fight before it could start but she and Cindy were oh so helpful" he told them sarcastically as he made his way after Buffy, outside.

Buffy stalked out the back door waiting for Alec to follow. When she heard the door close, she snapped around and glared Alec down, "What the hell was that in there?" Before Alec could roll out a sarcastic reply, Buffy continued, "You told me to stay away from you...I have done that, I haven't interfered nor have I tried to beat down your little tramps. So don't start a stupid pissing contest just because you smell competition."

Alec started to speak... but was interrupted by Buffy as she whipped around shaking a finger at him. "NO! I'm not finished yet. For once you're gonna listen. You don't want me you've made that perfectly clear, so what now no one else can have me either? Explain now?" Buffy's arms were crossed, she was angry and she was barely able to even form words.

Alec's anger somewhat abated to the physical exertion but his irritation was still plainly evident, "X-5's bring danger with them. You already got danger. You don't need anymore and get yourself killed." Alec informed her. "So I walked, and what do you do, you practically throw yourself at another X-5."

"I am alone in this world; everybody I ever knew is either gone or dead. So whoever I choose to spend my time with is my business not yours."

"Oh, don't even try the pity-card on me. You're better than that. So stop with this stupid behavior and just go and have some normal guy who won't get you killed because of what he is." Alec instructed her.

"It's not pity, It's my choice not yours...whether I choose to be with an X-5 or whatever it's my decision. So if that's the reason for this then just don't. Cause I'm quite capable of taking care of myself. If you have any doubts look it up its slayer, (comma) the."

"Oh, yeah, and you were doing such a great job trying to stop Dante or me earlier. You may be a slayer but you're still human and I care too damn much about you to watch you get yourself killed by being with an X-5." Alec said and mentally kicked himself. He should not have said what he just did. He had to walk away, now. His legs didn't seem to listen to his mind and stood firm where they were.

Buffy blew out a frustrated breath causing her loose bangs to blow upwards, she released her stance with a sigh, "I am hunted just for what I am, and I have been fighting demons since I was 15… I don't need you to be Mr. Protective guy especially since I'm just your scraps." Buffy stated with a snort at the end.

"You are really dumb if you actually still think that's all I think about you. I only said that to dissuade Dante from going after you. If you and Cindy had just cooperated with my hints and plans, this whole fight could have been avoided." Alec said with a roll of his eyes.

"I'm still confused on the why? Why were you fighting him?" Buffy glared at Alec and raised her shoulders in question. She needed to figure out exactly what kind of game he was playing with her.

"You're my mate; if any X-5 is gonna touch you it's me." Alec informed her as if the whole thing was common knowledge.

"So let me get this straight, "Buffy held up a finger in display, "I can date any guys except X-5's. Is that what you're saying?"

"God you're hot when you're mad." Alec let out his eyes rove over her body. "I don't want any man besides me to touch you," he purred getting closer to her; His eyes taking on a seductive quality and his voice lowering.

Buffy stepped back, "I am not one of your little groupies, you're not gonna have me drop my panties just with a wink and a witty line."

"No" Alec agreed, "You're my mate and I want you." he took a few more steps forwards and stopped just in front of her. 'What am I doing? I have to get away. It's not safe for her to have me around...why does she have to smell so good... and that outfit...'Alec struggled with his desire to protect her and his desire to take her. Shaking his head and fighting his innate instincts, he took a step back.

Buffy raised an eyebrow in question, "You don't want me. You told me to stay away from you. Remember that?" She threw up her hands in defeat, "I'm not gonna let you play mind games with me. 'I don't want you but no one else can have you." Dropping her façade –she bored into Alec's eyes, "What do you really want Alec? Be honest with me?"

"I...I want to leave." Alec said gathering every ounce of willpower he had and started to walk away. 'It's good; she's better off this way. What if she does find someone else? Remember- Rachel, don't let her end up like that. Continue walking. No don't look back to see if she's still there. Just leave, get yourself back under control.'

Buffy laughed sarcastically, "See I knew it, you just didn't want Dante to have me, well guess what Alec…" Buffy called out louder, "He's still inside and if I decide to sleep with him or someone else, it doesn't concern you." She huffed preparing to walk back inside.

Before even Alec knew what he was doing, he was back in front of the blonde, 'great, now what? So much for walking away.' his heart was beating fast and he swallowed as he tried to find the right words to relay to her. "Dante is bad news Buffy, you don't believe me, ask Max." Alec ended up saying. Hoping he could remove himself from the situation without resorting to admitting to his feelings.

"Whatever, I'm done with this. You have no right to fight anybody over me. I'm not a possession. You had a date? Explain, or walk away and don't look back 'cause I'm sick of the lies." Off Alec,'s silence Buffy snorted and prepared once again to go back inside, but Alec's voice stopped her.

"It is so hard for you to accept that I just want what's best for you. It ain't 501, he's a ruthless killer Buffy and the way you two were all over each other he would have taken you then left you after he had his way with you and maybe gotten you killed in the progress. Be glad I stepped in, who knows he could have knocked you up and you'd be stuck with a mini-psycho version of him."

"Okay, first off I was not all over anybody, you have me confused with your flavor of the moment that was all over you, and second he sounds strangely like someone else I know." Buffy tapped the side of her face in mock concentration, "Oh that's right- you, you had sex with me on how many occasions? More than I can count, so what's the difference as far as I can tell, he sounds a lot like you." Buffy's fear of him discovering her secret was overridden at her anger at him for playing mind games with her. Sure, she was confronting the father of her child she was carrying but no way was she going to let him manipulate her; or her actions nor letting him know that little tidbit. However, she stood her ground, waiting for the answers.

"I am nothing, like 501, nor have I ever been. I tried to avoid collateral damage on missions, Dante" Alec spat the name out, "Didn't care if a few humans got in the way. He'd shoot them and be done with it. Secondly, you were all over him. If you need an X-5 to scratch your itch, call me and in case you didn't notice I dropped my flavor of the moment for you."

"How was I all over him, he touched my neck, and my arm and I whispered in his ear, come on you and Dee Dee were practically getting on under the table." Buffy held herself against the brisk cold but shrugged in annoyance.

"Trust me, if I was getting it on with her." Alec snorted dryly, "She'd be screaming my name as loud as she could. Kinda like how you screamed my name cumin for me." Alec recalled his face taking on a dreamy expression as vivid memories began to replay in his mind.

"This is about sex?" Buffy gasped with her mouth wide open. Buffy couldn't believe Alec's gall. "You cannot be serious."

"If it was just about sex, I wouldn't have to try so hard. You wanna know what I want. I don't know! You're something that wasn't covered in Manticore's lessons schedule." Alec began to pace throwing his hands up in the air, not sure what to do with himself but fighting his desire to slam her against the brick wall and reclaim his mate.

"What didn't they go over that in you intro to slayer." Buffy laughed sardonically and leaned up against the back door, with an exhale. Buffy got real quiet remembering what the watcher she ran into said to her. "Was I just a mission?"

"Rachel was just a mission in the beginning too." Alec answered, knowing the vague yet painful memory of his first love and hoping it would dissuade Buffy from follow up questions on that topic. "I don't know how to deal with you? That's what I meant. I'm supposed to stay away from you so you'll be safe and won't end up like..." he trailed off. "But I only have to see you and I can't think straight, I can't follow through on what is best for you and all I want is you." his eyes boring into hers with a longing.

Buffy's eyes got glassy, "You didn't answer my question, was I just a mission? What were your exact orders when it came to me? What did you get for sleeping with me?"

"I'm sure you were getting something out of us sleeping together too." Alec answered evasively. "I told you then, we were breeding partners. But Manticore is gone now. No mission, no orders, and I still want you. More than I should." Alec confessed.

Buffy pursed her lips and cleared her voice; "You were supposed to get me pregnant. Weren't you? I want you to tell me what your exact orders were and stop avoiding the damn question."

"Breeding partners…" Alec let out slowly. "It's in the words Buffy. Yes, I was supposed to copulate with you every time I was sent to you until you got pregnant. It obviously didn't take. So instead of lingering on the past, let's focus on the now."

Buffy gripped her elbows and rolled her eyes upward, "You were just gonna get me pregnant and let them take my child. So, every time… you came to see me, you were following orders to have sex with me… Stopping me from escaping; the woods incident, the shower, screwing me till I bled, during the thirty-six hours … then only… quitting… when I begged you to stop because it was hurting. All of that…was just a mission to you?" Buffy asked pleadingly.

"Manticore may have ordered me to do so, but I wanted to do all that to you. I don't regret a second of the time I spent with you there. And yeah maybe I was a little selfish in the regard of stopping you from escaping, but I didn't want to lose the one thing I liked about that place. Like I said, Rachel was a mission first too. She paid the price for liking me back. So do yourself a favor and stay away from me." Alec instructed her. Alec had put at least a foot of space between while he angrily answered Buffy.

The tears had already started to flow down her cheeks; she choked out, "So I was just a mission?" Buffy's eyes held his as she continued, "They told me how I meant nothing to you … how you're a soldier who always gets the mission done." A sob broke free, "About Rachel, how you were her piano teacher …I didn't want to believe it." Buffy wiped the tears away with the back of her hand.

In a cold and dangerous tone Alec spoke, "Don't presume to know me. You have no idea how I felt about Rachel or what happened between us. I thought Max filled you in, but even she wouldn't be dumb enough to say Rachel was a just a mission to me. I was a soldier, born and raised. I didn't know any better then to follow orders. You don't want to know how units ended up when they didn't follow orders." Alec spat, "I played my part as her piano teacher yeah, I didn't expect to fall for her, but I did. I tried to defy Manticore by refusing my orders to kill her, and look how well that ended up. You know what I got when I got back? Did your informant mention that tidbit to you? You think you had it hard the few weeks you were there, you don't know what that place was capable of and neither does Max." Alec spat with venom and turned around to walk off angrily.

Buffy called out as the tears began to dwindle. She had one opportunity to set this right then maybe Alec would stop playing the mental games with her and let her go. He obviously didn't love her. "You're right I don't know you, but you don't know me…you still don't deny I was only a mission…" Buffy took a deep breath and waited to see if he would turn around. "You sound like you really did love her. I know how hard that can be to loose someone you love." Buffy smiled weakly.

Alec stopped and turned around and couldn't help the small smile breaking through his exterior, "What you forgot the… oh so unsubtle hint where I compared you to Rachel that should give you all the answers you want from me... for a while anyways."

Buffy wiped her face with a sigh, "The Watchers Council is the one that gave me the information, the other night when they cornered me." Buffy steadily wiped the tears on her back of her hand, "I know what its like to love someone then be the cause of their death, but you don't love me." Buffy voice softened, "You said I don't know you but what can you really say you know about me? I was merely someone you were ordered to have sex with, you weren't ordered to have sex with her, you loved her… you don't love me and I'm not gonna pretend like you do out of some misguided sense of chivalry no matter how small you may have for me." She dropped her uncrossed arms and steadily moved back to the unopened door.

Alec walked closer to her then stopped a couple feet away, "I didn't mean to say that I loved you. I meant that what was first a mission turned into something more. How much more, I don't know. Isn't this the same Council that first allowed; Manticore to keep you and then tried to kidnap you? Yeah you should totally trust their info." Alec stated with a roll of his eyes while he thought to himself, 'maybe I should just continue to stick around, she obviously needs me to keep her out of trouble and acting on bad info. And Manticore is gone, sure, there was White, but I escaped him once. I can keep Buffy safer if I can keep an eye on."

Buffy shrugged absently, "Slayers do technically belong to the Watchers Council; we are the weapons used against the forces of darkness." She gave Alec a delicate smile, "Its okay, I won't bother you again...You have my word." She turned back to the door and grabbed the handle.

Alec walked up behind her and placed his hand over hers on the handle, removing it from the handle he turned her to face him. "Maybe I like it when you bother Me." he whispered. "For the record, you may be a slayer, but you're also a human being. You don't belong to anyone. Just like Max and I don't belong to Manticore, they may think we do, but we don't." 'Damn, her skin feels good.' Alec thought to himself and then dropped his hand from hers, "I'll be seeing you Buffy." he assured her before walking off.

Buffy whispered to herself as Alec disappeared into the night in the back of the bar, 'Not if I can help it you're not.' Buffy did not need to get in deeper than she already was, the time for action was now, and she hoped she could leave a lot sooner than planned before her reserve to avoid this man became impossible. She would call Logan the following day and begin her escape plan.

Chapter 21- Another day in paradise

Max sat at the table nursing her beer, while she watched her friends around her. Crash was like a second home to her, and she wouldn't want to be anywhere else after a long day of work - except for maybe Logan's. Max scanned the bar for Buffy, trying to see if she could catch a glimpse of her blond hair. She had been a little worried about her since the whole blow up a couple days ago with Alec. She hadn't really heard a word from her. Alec was his usual self except when he was staring at her longingly. It would be funny if it weren't so sad.

It didn't take long when she noticed the very person she was looking for, come by the table and another male quickly grabbed her hand pulling it to his lips. Buffy politely pulled out of his grasp and proceeded to the table. She glanced around the table at Max and her friend's deliberately ignoring Alec's usual heated gaze.

Sketchy had been waiting for an opportunity to use that line that Alec had given him when little Suki and her friend Marina quit. Sketchy had waited till Buffy got to him and he rolled out with charm and ease. "Buffy has anyone ever told you that you are a unique creature- unlike any other." He couldn't believe how well it rolled off his tongue. He brought Buffy's hand to his lips.

Buffy gave a deep flattered smile, "Thank you-that's sweet, I think." When she walked away-, everybody was giving sketchy 'OH SHIT!'- You screwed up now look. With concern, they all looked at Alec at the end of the table to gauge his face.

Max shook her head and took another sip of her beer. She didn't know from personal experience, but she'd heard horror stories of X5 males viciously attacking other males when their 'territory' had been violated. Max glanced over at Alec and watched as his face changed from lust to violent in a split second.

"Sketch I need to have a word with you -ALONE." Alec stood and flames were shooting out of his eyes at his friend. He had no idea how far over the line he just stepped.

"I can't believe it… that line actually works- thank you. Looks like I'm getting lucky tonight." Sketchy laughed unaware of the immense danger he was in and the hard raining stare Alec was currently giving him.

Trying hard to breath through his anger with out jumping across the table Alec spat, "NOW!"

All the faces at the table with the exception of Sketchy looked at Max. Max stood up, grabbed Alec's elbow, and pulled him away from the table, and everyone's prying ears. She pulled him to the alcove to the side of the bar, "You don't hurt Sketchy, and I don't have to hurt you." Max looked into Alec's eyes and momentarily tightened her grip on his elbow.

It took several minutes for Alec to even realize there were words coming out of Max's mouth before a syllable left his mouth. He had scanned the room seeing Buffy approach the table and sit the drinks in front of Original Cindy. Sketchy just grasped Buffy's hand in his and asked her, "You are beautiful, and I would be honored if you accompany me to an eating establishment tonight?" With Alec's enhanced hearing, he heard Buffy's soft laugh.

"Let me see how I feel when I get off and I'll let you know, OK" Buffy smiled at Sketchy with a friendly demeanor. Buffy proceeded to walk away shaking her head. He was such a sweet guy, he almost reminded her little of Xander and she definitely could use a chance to get out where she wasn't slaying or moping. She returned to the bar with a jovial smile on her face.

Cindy just shook her head from side to side at the confrontation she was afraid was going to come to a head. She shot Sketchy a look and a light rap on the table, "Sistah gurl the bomb but, going after that gonna put you in a world of hurt." Cindy knew what was going on, and it was obvious to her. Why didn't the man, stop playing games and let the woman know he loved her?

"Alec would never- besides he said he didn't want her." Sketchy spouted as he stretched his arms pulling them behind his head oblivious to intense emotions radiating from Alec.

Max shook Alec's elbow to try and get him to focus on her. She glared at him and said through gritted teeth, "Alec, you touch a hair on Sketchy's head, and I rip all yours out. Got the dealio?"

Alec seethed with anger; "She's got to be doing it just to piss me off- why the hell do they have to keep touching her?" He ran his hands though his hair, "Do you have any idea what this is doing to me?"

Max let go of his elbow and she put her hands in her pockets. "I think I get it." Max looked over at Buffy and then back at Alec, "This wouldn't be eatin' you up if you just told her. You do know that right? I mean your skull isn't that thick." Max plucked Alec on the head and attempted to lighten the mood with a small smile, and then she said with all seriousness, "Maybe she just wants a friend, you ever think of that?" For some reason Max's patience with Alec was growing larger and she found that, she could actually have a whole conversation with him without wanting to rip him limb from limb. She even thought she was growing kind of fond of having him around similar to a potted plant that you really didn't want but kept around anyway.

Alec seriously considered that option for a moment, and then flashes of Rachel and how she died because of him. "I can't Max, I-I just can't." He closed his eyes at the stinging he felt of the tears that wanted to flow and the fact he wanted to go over there and flip her over his shoulder and take her home with him. "Staying away from her is hell- not touching her is torture." He was seriously considering that when the voice of his commander at re-indoctrination rang in his mind. 'You are a soldier- you don't let your emotions rule you.' Then the memory of the stinging as the laser cut deep into his cornea. "But I have to stay away…besides she doesn't want anything to do with Me."

"You think I don't get it. I have the star-crossed love of all time. I mean, I can't even say 'Here's the book back I borrowed Logan. Oh crap, you're dead.' At least you got to know what it's like to be with the person you...care about." Max shrugged and looked back over at Buffy, if the roles were reversed and she was Buffy, she'd want him to tell her he loved her instead of playing games. At least with her and Logan, they knew how they felt about each other; they just couldn't experience it first hand, and probably would never be able to.

Alec digested that for a moment, it was his fault about the virus. He really wished he could fix that with Max. Well he didn't create it; he just made sure it took place. "Max- about you and Logan, I'm sorry for my part- I wish I could do something to," He looked shamefaced. "Well, you know."

"Yeah, well...can't change it now." She didn't mean to be bitter, but she was. She was honestly full of bitter about it, and she knew that was part of the reason, she was so hard on Alec. That and the fact he was wearing Ben's face, which brought back bad memories. "You want me to go talk to her?" Max hooked her thumb at Buffy and waited for Alec to reply. Oh God, she was uncomfortable in situations like this, she didn't know how to do girl talk, that entirely well.

"I guess I'm gonna owe you big time- if you do?" Alec tried to force a smile.

"Oh yeah, I'm thinking a pitcher of beer for Sketchy and OC, and some grunt work for me. I might need somebody to watch my back while I nicely take a valuable item off some bad guy's hands." Max playfully smacked Alec on the shoulder and smiled, "Get buyin' pretty boy." Max turned and walked toward Buffy, thinking of how much work she could get off of Alec just by talking to Buffy. He was way too easy when he was in love. She walked up to the bar where Buffy was and sat down, "Got a minute to talk?"

Alec had walked away cheerfully to order the pitcher and carried it back with a wink in Max's direction. If things worked out, he was going to take his woman home tonight. He would figure the rest out later.

Buffy had been serving the counter patrons when she spotted Max sit down in front of her. When Max asked to talk to her, Buffy was slightly surprised but she had no hard feelings toward Max even though they hadn't really talked since she escaped from Manticore. Buffy signaled to Michael that she was taking a break. She gave Max a gentle smile, "Sure, Do you want to talk here or a table?"

"Um...would a table be more private? A table would probably be better." Max rolled her eyes at herself, she could kick bad guy ass, steal expensive items, even burn down a secret government agency...but talking girl talk? That was hard work. Max stood up and started walking to a table toward the back of the bar. As she passed by the table where her friends were, she reached over and grabbed the full glass of beer out of Alec's hand, sending a sarcastic wink in his direction, and lifting the beer in a thankful salute. She finally reached an empty table and sat down.

Buffy pulled her shirttail out of her pants, letting the white blouse hide her any indications that was expecting. The last thing she needed was for him to find out she was pregnant. Her breasts had already doubled in size. They did get her big tips but Alec was a different story. She only had only months to work before the baby bump became obvious. And she planned on being (Far, far away) in California when that happened.

Buffy followed Max, nervously tugging on her white sweater she wore over her blouse, she didn't even look in Alec's direction when Max stopped snagging the pitcher of beer. Her nervousness passed once she was out of Alec's vision. The man could make her queasy just with a stare. No, Buffy his eyes are not penetrating, he does not know your secret. Cindy promised she would not tell. She would never break that promise. She gave Max a questioning smile and had a seat across from her. "So… what's the what-? You have something face?"

"Something? No, nothing. Just talk… Ya know girl talk." Max took a long sip of the beer; nearly downing half of it then wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. "Do I seem nervous to you? Because I don't usually have girl talk... I have knock sense into Sketchy talk, sista girl talk, and beat Alec senseless talk. I'm probably scaring you with how much I'm saying right now, huh?" Max grabbed the beer and downed the second half. Luckily, for her, her transgenic DNA made it very hard to get drunk. The beer just helped calm her nerves. "I wanted to know how life's treatin' you. Are you doin' good?"

Buffy out right laughed, "No you're not scaring me… Slayer here, vampires with sharp fangs make me uncomfortable. You not so much; hope that didn't sound insulting. I'm okay," Buffy shrugged, "This weather leaves a lot to be desired, miss the sunshine, warm climate and shoes… I definitely miss shopping for shoes. But other than that okay… nothing to write home about… well if my home was still there but… I'm babbling- how are you?"

Max laughed as well, and shrugged. "Apparently that's apart of girl talk, babbling. Never would a guessed I'd be a babbler. Life's alright, except for the government trying to wipe clean any trace of Manticore, which pretty much means killing off all my kind, and the virus that is genetically targeted to Logan's DNA, which will kill him slowly and painfully if I touch him in anyway. So, it's so-so. I was actually wondering how you're holdin' up after the Manticore nightmare." Max smiled and looked down at her empty glass, "You wanna beer? I think I might get a refill from my good buddy Alec, he's buying tonight, so everything is on him, no charge."

"Actually alcohol and Buffy are un-mixy things." Buffy softly laughed, "There was a frat party and a large snake involved… I don't know if you want the details." Buffy frowned at the internal image, she hadn't thought about that since well Sunnydale. "As for Manticore… right there with ya," Then something dawned on Buffy, maybe she needed her help and was being too shy to ask. "You know if you need my help? All you have to do is ask." Buffy bit her lip then added, "He misses you Max, he doesn't say anything but I can tell. He talks about you a lot." Then she added, "A whole lot." She added with a smile.

Max set her glass down and nodded slowly, completely understanding. She didn't talk much about Logan, but she missed him with her whole heart. She would give anything to be with him, she'd probably even donate some body parts to be with him again. But she wasn't here to talk about her and Logan; she was here to get down to the bottom of Buffy and Alec's drama. She'd deal with her problems another day. "Yeah, well...we can't really do anything unless that virus is gone. But, I noticed something...you're probably going to think this is crazy...but there's something on your neck. A particular scar, that looks vaguely familiar." Max pointed to the area on Buffy's neck she was talking about.

Buffy got quiet, shit she should've covered it up with makeup. Did Max know what it was? Hell she didn't even know what it was. She really didn't want to talk about Alec but Max was obviously curious. She opened her mouth then closed it, and looked around to avoid the subject. "It's just a –umm-battle scar." Buffy stammered slightly, "Every once in awhile the forces of darkness get in a good –well yanno." Buffy laughed with a forced bounce to her voice; "Hey how bout I pay for this round? I'll have Michael put it on me." Buffy smiled cheerfully hoping Max would just let it go.

Max stared at Buffy, understanding clearly the tone her voice had taken on, and her avoidance of the subject of Alec. 'This is gonna be a lot harder than I thought.' "Don't take this the wrong way, it's just that that bite kinda looks like something an animal would do, say a cat?" Max drank the last little bit of beer that was left in glass, which wasn't much, and she gauged Buffy's reaction, trying to see if she could get anything out of her; any kind of expression. "So, what was life like before Manticore caught you?"

Buffy downcast her eyes for a moment, but relieved she didn't have to tell Max that Alec had bit her during sex, really rough sex, back at Manticore. "Nope can honestly say, no cats have bitten me." Buffy took a deep breath, saved by the bell or change of subject in this case. "Before Manticore, wow that's a long story, I had friends, a mom, and then it was gone in a blink of an eye. All because I couldn't deal with what I had done…then before I knew what happened it was all just stripped away?" Buffy dropped her hand on the table her face taking on a far away look as she thought about all she had lost. She snapped back while Max's eyes appraised her. "Then there was the fact I was in hell… literal hell for I think they said about twenty-four years…" Buffy played with the napkin holder then added, "All because of my curse with men."

Max stared at Buffy wide-eyed, "Jeez, I thought I had it rough. I never met my mom being genetically enhanced an' all. While they were busy putting cat DNA and whatever else in me, my mom was God knows where. The only family I had was the other kids in my unit back at Manticore, twelve of us escaped. That's a long story too. I kinda know where you're comin'. I spent nearly ten years of my life alone, hiding and searching for my brothers and sisters. But Hell? Damn...what was it you couldn't deal with?" Max gestured at one of the waitresses walking by, and she lifted her empty glass, "Could I get a refill?"

The passing waitress grabbed the empty mug as she walked by the table. The curious stares from the other table housing her friends were watching as if the answer to world peace was being discussed.

Buffy frowned slightly, she no longer was as tore up about Angel as she once was but killing the man you loved was kinda a lifetime cross to bear.

"There was someone, His name was Angel." Buffy smiled briefly thinking about how much she had loved Angel, then of their one night together. "I loved him; would have given up anything to be with him but instead I had to kill him- sacrifice him for the world. His blood was the only thing that would keep the world from ending. So, I had to run a sword through the man I loved as he stood at my feet- telling me how much he loved me. So, I ran- and literally got trapped in hell. Of course, fifteen minutes prior to that he was trying to run around and kill everybody. I just seem to have a knack for falling for the wrong guy." Buffy laughed sardonically at her statement.

Max cleared her throat and shook her head, "Wow, I'm really sorry. So, you go for the bad boys then? You had the whole lovelorn star crossed lover's story too." Max smiled at her-own sarcasm to lighten the mood, and grabbed the refill of beer that had been handed to her by the waitress, "Thanks." She took a long sip and said a little quickly, "Ya know, Alec isn't half bad...half of the time." Max shrugged and stole a quick glance at the other transgenic.

"Sorry didn't mean to bring you down, besides it was a long time ago and the bad boy thing… unfortunately yes, but I'm working on changing that." Buffy gave Max a smile and she shook off her morose musings. She heard her mention Alec, she needed to either change the subject or avoid completely. "Sketchy asked me to go out to eat, you wanna come with?" Buffy settled for avoidance.

"If Sketchy's buying, I'm eating." Max smiled and took another sip of her beer, if Buffy was going to avoid the subject of Alec, than she was just going to bring up her own sad story. "Ya know, Logan use to cook for me all the time, gourmet pastas, delicious salads, pre-pulse wines...now we can't even have a meal together." Max didn't mean to go into that much detail, and it actually brought her down a little, she picked up her beer and chugged the rest of it. "Hang on for a minute." Max stood up walked over to the table where her friends sat and leaned over to grab the full pitcher of beer, "Thanks Alec." She smiled and headed back to the table to refill her glass. She chugged that one too and then refilled a second time. "Sorry. I'm a big beer girl."

"That's okay" Buffy shrugged, "You handle it way better than me…" Buffy added, "I only had one drink, then I woke up to Echidna the snake God ready to chow down on me…. Logan's a good guy." Buffy leaned on the table absently playing with the napkin container, "Is there maybe a cure for this virus? Maybe even a magical whosit that would work?" Buffy chewed on her lip thinking if she went to Willow, could she help. Would she be allowed to? "I'm not much with the research but if it helped you guys I would be willing to try." Buffy was already thinking of ways that maybe magic might work in this instant.

"I don't know. I'm to the point where I'm giving up." Max chugged another beer and refilled her glass, "I gotta say something though, because it's buggin' me. That mark on your neck, isn't just any mark...there's this whole thing because we have all kinds of DNA in us, but cat and human is the most...that Alec pretty much mated you. That mark means you're his mate, all X-series know about that...I'm glad I finally got that one out. I would've done it to Logan...if I'd gotten the chance...wow, this beer is good." Max started to chug the next beer, not realizing she was saying more than she should.

Buffy's mouth fell open in shock; there was no way Max just said Alec mated her! That was impossible. Her eyes blinked in alarm, and surprise. "What? Did you just say he mated me?" The panic started to rise in Buffy's voice. "What the hell does that mean?" Her voice kept going up an octave with the fear that Max had figured out she was pregnant. "You're wrong; this is just a deep hickey. That's all. There is no mate thingy." Buffy's was almost hyperventilating as she waved the explanation away with her hands. She swallowed, pure panic filled her eyes, and she felt like her heart was beating eighty miles an hour.

Max finished the beer in her glass and started to pour another one, she really missed Logan, and for some reason that was all she could think about right now. "No, it's this whole territorial animal thing, and with the cat DNA and Alec being a male...you get my drift. Technically, I guess you could say he marked you as his. Which is really sexist, but at the same time kinda sweet, I can't believe I think something that Alec did was sweet; he's a pig most of the time; unless it comes to you." Max downed another beer.

"I don't understand, his what, exactly? Why would he do that?" Buffy's mind was reeling; a mate mark. The cat DNA didn't bother her but she was marked as someone's property.

Buffy stood but had to sit back down. "The room is spinning. I-I think I'm gonna be sick…" Her arms gestured wildly. "Why didn't he just pee on my leg for gawds sake? What the hell am I gonna do now?" Buffy had to mentally smack herself. 'Okay Buffy just breathe girl. This can't mean he owns you- you're overreacting. Just calm down and it will be fine. NO one knows you're pregnant. You can get out of this just take it one thing at a time.

"Well that wouldn't have been very hot if he'd peed on your leg, would it?" Max giggled to herself and started pouring another glassful, she looked at the pitcher and sighed, "It's almost empty, how sad. Alec should buy me another one; I mean… he owes it to me. If it weren't for me he'd be dead, ya know that? Plus, he'd have no place to work, he'd probably be in jail for all the times he's attempted to kill another guy for touching you, I don't even know how I keep up with his male ego. It makes no sense either, he tells you to stay away from him, but then he lurks in the shadows and protects you. Is that a guy thing or something? I don't get it… If you want 'em to stay away, just stay away… make a clean break. Like with Logan, hey, I love him, a lot...but you don't see me hanging outside his penthouse window or anything. But, then again...I didn't make him my mate, and he doesn't have my scent all over him...and your pheromones tend to drive Alec up the wall." Max chugged another beer, she was really starting to feel the alcohol, and all she wanted to do was to kiss Logan.

Shock flitted across Buffy's face along with the irritation, "He's following me? DO you mean to say he's been watching me everywhere I go? My pheromones…He's hurting people over me?" Concern took over Buffy's visage. "I don't get it… his scent? What the hell does that exactly mean and this mate thing? I mean I understand the territorial thing… even though I think its stupid, but he told me to stay away Max. Told me he would have no trouble getting over me then he leaves with a different girl every night… then I have to hear them come in the next day and brag about it! Then when he's not insulting me or telling people, I use to be a man, he's asking me to have sex with him. What does he want from me?"

Max spit beer out of her mouth and laughed, and then she covered her mouth and frowned, "Sorry about that. But he told somebody you were a man? Wow, I'm almost in awe at the way that guy's brain works. He hasn't hurt anybody...he's been close to it, but I usually get there in time, calm him down, remind him of his how stupid he is and throw in a few threats. That's always my favorite part. He's a liar by the way, I don't think he follows you everywhere, he isn't over you, only follows you if he thinks your in danger or another guy is hitting on you, in fact I don't think he wants to be over you. Do you know how good this beer is? How does Logan look to you? Does he look sad? How's his hair? What pair of glasses is he wearing? Manticore injected you with this pheromone that drives any male X5 wild; Alec is the one that really took to it, and man it stuck. He knows your around just by fricken smell, isn't that crazy? It's kinda like Joshua. He doesn't even like those girls, he's Alec, tries to be a playboy and keep up the image, but I'm not sure if he's even slept with all of them. Wouldn't want to ask anyway... I would tell you what he wants, but that's one thing I can't. I may be slightly intoxicated right now but I know when to keep my mouth shut. Does Logan really miss me?" Max drank the last bit of beer that was in her glass and leaned on the back of her chair, lifting the pitcher up and calling to Alec, "Alec! I think I need a refill over here." Max slammed the pitcher back on the table and smiled at Buffy, "Wow, I haven't drunk this much in a long time; it's amazing I'm not drunk right now."

Buffy's voice was no longer filled with panic but aggravation. She crossed her arms across her chest and began to relay all the Intel to Max in a slightly even tone. Although she wanted to go over to the table Alec was at and smack the daylights out him, arrogant Ass and to just expect to her to drop her panties all because he's turned on by her smell. "He told Daniel, my best tipper that my name used to be Bart and that I was in the middle of a sex-change. Imagine my surprise the next day… I come in to wait on him and he tells me he doesn't swing that way. Jackie found out that's what he told him." The smell thing (that was just gross) unnerving and scary all at the same time; "As for the other women, I don't do the whole multiple sex partners… I have only slept with two people; him and Angel and right now I'm pretty much regretting both." Trying to remain calm, she thought about the sweetness that was Joshua and how he got so excited every time she visited. If she weren't trying to protect her baby, she would definitely ask him to come with her. If demons could have their own bars, surely no one would say anything about a dog-man. Of course, Max was like his family and she could never ask him to leave her behind. "Joshua is very sweet, I just saw him the other day." Buffy head was spinning keeping up with all Max's questions but decided to address the Alec thing and move on. "Alec won't have too much longer to worry about me; I'm working on going back to California. So that problem will solve all that." Then her voice softened when she thought about all the countless hours that Logan had confided in her how much he loved Max. "Logan does miss you, talks about you like you're the greatest thing since sliced bread, and I just wish I could help you guys. Don't give up on him, Max… once I get back to LA, maybe I can make some contacts with the underworld, the literal underworld." Buffy laughed softly. "And help you, Lotta mystic mojos out that way." She ended that last part with a smile.

"You can't leave. I know Alec says he's trying to stay away from you to protect you, but if you leave...it might make things worse. And not just for you, for all of us. He said that Ames White has this big yen going for you, and me...you more apparently. Something about our DNA or whatever; Logan misses me? I miss him a lot. The first time we ever met, I broke into his house to burglarize him that was the greatest day of my life. Alec is just scared, and frankly, I think you're kinda scared too. Don't tell me you aren't, because I know that look. Logan and me skirted around each other for a year denying how we feel about each other...that was the worst mistake I ever made. God, I miss his eyes. Alec, where's my beer?" Max nearly knocked her chair backward with the effort it took her to yell over at the other table.

"I have to… there's too much at stake right now." Buffy's eyes coasted down toward her abdomen that had started to slightly protrude but not too obviously. "Who is Ames White? Another lunatic I have to worry about- guess I'll just add him to the list." Buffy rolled her eyes in annoyance,

"Watchers Council, and some jerk named Sandeman. I mean honestly, who names their kids Sandeman?" Buffy then shrugged her shoulders. "Eh- I'm use to it; demons seek me out on a daily basis so just another day in the life of a slayer." Buffy stood and walked over to where Max had fallen and offered her a hand to sit her back in the chair. It was obvious she was quite intoxicated. If she weren't so irritated with Alec, she would find the whole thing extremely hilarious.

Alec had watched Max from across the room, Buffy had her back to him so he couldn't tell if she was pissed or what? She had stood up at one point and talking with her hands in that cute, little way she did. Then it looked as if the conversation got more intense. She had gracefully stood and helped Max back to her seat and then Max yelled for more beer. He did tell her he owed her. He wondered if he should approach. Well only one way to find out and this was as good a time as any. He moved across the room in a confident stride to stand behind Buffy, he knew she knew that he was there, because both of her shoulders tensed visibly. He sat the pitcher of beer between the two women. He smirked, "Evening Ladies."

"Alec! Finally, I have been waiting…. tell her about White. How he is not just any normal bad guy, he's the bad guy that actually kicks your ass. Yeah, that's right...he handed my ass to me on a platter...of course that was after I was shot...but still the guy is not normal. I actually miss Lydecker, now Lydecker was a bad guy you could get use to." Max was pouring another glass of beer, and started gulping it down. Then she thought about something and said, "Wait, Sandeman? Like Father Sandeman? Joshua's father, He's looking for you? That's funny; I've been looking for him. I wonder if Logan would think it was weird if I just dropped in. Do you think it would be weird? Hey, Alec, do you think it would be weird if a girl just decided...for old time's sake...to just drop into your penthouse? Maybe make some pasta and drink some wine, sit back and listen to classical music, with no touching whatsoever." Max grabbed her beer and started chugging it again, obviously forgetting what she had said, almost right after she had said it. Talk about liquid pain remover, Max didn't need anti-depressants when there was plenty of beer to go around. "Sit down Alec. Drink some beer, have fun for once, and stop being so fricken serious. You're both too serious. Wait, or am I too serious? Logan's too serious, that's it." Max filled her glass up yet again.

Buffy gave Max a sympathetic look and then spoke to Alec without even looking in his eyes, his eyes were too intense, and she was not strong enough. If she wanted to get away, she smiled faintly, Remember how it ended with Angel, granted Alec may not have a demon inside of him but she was causing him to act crazy according to Max. She went over to grab Max's arm, "I think Max has had enough to drink – why don't you take her home." Keeping her eyes on the floor the whole time, be strong girl- don't look in the eyes, this will end badly. Don't think about his hands caressing you. No bad, bad, bad. Her eyes strayed to his crotch. She needed to get the hell away from him pronto. "Maybe one of your friends could help you?"

Alec gestured with his head to the table he had been sitting at, which was empty except for Sketchy. Sketchy waved at Buffy and Alec growled in his throat, Max started to laugh and she looked at Alec. "You're a lion. So possessive, ya know that?" Max giggled to herself as though there was a joke nobody else had heard. Alec pointed to the corner of Crash, where OC was chatting up a pretty brunette girl. "I think she's busy for the rest of the night." Alec looked at Buffy and smirked devilishly. Max pointed at his face, "I know that look. That's lust."

"Alright Maxie, I think its time we take you home now, before you say a little too much." Buffy reluctantly opted to help, and they practically carried Max the whole way to her apartment. She mumbled and talked the entire way, and when they finally laid her down in her bed, Alec was close enough to finally get a good whiff of Buffy. Her smell was intoxicating, and all he wanted to do was to push her up against the wall and have his way with her.
He pulled away from Max who looked right at him and said, "You're right Alec."

"About what?"

"I should've taken my chance with Logan when I had it. I'm so lonely now, and all I think about is the year of chances we had that we never took."

Alec nodded and brushed the hair out of Max's face, "I know Maxie. Sometimes I hate being right."

Max laughed, "Right, just like I hate pummeling people."

Alec shook his head, "I'm serious. I know how lonely it is, to be like us. You and Logan...you were made for each other. And, I'm only saying this because you won't remember anything tomorrow." Alec pointed a finger at her and she smiled.

"I bet Ben would've been like you, if it had been different." Max grabbed onto his finger and squeezed it lightly and Alec returned the smile.

"Thanks Maxie." He stood up from the bed and looked over at Buffy, who was shocked at the tender exchange. She couldn't believe Alec actually had a tender bone in his body. He stared her down, and she could see the lust filling his eyes, and then Max quickly leaned over her bed and horked all over his shoes. Alec made a disgusted face and looked up at the ceiling, "Just great."

Buffy tried not to laugh, and went to get a towel and water. She bent down to help clean up the mess while Alec complained. "It's no big deal, I clean messes like this all the time." Buffy added. She finished then stood and slowly went to throw away the towels from Max's vomit. After methodically washing her hands and disposing of the debris, she crossed her arms, "Well, she's good so I …should go and do what I was going-." Buffy's voice broke off her words. She prepared to leave when her eyes were caught in Alec's gaze. She was caught in an internal battle unable to move. Alec seized the moment and within seconds was in front of her kissing her frantically like he would die and working his hands inside her blouse. He hoped Cindy didn't mind cause he was about to borrow her bed.

His lips slid to cover his mark; his tongue lavished the spot with tenderness. "You smell so sweet…scent so strong." Alec took in a deep breath between words. He caught her mouth in another passionate kiss, and started to slowly move her toward Original Cindy's bed, he couldn't stop kissing her, and he didn't want to ever be apart from her. He kissed along her neck and reached the mark he had left on her once again, and something inside Buffy stirred awake.

She pushed him back a little, "No, Alec we can't, this isn't right." Her big green expressive eyes trying desperately to not be drawn in by this man and her chest rising and falling with every breath; Alec stepped back and turned his back to Buffy briefly irritated but turned back around facing her.

"When's it going to be right then, Buffy? You heard Max; she wishes she would've taken the chance when she had it with Logan. What if this is our chance?" Alec stared into Buffy's eyes; locking into her green eyes, with his own hazel ones; Holding her gaze with a fiery passion.

"I know sex is not a big deal to you…but it is to me. I'm not going to be just another conquest or just another notch on your bed or some ride you take when you're bored." Buffy said sadly, this had disaster written all over it. She couldn't sleep with him, not that he actually wanted to sleep but nonetheless it was a mistake to even contemplate doing anything with Alec. She couldn't be just another notch on his bedpost. She had to be strong and resist.

Alec pulled away from her roughly and glared at her, "If that's what you think this is, than you're the one with the issues. I don't know how to act with you, and I'm not the only one being hot and cold here Buffy, you are too! I'm either too pushy or you're too frigid. So, I guess we're both screwed! Figuratively of course, wouldn't want you to take it the wrong way." Alec held his hands up in surrender and glared angrily.

Buffy glared right back with wearing an expression as if she had been slapped. "I'm frigid…" Buffy scoffed, "That's rich coming from you. But then I guess to a guy who thinks sex is like 'Baskin Robbins' you need to taste all 31 flavors… I would seem a little," Buffy hand quoted, "Frigid, But let's not stop there Alec… let's talk about my hot and cold attitude. I'm dressing like a whore but I'm frigid…" Buffy laughed with bitterness.

Alec snorted and pursed his lips with a quizzical gaze to face Buffy, "What the hell is a Baskin Robbin?" Alec had no clue what the hell she was talking about. He was rock hard and stuck between wanting to throw her on the bed or knock the hell out of her. The woman was beyond frustrating.

Buffy snorted, "Sorry, little pre-pulse humor." She crossed her arms and sneered.

Alec scoffed audibly, "Yeah, some of us were stuck in a secret government agency in a test tube. Sorry I don't catch on to your lingo sometimes." He started pacing the room, normally he was a calm guy, but when it came to Buffy, his emotions flared all over the place. "You think I'm just using you, but you're wrong. I act like this with you because I can't stand anybody else looking at you, or touching you for that matter! We go back and forth and it's starting to drive me insane! You should feel complimented that I want to have sex with you, it's not supposed to be offensive that I want you!"

"So I'm supposed to be flattered every time someone wants to screw me? I can't believe I'm…" Buffy stopped cold, she had almost let it slip out her real feelings and her current state. "This conversation is over and by the way don't worry about me and my frigidness. I'm sure it will thaw once I leave and you will never-EVER have to worry about whether I'm hot or cold again."

"What are you talking about? I think you're being hormonal right now!" Alec yelled loudly at Buffy's retreating form.

She grabbed the door handle in her hand, her face pure fury. She stopped with a grimace; her stomach felt like it was full of acid. She knew the baby was not happy with emotional upheaval she was feeling. "Have a nice life. I know I will." She wanted him to hurt; he told her he'd have no trouble forgetting. Buffy slammed the door holding her head high; she was trying to hold in the tears till she got as far away as possible.

Alec couldn't believe what had just happened, he thought everything was going perfectly, and then she flipped out on him. Was it something he said?

Chapter 22 That same old song and Dance

Buffy leaned on her palm, her elbow resting on the counter. She was so tired. She had been awake all night long, between the vomiting and the pelvic pain and she was exhausted. In the end, she had gotten less than an hour to lay her head down. Her stomach was sour and she had even tried to nibble on crackers without any luck, throwing them up as well. She had already made a deal with Kristen that if Alec showed up, no matter what section, she would wait on him and explain to him Buffy was only working in the backrooms tonight. If he persisted, Jackie would take over and wait on him. All the girls had a thing for him so Buffy just used that to her advantage, telling them she didn't like him and wanted him to leave her alone. If they pressed too hard, she would tell them she had a boyfriend in California that she wanted to get back to; but she didn't think with their attraction to him, that it would even come up.

Buffy had already told Michael that if she didn't feel better soon, she might have to take the rest of the night off. She didn't want to because she had already starting saving for her trip to LA and it was going to cost her about $5,000.00 to pay for fake I.D's and safe passage to ensure safety for her and her baby. Logan had already started looking for any way to get around the price but Buffy wasn't holding out too much hope for that. She was using the slow time of the early night to catch about 50 winks before she had to hustle. Tonight's outfit was a lot more subdued, a soft tan sweater that clung to her breasts and a pair of khaki's, she felt too yucky to try to hard to make big tips tonight.

Logan entered Crash. Scanning the crowd, he spotted who he was looking for very quickly and approached the bar with a smile.

Alec took a sip from his beer, his eyes darting around while his ears followed the conversation at the table. He hadn't seen Buffy all night but he knew she was here somewhere, he could smell her.

Alec's eyes found someone else instead and he nudged Max, "Your boyfriend's here," but instead of Logan finding them and walking over to them, he found him walking towards some one else, (a very familiar someone else). He just heard Max say something but cut in.

"Is something going on between him and Buffy," he immediately demanded to know from Max.

Max rolled her eyes at Alec's comment; she was a little surprised that Logan showed up at crash, normally he didn't much care for places like this. "He's not my-…"Before she could finish, Alec interrupted, "Is something going on between him and Buffy?" Max's head whipped around and she spotted Logan calmly waking over to Buffy.

**
Logan made his way slowly over to Buffy greeting her with a large smile, "Hi there!"

Buffy embraced Logan with a warm hug, "Hey thanks for coming, let me let Jackie know and we can maybe get a table for privacy?"

Buffy leaned casually over the bar and whistled to Jackie to tell her she was taking a break, and then headed in the direction of one of the tables toward the darker corners. Buffy didn't want a whole lot of people to hear what they were discussing. She nodded to Logan.

"Did Logan just hug my girl?" Alec asked not believing this was happening. Logan was only into Max; no other woman existed for him... and him and Buffy was just...wrong. Buffy was his woman.

Logan smiled and nodded, "I'll get us a table while you tell Jackie."

Max glared at Alec, "Shut up" she snapped at him, "It's probably nothing, just them being friends… maybe?" Max eyed the two people that shouldn't bother her. She told Logan to move on, she just didn't think he would have done it so quickly.

"Is he getting a table for them?" Alec asked suspiciously, "Are they on a date or something?" Buffy's radiant face glowed in the soft lights of Crash and he was sitting at the table diagonally across from their table, pissed off. When Alec had told Logan that he needed to move on with someone else... He hadn't meant Buffy, his mate, the one woman who was his!

OC gave a quiet little laugh as she observed; this was going to be interesting. She was trying her best to keep a straight face; baiting the both of them. They both wanted act like they weren't interested, idiots. OC was just going to give them a little push. 'There was nothing faster to drive you over the edge or make you go after what you want then a little competition.'

"Looks like they both taking your advice and moving on." OC held the straw in her drink as she sipped casually. "Sometimes people get together out of loneliness, maybe they hooking up out of that?" OC hid her smile while she watched the fireworks explode. She knew that Alec still had a thing for Buffy, just like she knew her boo still had her thing for Logan. Buffy had told Cindy earlier that Logan and her were going to have dinner to see if he could help her get to California sooner rather than later. Besides, it wouldn't be long before her condition became obvious to even the infantile sector guards and once discovered there was no way they'd let her out of Seattle.

Logan found a table and took a seat at a chair whilst waiting for Buffy to join him. She really needed his help, it's not like Alec was going to step up and be a father to their unborn child anytime soon.

**

Sheri eyed the hotness that was sitting at the table. She was a girl on a mission She was going to have that hotness soon. No, there would be no escape; she'd have that fine piece under her tonight.

**

Max glared at OC, "I'm not bothered. Yes I told him to move on, but I expected him to move on to someone less..." she trailed off unable to find the right word.

"There is nothing wrong with Buffy" Alec jumped in, "If there is anything wrong in this scenario it's your boyfriend trying to get in her pants." He eyed Cindy warily, to see if he noticed her act like she was in on the little coup. That damn woman! She must have known that he still had a thing for Buffy... How could she have known? And more importantly, why was she bothering?

"I didn't say anything was wrong with her," Max defended and glared at the 'lovable' rogue X-5. "I like Buffy, it's just... She's not right for him."

"And Logan will drag her back into danger; being such a guy who can't get enough of it." Alec snapped at her.

"Hey Logan is a good man." Max replied in a dangerous tone.

"Who likes to meddle in things and involves other people in them." Alec agreed but added some facts to it. "Buffy's not someone who will sit by and let someone else get hurt. She'll help out, next we know she's in a wheelchair too, slayer healing or not."

Max glared at Alec dangerously, "Stop badmouthing Logan or I swear..."

Alec glared back, "I'm not badmouthing anything… I'm just telling it how it is. Logan may be a good man but he'll get her killed. I left her to prevent that."

Cindy rolled her eyes and reiterated that Buffy was apparently on a date with Logan. She reiterated sometimes that the lovelorn got together out of loneliness. . Since Alec had made clear his lack of interest in Buffy and Max had said, it was time for Logan to move on (purely because of continued fear about the virus), "Whatchu getting worked up about pretty boy, you told the gurl to stay away from you?" OC got real quiet because she saw something at the bar that was giving her the eye and she might just have to take her up on it. Because mmmm, looked like OC was getting some tonight.

**

Buffy slid across from Logan, giving him a genuine smile, "Hey, you hungry? I could have them whip something up for us, not that food and me are good friends right now. Maybe with good company I can actually keep it down." Buffy laughed a little. "Last night was pure hell, I couldn't even keep crackers down, and the pain which I know the doctor said there would be some, I just didn't think it would be so extreme. I got about an hour of sleep. So, what do you have for me? Dinners on me by the way, it's the least I can do for all your help and everything."

Logan gave her his sympathetic look "You do need to try and eat something, you need to keep up your strength and you're not eating for just one person now," he informed her.

**

Max rolled her eyes, "Looks like another bimbo is about to come over for you. I don't know what they see in you."

Sheri walked over to the hotness. She saw the guy at the table turn and give her some smile that would make any straight girl weak in the knees, not her though. She kept her eyes on the goal and continued to walk towards it.

**

Logan grabbed a file out of his bag and slid it over the table to her. "Here's your new fake ID and some background," he said, and then added, "Sorry to have given you a dead husband but a dead husband would be preferable to having Alec as one." He laughed slightly at the thought of Alec as a husband and father. The whole thing seemed ridiculous to him. "I'm still working on you getting cheaper passage."

"Don't worry about it; it will make it easier to explain then saying hey I got pregnant by a breeding program in a military lockdown joint." She laughed lightly, talking to Logan was so easy almost like a brother, and he was like a mini-Giles in the brains department.

Kristen dropped by the table, "Hey Anne you and your friend want something to eat? And Michael said to make sure you ate tonight, cause you're looking kinda pale," the pretty red head rang out.

Buffy looked at Logan's stern face, "Oh, all right! I will have lotsa, toast as usual, ginger ale and maybe I'll try a sandwich tonight if that's okay. How about you Logan have something too, humor me."

"I'll have some scrambled eggs." Logan ordered. "How are things Buffy? Alec still giving you trouble?" he asked concerned.

**

Back at the other table, Alec was seeing red as he saw Logan squeezing her hand tenderly. Buffy returned it with a hug.

Alec glared at the table, "Why are they laughing?" First Logan laughed, then Buffy. "Max did you make out what they were saying?" he asked the other X-5. It was unlikely since his hearing was better then Max's but he really wanted to know what the hell they were talking about. He jumped slightly when the chocolate colored good-looking girl he'd smiled at before stopped next to him. "Look, really no offence, but I'm not in the mood." Alec commented to her. To his shock, the girl ignored him and instead focused on Cindy completely. Of course, she had to swing that way; no girl would be able to resist him after all. Manticore had made him perfect.

Sheri smiled seductively at OC, "I'm Sheri, care for a ride?" She stated sure of herself. After letting OC's mind wander with her sentence, she held up her keys to her car and smiled again.

Max glared at Alec; no, she hadn't heard what Logan and Buffy were talking about. She didn't like this; she didn't like feeling so...so jealous. She was about to make a snappy comeback when Alec brushed his latest flavor off, she was a bit stumped when the girl didn't even notice Alec's existence, then it all made sense as she caught her looking at her boo.

Original Cindy just smiled and stood up, "Well Boo, you, and pretty boy have a good time, OC gots things to do." She followed the pretty girl out the door with a smile and a swagger.

**

Buffy took a deep breath, and gave Logan a sad smile, "It depends on what you call trouble, he picks fights with guys who flirt with me, he made it clear he doesn't want anything to do with me, but oh... he still wants to have sex with me..." Buffy then quickly changed the subject switching to her need to get away. "I just don't want to be around when I start to show, I mean right now it's pretty easy to hide, may even be able to hide it with baggy shirts and stuff, but in another couple months that's going to stop working. I need to be long gone by then. I will keep in touch with you but no one can know where I am, it's the only way for me to protect my baby."

The waitress dropped off their food and made her way to another table, and Buffy opened the file, and a deep smile lit her face, "You remembered me talking about Giles, thank you...you have no idea what this means to me." She reached across the table, squeezed Logan's hand, and just felt like that wasn't enough so she reached across the table and gave him a tight hug. She was so happy for that small favor that she could not contain her excitement at the small gesture. "So I'm Buffy Anne Giles, how didja swing that? Never mind I just want to bask for a little."

Logan nodded sympathetically when she talked about Alec, he knew how frustrating it could be being with an X-5, and Max was a lot like Alec, though she'd never admit it. She didn't want to be with him either, but well he had no idea how she'd react to him seeing other people. Buffy wouldn't count since she was just a friend; he had the affection a big brother might have for the girl in question. He doubted Max would be happy though, he in any case he wouldn't be. He stilled loved the transgenic, if only they could get rid of the virus then... he was pulled out of his thoughts when Buffy started to thank him for remembering about Giles. He smiled at her reassuringly. He hugged her back when she started to hug him. When they were back in their seats, he just smiled mysteriously, "Oh, I just pulled a few strings and hacked a couple of databases. It wasn't a big trouble."

**

At the table, Alec was about to get up but Max pulled him back into his seat. Although she too started to have doubts about the innocence of what was going on. She wasn't about to storm over there and demand answers, that would only make things worse. Alec looked at her with a 'what the hell' look. Alec scoffed but did as Max said, "If he kisses her? I'll knock him out." He informed Max. What the hell was he doing touching her? Alec nostrils flared and his back felt stiff. Wasn't it a little soon for them to start molesting each other in public?

"Sit your ass down, going over there will not improve things with Buffy. It'll make them worse." Max informed him.

*
"No big deal, are you kidding me? This is a huge deal; you are like the supreme mini Giles of the new millennium." Buffy's face was aglow with happiness and she squealed, grabbing Logan and pulling him into another hug. Her excited face held Logan's, you're gonna be able to keep in touch with me right?" She nodded to Logan hoping the answer would be yes, "You're like the closest thing to family I got." Buffy excitedly stood and brushed her lips against Logan's cheek. She just couldn't seem to control her mood swings and for once, she didn't want to, she was actually happy.

**

Alec looked back over at the table just in time to see Buffy kiss Logan. "Ok that's it," he said standing up. Max stood up as well but pushed Alec back into his seat. "Sit. Stay. I'll figure out what's going on."

Max fixed Alec with a glare that said I'm not taking any of the crap you might say right now. Then turned and walked over to Buffy and Logan. She put on a fake smile and said "Logan, Buffy, hi."

Not wanting Max to know everything that was going on but, wanted to share at least her excitement, Buffy's happy face glowed, "Hi Max,' Buffy gushed and pointed to Logan, "This guy is incredible, I asked for a favor and he went above and beyond anything I could've hoped for. I'm just in awe of his greatness, if I could I would like bow to his supremeness." Buffy giggled, "Wanna join us, we're all finished. Why don't I order some beers for you two and me a glass of milk and celebrate?" She continued to gush with glee.

Buffy waved to Kristen and told her, "Get me a glass of milk and these two a pitcher on me."

Max forced her forced smile to grow slightly, "Sure. It looks like Cindy's about to leave with someone," she said watching her friend and the girl hit it off before turning to Logan and Buffy again.

Logan smiled warmly at Max, he didn't know she was here tonight, "Hi" he said, surprised she came over when seeing him. She'd been avoiding him lately a lot but seeing her still brought a deep smile to his face.

Buffy grinned, after looking OC's way, "Good for her and for me...I don't think anything could spoil my mood tonight." Buffy took a deep breath, "So Max how have you been? Logan here has been telling me a lot about you." Hey, if she couldn't have anybody to love at least she could help Logan out whether he wanted it or not. "He has told me some of the incredible things you two have done and let me tell you… it puts my years of slayer work to shame. I mean I only fight demons; you guys try to make the world a better place with all the things you've done...But let's not talk about that. Let's just bask in Buffy happiness and enjoy a good night...Max have you eaten? Let me get you something to eat..." It had been so long since she had actually happy news that she her face glowed in the bars lowlights.

"Isn't taking out demons making the world a better place too?" Logan wondered out loud, and then shook his head, "Shouldn't you keep Alec Company?" Logan asked having now spotted the male X-5.

"Alec is a big boy." Max replied to him then to Buffy, "Not all that hungry, but thanks. So what name did he get for you?" she asked the slayer, deciding there wasn't nothing between her and Logan and more happy with that than she wanted to admit.

Alec glared at Max, as he saw her take a seat at the table. He wasn't just going to sit here practically alone since Cindy left as well, with what's her name. He stood up and walked over.

"Here, I'm still Anne Summers, but when I move on, I get to be none other than Buffy Giles. I told him the story of my watcher and how much he meant to me and he went and got me his last name. That is so sweet, I have never had anybody since Giles do something so unselfish for me and believe it's a rare thing these days." Buffy continued to gush unaware that Alec was headed her way.

As Alec came closer, he could finally pick up the conversation. What he heard made him stop dead in his tracks. Buffy was going to use another fake ID. Why? Probably to get out of town, maybe back toward Sunnydale, he mused. No, he didn't want her leaving. Determined he walked over to her and stopped just behind her, God she looked hot, he thought to himself before he opened his mouth to say something.

"Alec" Logan spoke up, "I don't believe Buffy wants you here if all you continue to want from her is sex." he informed him diplomatically. Logan disliked the X-5 strongly on Buffy's behalf; Buffy may be forgiving for what she was going through and if it didn't put Buffy in a bad spot. He would lay into the X-5 for the pain of making Buffy a single mom, but he had promised to keep her secret.

Alec scowled at Logan, "Mind your own business," he instructed the man. "We need to talk." he directed at Buffy. He leaned behind her on her chair.

Max scowled back at him, "Don't make me have ta bounce you on your head for doing anything stupid."

Buffy tensed up as soon as Alec stood behind her, "Nope, I'm thinking we don't but thanks for the offer." Buffy refused to even turn around to see him. She knew if she did, her feelings for him would get in the way of her logic and since he didn't love her anyway it was safety in numbers and Logan and Max at this time were her safety net whether they knew it or not. Desperately trying to avoid another Alec confrontation, "So Max, didn't you say you wanted something to eat?"

"Yes we do, if you plan on skipping town without telling me. Running away from something or what? I thought everyone you knew there was dead? There is nothing but death waiting for you there." Alec insisted on having this conversation.

"She doesn't want to talk to you Alec. Haven't you hurt her enough? Just go and leave her alone. That's what you told her earlier, isn't it?" Logan asked for confirmation.

"Logan, yanno I'm the first one to call Alec out but this isn't our call to decide..." Max told him.

"I don't want to do this in front of them Buffy, but I'm not leaving until you talk to me. Ask Max, I can be pretty annoying in the meantime." Alec told her with his usual smirk.

Buffy turned and gave him a deadly glare, "I'm sorry was I absent on the day we decided you were my keeper. I told you there is nothing to discuss...I think I've heard everything I want to hear from you." She stood and the slight grimace took over her visage. "Logan, you and Max enjoy the beer, I'm gonna go home, I suddenly don't feel so well." She stalked to the front counter speaking softly to Jackie.

Alec sent a glare towards Logan and followed Buffy. He waited patiently for her to finish up here; he'd talk to her outside. What he was going to say, he didn't quite know that yet. All he knew is he didn't want her to leave.

Buffy went behind the counter to tell Jackie she was leaving because her stomach was back to bothering her again. Michael had already talked to them about letting Buffy leave if she got sick; he knew of Buffy's condition but didn't share that with anyone. Buffy grabbed her jacket and looked to see where Alec was, she might be able to give him the slip if she played her cards right so she walked back to the staff restroom to wait in hopes that he would either leave or think she already left. She went inside and lay her back against the couch that they had there, trying to outwait the X-5.

Alec remained waiting, he could easily smell her, and so he knew she was still here. His eyes had followed her going into the staff restroom. 'What was she doing in there?' He wondered. Then it hit him, she was trying to see if he'd leave without her or maybe even make him think she'd already left. He shook his head; she obviously forgot he could smell her. He looked around to see if anyone was watching him before stealthily moving towards the staff room, close enough he blurred inside. Inside he smiled at the blonde. "So you ready to talk yet?" he asked.

Buffy had laid her head on the couch and started to doze, but snapped awake at the sound of Alec's voice. "You need to get out, this is for employees only, and last time I checked you didn't work here... so please leave." Then she added as an afterthought, "For all you know, maybe I had to pee and I'm thinking about it first, so leave now."

"I could be working on top of you if you'd like." Alec suggested, his eyes roving her body. He shook his head to clear his lust fantasies, now was not the time. "I don't want you to leave," he told her after he locked the staff room door.

Buffy stood up from the sofa that sat against the far wall. She had watched him lock the door and her eyes and body went into panic. "Look, if and when I decide what I'm gonna do, I don't have to clear it with you, but Summers is a dangerous last name to have so, I need to change it in case of problems...Not that any of this is your business..." Buffy crossed her arms in annoyance. "Why did you just lock the door?"

"We're talking this out now, this thing between us. I don't want you running out on it. You could just omit your last name. It's not like many people ask. No, you're not fooling me. You plan on leaving town. I know I should support you in this; it would probably be for the better, but the aspect that I might not see you again... I don't want that. Screw what I said before; I don't want you to leave." Alec paused, took a deep breath, and let it out, "I'll do whatever it takes to stop that from happening, because the aspect of you not being there scares me."

Buffy pressed her fingers against her temple, and sighed heavily, "We keep going round and round and one of us has to make it stop, you don't lack for female companionship, you don't love me, it can't be for sex, half the female waitresses want to sleep with you." Buffy was going to say more when her face suddenly went pale. She scrunched her face and swallowed, pushed Alec out of the way and went into one of the stalls and began to kneel and vomit uncontrollably. Her retching continued for a few minutes. When she felt she had completely emptied the contents of her stomach, it took a few minutes to gather her strength and stop the shaking.

Alec watched concerned, as far as he knew Buffy didn't get sick. "Are you ok?" he asked stepping closer. He still gave her enough room to stand but the stall was left open and her sudden sickness made him pause.

Buffy wiped her mouth with some tissue and flushed. After coming out of the stall, her face flushed and pale, she spoke again. "I told you I don't feel good, I don't get sick often but I've got something and I just want to go home and sleep. Besides I wouldn't want to get you sick and end your late night."

Alec gave Buffy a small smile, "I'm immune to most diseases. I'll take you home; you're in no shape to tangle with a vamp if one jumps you. But we will continue this talk when you're feeling better." Alec informed her.

"This wouldn't be the first time I've fought a vamp sick, I fought a master vamp with the super flu so I don't need you to play knight in shining tin foil to the damsel in the distress. You've talked. I've listened. We're good. Goodbye." Buffy washed her hands and bringing some to rinse her mouth out in the sink and then moved toward the door to unlock it.

Alec grabbed her hand and pulled her to him, "We didn't resolve anything. And I'm not a knight in- whatever. I'm your personal transgenic bodyguard. It's not like you can stop me from walking you home."

Uncomfortable at the mere contact of the X-5, Buffy started to get her bearings back and she stood tall, "You are not my anything, I told you, don't try this Teutonic attitude with me, I can take care of myself." Buffy snapped, "Do you really want to fight a slayer? cause your about five seconds of taking one on. I can stop you, even though I am not at my peak right now, I don't want you taking me anywhere so don't try to follow me." Buffy pulled out of his grip and walked to the door after shrugging him off.

Alec glared frustratingly at the slayer, blurred around her, standing in-between her and the door. "Stop being so difficult, just let me help you!" he exclaimed, "I know I could have handled things better with you, I'm not without my flaws." he laughed dryly, "Why can't you just give me a second chance?"

Buffy blew out a deep breath, Okay he wanted to fight and he was about to get one. She closed her eyes and went into slayer mode, she was not at her best, but it would be enough to get past the arrogant asshole in front of her. She dropped her bag and waited then punched him right in the face. She followed up with a spin kick, she wasn't trying to hurt him just move him out of the way. She stunned him long enough to grab her bag and run out the door.

"Damnit" Alec cursed and shook it off, then went out after her, pacing himself enough to not blur yet until he got outside. Once outside he sniffed for her scent, easily finding it he blurred in to its direction. Soon enough he found his mate sprinting. He pressed himself more and blurred towards her, then fell back in the same rhythm as the slayer and said, "See now that wasn't very nice." he commented.

Buffy stopped and gritted her teeth with her determination, "Look, I just did that to prove a point which I think I did, I can take care of myself." She stopped and scanned the current area. This was going to be tricky but she was going to have to blindside him again and maybe switch to the rooftops. She scanned the skyline looking for an out. This felt so familiar, her running and him pursuing. She wouldn't succumb to his charms this time.

"You know I know where you live, so even if you manage to escape I'll catch up with you there." Alec let her know seeing her scanning the area. "Of course I wouldn't mind a little game of you run, I chase -if it has some very, very rewarding outcomes." Alec smirked as his intentions were clear.

"You're not invited to my apartment, so I don't care if you do know where I live..." Buffy opened and closed her mouth, the anger was not working maybe reasoning would work although she wasn't holding out to much hope for that to work either on the annoying man in front of her. "I held back to punch Sketchy cause he's human, I held back just a bit ago cause I just wanted to get by you... but keep pushing me and I'm not gonna hold back."

Alec couldn't help himself, his body was responding to its mate being so close. His heart was beating fast, his member felt uncomfortably stiff and all he wanted was to take her right here and right now "Promise?" he asked her, his mind in the gutter. "I promise not hold back either... Not that I ever have. You drive me too crazy to be in control of myself during out intimate sessions." he informed her with a lascivious smile.

"See everything turns sexual with you." Buffy annoyed took her fist and swung at Alec, she attempted to flip over him, because she still had her agility regardless of her weakened state. She was not going to panic. If he thought this was going to end in sex tonight, he was sadly mistaken. She ended by trying to knock him out with her fist.

Alec moved his hand in a blur to catch her fist, wincing slightly at the sheer strength behind it. He used the fist in his hand to pull her to him. He let go of her fist and wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her even closer, "It's not just sex with you," he whispered as he leaned down and crushed their lips together in a passionate kiss.

Buffy was stunned by the kiss and then she remembered why and how they got in this position. She pushed him and was breathing heavily. "Sorry soldier this is one mission you're not gonna complete." She wiped his kiss off her lips with the back of her hand and continued to glare at him.

"You're not a damn mission, alright." Alec snapped irritated she still thought she was just that to him. "Why can't you just give me another chance? Is it Logan? Do you like him now?" Alec snorted with disdain on the man's name, "Logan is in love with Max, it's useless to try and get him away from her." he paused, "Although Manticore ordered me to sleep with you until you got pregnant, you're the only woman I've ever slept with and not used protection during the act and I don't regret that for one minute." He stated as if it was common knowledge. "Besides I would never use protection with you. I like how I can slide into you without a condom, getting in the way. A condom would only dull the skin on skin contact and the way those muscles milk me when I'm filling you when we have sex. It's a waste of resources and time for us." Alec simply explained to her.

Buffy threw her hands up in frustration and began to tick things off her fingers, "First off, Logan is a wonderful guy, but he's like my brother... so ewwwww, second of all you already said you don't love me. Why are even discussing this? Why are you even bothering with someone that you don't love? What do you want from me?"

"I want you to give me another chance and yeah I don't feel for you what I felt for Rachel. What I feel for you is so much more complicated. I can't make head or tails from it. You drive me crazy because all I want is to be near you, to have your body underneath me and make love to you, to have you scream out my name in pleasure as I empty myself inside you. Yet at the same time I know I shouldn't be anywhere near you if I want you to not share the same fate as Rachel. So I tried to get away from you, then I find out you're leaving and that scares me. Because that will really be the end of it, this us thing and although there is a lot of emotions running high in our little talks, I don't want you to go. I want to be near you, keep you safe from the world that has already been so cruel to the both of us."

"And every time we had unprotected sex, do you even care you could get me pregnant? What if you got me pregnant? Has that thought crossed your mind? What if Manticore had succeeded and I was pregnant right now? "

"If there was any chance you could get pregnant you'd already be. We were very thorough at Manticore." Alec smiled, "But you're not, so what does it matter

Trying another tactic she decided to bring up Rachel, Buffy pursed her lips, "How long did you know Rachel before you knew you loved her?"

His face saddened at the mention of her name, but if this is what it took to keep her from leaving until he figured out what this thing between them really was. "It was different with Rachel, it's not the same feelings I have for you that I had for her. But I didn't really know until about a week in, during the mission I was given to kill her. I couldn't do it and I knew."

Why couldn't he just let her go and let her live her life, she wanted to just start over. Take her and her baby and leave all these mixed feelings and mixed signals in the past and began to find a small amount of peace. So she tried once more to reason with Alec, maybe bringing up the woman he really loved would make him realize he needed to let her go. "You knew her a week Alec, and I'm not demeaning that, but you've known me for a couple of months do you know what's between us, I may not have all the answers to everything but I'm not too naive to know that's lust and only lust. They were drugging me Alec, with some type of chemical, which for all we know, could very well be the only reason you're even attracted to me. " Her face was filled with pain of knowing this man only felt lust and she really missed her mom, her dreams doing little to suffice filling that void. "You don't have to answer this if it's too personal but did you make love to Rachel?"

"Once, I made love to her once…" He switched tactics, as much as he loved Rachel, he wanted Buffy to know that there was something still between them, "I'm still attracted to you, the stuff they gave you only enhanced our body's need for one another. I'm not the same person I was back then Buffy. I've changed I like to think I've grown even. Do you love me?" He asked, turning it around on her.

"You honestly think, I'm gonna answer that when you just told me you liked to fuck me and that's it! Even if I did, I would never tell you... I did love someone once, and he meant more to me than anything and I would've given up anything to be with him...But this is just lust and you can always find a new fucktoy to replace me..."

"It's not just lust. If it were, I wouldn't bother so much. I can get a fucktoy anytime I want but that's not what I want. I want you. Just you, it's not just sex either, I don't like it when other people hurt you, and I want to hurt them. When I see you happy it's like you, glow and you can just light up the darkness I've got inside me and make it go away. I like it when you bite your lip when you're nervous and I just want to take a bite myself. I like it when you're angry and you get so driven. All of that drives me crazy. You drive me crazy. I've never been so put off by a woman before and I have no idea what it all means, but it's more then just lust."

"We had sex for over four weeks, multiple times a day and we had almost non-stop sex for over a week. You're bound to like me just a little bit. You just want me and want is not always a good thing. It could lead to something that hurts everyone involved. Trust me- I know from experience."

"Let me guess, the guy you loved before?" Alec asked with suspicion. "He's an idiot if he hurt you, and if he's still alive I'll kick his ass."

"You can't... he's dead." Buffy was not going to admit she was the one to kill him to Alec. She didn't feel like she could really talk about Angel and what he meant to her or how he was alive again. Her emotions always ran too high when dealing with Angel. "We made love once and he changed, then he was killed. End of story..." Buffy was thinking hard on how to get out this conversation when an idea hit her, she was going to prove to Alec it was just lust and she had a pretty good idea how to do that. "So you want me right now? Wanna take me?"

**
Delvina was sitting at the bar, damn that hot man for treating her that way. And damn that waitress for stealing him from her. Like she wasn't enough for him... if he'd given her the chance she would've... a redhead taking a seat next to her at the bar interrupted her thoughts. It had been mere days when she not only lost her prospect for the night but a future prospect as well, damn tramp waitress.

Willow approached with a smile; this was going to be interesting, she sat beside the attractive blonde, waving to the bartender for a drink while eyeing the blonde beside her, "Looks like you've had a rough night, wanna talk about it?"

The bartender approached and Willow's gave him a seductive smile before turning back to the blonde. She stirred her drink slowly, "Lemme guess man problems?"

Delvina snorted, "Is there any other kind?" she asked turning towards the redhead. "Men, if I didn't find them so attractive I wouldn't bother with them, you know?" she asked

Willow sipped her amber liquid, "I know- it's unfair and He doesn't appreciate a beautiful woman like yourself." Setting them up had gotten easier over the years.

"Thank you! I don't know what he saw in that waitress when he could have gotten all this," Delvina replied illustrating her body to make her point. "I was even up for a threesome! Ok I had my eyes on another man but he was a fine piece and a friend of his." Delvina took a sip from her own drink and turned to Willow, "I wish that waitress could get what's coming to her."

Willow gave the woman a tight smile, if she wasn't doing this for Buffy, she would take the whiny bitch and send her to the 9th circle for her colleagues to all have a go at but she plastered her smile back on, "The waitress isn't important, I'm more interested in what you wish for the guy or both guys as the case may be." Willow gave the woman a deep grin.

Delvina sighed, "I wish, I could show both guys what they've been missing out on."

Willow stood and whispered wish granted. "They'll be waiting back at your place, might wanna hurry." Willow laughed then disappeared with a smoky exit.

Delinva watched the redhead disappear in a puff of smoke, her last words ringing in her head. "She was like a fairy, a good fairy." quickly laying some bills on the bar to pay for her drinks, she grabbed her purse and hurried home.

**
Although his body immediately jumped at the chance to be rejoined with its mate, Alec halted, "Well we had sex a multiple of times and I'd like to think I came out better not worse," he told her. "And yes I want you. But if the is some test you're cooking up and I jump and therefore fail. I'm not gonna risk it. Like I said, I don't want to lose you."

Buffy smiled and approached Alec, She dropped her jacket and walked and pressed him against the building, "Come on Alec, don't you want to know what it feels like being inside me again, how tight and wet I get only for you...You wanna hear me scream your name..." She bent to his ear and whispered, "This is your chance if you really want me but turn it down there may not be another." She blew her hot breath in his ear and began to kiss on his neck while playing with the short hairs on the back of his neck.

Alec pushed her away and stepped back, "Not like this. I want you all right. But I know as soon as I say yes you're gone. "You've obviously recovered from whatever you were suffering from. So, go home and sleep it off. We'll talk more tomorrow."

Buffy decided to up the ante, she pulled her sweater off, dropped it behind her, and let her hair down, and her pink bra glowed in the lamplights. "If you're not taking maybe someone else might be interested."

Alec let out a low growl and blurred forwards, making her back crash against the wall as he took it upon himself to devour her mouth with his own.

Buffy took her finger and shook it at Alec and pushed him away from her lips, she stepped back, "Do you really want me?" Show me?"

All of a sudden without warning, a swirl of purple smoke appeared and Alec disappeared. "Willow what are you doing here?"

Willow stood across from Buffy, her arms crossed, "Buffy, you know better than this?" Willow cleared her voice. "I'm doing an intervention, you won't let me wreak vengeance on the guy, I'm not gonna let you play this game with a master of deception."

"Isn't this interfering?" Buffy questioned.

Willow flipped up her wrist and looked at her watch, "Nah, you got 4 minutes use them now..." Willow threw Buffy her sweater.

"Buffy looked around, "Where did he go? Will? You promised?"

Willow smirked, "Don't worry, while I would love to bring total vengeance on the guy, I will keep my word to you. It's gonna take him about five minutes to realize he just got punk'd by a vengeance demon." She laughed hardily.

**
Back at Delvina's apartment Willow left a message on the wall for Alec, written in red, that stated, 'Too bad, so sad, Slayer was here.' with a big yellow smiley face below it. It wasn't perfect vengeance but at least it would sting. She laughed evilly and snapped her fingers to leave before he spotted her disappearing. She didn't want the guy to even realize she was even there.

Alec snapped out of his stupor to realize 1.) Buffy was gone, and 2.) There was a message written in red with a big yellow smiley at the bottom. 3.) He wasn't in the same place he was five minutes ago.

**
Dante was busily trying to track the slayer when he found himself in an apartment, definitely of the female variety. He could discern that much from the smell. He looked across the room to spot Alec, and he raised his eyebrow at his friend or competitor where the slayer was concerned. "So how did you get here?"

"I have no idea" Alec replied as he surveyed his surroundings, a thought struck him and he said, "I was just about to have another round of hot sex with my mate before I'm suddenly here, where ever here is." Alec smirked victoriously at Dante.

"It belongs to a female, that much I can tell," Dante was suddenly curious how Alec got pulled for breeding when he was able and willing. "You mean the slayer? How did you pull that assignment?"

"She's my mate 501, there are a lot of things I have done to her. You know Kama sutra, with the stuff we did we could write another one, "Kama sutra for transgenic and slayers"" Alec added with a wide grin.

"I still want that challenge, you know that, but you said she was a leftover. Why are you fighting for her if you don't want her?" Dante questioned.

"I want her; I was trying to protect her. You know how dangerous our lives are." Alec replied, and then looked at the door. "Someone is coming. I think its best we not be there when whoever comes in."

Dante stared at the wall behind Alec, "What's that say?" he mouthed the words reading slowly, "Too Bad, so sad. Slayer was here?" What the hell does that mean? You got any idea?" Then shrugged his shoulders," Smells female to me...I'm staying."

Alec's eyes snapped to the message, "If I didn't know any better I'd say it was one of Buffy's friends. But they're all dead." he told Dante just as the door opened and a vaguely familiar girl entered. "Don't I know you from somewhere?" Alec asked her.

Delvina looked at the two men, overlooking Alec's forgetting her name since she and he and the other hottie were actually there. "Hi, I can't believe it worked."

"What worked?" Alec asked her.

"The good fairy, she granted my wish. Now how about I show you boys how a real woman spoils her men." Delvina told them dropping her purse at a table and walking over to them.

"Yeah I gotta go, but you two have fun." Alec replied walking past her. He was about to leave when he turned around smirking at Dante. "Don't worry about Buffy; I'll keep her very happy in your absence."

Dante smirked at the sarcastic transgenic, "This is far from over..." Then looked to Delvina, if you can't have the one you want. Why not enjoy the one your with. "Okay sweetheart, since you went to all that trouble to wish, seems a shame to let it go to waste."

Delvina smiled at Dante, she licked her lips at she let her eyes rove his body. She turned to Alec, "You sure you don't want to join us?" she asked him.

"You two have fun; I've got my own pussy waiting for me to fill." Alec answered with a grin just before he left the apartment.

Delvina shrugged and turned back to Dante, "Ok big boy, how about I take you for a ride now?" She quickly removed her top revealing her firm breasts. At the removal of her bra she smiled and tossed it away before giving him a seductive look, "you like?"

Dante looked at the girl in front of him, his member hard. "Oh you got no idea the ride you'll be getting girlie" he ground out just before he closed in on her and crushed their mouths together.

Chapter 23 You found me

Buffy had decided to take the extra time; Willow gave her to eat. As soon as Alec went wherever he went he was bound to show up at her apartment, so she needed to avoid that place for awhile, might even go ask Logan could she spend the night there. The growl of her stomach reminded her once again that she was not eating just for one. She was starving and craving Chinese so she stopped at one of the local places and slid into a table at the back. Good thing she just got paid or it would be oodles of noodles again tonight. She stopped the waitress and ordered just about everything on the menu. (From Moo-goo gai pan to egg rolls to noodles) The waitress had dropped off her appetizers and she was heartily eating them, licking her fingers from the remnants. (Her face pure bliss at the latest craving being filled) A shame Willow couldn't have joined her, it was a little lonely eating by yourself, then Buffy giggled to herself technically she wasn't alone, there was a little person inside of her, who had already made their presence known on a daily basis. It was kinda a relief that Willow intervened when she did, she wanted to believe she was strong enough to have sex with Alec and walk away. But maybe she wasn't as strong as she liked to believe when it came to the handsome transgenic. There was that and the fact he was the father of her unborn child. Why did things have to be so complicated? She longed for simpler times of Giles, Willow being just Willow, Xander, Angel, and her mom. Buffy was pulled from her melancholy when ten minutes later the waitress filled the table with all of her order of plates of various Chinese foods. Buffy was smiling deeply at the noodles and other assortments of food as she consumed with passion each delectable bite. That was one thing about being pregnant, when she could eat, the food had a more intense taste or that could be simply her lack of having the opportunity to eat her favorites most of the time.

**
It took a while for Alec to reach the place where he had not too long ago had Buffy pressed against the wall whilst attacking her lips. But once he did, the expected result was found. Buffy was not there. A quick trip to her apartment revealed her not there as well. Finding her was proving difficult; well it really would have been if he hadn't been, a transgenic mated to her. After about an hour of searching, he had tracked her down to a little Chinese restaurant.

Grinning when he spotted her, he quickly entered the place. Sliding in the seat across from hers he said, "You know Slayer was here with a smiley face at the end was really creative. I'll give you that. Friends with some kind of fairy, I really wouldn't have guessed that from you?"

Buffy looked up from her food to see Alec sitting across from her, noodles in chopsticks poised at her mouth. "Well, a friend of mine did an intervention and you sorta got punk'd by a vengeance demon." The plates covered the table with various foods, Buffy gestured to the food, "Since your here want some, I couldn't take it had a cra- taste for some Chinese." Oops almost let the word craving out.

Alec looked at her, 'vengeance demon... right. Life was always interesting with his little slayer.' "Sure" Alec answered and took a plate piling the food on his. "So you think you needed the intervention?" he asked while eating.

"Well, she had my best interest at heart and you're actually very lucky, you've been on her list several times and she let it go for me. It took some work talking her out of it; see she kinda has this gig where she puts vengeance on unfaithful and playboy type men. But let's not talk about her otherwise she may think I'm calling her and she might make you disappear to Alaska."

Alec snorted with a smile, "You'd miss me if I were gone." he stated.

"Not really, but she would probably put you there in the freezing cold without clothes, so be thankful she thinks so highly of me, or you might end up being an Alexia instead of an Alec."

Alec shrugged, "Your friend sounds like she needs a good lay to get over her issues with men. But I appreciate you keeping me around. Even if you don't want to admit it to yourself that you'd miss me if I were gone"

Buffy waved her hand at that comment, "Please don't say that, I never know when she's listening and I've kept you off the list so far, don't make me regret that … I so would not miss you...You're annoying, arrogant and a pain in my ass..." She spoke while sipping on her drink.

"Ah, but a good pain if I recall… right?" Alec said with a grin. "And you would so miss me. You like me, whether or not you admit that." Alec took another bite to eat, "This is good, and just so you know I like you too."

The waitress then brought Buffy her egg rolls and sat them in front of her; she smiled and took a hearty bite of the egg roll, her eyes fluttering in complete bliss in devouring the food. "I can't believe how good this food tastes, it's simply heaven now if I could find me cheetos later, I think I would be in total ecstasy."

"I think I can arrange that." Alec informed her pulling out his phone and began to dial his phone. Buffy placed her hand over his phone causing him to hang up on his call.

"Don't do something sweet and totally out of character, that might make me like you... I kinda prefer if you just… be yourself so I don't expect anything from you. It's better for you and me both." She moved her hand noticing that she was lingering on his hand longer than she should, "Now enough serious talk, I'm in a good mood, I am enjoying my food and am determined to make this night pleasurable regardless of the obstacles being thrown my way," She raised an eyebrow in Alec's direction.

Alec smirked; "A pleasurable night can be accomplished easily when I get to finish what we started earlier" he gave a suggestible wink.

"You really want another vengeance demon intervention, cause I can tell you she may not be as nice this time."

Alec chuckled, "I don't have to worry about her since I got me a slayer to protect me from her." he stated, and placed his hand over hers, lightly running his finger up and down her arm. His hearts palpitations were increasing with each stroke.

Buffy cleared her voice, "I can't sleep with you...I can't be just another person you take to bed... I'm sorry… It has to mean something to me."

"You wouldn't be." Alec expressed sincerely. "I'm not about to repeat all I said to you before I got poofed away by your fairy friend. But I did mean what I said."

Buffy shook her head, "Alec I just can't there's too much at stake with me...and a slayer can't be ruled by her passions... she does and people get killed. It's too risky...Like I told a friend once. The next impulsive decision I make will involve my choice of dentures."

"A life without passion is a dull life." Alec informed her. "You got to take some risks, life is about that. You don't think I've got bad experiences after impulsiveness too?" Alec asked her." The first real impulsive thing I did was betraying Manticore for Rachel, and look, how that turned out, first, she's in a coma then she dies. But I'm still willing to take risks."

"I know, I'm sorry ... but she left this earth knowing you loved her...You don't love me and that's what I'm looking for...It will never be the same as it was with... the guy I loved but I still want that and you can't give me that so lets not hurt each other in the process."

Alec frowned, "What makes you so sure I can't give you that. You don't know how I feel, I'm not even sure I know how I feel. I know you drive me crazy."

"That is not necessarily a good thing, you know." Buffy gave Alec a lopsided smile, "Like you said you don't know how you feel, the only thing you've told me is you like having sex with me... sex is not love...you have a lot more experience than me and even I know that." Buffy was trying not to let her emotions rule her for once but Alec was not cooperating.

"Can't we just go with the flow and see where we end up? Why do we have to analyze everything now? We're eating dinner in a restaurant, you know this could count as our first date" Alec informed her.

"No, this is not a first date; this is you tracking me down … me sharing my dinner with you as a courtesy. This is the furthest thing from a date…." Buffy sighed, "Getting involved with me is a bad idea." Then Buffy thought of something, "By the way how do you keep finding me? It's not like I even take the same route all the time."

"I track your scent down." Alec said with a shrug. "What if I pay for the food, would that make this a date?" he asked her.

"I already paid before you showed up … you track me by scent." Buffy touched her forehead shaking her head in denial, "Never mind I just don't want to know and for once, let's just not complicate things, chalk it up to we had a thing and now it's done and there are some things about me. You don't know, could very well have you screaming in the opposite direction." Buffy thought, but did not dare say out loud (like the fact I'm pregnant with your child).

"The only screaming you could get out of me if when we climax together in one of our passionate encounters." Alec replied easily, "There is nothing wrong with me tracking you by scent, you are my mate after all."

"What is this mate thing, you keep bringing up? Does it mean like we're drinking buddies or what? I'm kinda confused by the whole thing?"

"You know the mark on your neck that I left there. Well you know I have some animal DNA in me..." Alec trailed off a bit embarrassed by the fact.

"That doesn't matter about the DNA thing," Buffy waved off the DNA statement, "Not important… not exactly completely human over here, but you mean the permanent hickey you gave me? What does it mean?" Buffy absently touched her neck.

"You know some animals take a mate during sex which is like a warning for any other males to stay away from their female." Alec elaborated.

"What would be the purpose of that?" Buffy remembered that Alec had been having extremely rough sex with her going on thirty hours when he bit down hard on her neck causing her to have the most intense orgasm she had ever had in her life, Although Alec was really the only sexual experience she had. There was only the one time with Angel. But at Manticore she was practically getting it nightly from Alec, She shook off her thoughts, bringing her mind back to the conversation, "What do you mean I'm your female? Your female what exactly?"

"You know" Alec said getting a bit uncomfortable again, "When a male claims a female to be his and no one else's."

Buffy raised an eyebrow, "Like your property? Is that why you were getting so bent out of shape over Dante?"

"Property is such an ugly word to describe it, but essentially that's what it means; that wasn't just why I started to fight with Dante. I don't want more danger for you, but if you're so hell-bent on getting into that danger then you're not doing it with some maniac like Dante. You're my mate, and if I can't keep you from getting involved in this transgenic mess then I want to be there to protect you from it." Alec took a bite from the egg roll to get rid of the emotional charged atmosphere.

Buffy was slightly miffed, "So let me get this straight, I'm supposedly your property and I'm not allowed to be with any other male but you can sleep with say as many females as you want. Is that what you're saying?" Buffy glared at Alec her irritation showing on her face.

Alec swallowed his bite down before answering, "Hey, it's not my fault you didn't mark me as well. But I can do the faithful thing if that's what you want?"

Buffy laughed sarcastically, "That is probably the most single chauvinistic statement anyone has ever said to me. In a relationship, which we so do not have, It should be a given that you don't sleep with the entire female population without justifying it with a stamp of ownership."

"Well excuse me for not having much experience in that department. You'll just have to educate me in it" Alec ended with a big smile.

"I'm still not having sex with you? I bet you couldn't last an entire week of no sex. You would loose your mind?" Buffy laughed with a snort.

"I can do a week without sex." Alec stated a bit irritated she really thought he couldn't. "The question will be if you'll play fair during that week and not do every little trick you have to get me to sleep with you?"

"Fine, you don't have to worry about me, I can go without sex... It's not even a question. Could you do two weeks?" Buffy laughed heartily.

"Fine, two weeks. But the exception will be that I get to sleep with you, if you don't say to stop" Alec agreed confident he'd get her to sleep with him in those two weeks long before they'd be over.

"No, I'm not part of the bet. No way...no how... So forget it, this is a total you thing... I just said no sex for two weeks with your harpies. I'm not included in that."

"Ok, so if I get you to sleep with me in those two weeks it's ok just as long as I don't sleep with anyone else in that time." Alec summarized completely disregarding what Buffy just said.

"How did I become a part of this? You don't get to sleep with me period."

"We'll just have to see about that, won't we?" Alec said with a knowing smile after a few seconds he took another bite from his egg roll, mouth still slightly full he said, "You should try these… they're really good." Alec smirked, "MMMMMMMM"

Buffy scoffed, okay she had to go back to excluding her so go with ground rules to remove her "There has to be some ground rules, 1. I'm not included 2. You don't get to sleep with me 3. You can't kiss or otherwise engage in any sexual activity with any female."

"Except you" Alec added to number 3 with a twinkle then offered her an egg roll.

"Oh and your not allowed to seduce me being I'm not included."

"What, you afraid you can't resist me if I continue to seduce you?" Alec asked grinning.

"Please, I can resist anyone. I'm immune to your charms, and how do you keep bringing me back into this bet. I specifically said, I'm not included, this is about restraint...Now you want me to bet something, I'm sure there's something I can give up for two weeks...What would you like me to give up? To make this fair."

"If you can resist me then there is no need for rule 2 and 4. There is something I want you to give up, no demon fighting. I'll do the patrol thing." Alec informed her smiling, if his plan worked out well she'd become very frustrated and with no demons to fight, so she'd search for another outlet, namely sex with him.

"So what I'm supposed to do if a demon approaches me, say hey sorry can't fight you. I'd be dead in a week thus there would be no bet unless of course you're trying to kill me."

Alec smiled triumphantly as he answered her, "I guess I'll just have to walk you wherever you need to go at night."

"Fine," Buffy got an evil grin on her face. But since you included me in this bet and I'm not allowed to tempt you...You didn't say I had to give up sex. I mean with all that built up aggression. I'm gonna need an outlet. Wonder if I can find someone?"

Alec grinned as well, "And you never said I couldn't make sure that every guy you'll try and get, goes away."

"See you're not playing fair, what am I supposed to do since you are taking away my comfort food of demon beat downs."

"Sleep with me" Alec said with a wink and grin. "But since you can "resist" me- I guess you'll just have to deal." 'Until it bottles over and you just snap and have your way with Me.' he added without saying it out loud.

"And if I resist your charms, what do I get? I mean since I got sucked into this thing. There has to be something I win to make it worth my while."

Alec smiled, "Well by then I'll have proved that I can resist any woman except you, so you'd get me. But if that's not enough for you, I can still arrange some cheetos to go with that."

"Fine," Buffy laughed, "You are so gonna loose. And by the way...I like corkscrew cheetos, When does this bet start?"

"Well I don't see any reason why we should wait. Can't have you fight your frustration off not getting some with me tonight with some vamp. You can start bottling it up until I unscrew that bottle. So we're starting right, now."

"Guess your walking me home then..." Buffy grabbed her jacket, "Let's get this over with... Since you're walking me home...how do I know you won't sneak off and go have sex."

"Well I guess the words trust me isn't going to work" he asked rhetorically, "Ask Max, she'll know if I've had sex or not. It's a transgenic thing."

"How do you know I won't sneak out and fight a demon? But hey guess if it's all about trust. We'll haveta see who breaks first?"

Alec smiled getting up as well, "Yeah, we'll see..." he said while inwardly thinking it would be her as soon as he'd got her so worked up to sleep with him again, which was only a matter of time now.

Buffy walked to the door, and looked at Alec, "You coming or what?" She could tolerate him for a bit before heading back to her apartment for a very cold shower.

Alec smirked, "Yes ma'Am." he exclaimed before following her out. Outside he casually flexed his muscles a bit, in case they ran into something on the way to the apartment.

Buffy folded her arms, walking slowly. "About this smell thing, I mean what exactly can you tell, obviously where to find me, but what else?" Buffy was fishing cause she needed to know if she was in any danger of Alec finding out about her pregnancy.

Alec beamed, "Well that depends, if you're...excited, I can tell." he said with a leer. "Best damn smell I've ever smelled" he murmured fondly.

"Pervert," She shoved her hands in her pockets, trying to be nonchalant about the next question, "I mean can you tell like when I'm ovulating or anything of that nature?"

"Well, sort off." Alec replied, "Your body is just sending out more pheromones then usual." He added then got a thoughtful expression on his face, "You are a little late in that department... at least I don't remember you ovulating ever since I found you at Crash." His eyes widened slightly as the realization set in what that could mean. 'Maybe I missed it, I could have missed It.' he thought to himself. Instead, he put on a neutral expression and turned to Buffy, "Or did I miss it?" he asked her.

Buffy's eyes grew big, "No, see since I spent so much time in hell, my periods are really screwed up...different." Come on Buffy think something up. "And then they were pumping me full of all those drugs, there's bound to be side effects from that." Buffy was praying internally, 'please don't let him figure this out. Please let him believe this and not question this further... come on don't let him know. If he figured it out, she was so screwed. He didn't love her and the last thing she needed was to feel obligated because she was pregnant. There was that and the fact she need to get the hell out of dodge before he figured out that she was carrying his child in her womb at this very minute. She was desperately clinging to the hope that the panic was not on her face at how petrified she was at this second.

"Figured it was something like that." Alec replied casually while inwardly relieved as well as strangely disappointed. He shrugged it off. Something else occurred to him, "But you're otherwise ok? You checked with a doctor? Logan knows a guy who's a doctor you can trust so you can make sure everything is... yanno alright."

"Oh you mean Dr. Carr." Buffy then realized her faux pau. "You don't say? Why should I see a doctor? I'm fine...great even." Buffy smiled nervously.

"Well you said that drug thing affected you, so maybe you should have Dr. Carr look you over, see if there were any side effects. You might feel fine but look at Max. She's carrying a virus and she feels fine."

"Yeah, but its no big deal, they put a virus in Max, they were just pumping me full of fertility drugs...wow have you noticed how cold it's gotten all of a sudden?"

"We're designed to withstand cold better." Alec shared with the blonde before shrugging his jacket off and placing it over her shoulders. "You should still check, just to be sure, Better safe then sorry."

Buffy accepted the warm jacket, not that she was really that cold, she was doing her best to change the subject. "No need, slayer healing and all that... makes it easier to fight the demons...besides the only thing they were putting in me was designed to get me well you know...so its not a big deal...besides Logan already had his doctor look at me a while ago...I'm perfectly fine..." Then she grimaced, oh god not now. She got a sharp pain in her hips again, damn not now while Alec is around, please don't show symptoms now. She was internally praying that this baby stopped before it was way past hiding time.

Alec stopped and studied her, "Are you ok?" he asked noticing she was grimacing in pain. He placed his hands to where she was clutching her own, to see if he could feel what was wrong. He jumped back when he felt something push against his hand. His mind still not accepting the reality he said, "I think there is some kind of parasite in you. Maybe that drug Manticore gave you did more then you thought it did. Or it could be demonic. Fight any strange demons lately?"

Buffy quickly moved his hands away, "I told you I'm fine..." She was still in her early stages, but with his enhanced, everything...she needed to get out of this as fast as possible. "It's nothing...I just pulled a muscle, it will be fine by tomorrow...you'll see nothing to worry about. "

"It's not-nothing. Something was hurting you, and that wasn't just a muscle I felt. If there is something wrong with you, you need to get some help. I will get you this help whether I have to drag you there kicking and screaming or you go willingly. Just let Doc. Car. Look you over, alright?" Alec insisted.

"Fine, I'll give Logan a call tomorrow and see what I can do..."

Alec fought down the instinct to go with her. 'She's just going to have a check up. No need to get so worried about it. Chill, it's not like you're in love with her... Do I even know what love really feels like; I just have my experience with Rachel. I loved Rachel, but I haven't had really the time to explore it much. It's different with Buffy. She's your mate. But she's more too, but how much more? Alec transgenic reflexes kicked in and he kicked the man who had been about to attack Buffy. His hearing quickly detected no heartbeat. "Stake?" he asked Buffy and he blurred towards the vamp and began to viciously beat the vamp to a pulp, 'how dare it attack his mate.'

Buffy frowned, it felt funny not fighting the vamp herself, her body was geared toward attacking when she remembered this stupid bet, why did she have to fall into this trap? Because you're in love with him, idiot. Not like, she was admitting that out loud. She threw the stake to Alec and waited for the vampire to be dust in the wind. Now she was wound up, her body ready for a fight, down girl push those lusty feelings down. If he had sex with you, he's bound to figure it out. So far luck had played a big part in why he hadn't realized what he felt, was their child moving even though at this point it wasn't that big?

Alec caught the stake slammed it in the vampire's throat; he wriggled it around before pulling it out. Blood spurted around, he made sure he blurred sideward enough so it missed him and his mate was too far away, smirking he looked down at the vampire. He blurred forwards put his foot on the vampires neck and pushed down hard. Moments later the neck of the vampire broke. He pushed down a bit more soon the head was separated from the body and the vampire turned to dust. He smirked and looked at his mate arrogantly satisfied, "that felt good. Are all vampires that stupid to just attack you on sight."

"You're lucky he was a newbie...not all demons but mostly it's fledges who see a girl and think snack time. Were you just showing off cause stake to the heart is the easiest way to go...and just so you know I'm not impressed," Buffy tried to hide her smile, with her hand and laughed lightly." But yeah some do attack me on sight, you're not the only one who can smell me."

"Well I'm your mate; I'm allowed to smell you. They're not, as to showing off- not really. Just wanted you to make sure you know I could handle myself even if I'm without a stake. You know so you don't worry about me getting hurt staking all those vampires and killing all those demons, while you're home, dreaming of me." Alec informed her casually. "But if you wanted I could come interrupt those dreams of me with the real thing anytime you want."

Buffy kept silent, her body was very willing but she had to hold back that desire. "Before I even think about sleeping. I need to take a shower and change into my night-clothes." She winked at Alec; she knew he probably already could tell she was getting excited but maybe if she flirted and got away from him sooner. She could still win this bet.

Alec face took on a dreamy expression as he began to smell her desire, his own body already responding to hers. His member was hardening, his heart rate was increasing, and he was just very, very turned on by her now. "We could make it a joint shower?" he suggested.

"I'm not allowed to seduce you remember, guess I'll have to go home and satisfy myself...Anyways until the doctor takes a look at me, you could catch something from me..." Buffy laughed internally that would be interesting to see. (Alec catching her pregnancy) Her face blushed from the idea.

"Maybe, but you'd be worth catching whatever is wrong with you." Alec replied seriously. "And you may not be allowed to seduce me but I could still satisfy your needs for ya" Alec looked down between her legs for emphasis before moving to look her in the eye again.

"That's okay, I'll just have to satisfy myself some other way, you'd loose the bet remember no sex for two weeks, me on the other hand. I can have all the sex I want... Wonder if the bar is still open? Maybe I can find someone willing and able to help me out?" Okay Alec, take that Buffy thought, she was going to torture him not that she would really go look for someone in a bar, she wasn't a tramp.

"No the bet was no sex with anyone but you for two weeks. You were confident enough you could resist me for that time period." Alec replied. "And remember that I can also still make sure no other man gets to touch you. It'll be easy to break a few bones in order to have them avoid you." Alec stated smiling.

"I can't let you hurt anybody. You know that, Buffy added seriously. "Look I'll let you off the hook okay how 'bout you go satisfy yourself for one night then we can resume the bet? Or forget about it, cause I don't want to punish you...you know that. I was trying to prove a point and that's it. So, if you want we can forget about it and go back to the way things were." You being you and Buffy added under her breath, me running like hell every time I see you.

"Well I'd rather you start trusting me, and if this bet thing is going to be a starting point in that. I'll do it. So you're not getting off the hook that easily." Alec responded.

"How does this prove trust, we are not in a relationship- you told me to stay away from you and also I might add to not wait on you when your harpy from hell decided to lounge on you instead of the chair. Which I have to give myself props for not hitting her and using my slayer strength cause she's lucky she's human or Dee Dee would have been Doo doo."

Alec smirked, "So you were jealous?" he inquired. "You don't want another woman touching me, like I don't want another man touching you. I don't know how it proves trust. You made this thing up. Not me. You wanted me to not sleep with anyone else to prove to you I can do without the other as long as I have you, even if I don't have you in the sexual capacity." Alec deduced.

"If I was jealous, which I'm so not even, I wouldn't know who to be jealous of, Angela, Betty, Cassie, Delvin something or other, Jackie to name a few. I think you've gone through the alphabet at least twice in this area, and I think there might have been a cheese whiz somewhere in there. Second, I didn't include me in the bet that was all you who kept bringing in every time I bowed out."

"Well maybe that should tell you something. You were planning to leave town by getting a new pass, don't try to deny it again. I don't buy those excuses. You know what I was gonna do before I found you at crash? I was gonna make just enough money so I could go to LA myself and look for you since I thought you were there. I missed you those weeks since Manticore. And I may have said some harsh things to you but that doesn't mean I meant them. Now you keep telling me I don't love you. Describe to me exactly what love feels like so I tell you that, for certain. I only got my experience with Rachel to fall back on, but that wasn't very long to really analyze my feelings. Then with the re-indoctrinate back at Manticore..." Alec trailed off.

"I only have the one, but it was over a year," Buffy got quiet for a minute, "You always put the person first, even if it hurts you. You think about them constantly. Even at the worst times, you notice all their annoying habits and actually think they're kinda cute in that annoying kinda way. Their safety and happiness always comes before you own, no matter what the price." Buffy cleared her voice changing the subject, "What if there was a good reason I wanted to go to California. If I asked you something completely hypothetical would you answer it honestly no matter what the answer is?" Buffy gave Alec a serious look.

"Yes" Alec answered as he stored this new information on love, did that mean he was in love with Buffy? He wondered as he began to analyze it while paying attention to Buffy.

"Do you want kids? A family? Even if it wasn't in the best of circumstances?"

"Someday, sure…I'd like to make sure White and his cronies are dealt with first. Don't want him coming after ours." Alec nodded not even realizing he said ours.

"Suppose there was no option and the time was now, and let's say, hypothetically speaking- Manticore had succeeded in getting me pregnant and it would be put me as well as you in danger... Would you even want the child?"

"Of course I'd want..." Alec trailed off his intelligence finally over-riding his blissful ignorance and something he'd already suspected but didn't know for sure until now. "You're pregnant, aren't you?" He stated.

Buffy shook her head vehemently, "No, it was only hypothetical, only a 'What if' kinda thing." Hoping he bought it, she was suddenly really scared. "You know you should probably head back, I can make it the rest of the way alone." Buffy turned to go trying to get out of this conversation as quickly as possible.

"Ok." Alec said suspicious. "I'm still walking you home. You're not allowed to fight demons, remember."

"It's a stupid bet, you win...I give up by default...your off the hook...So no worries." Buffy chewed her lip nervously. He didn't sound like he bought it. What if he wanted to come upstairs? What if he decided to stay and her morning sickness or night sickness kicked in? Here lately it was hitting her at odd hours. What if he noticed her breasts were bigger? A thousand questions were flitting through her mind all at once. He said he'd want it but he probably thinks it's still a hypothetical baby and a real baby is a whole lot different than a maybe I am or maybe I'm not baby. She was silently-observing Alec trying to see what he was really thinking.

"Well I was looking forward to some demon killing. So just take the two weeks off and let me walk you home." Alec informed her "And if you give up that means you have to give me a chance and we get to have sex." Alec reminded her with a deep grin.

"You could be nice and let me off the hook," Buffy returned his smile weakly. Hoping for some mercy from him because she just didn't believe she was strong enough to keep telling him no.

"Well I'm not gonna force you to sleep with me. But I do want that chance." Alec replied.

Buffy smiled and murmured under her breathe, "Not like you'd have to try very hard." if he wasn't going to press the issue neither was she. She was just going to take a very cold shower when she got home.

Alec stepped closer, and smiled. Taking in her murmur with his enhanced hearing, which he managed to pick up as a sign to take action? He placed one hand to her cheek raising her head slightly. He then leaned down slowly.

His lips mesmerized Buffy, and then she snapped out of it, "No. I can't do this" She swallowed having to force herself to step away. Being so close to him and feeling his breath on her lips, made her feel light headed and out of control.

"I can't see one good reason why not." Alec stated stepping forwards inhaling her scent once again and then crushing their lips together in a passionate kiss.

Buffy sucked in her breath at feeling his lips, caress her and her mind and body turned to silly putty. Without thinking, she pulled him closer to her massaging his scalp with her fingertips. Then she pulled away, "You tricked me with the lips and the sexy voice and ... And I don't know what else." Her eyes were panicked. 'Damn he knew how to kiss.'

"I don't need to trick you Buffy." Alec stated as he tried to get his breathing back under control. Kissing Buffy always was good; very, extremely mind blowing. "You know what Buffy Summers? I'm going to keep kissing you until you get tired of me, which I don't think is likely to happen."

Buffy grimaced again, this time the pain was in her pelvic area, damn uterus stretching to accommodate the baby, Dr. Carr said she would feel a lot of stretching in the early months. The baby was doing a lot of stretching in her tiny body adjusting to the limited space inside. She tried to lean against the building away from Alec so he wouldn't get suspicious, start feeling on her again, and find out what she was really hiding.

Alec frowned, "Are you sure you're ok? Maybe I should take you to see Doc. Carr now instead of tomorrow." he informed her worried as he took out his cell phone to call the doctor.

She placed her hand on her stomach, "I'm fine really...see it already passed...I should just go home and rest and I'll be good as new tomorrow, No doctor needed thank you though."

"Are you sure, I can just call the man and check to make sure if it really is nothing." Alec suggested.

"Perfectly fine, no need to worry about anything." Buffy gave a fake smile to hide the continued stretching she was experiencing.

Alec still suspicious tried figure out whatever it was Buffy was not telling him. He knew she was hiding something, something that concerned her health. For the life of him, he couldn't figure out why? "What aren't you telling me?" he decided to ask, not expecting her to give him a straight and honest answer but wanting to try anyways. And hey, if Buffy continued to hide something with her health, he could always find out another way, it's been awhile since he had broken into anything. Just a quick trip to the doctor's office and a quick look at Buffy's medical records shouldn't be too hard for his transgenic abilities.

Buffy shook her head, "It's nothing...I told you...I feel fine...to the power of ten even. So don't worry about it...Probably just some bad brie or something." Buffy smiled weakly thinking he was buying it so she could let her guard down.

"Ok" Alec said giving up trying to get it out of her and decided to go with plan B and break into Doc. Carr's office later.

Buffy looked up, "This is me-so you can let me get to bed and hope you have a nice night." Buffy practically ran up the stairs, without looking back.

Alec watched her go. His mind questioning a few things then after a moment he turned walked off in the other direction of Buffy's.

Chapter 24 OOOH Baby

Chapter 24 OOOH Baby

Alec looked around the hallways, making sure no one was watching him. The doctor clothes he was now wearing were not all that comfortable. He looked at the sign next to the door saying Dr. Carr once more before he walked up to it, noticing the lights were out he quickly picked the lock and entered the office. He didn't bother with the lights since his catlike eyes could see just fine in the dark. He made his way to the file cabinet and picked that lock too. Opening the file cabinet he browsed through the last names of the patients until he spotted the one he was looking for; summers, Anne.

He pulled out the file and opened it; he couldn't help but let his gaze linger a little at the picture before he turned to the text. His bat like hearing picked up approaching footsteps and he quickly put the file back and closed the cabinet, He locked it and blurred towards the door locking that too. Looking at the window, he made a quick decision and swiftly opened it before jumping out of it. As Alec walked the streets of Seattle not much later, he contemplated what he had read in the file on Buffy. He hadn't had much time but there was that one word- twins? There had been a question mark next to it. It would certainly explain a lot. Still Buffy had insisted she was not pregnant. There was only one-way to be sure. Twenty minutes later, he was standing outside Buffy's apartment with a pharmacy bag in one hand while the other knocked on her door.

Buffy stumbled slightly she had been having a very erotic dream about Alec and then she realized someone was at her door, she went to the door pushing the couch out of the way being it was the only way to lock it and blinked her eyes in surprise. Her hair was in wild disarray and she had put on her t-shirt and shorts not really expecting anyone at this hour. "Alec? What are you doing here at this hour?" Buffy struggled to open her eyes wider and fought back a yawn.

Alec was too worked up to really take in her appearance. He wordlessly walked in the apartment. Put his hand in the bag and took out the pregnancy test he'd bought. "Take it," he ordered.

With tired eyes Buffy looked from Alec to the offending item being held in his hand and crossed her arms, "No, I'm not taking anything, its 2:00 in the morning... I told you I'm not...So you can forget it." Buffy turned to go as if the conversation was over and she was done with it.

Alec glared at her, "If you're really not, you'll have nothing to worry about. Just take the damn test and prove to me that you're not lying to me and I'm just crazy for thinking you are." Alec held his ground refusing to budge from the spot until some answers were given.

Buffy shrugged and proceeded to head back to her room, "Fine, I'll take it in the morning and bring you the stick okay? Now let me go back to bed." Alec blurred in front of her denying her access to her bedroom.

"No!, Now… Take it now. If I wait till morning and you are pregnant and you've been trying really hard to hide that from me, you'll be gone with that fancy new pass you have." Alec insisted.

Buffy glared at Alec for a few minutes, then took in a deep breath, maybe if she went into the bathroom and ran it under the water that would satisfy him enough to get him off her back fortunately she hoped he let her go alone otherwise she was screwed. "Fine, give it here and I'll be a few minutes. She turned and stomped off to the bathroom, her back stiffening at Alec's statement.

"And just so you know I'll know if you've taken it or just ran water over it; got a good nose on me." Alec reminded her as he watched her go into the bathroom, his eyes only now taking in her appearance, his body already responding to being near her. His eyes followed that perfect rounded ass on her and he unconsciously wetted his lips. Buffy had only been gone for about three seconds and Alec began to pace, his mind a myriad of things. He kept staring at the door willing her to come back out so at least he didn't have to be alone in his worries.

Buffy closed her eyes and leaned against the door. She looked at the object with dread. If she went ahead and took the test, maybe she could screw it up somehow, she could bring it out too early and maybe he would think it was negative and then she could go back to bed and pretend he didn't know. She chewed her lip, or she could tell him to come check it and run like a bat out of hell of this apartment. Ok Buffy just do it real quick and hand it to him and then run...She took her time, preparing herself then took the test and then immediately washed her hands and was out the door in less than two seconds. "Here I took it, I need to go to my bedroom and put on my robe so excuse me. She headed back to the bedroom, preparing to leave ASAP. She had an emergency bag by the bed with shoes, for instances such as these. So, she had only to make it in there and be gone in less than sixty seconds.

She was being way too compliant and Alec knew Buffy all to well so he followed her test in hand; he'd earlier read the instructions, so he knew it could take some time. In the time he had to wait, he wasn't about to let the little blonde out of his sight. He entered the bedroom as he was planning on watching her, and he mentally counted so he knew when he had to look at the test. He spotted her with a bag over her arm.

Buffy was halfway out the window when Alec came in, Damn so close. "Just going out for some fresh air, nothing like the morning air to invigorate you...might even take a walk, Hey why don't you stay here and I'll be back in a bit." Buffy grinned gauging on whether she had enough time to make it out that window before he nabbed her.

Alec blurred over, grabbed her bag, took out her pass, and handed the bag back to her. "I'll just wait here with your pass so you won't flee." he stated smirking victoriously.

"That's mine, Logan got it for me. You have no right to take it from me." Buffy stood hands on hips and wondering if she could get Logan to get her another one, if she bolted out that window.

Alec held up the stick. "This is yours too, in case you forgot in your hurry to leave. You'll get your pass back as soon as this backs up your story of not being pregnant." he didn't say what he'd do if it turned out positive and she was pregnant. Then he'd have to face her lying and hiding it from him and the reason why she would and what he'd done to her to have those reasons. Still, one thing was certain; he would have had a right to know. Who did she think she was in trying to keep that from him? Did she really think that badly off him? 'Calm down Alec' after all you still don't know the result. Just wait for that.' he tried to quell his rising anger and jumbling emotions.

There was a pregnant pause Buffy trying to figure a way out and Alec refusing to let the blonde out of his sight.

Think Buffy think, okay go to the bathroom and sneak out, it shouldn't be that hard. "I need to go to the bathroom so you can stay here with the stick thingy and I should be back in no time." Buffy began to waltz back out to the living area, cause if she was right she had less than two minutes before that sucker turned to a plus sign.

Alec's anger steadily rising he spat out, "You know what's so funny about this." He blurred in her way to the bathroom. "During the entire time I've practically forced you to take this test. You don't seem concerned with the result, only with getting away. You already know you're pregnant and you're lying to me about it." Alec stated unable to keep the anger from his voice in that statement.

Buffy was speechless, how was she going to explain yeah I was planning on running. "You told me to stay away from you or did you conveniently forget that bit of information." Buffy flailed her arms, "This is crazy, those things aren't 100 % right all the time you know. " Buffy was panicking and trying to make it to the door. "You know what I don't want to argue with you. I'm leaving. Maybe a nice brisk walk will calm me down and give you time to think."

Alec grabbed a nearby lamp and threw it with unnatural force against the wall shattering it. "Damn it Buffy!" he yelled. Not caring in that moment if he startled her. "How fucking long are you going to throw that into my face?" he demanded but before she could reply he continued more calmly as he still frustrated ran a hand through his hair. "Don't you think I deserved to know that I was going to be a father? Do you think that badly of me that you'd rather run away from me and let my baby be raised without a father? Don't you think I could help keep you safe during the months you won't be able to do much fighting?" he finished as he tried his best to keep the pain from his voice, but failed.

Buffy was starting to get a little angry; she jumped when he threw the lamp against the wall. Her voice held an edge, "When I came to see you to tell you I was pregnant, Do you remember what you said to me? I do because the words cut through me like a knife. So, congratulations soldier, mission accomplished you knocked up the slayer." Buffy crossed her arms and glared at Alec, "I can fight fine; I've been doing fine so far, without any help."

Alec sagged into himself a bit, realizing he had screwed up big time with her. He took some time to gather himself before facing her again. "I screwed up. I do that from time to time. I'm not perfect Buffy, despite what Manticore may say about me. Thing is, you still should have told me about this. I deserved to know," he stated with as much certainty he could gather within himself, despite having his own doubts at it. "You know somehow I never expected to be a father. Even when I was partnered with you and Max back at Manticore, it just didn't occur to me that you would get pregnant. It wasn't about a mission or orders for me with you. I just liked the time we spent together, Looked forward to it every time we were forced apart. You became a like a light in that place to me and now here we are, about to have a baby. And to tell you the truth, part of me is thrilled, another part is worried about my role and if I'll live up to it. Another part is scared because we've got a lot of enemies who would love to get their hands on Alec Jr. and then -there's you. You make me feel so many things; it's hard to make sense of, even before the baby."

Buffy rolled her eyes with a shake of her tousled locks, "You slept with Max too? That's just great, wonderful even; I was a part of your little harem?" Buffy looked at Alec with pain and anger. "I know that I'm being hunted right now by a lot of things. I don't expect anything okay, so if you're worried about that. I'm fine. I also don't want you to feel obligated to me. Because I know you don't love me not like Rachel and you never will." Buffy took a deep breath, "Do you want me to get rid of it?" Buffy looked at Alec with fear on how he would answer.

"No I don't want you to get rid of it. Like I said earlier, I did want to be a father to your children at some point. Just didn't expect it to be now. But I don't want to get rid of them." he stepped towards her and took her petite hands in his larger ones. "It's something special we created. Might be the best thing I've ever done in my life. No way I would get rid of it even if the world would go to hell." he paused a moment then remembered something else he had to make clear. "Yes I had orders to copulate with Max, but once I told her to strip she kicked me across the room and made it clear that was the only kind of physical contact we would have. Max wouldn't cheat on Logan you know."

Buffy narrowed her eyes gauging his reaction, "But you wanted to with her didn't you? I must have been like the slut of Manticore, you barely had to try, and I was like begging for it." Buffy blushed but looked away in shame.

"As I recall when I entered your cell you told me to get the hell out as well as a few other choice phrases." Alec reminded her and lifted her head, "And just so you know, Max may have been pretty, but I never wanted her the way I've wanted you, the way I still want you, since the first time I laid my eyes on you. No woman has come close to making me feel the way you do. The closest anyone has gotten was Rachel."

"Well you were interrupting important escape plans, and they lied to me told me they were going to let me see Giles. So I was pissed…" Buffy uncrossed her arms and let them hang loosely at her sides, "you still don't love me…" Buffy broke off but changed the subject or attempted, "Aren't you the least bit curious as to when and how far along... Well as for the when you probably don't have to think hard when it happened."

Alec chuckled, "No, that was a very memorable week." he let his mind drift back briefly before focusing back at the woman in front of him. "I love our baby and care for you, isn't that enough?" he asked still not sure if he loved Buffy and if he did he love her more then Rachel, what would that say about his relationship with Rachel, what would that mean for him and Buffy?

"To be honest I don't know… I didn't plan for any of this to happen. When I dared to dream about having a family, there was a process I really intended on following. First, there was the marriage thing then the baby. Not drugged by psycho doctors then pregnant by a sexathon during a drug induced heat."

Alec laughed, "Sorry." he apologized seeing her look. "It's just, I never saw myself as the kind of guy who would get married and have kids. So we're kinda dissimilar in that way," he explained." But at least the conception will always be very clear of to the both of us." he stated trying to lighten her mood.

Buffy wanted to get her mind off all the emotions coming into play, so she decided to focus on facts, "According to Dr. Carr the bleeding I had was implantation bleeding, and all the designer drugs being pumped into me that I'm lucky I'm not having quintuplets. I don't know what I would've done without Logan. He has been very supportive during this whole thing, even to the point of taking me to see Dr. Carr in the first place. He got a little worried when I got dehydrated when a Trillium attacked me."

Alec's head snapped up to look her in the eyes, "Twins?"

"Not really positive at this point Dr. Carr said that because of the size of my uterus and gadzooks is this weird talking about it, it was a distinct possibility, but I need to be further along until confirmation of twins." Buffy answered uncomfortable about the whole conversation.

Then Alec's voice changed from awe to irritated, "Wait Logan knew you were pregnant with my babies?" he exclaimed feeling a good amount of anger rise against the man. Logan knew and didn't tell him; went as far as to try to help Buffy flee the city without any intention of telling him. Another thing occurred to him. "You managed to tell Logan but you couldn't tell me!" his voice rose not even realizing Buffy wasn't the person he was mad at. Himself and more importantly Logan was the ones he was really angry with.

"Yes I told Logan, I didn't tell him the baby was yours until Max told him to stay away and that she was seeing you; He was only trying to protect me. Even Cindy tried to convince me to tell you when she figured it out, one of the main reasons I went to see you that night, then when I told Logan you wanted nothing to do with me, he got protective and said he would be there for me no matter what."

"Cindy knew!" Alec exclaimed then ran another frustrated hand through his hair trying to accept and process all of it. "Max only said that to Logan because he saw us bonding as brother/sister and mistook it for something else. She realized that Logan would be better off without her and used me to drive him away, I wasn't happy with it either."

"Actually, I told Cindy very little and after watching us interact for about a week, she asked me if it was yours, apparently Max told her about me being in lockdown with you for a month. So she figured most of it out on her own, told me we had way too much vibe-ing to never have known each other." Buffy smiled and shrugged her shoulders.

Alec smiled back at her, "Well we got something between us. I can back her up on that. Question is if you're willing to have us have a go at it. Do I really have to say I love you if I'm not certain yet? I don't think you love me. So can we just give it a try and we'll figure it out in time?"

"I still don't know. I have to consider more than me this time and the last decision I made people are still getting hit with the fallout. I mean if I had been there, people would have had long lives, Willow wouldn't be a vengeance demon. Who knows maybe Giles would still be alive. Take that in consideration and the fact it's 4:00 in the morning. I think maybe sleep on it and we can talk tomorrow. By the way, if you're curious I'm about three months almost 12 weeks, but I've had trouble keeping food down so Dr. Carr says I'm underweight. But I feel fine." Buffy took a slight second to make a subtle observation. "I am however curious to know, why did you all of a sudden decide you wanted me to take that test?"

"I'll come by in the morning with some breakfast for you." he said understanding they both needed a night apart to sort everything out themselves. "I figured the time since I remember the conception week very clearly." he smirked at that again trying to lighten the mood. Alec was about to walk to the door when he heard her ask, "I am however curious to know, why did you all of a sudden decide you wanted me to take that test?"

He turned around and smiled sheepishly, "Well I was worried about you. I figured you were hiding something about your health. And if you were sick or something, I wanted to help. So, I snuck a peak at your medical file. Didn't have much time with it since Doc. Carr came back, but thought I saw something that indicated you being pregnant. So in order to be sure I bought you the test and came over."

"That's like peeking under someone's dress, you shouldn't have done that and what did you honestly think was wrong with me that I was possessed or something, When you told me you weren't afraid of catching what I had, I almost rolled with laughter on that, cause the thought of you being pregnant just about killed me inside... I was holding it back so hard."

Alec scowled at her, but a hint of a smile was on his lips, "I was worried. You were hiding something and I was worried, all right? Maybe I went overboard but I'm glad it's all out in the open." he stepped forward so the were facing each other. His heart sped up as he raised one hand and stroked her cheek, "I didn't want to lose you." sincerity obvious in his voice and eyes.

"This is still really confusing right now Alec, lucky for me I don't work tomorrow so I can sleep in or I would be very cranky right now...it would be going on 48 hours with no sleep."

Buffy smiled briefly, when a knock was heard at the door. She looked to Alec for a second, "Did someone follow you?" She walked towards the door preparing to open it.

Alec walked over to her and gently moved her aside. "I'm X-5 Buffy, no one can follow me without me knowing about It." he reminded her he listened carefully and inhaled the scent at the door, trying to place who it could be. He looked back at Buffy, "Those slayer senses tell you anything?" he asked in a low whisper. Part of him knew he was being overly protective, but he couldn't help himself. With all the enemies, they had together. He had to protect his unborn children and his mate from the dangers.

Honing her senses, it was not completely demon yet it felt familiar. "Not a demon, that much I can tell." Buffy brushed by Alec, she was the slayer, and she didn't need coddling. She grabbed the handle and it was a guy not too much older than Buffy.

He handed her a note, "Are you Buffy? I was supposed to deliver that to you?"

The note read Slayer need your help; Suvolte demons have three humans held up in an abandoned warehouse. Be careful. They are planning on making them a snack.

Buffy blew out a breath, "Thanks, tell them I'll be right there..." Buffy turned to her bedroom to go get dressed.

Alec growled a little frustrated as 'his' slayer refused to play it safe. He moved in behind her and looked over her at the guy, glaring. He walked away from the door and towards the table where the note Buffy was given laid. He took it in his hand, scowled, and yelled towards the bedroom, "You are not actually planning on going to this warehouse, right?"

She came out of the bedroom dressed in her black yoga pants and tank top with a white shirt overtop of it. "I don't have a choice, they will eat them if I don't, the slayer's job is pretty clear, I don't get time off or vacation so, I shouldn't be too long, maybe an hour at the most. So I'll see you tomorrow okay." Buffy pulled her jacket off the back of the chair.

Alec scoffed and blocked her way to the door. "You get time off as long as you're pregnant. You are not fighting demons unless it's an emergency."

Buffy gave Alec a strange look, "I have to there is no one else here to fight them or knows how to fight them. They're big but slow, told you wouldn't take an hour tops. When the powers that be send a messenger- I don't have a choice." Buffy stepped around Alec, "Told you I would talk to you tomorrow."

Alec blurred and once again blocked her way. "And in the time it took for you to get the message, while I was standing right there with you might I add, and now. Did it ever occur to you to ask for my help?"

"It's just three suvolte, I can handle them alone, no problem...besides you don't know their weaknesses and I do, so move out of my way so I can go do my job."

"Well you can either tell me or I'll just tear them to pieces so it won't matter. But you're not going anywhere. You need rest and food. I'll take over demon slaying." Alec informed her.

"I am only twelve weeks; the baby or babies as the case may be are pretty well padded inside me, so they are in no danger. I just had a ton of Chinese which ironically I am keeping down pretty good, so move" Buffy stood arms crossed tapping her foot like mad.

"Ask Doc. Carr which of the following options he would think is best for you. A) Go demon slaying and possible get hurt and risk losing the babies, or B) let Alec slay the demons and you and the babies remain safe. Stay, rest- I'll deal with them." Alec ordered her turning around and preparing to walk out the still open door.

"I have been fighting them just fine for the last six weeks since they have been searching me out and so far, I haven't gotten a scratch- Doc Carr knows my calling and I told you I'm underweight but so far- in good health." Buffy walked by Alec and out the door. "So you can come and help or you can stay here but either way I'm going." She went out the door and zipped her jacket as she prepared to close the door.

Alec glared at her as he walked out. "Fine, I can't keep you from not coming. But you are to stay back and watch me kill them. I think I'll take next week off and send a message to the demon community that the slayer is off limits." he informed her envisioning how he was going to personally take demon by demon apart until they started to abide by not going after the slayer but him instead.

"Really, that should work out perfectly- not, and what makes you think I'm gonna follow orders, did they not go over that in your slayer 101- she alone who fights the demons and does not follow orders?" Buffy huffed. "Beside I have some pent up aggression that has been screaming to come out to play"

"Silly me, I was relying on your common sense or I don't know your motherly instincts." Alec bantered back as they walked out of the apartment. You can take that 'aggression' out on me later." Alec promised envisioning some hot angry sex with her after.

"Hey, I'll have you know, I protect my abdomen at all costs, I've gotten a lot of bruises on my face protecting my child or children so don't even pull that on me, they even broke my arm last week, so what does that tell you?" I have some serious anger to deal out to these guys so- no I'm not taking it out on you."

"Why not? You seem to enjoy yourself in reminding me of the mistakes I made. You can finally pay me back for them. And getting you hurt like that is not something I agree with, so just listen to me for once." Alec tried to persuade her.

"You're gonna have to try harder than that to fool me. Besides, why are you so against me doing my job? You don't see me going around trying to tell you how to deliver packages?"

"And I don't interfere with you delivering drinks at Crash either. But this is different. You risk your life fighting these things and I want you safe." Alec replied.

As they walked Buffy relayed to Alec the basics of the suvolte, try to rip off the appendage on their right knee, they are not fast but under no circumstances let them get you with their horn on their neck, otherwise they can gore you right open, the only way to kill them is to remove the appendage. They go down and will die fairly quickly as long as you do that." As they approached the warehouse, she looked at the outside, "Gonna be a bitch to climb that scaffold but guess I'm going up" Buffy gave Alec a worried expression. "Be careful, they are not gonna be happy the slayer has help."

Alec rolled his eyes; these demons were going to be cake. They sounded easier then the basic average fledgling vamp. Alec smirked at Buffy, "They are not even going to know what hit them. You might as well just stay here. I'll be back in a minute or so and the world will have a few less demons in It." he easily jumped the scaffold and with catlike grace continued into the warehouse.

Buffy murmured under his breath, 'I agreed to let you help; I never said I was going to let you do my job for me.' Aggravating man, Buffy followed behind Alec, His arrogance was going to get him hurt, so she had no choice but to follow.

Alec kicked the door in, which crashed into the warehouse a few feet in. He then casually walked in. "Any demons here? Got a girl to impress with my skills; *so the faster you show yourself, the less it'll hurt when I kill you."

The large demon with the blue skin growled, "Look dessert and even has delivery."

The second suvolte sniffed the air, "Not human, not a slayer. What are you?" The large creature growled furiously as he made his way slowly to where Alec stood.

Alec gave it a smile, "Better." he answered just before he decked the demon, and then kicked it in the stomach area. He winced at his foot and hand both hurt now from contact with the horns.

The second demon advanced slicing across Alec's chest with his long horn on his arm that came out of nowhere. "Not human but might make nice appetizer. The demon laughed, But unknown to Alec Buffy had stayed in the shadows and when she saw the demon swipe his chest and leave a gash, she came out, "Wow, you know you guys really need to get with the program, no one's making a snack of him and you well… are just going to die," Buffy avoided the demons swipes and took her foot kicked the right knee causing the creature to go down, She shook her head at Alec, "I told you to avoid the horns." Buffy then turned to the last remaining two.

Alec scowled, "You also said they were slow. They're pretty fast." he blurred sideways avoiding a punch from one of the demons. "But I'm faster." he stated cockily again. He then moved his hand to his chest where the demon had cut him, "You know as much as I think blue isn't your color. I don't think red is mine. I prefer green." he blurred again blocking a swipe from the demon. He aimed a kick at the area Buffy mentioned before but he foot was caught in hold of the demon. The demon grinned, before moving his other arm to attempt to cut off Alec's leg. Alec kneed the demon in the face with his free leg, throwing the demon's aim off, he winced however as the horn on the demon's arm still had managed to cut into his inner thigh. "Ok, now I'm pissed." he stated and in a blur evaded the demon's next move and stopped for less then a second to the side of the demon before kicking the appendage off the area Buffy had indicated.

"They are slow, you think that is fast, wait till we run into a gurlock those things are fast."

The third demon had regrouped and came behind the slayer and grabbed her swinging her adjacent to the other wall, she slid in a ball coming to a stop against the wall, "Slayerrrrr" The demon advanced intent to hurt the slayer.

Alec's hazel eyes blazed in anger as he watched his mate get hurt by the demon, He blurred over and didn't even bother with a quip as he kicked the appendage off, not even stopping to see if the demon was dead, he continued to his mate and stopped in front of her. He kneeled down. His worried hazel eyes began to look for injuries.

Buffy uncurled herself and saw Alec hovering, "I'm fine." Then she noticed he was bleeding, "You're hurt, we need to take care of those right away, lets just find the people and then we can go back to my place so I can patch you up." Buffy looked at him worriedly. She slowly stood and looked left to right, "I think they are this way, she pointed to the closed door to the left."

Alec smiled, "I'll be fine. Points for transgenic healing, remember." Alec stood up straight too and honed his ears trying to listen for sounds other then him, Buffy, the rain starting outside and other background noises. He headed towards the door and pulled it open; wincing inwardly at the pain of his chest and tightness, it gave with the movement.

Buffy followed, concern on her face over Alec, they easily spotted the three humans huddled in rags in the corner, "Its okay you guys can leave now." Buffy bent to help the humans that had been unlucky enough to be found by the creatures in the first place.

"What the hell were those things?" the people murmured as they exited the building.

Once they were out of sight. Buffy turned to Alec, "Now let's get you home so I can take care of those. " She pointed to his wounds, "Can you make it, or do you need to lean on me?"

Alec smiled suggestively, "Depends if I get to cop a feel while I'm leaning and when you say you will take care of those, and do you mean you'll help out with my rock hard cock that's just begging for some attention?"

Buffy shook her head at Alec, "Would you stop, now let me help you and stop being a pervert." Buffy just went to let him lean on her and help him out the door of the warehouse and back to her apartment.

**

Alec had been injured in his upper thigh and across his chest, the bleeding had already saturated all of his clothing, Buffy helped him limp back to her apartment well aware that she needed to patch him up, because while the demons had no real poison to their system, the gashes could easily get infected because of the areas in which these creatures tended to gather in; Dumps, landfills and other places that were usually infested with filth.

Buffy had Alec lay on her couch while she went to her bathroom to retrieve the emergency medical kit she had when things like these happened to her. Buffy came out and put the toolbox beside Alec, "Okay I need you to take off your pants and shirt."

Off of Alec's look, Buffy explained further, "These gashes could get infected and I need to patch you up so you insist on helping me, your gonna have to let me take care of things when your injured. So stop being a baby and let me." Buffy began to subconsciously smile, "You know all things considered you're actually pretty lucky there wasn't a female suvolte there, I don't know if she would have been able to resist your charms, you being perfect and all." Buffy's eyes twinkled and the laughter being held back by only a thread and she hoped Alec realized she was playing with him. Something she had never done before. "And for future reference avoid their horns they are lethal and only cut off the protruding appendage on their right knee."

Alec took of his shirt first, wincing slightly as the dried blood that connected the fabric and the removal caused the wound to bleed again. He took his pants off next, "I may have the perfect body sweetheart, but it's all at your disposal. He looked at the pitched tent in his boxers and back at Buffy. "You want to help me take care of that too?" he smiled hopefully.

Buffy blushed then motioned for him to have a seat, ignoring his sexual comments was getting harder. She just took a deep breath and started with the antiseptic wipes beginning with Alec's inner thigh, in a round motion she swiped and made a little pile of the debris, as she knelt in front of him, her fingers gently cleaning his wound in smooth round strokes. When she was done, she blew across the gash to soothe it before she would need to bandage his wound.

Alec groaned as the pain mixed with the sensation of her touch caused his member to harden even more and he wasn't sure if his boxers could hold it for much longer, his cock was after all also transgenic too, and therefore filled with a powerful need to be sated. Then there was the fact he had been denied his mate for over eight weeks and X-5's were known to go into an aggressive overload if denied their mate for too long a period.

She lightly taped the bandage and began to administer to his chest, her shirt fell open as she leaned into Alec trying to cater to his wounds across his chest, She was having trouble reaching him, "I may need to sit on your lap, maybe," she noticed the very large erection and looked to a pillow, "Maybe we should put a pillow there so you don't re-injure yourself."

Alec growled slightly before he wrapped his arms around her crashing her small body against his, ignoring his pain as he took it upon himself to devour her mouth with his own. He ground his erection against her, never breaking the kiss. He needed her, now.

Buffy pulled back from the kiss, "Alec I need to clean your chest, so behave while I take care of you."

She reached behind her grabbing the wipes and attempting to clean his chest while his rock hard erection pressed against her and she was desperately trying to concentrate.

Alec let out a breath, ok, so he just had to try and convince her a little so she stopped playing nurse and started being his mate. He let a hand trail over her back and slid it under her shirt. His hand started to caress her back. The right hand went to her left breast and started to work on it. "Baby, I want you so badly" he let out in a groan moving her body a little forwards so she pressed more into his erection.

Buffy bit her lip, trying to concentrate on his wounds, "Would you quit, you could re-injure yourself and I'm not done yet." She began to blow across his chest trying to swat his hands away from her breast. "You know I don't remember you being this insistent before," she wiggled slightly as Alec's erection was practically reaching for her, the only thing blocking it was her yoga-pants, and she could feel him clearly through that.

"Don't care; it'll be healed soon enough anyways." Alec breathed deeply suppressing another groan from feeling her hot breath on his skin. Then the wiggling happened and the groan escaped his mouth. The hand that was swept away from the breast move towards her hips, thrusting her more against him. His other hand meanwhile unclasped her bra and began to cares the now exposed skin on her back, moving slowly towards the front.
Buffy pulled out of his grasp, "Why are you being so difficult, I'm trying to take care of your wounds? If you hadn't been helping me, you wouldn't be injured. So, let me at least tend to your injuries." Buffy attempted to fasten her bra. "I was going to give you my bed but if you can't behave maybe I need to call Max to help you get home."

"Don't call Max. We'll both sleep in the bed, and I'm not the one being difficult, you are. I don't like guilt, so stop feeling guilty over me getting hurt. I underestimated them… it won't happen next time." Alec's hand at Buffy's back tugged the bra from her breast in one quick motion and tossed it away. "Now stop trying to focus on the wrong part of my body," he instructed her just before his mouth went to her neck where he started kissing, nibbling, and rolling his tongue over the skin. He quickly found his mark and took his time there sucking on the raised skin.

Buffy quickly covered her breasts and tried to scoot off his lap while he was sucking on her neck, somewhere along the way she had lost her shirt, "Alec stop, do you need a cold shower, cause I got a lot of cold water if you think it will help." She stood while still attempting to cover her breasts. Her eyes grazed down to his erection, her eyes grew big, she coughed, "God your huge- how did that fit in me?" Then she clammed up realizing she had said it out loud.

Alec smirked and answered, "Why don't you stop resisting me and find out. I can tell you how badly I missed plunging into your tight, wet, hot pussy." he responded then added, "The only way I'm taking a shower right now is if you join me and I ride you up against your shower wall." he informed her and stood up like a cat advancing on her "Now come here and let me make us both feel better."

Buffy swallowed, "I need to go change," She backed away from Alec her arm still attempting to cover her breasts. "Alec no, your hurt and I-I don't know what else, but you could re-hurt yourself, so why don't you sit and I will make you some cocoa. Want some cocoa, I suddenly am craving it in a big way," Buffy continued to back away and tried to figure out where her shirt was, while her pebbled breasts pressed against her arm.

"The only thing I want is you." Alec stated as he advanced towards her. "I'm transgenic, I can handle a little pain," he reminded her.

Buffy backed up to the wall, shoot she needed to get to her bedroom pronto, if she could maneuver around him and get to the other side of the room, She looked into his eyes and could see the lust and desire there...She gulped, "I need some clothes so I'm just gonna go find some." She walked by Alec attempting to make it to her room, making a wide arc around him or as much as the room would allow.

Alec bent down as he took off his boxers and threw them at her. "I want you. Stop trying to fight what we have and just go with It." he instructed advancing on her, unashamed of his now full nakedness.

Buffy's face registered complete shock, Alec was completely naked in her living room and she was scared, she quickly ran to her room and pulled the door closed. Oh my gawd she had never been pursued like this by a man and she didn't' know what to do, part of her wanted to give in but he didn't love her so the logical side said she shouldn't. She leaned against her closed door, trying to gather her thoughts.

Alec could feel her on the other side of the closed door. "It's getting a little cold out here without your body to warm me up." he half lied, it was getting a little chilly, but his transgenic body could take colder temperatures. "I'm a little dizzy," he then stated when there was no response from the woman on the other side of the door. Alec then let his body drop on his back with a loud thump. He hoped that worry would override her fear of getting intimate with him again.

Buffy had taken the time to at least put her tee shirt from earlier back on, minus the bra. Then she heard him fall, and opened the door and immediately ran to his side, "Are you okay?" She worriedly felt his forehead. She leant down to him on the floor, "Alec, please let me know your okay." She waited for a response, she was so worried that he was injured, "I told you, you were hurt stay here, and I'll see if I have anything in my kit to help. She crawled towards her box beside the couch he had been on earlier.

Alec pulled her towards him and kissed her again. When he felt her pull away, he quickly spoke before she would. "If you won't let the mountain come to you, I'll have to make you come to the mountain." Alec pinched his eyes closed the feeling of Buffy squirming under him heating his blood. He caught a strange look in Buffy's eyes as his arousal pressed hard against her pantsless body, Buffy mildly curious as to how he pulled her pants and panties off without feeling them being removed. His gaze left her eyes to focus on her lips. God those lips had haunted his dreams since he first saw them. They were parted slightly as she gasped in air. He licked his own lips and violently he crushed his lips against hers. Sliding his tongue into her mouth as she moaned in protest, He let go of her hands, cupping her face deepening the kiss. He was shocked when instead of attacking him Buffy's fingers tangled in his short hair pulling him closer as she began kissing him back.

"Ohhhhh," Buffy moaned against Alec's mouth as all the frustration boiled over into passion. Their mouths collided violently together their tongues dueling. Her hands no longer satisfied with simple gripping his head began pulling on his shoulders. She desperately clawed his back in a need to feel his skin against her own washing over her. "Ahhh" they both moaned out loudly as his hard cock rubbed painfully close to Buffy's swollen pussy. Alec thrust himself into her wet hot sex. His mouth muffled Buffy's scream as he fucked her hard. There was nothing gentle or romantic about it. Alec let out all the pent up tension as he brutally pounded into to Buffy. Her face winced in pain and pleasure with every powerful stroke. Buffy hugged his body tight, crushing their bodies together as Alec fucked her harder and faster then any normal man could. Her body bucked under him, meeting each of his thrusts. The sound of their bodies sweat covered bodies slapping together, their moans, and grunts filling the room.

"Ohhh god… Alec... Alec… ohhhhh... please" Buffy screamed out as she came hard. Her mouth open wide gasping for breath as her body shuddered against his. Her pussy convulsed around his invading cock, her legs tightened around his hips her hands dug into his ass as she pulled him deeper inside of her.

Alec quickly followed, biting his cheek to muffle his moan as he thrust his cock deep inside of her. His cock throbbing as his cum gushed into her womb. Completely spent he collapsed down on top of her. Her hips still lazily grinded against his, her channel milked his stiff member of every drop of cum. Both breathing hard, Buffy came to her senses, Alec was still inside of her, and she couldn't believe how she acted like such a slut.

Alec began to lazily nuzzle against Buffy's neck even as he was still recovering from his orgasm. "Finally." he breathed out.

She could already feel him hardening once again, but she had to put a stop to this, sex without love would end badly actually sex with love in her case ended badly. Buffy pushed against his chest, his shaft glistened with their combined fluids and pulled out with a loud wet pop. She stood trying to find her clothes. She closed her eyes in shame, how could she allow this to happen, knowing that he didn't love her. Okay let's just chalk it up to another moment of weakness and get the hell out of this situation so it didn't happen again tonight or this morning. Because she glanced at the clock, it was only 6:00 AM but she had the day off maybe he had to work so they would at least spare her a little embarrassment. She grabbed her pants, panties, bra, and shirt off the floor, while still trying to put her pants back on. She slipped the pants on quickly trying to keep her back to Alec the entire time because he had a way of making her weak in the knees when he looked at her a certain way and she suspected he knew that. Her channel was really hurting, she didn't remember him being so big, every time she felt so full they had been intimate but she had never gotten a good look at his privates and he definitely had a large unit, those women who were bragging weren't lying which if she thought too much about she was another one of his groupies. Oh, gad Buffy, she berated herself. She slapped her forehead while trying to get her bra fastened as quickly as possible.

Alec kept his eyes on her the entire time while still recovering from his orgasm, damn that woman had some muscles in places no other woman had. He'd almost forgotten about that. He watched her get dressed his eyes following her every move. He felt himself harden again. "I'm glad that finally happened. I don't know why you bother getting dressed when I'm ready for round two." He rolled over to smile at her with hunger.

She turned around, "No we are not doing that again, you have work to go to I'm sure and I need to possibly do something, I'm not sure what exactly yet but still."

"Work, that's not for hours. I have time for another round. You seemed very happy during round one. I'll make round two even better." he winked suggestively as he got up and started to walk towards her.

Buffy held up her hands to stop him, "I just remembered I have to see Logan in about thirty minutes so I should go get ready and you can rest and heal, Okay...Okay-so I'm gonna go do that." she did in fact need to go see Logan but that wasn't for at least an hour, but no better time than the present.

Alec snorted, "Logan won't be up to seeing you once I pay him back." he walked the remaining bit towards her and grabbed her hands using them to pull her towards his still naked body. "Just forget about him and focus on me," he breathed in her ear.

Buffy gave him a funny look, "What is that statement supposed to mean, you can't hurt him Alec, he didn't do anything wrong." She pushed him a little with the palm of her hand. "He is also human and therefore you shouldn't want to, it wouldn't be fair to use your strength over someone unable to fight back." She backed away slightly, "Are you always this horny?"

Alec smirked, "Only when you're around," he answered. "Like I said Logan will get what's coming to him." he shrugged briefly before walking closer to her and sniffing the air. "Don't resist what you want too." he instructed her stepping closer and leaning in for a kiss.

Buffy quickly slipped out of the way, "Don't you dare hurt Logan - I told you want is not always a good thing, I think you seriously need to take a cold shower and get yourself under control." Buffy stood a couple feet away trying to get as much distance as possible between them.

"I told you before that I'd only take the shower if you joined me in it. I don't see anything wrong with the want we were both satisfied not too long ago." Alec stalked closer to his mate, "Why not again?".

"What am I supposed to tell my child, we didn't love each other but we had great sex? I want more than want, what just happened was a moment of weakness and I blame myself completely but it can't happen again."

"It was more then just sex." Alec argued, "Stop being difficult. You know I care about you. Can't you just accept good things when they come along?"

"Just stop it; I was being the furthest thing from difficult a few minutes ago- possibly borderline easy. Relax, I'm gonna go see Logan and I will see you in a bit. Okay." Buffy grabbed her shoes beside the couch trying to avoid contact with Alec once again.

Alec grabbed her arm and spun her into his arms immediately giving her quick but loving kiss. "You are in no way easy, Buffy Summers. Forget about seeing Logan and just come to bed with me...or shower?"

"I can't besides you weren't exactly being gentle a bit ago and I'm a little sore, so I need some time to recuperate. I don't know how you keep from hurting those other women, if I'm a slayer and I'm sore." Buffy blushed and admitted embarrassed.

Alec frowned. "I have to hold back with the others. I can let myself go with you since I know you can take It." deciding to go with another tactic he continued, "Just shower and then get some sleep. I'll call Logan telling him you need rest and then get you some breakfast, ok?"

"I can't, beside you do have work today so you should get ready and I can't shirk my responsibilities. I gave my word, I haveta keep it regardless of how I feel."

"Then Logan will just have to get his ass here. Just because he's rich doesn't mean you're supposed to always go to his place. I told you. I got a couple of hours before I have to work."

"I'm fine, the only thing hurting on me right now is...well you know and I don't exactly need those muscles for walking and possibly doing a favor for Logan, I appreciate your concern but I offered to help, so that's what I'm gonna do."

Alec gave her a pleading smile, "but what about doing me and our babies a favor and take a break." he whined slightly. "Logan can either come here or it can wait."

"The babies are fine, since I'm not sick, I'm thinking mostly likely asleep, and how is that doing you a favor, I'm a slayer I can go a couple days without sleep, not like you of course but my body can handle a lot."

"I know" Alec stated a knowing smirk making its way unto his face. "But spending more time with you is doing me a favor. Would you rather not take a break now that our babies are quiet rather then later when they might be active? Plus you're not just a slayer anymore. You're also a pregnant woman."

"They or he or she whatever the case may be are usually active when you're around which is ironic since they are being quiet right now. But regardless I am the chosen one, so I have obligations to fulfill even though I am pregnant. I'm not fragile- I won't break. You can always see me later, that is if you wanted to, not that you have to if you didn't want to..." Buffy babbled to herself then looked up to Alec's expectant face.

"I want to." Alec stated, and then added with a frown, "But doesn't this world have another slayer, Other than you? Isn't making the world a better place her responsibility- You died and passed down torch. She's the current chosen one. Not you. So you shouldn't shoulder so much responsibility."

"They do but the current slayer is in Cleveland, and its' my responsibility if I'm the only one in this area to take care of these things, if not me who- cause if the council comes around, I can tell you what's going to happen. They are going to nab me and take me back to England; they have already tried once and failed. I'm lucky they are leaving me alone now."

After thirty minutes of debate, Buffy gave Alec a quick kiss telling him she would go straight home and rest the entire day after she saw Logan, Alec was slightly irritated but that damn smile did him in every time and he caved with a promise that she rest and they would spend the night together.

**
An unmarked black car drew to a stop in a rat-infested Sector 12 alley, the rain rattling the metal roof like machine-gun fire. Two men in dark suits climbed out, to be instantly drenched, though neither seemed to notice. Each wore a radio earplug with a short microphone bent toward his mouth.

"I just saw someone leave. Negative. We do not have confirmation of whom? No-the girl lives there-Yes, I will not make a move...just observe like we agreed...YES, I'm positive it's hers." Both figures receded into the background shadows as Alec left Buffy's apartment

Chapter 25 -I would fight for your honor

Logan had been watching Buffy for the last half hour, slipping in and out of consciousness, Dr. Carr was on his way, and she kept moaning for Alec so Logan finally called Alec's cell hoping he would answer even though it was in the late part of the day. Logan had gotten worried when Buffy didn't show up for their meeting and just as he was about to go look for her there was a knock at the door and a bleeding and unconscious Buffy lay at his threshold.

Alec glared at Max, as he looked who was calling him. Grumbling under his breath, he quickly changed to happy easy-going Alec as he answered. "Hey Logan, what can I do for you man?"

"It's Logan, Buffy has been...She's hurt and the doctor is on his way but she has been moaning for you and I just thought you might want to know and if your able to make it over to my place."

Alec froze causing Max to scowl at him after almost bumping into him. 'Stupid Alec' Max thought then noticed the pale look he had on his face and was that fear in his eyes? "Alec?" Max called out, wondering what Logan had told him that got him this upset. She knew it was Logan because she caught his glare before Alec swallowed the lump in his throat; he heard Max call out his name but ignored her.

He didn't have time for fear, Buffy needed him, "I'll be right there," he informed him hanging up. He threw a look at Max before getting on his bike again. He and Max had just delivered a package.

Max watched her transgenic brother carefully. She saw the switch he made from scared to soldier and then the words came that'd he be right there. If Alec was this upset, something was very wrong, the look she caught from him said it all, Buffy.

Something had happened and she must be at Logan's asking for him. Max wanted to go with but she still was all with avoidance as far as Logan was concerned. Still Buffy was her friend, so she'd just have to deal with it somehow. Watching Alec ride off in a blur, she scowled. Idiot was either going to get himself killed getting there or exposed nevertheless, she followed him on her own bicycle.

Buffy shifted slightly on Logan's couch. She fluttered her eyes, wincing at the sudden light.

Logan was methodically washing her face with the wet hand towel he had gotten from the bathroom. "Buffy what did this to you?"

Buffy swallowed and grimaced from her split lip, "I-I can't..." Her face twisted in slight pain. "It will only cause problems."

Logan continued to wipe her face brushing aside her bloody bangs, "Alec is on his way."

Buffy shot up and grimaced almost in tears, "No, call him back- tell him I'm fine," She attempted to clear her voice, "Need some clothes can't let Alec see me like this."

Logan just rose and told Buffy not to move, that she needed to relax until the doctor at least looked her over and Buffy just tried to sit up and make it to the bathroom and almost stumbling so Alec wouldn't see the bruises and exposed skin and he would know what someone had tried to do to her.

Alec couldn't remember how he had gotten to Logan's apartment complex. He was just there suddenly. He let his bicycle fall to the ground as he stormed inside, breaking the lock. It wasn't long before he reached Logan's door and knocked on it.

Max finally got to Logan's apartment. She was actually sweating and breathing hard. Alec had driven here like a maniac, her close behind. She had trouble keeping up with him. Still she was here. She spotted his abandoned bicycle and parked hers to a pole; she picked his up and locked both up. Normal would find some way to blame her if Alec's bicycle got stolen.

Buffy held onto the wall finally making it into Logan's bathroom attempting to turn on the shower and strip off her clothes so Alec wouldn't know. She bit her lip in an attempt to control the tears and pain that shot up through her entire body. Logan had offered her a robe that he kept in the spare bedroom for company and she took it without a word and went into the shower washing her sore and tender body while removing all traces of what the other transgenic had tried to do to her. She finally finished and froze hearing a loud knock at Logan's front door.

Logan listened out for Buffy in the shower and heard the loud knocks and immediately opened the door his face was of concern and he didn't know quite how to explain to Alec even though Buffy would not say that someone or something had attempted to...well he didn't even know if he could say the word. But he opened the door and was surprised to Max as well. "Come in."

Meanwhile Max's eyes followed Alec going towards the bathroom. After stepping inside the apartment, her eyes turned to him. "What happened?"

"She won't say but the way she was bruised and the condition of her clothes looked like someone or something tried to..." He gave Max a small grimace to convey what he thought had transpired without actually saying the word out loud.

Alec looked around sniffling slightly as he tried to locate her. Not even vocalizing his question, he simply walked towards where he sensed her and easily broke the lock on the bathroom door. He stepped inside his eyes scanning to find his mate. He found her figure in the shower. Not caring about privacy, he opened the shower door and looked at her abused form. For a couple of seconds the sight of her abused and hurt body kept him speechless. Then he asked his voice hoarse. "What happened?"

Buffy immediately grabbed the robe, and wouldn't look him in the eyes; she felt so dirty and tried to hide the bruises on her thighs by closing the robe tighter and grimaced when she tried to talk from the bruises on her face. "Just something caught me off guard, I'm okay- see just a little sore," She attempted a weak smile and tried to slowly move by him with a small limp.

"Clearly" Alec stated with obvious sarcasm. "You showered so I wouldn't know the scent, which means it's someone I know or at least met before." he deduced

"It's nothing okay, she gripped the wall and attempted to move further away, by tomorrow I'll be fine, you'll see."

"You might be, but who or whatever did this to you won't." Alec stated his voice dangerous as his eyes scanned the room. He found her discarded and torn clothes and blurred to them.

"Alec, please I stopped him so it doesn't matter okay...just let it go."

Reaching them he picked them up, he looked back at Buffy after seeing their state more clearly. He wanted to ask what happened but the turmoil of emotions swirling inside of him made it impossible for him to form words. The scent on the clothes was pretty obvious. He stood there while he waged an inwards war. Being there for Buffy or take out Dante.

Max entered the bathroom and looked at the two. "Buffy, you wanna tell me what happened?" she asked.

Max's voice seemed to snap Alec out of his turmoil. "Take care of Buffy- Max." he ordered. He saw Max about to protest but he threw a murderous glare. He was no in the mood to argue. He was going to kill 501. He dropped the clothes and walked out the bathroom.

Her bottom lip trembled, "Please I got away or someone saved me, he didn't finish...just please let it go." Buffy pulled the robe even tighter hoping Alec didn't see the bruises on her thighs in the shape of someone's handprint. Then she spotted Alec leaving. She pleaded, "Please Alec, don't… leave..." She hiccupped and the tears threatened to begin again. "Please Max stop him...I can't let him...I stopped him, it will only bring more trouble."

Max looked apologetically at Buffy. She too recognized the distinct scent of Dante on Buffy's clothes and from the looks of Buffy's body; she could only guess what must have happened. Still she knew that it would not be possible to stop Alec with words. Only knocking him unconscious could delay the result. But it was unavoidable now. "You got to understand Buffy. You're Alec's mate; Dante disrespected that, spat on it in trying to have his way with you. I know this sucks to tell you this but Alec's not acting completely with his human part now. He's still in control, but I don't think you can stop this fight from happening. Dante won't give up on you now that he made an attempt. If Alec doesn't kill him, he'll come after you again, thinking he can just take you from him without consequence. Alec knows that."

Alec ignored Logan's plea to tell him what he found out and left the apartment. Buffy grimaced her eyes wide, "Then I haveta try- I can't let him do this, It's my fault if I hadn't flirted with him when Alec and I weren't together than none of this would have happened. He didn't get to finish, he tried...but he didn't..." tears started to glide down Buffy's cheeks.

Max stepped closer and hugged the tiny blonde to her. "It wasn't your fault Buffy. You didn't know how messed up Dante was. You didn't mess up Dante. Dante chose his fate knowing the consequences. This is life."

**

Dante had spent the better part of the morning looking for her; Alec couldn't seriously want to fight him over a woman. He never had before, he kept claiming Buffy was his mate, well if that was true how come he didn't smell as if she had been with him recently when he fell on top of her a couple of nights ago. She clearly had not been claimed in the last couple of weeks, which meant she was fair game as far as mating rights went. Well at least in Dante's book she was fair game, she did still bare his mark on her neck but if he could exploit the fact that Alec was a player to gain entry into Buffy's forbidden fruit. He was more than willing to play that card. He had already told Alec he was willing to challenge him, He had his fill of Delvina in the last three nights, and she was still recuperating from their rendezvous. He was still in a very amorous mood and the only one that could sate his desire was the slayer. Her body was built to withstand a lot and he had quite a few ideas on how he planned on breaking her.

Then around 7:00 as if luck was on his side, he spotted her; Looking luscious as ever. Her scent was slightly altered but not by much, she was headed toward uptown but still near enough that, he could drag her down one of the empty alleyways, especially at this time of morning. She stopped suddenly and turned around but he was able to hide before she spotted him then she shrugged her shoulders and continued on her journey. Then opportunity arose and Dante grabbed it, pulling his large hands around her waist and covered her mouth. She whipped around and punched him right in the mouth and it hurt like hell, but he swung her and she banged her head on the opposite wall. "So slayer, I always like to work up an appetite before I play and I just knew you would be one helluva ride."

She had fought hard and he had received quite a few punches but near the end, he finally dragged her by her hair and threw her to the ground, that's when he realized 1.) She had recently been with 494, which pissed him off and 2.) He couldn't be sure but it smelled like she might be gravid. That's when he taunted her and told her he had planned on using a condom but if she was already pregnant what was the point. He had ripped her clothes and battered her around and he was almost a moment from gaining his prize when something hit him with a baton and a thousand bolts went through his body. He woke up maybe hours later and the slayer was gone nowhere to be found. His body sore and the slayer had really gotten more punches then he originally thought because he was bleeding from his mouth and he had a black eye where the little bitch had gotten a good right hook. He slowly stood brushing off his clothes, no matter. He could wait; he'd just have to find her again and this time be prepared for her little firecracker attitude. He walked back to one of the underground pubs, that no one would care if he was sporting some bruises and didn't really concern themselves with who or what came and went.

**

When he had followed the slayer he had no idea that something else was following her too, he spotted the man follow her and drag her down the alley. It took him at least 15 minutes to catch up but when he did, he was appalled at what the man or what appeared to be a man was trying to do to the slayer. Without thinking, he brought out his electronic baton and proceeded to execute how to bring down hostiles in any given situation. He really didn't refer to them as such but his colleagues at times did. After the man, with a barcode on the back of his neck passed out, he gently picked up the slayer and took her to the man he knew was one of her friends. He couldn't dare let anyone know he was around but he took the bruised slayer to the penthouse and knocked on the door, whispering softly, "Don't worry Buffy you're safe now." He left unaware that someone just watched him leave.

**
Dante was busily working on his fourth pitcher of beer for the day and smirking to himself how close he had been at having a taste of the slayer. No matter, he would just wait and try to catch her again. He knew where she worked and would just wait for her to get off and nail her in one of the alleys on her way home. He found the slayer extremely attractive but the thing that bothered him the most was the way 494 could maneuver women to fall at his feet, yeah he had the superior muscles and able to pack more of a punch but when it came to women they always chose 494 and for the life of him, he couldn't figure out why. Even the woman he had for the last couple of nights or one of many women. He only had because 494 was more interested in getting his slayer into bed, suggested that he was on his way to meet her for some hot sex. He bet the slayer was all that when it came to the bedroom. When he attempted to dominate her earlier, he was surprised to learn that she was pregnant. It wasn't outright conclusive but when he got close to her apex, he could smell the pheromones of a pregnant female. Actually that would explain a lot of why 494 was acting so crazy about the slayer, in mating rights it was always in poor taste to approach a pregnant mate or even make advances but before this morning it was obvious Buffy had not recently been with her mate and if she had it was only once so that still left a small window of opportunity to a rebellious X-5 such as himself.

Alec closed in on the scent locked into his brain. The one who hurt his woman, his mate? His fists were clenched in anger as all his senses were stretched out to their limit. He could now hear his target; in a blur, he ran towards him into the alley and immediately placed a kick in the midsection of 501.

Dante stood, smugly smiling at the other X-5, "I was wondering when you'd show up." He hit Alec with his fist knocking his face to the side "So lil' slayer is pregnant shame, I would've loved to made her a mommy."

Alec smirked, "Guess you're not good enough for her. But then you were always just that. Not good enough. As much as you love your bloodshed, you never much used that brain of yours much."

Dante waited a millisecond before pulling out Buffy's under wear from his pocket. "Gotta tell you 494, I wanted to return these to Buffy in person, I left her a little present right at the center." Dante winked to Alec with a vicious smile while dangling Buffy's torn soft cotton panties from his finger.

Alec's insides twitched, he so badly wanted to punch the other X5, but this was a battle too. One he intended to win, "Really, from what she told me, she didn't care much for anything you wanted to give her. I guess you don't measure up to her standards. Anything you wanted to give her, would pale to the two unborn babies growing inside my mate's womb, but then you were never one to think first." Alec smirked chillingly, ready to block any attack from the combat model x-5.

Dante growled and swung out blindly nicking Alec's temple, "Really, normally that would stop a challenge but how many times have you been with her in the last say eight weeks, your scent was weak on her, at least I didn't smell much of you when my mouth was right at her center and that little bite mark on her thigh, just FYI was from me, before the little wildcat punched me in the chin. Damn she's ferocious."

Alec didn't drop the cocky grin coming to his face as he said, "Believe me I know that way better then you. As for why I haven't had my way with her for a few weeks, well you know what we X5 are capable of; she needed the weeks to recover from our lovemaking."

He jabbed a hard punch into the 501's stomach, then blurred a step back, blocked the counter attack and clocked his fist against 501's jaw. He smirked, "You've gotten slower since we last fought. Did my mate injure you that much?" satisfaction going through him that she had.

"She may have injured me but it was well worth it to get to taste those creamy thighs, and you know how close I was to plunging into her hot wet depths, mere inches. But next time there won't be mere anything just total and complete me filling her to the brim." Dante laughed with glee.

Alec's eyes narrowed and jumped while delivering a spinning kick against the X5's head. When he was back at the ground, he said through clenched teeth, "See that's where you're wrong. There ain't gonna be a next time. This is the end of the line- pal. I'll make sure they mail your body back to Manticore."

Dante stumbled and was barely able to recover, "So tell me 494, didn't you see the state of her clothes, who knows, maybe I'm lying and I already had her, I almost had the little bitch begging for it."

"The numerous injuries you left behind on her tell me you never had her, as much as you wanted and tried to. Also, Buffy wouldn't lie to me. Enough talk, let's finish this." Alec got ready and in a constant blur continued to attack the combat model. His anger, fuelling his moves, but at the same time he still had enough control over them as to not to lose himself to it.

Dante attempted to counter the moves from the other X-5 but he had not completely recovered from the slayer, almost to exhaustion he dropped to his knees. "If I can crawl from here, I'm still gonna have that slayer one way or another so just accept it." Even knowing he was going to loose the battle the cocky X-5 refused to admit defeat.

Alec punched the X5 hard against his nose. "Like I said, you're not leaving this alley alive. You seem to have forgotten what I was before the slayer came around." he grabbed the X5 by the collar and hauled him up to face him. Nose to nose he said, "I never enjoyed killing like you did. But I did my share." his eyes glinted dangerously as he spoke. "But yours is one death I am gonna savor."

"Killing is a sport to play daily, and you above all things should know that. You never cared before about us sharing women, never cared before who I had that you had- what's so special about this one?"

"She's the woman I love." Alec stated and threw Dante back to the ground, "She's the woman I love, the mother of my children and you tried to violate her." he jumped on top of the transgenic and started to punch 501's face repeatedly. Each hit intensified at the mere thought of Dante touching Buffy.

Dante was barely able to spit out the words that would seal his fate, although it was a given he would not leave the alley alive. "She's not the first one that needed to be forced a little..." He choked out with a cough, "Member the desert mission- Lola she screamed till she bled and you didn't try to help her."

Alec's eyes narrowed, "You deserve to go to hell for all you did. I would love to send you there." He pulled out his knife and held it in both hands, his expression dangerous. He then plunged the knife down into 501's chest. Then he got up pulling the knife out. "I think I'll let you go there- slowly," he informed Dante as his eyes bored dangerously into the other X5's. He bent down and cleaned his knife from the blood with Dante's clothes before turning and slowly walking out of the alley, not looking back.
The woman, concealed in shadow watched the scene before her, holding a tiny figure in her arms. As the Slayer's new mate left, she stepped up to the dying X-5, giggling like a small child.

"You are a naughty puppy! Come let your mummy make it all better." She bent down and her extended fangs slid into the jugular of the X-5 with ease. His eyes opened wide as she bit her own wrist letting the blood from it flow into his open mouth. Greedily he drank from her until she pulled her wrist away, licking the wound clean.

"Oh my pet, the stars sing loudly for you. Mummy must squirrel you away before the nasty sun comes."

Dante's eye closed as his heart beat its last. Drusilla squealed, clapping her hands together excitedly. "When my boy awakes, we shall have tea Miss Edith," she spoke to the doll in her arms. "Now we must get home to Daddy before he takes away all the cake! We shall have streamers and balloons... pretty little party favors!" She scooped Dante up into her arms and twirled about before setting off in the direction of the lair.

**

Drusilla crept into the spare room at the old steel warehouse. It wouldn't do for Daddy to see her new childe too early. It would spoil the wonderful surprise. She laid Dante down on the bed, covering him over while crooning a lullaby to herself quietly. She stroked his face once. "Sleep well my pretty, Mummy will wait for you to wake..., then we shall all have a party! Come Miss Edith, we must find Daddy else he shall be cross with us."

Angelus was sitting in an armchair deep in thought when Dru approached him from behind.

"What do you want Dru, daddy is busy now."

"I have such a wonderful surprise Daddy. The stars told me how to get to the nasty slayer, churn her all up inside." Dru began to spin in the center of the room, arms outstretched, and skirts swishing around her legs.

"What is it Princess, what do you have for Daddy?" He stood up and walked towards her stroking her face. She may be as crazy as... well as crazy as one of his finest creations but she was usually right. (If he could just decipher her insane rambling)

Dru was ecstatic- Daddy was interested! She grabbed his hands with both of her own and led him to the room where Dante was.

"Dru baby, what is this?" Angelus was irritated.

"Don't be cross Daddy. He was a bad dog, trying to take your slayer. But she didn't want him; her eyes are only for her mate."

Angelus was furious. This thing had touched what was his. "Dru explain this now!" Angelus said in a very low voice.

Dru flinched, "The pixies whispered to me about the puppy, he is the golden key, all shiny and bright outside...dark and rotten within. The slayer will fall at your feet… All beautiful tear drops," Dru spun in a circle but added, "and no one to lend her a handkerchief."

Angelus let his trademark smile cross his features. Dru had brought the one thing that would bring the slayer to her knees before him. He gathered Dru into his arms.

"You are cross at Princess, Daddy?" Dru whimpered.

He stroked her beautiful dark hair. "No Princess... we have a new family, you have done well. I think you should be rewarded." He led her to their room, keeping her occupied until the newest member of the Aurelius line awoke.

Chapter 26- Lucky Ones

After the doctor visit, Buffy was still feeling a little out of sorts but she wanted her own clothes and she had no desire to even touch the clothes she had on earlier, Max helped out by throwing them in the incinerator and going back to her place to grab a new set, So Buffy was now dressed in her baggy overalls with a white knit top and her hair clipped up, Her face still glowing beneath the bruises and cuts.

Doctor Carr who had become like a permanent fixture suggested to Logan that Buffy not be alone tonight cause although physically she was only banged up a little. The emotional aspect might hit her at any time.

Buffy after Alec had left to god knows where had returned to the shower to scrub her skin pink. She felt so uncomfortable, Dante hadn't succeeded but she still felt slightly dirty and then she was worried about Alec. She loved him, but she didn't think him doing this was going to help things. It could possibly draw attention from the wrong people or things.

Max had hung around too, and told her she didn't have to talk that she would just sit with her and nothing else was expected. She was grateful that Max had stayed although Logan looked at her with sympathy. It was if, he wanted to help but didn't know quite what to do. Buffy sat on the couch her arms protectively around her abdomen and her knees drawn up to her chest. Her face was devoid of any emotion. Cause she was okay physically. It wasn't the worst thing that had ever been done to her and the fact that the act was not completed gave her some small measure of relief. But she wouldn't feel at ease until she knew Alec was okay.

Slightly beat up from the few punches Dante had gotten in Alec stood in front of Logan's apartment door. He hoped Logan and Max had taken good care of Buffy while he dealt with the threat. He quickly raised his hand and knocked on the door.

Max looked at Logan and he immediately opened the door, slightly surprised at Alec's small cuts and abrasions on his face. Before he could Speak Max stood and asked, "You alright?"

Buffy turned her head slightly her face changed as soon as she saw Alec and ran to him and wrapped her arms around him before he was even halfway in the door.

Alec wrapped his arms around Buffy and let out a relieved breath. He took a moment to reassure himself she was around and to simply enjoy the feeling both of them were all right, before he raised his head to Max and gave her a nod and a look that said he took care of it. He then closed his eyes and held his mate close to him kissing the top of her head and wanting to reassure her that he was there for her now.

The small blonde clung to Alec like a piece of Velcro. Small streams of tears leaked from her eyes at seeing him, she was close to telling him she loved him but she held back unsure and not able to speak past the lump in her throat her eyes pulled away and glistened with the unshed tears. She caressed his forehead reaching up her hand to brush across his gash. "You're hurt?"

"I'm alright." Alec reassured her with a smile. "What about you and the babies?" His hands rested on her abdomen lightly asked.

She looked back to Logan and Max, and twisted her lips slightly, "Doctor said I was fine, babies are doing great -growing even," and she lowered her voice to almost a whisper, "My blood pressure is up a little." She wouldn't have even mentioned that but Logan had told her either she tell him or he would.

Alec raised his hand and caressed her cheek, "Thank God." he said relieved. "I don't know what I would have done if..." he trailed off.

Max looked at the two then at Logan, "We'll give you some privacy, just know we're gonna have a talk later Alec." with that said she went into the kitchen.

She returned the caress, and looked into his eyes, "Give 'em some credit daddy, they are part slayer you know."

Alec smiled slightly, "Part transgenic too." he added. He dropped to his knees and began to caress and kiss her stomach. As he kneeled down, he spoke to her stomach "Daddy is gonna take good care of mommy from now on. No more lonely patrols for her. Are you sure everybody is okay?" His voice trembled slightly with childlike wonder as he nuzzled her stomach. His children were inside of her and he was suddenly overcome with a protective need to keep this woman safe from everything and everyone.

Buffy giggled slightly, "That kinda tickles, so you're really okay. I was worried about you."

"I'm sorry I made you worry," Alec's eyes softened as he looked at her. "I knew you'd be safe with Max and Logan while I took care of Dante." he stood up back to his feet and looked into her eyes, "I love you, you know that."

Buffy stiffened at the name of Dante but shook it off and realized what Alec just said to her, "You said you love me, I thought you weren't there yet?" Buffy smiled weakly.

Alec gave her a wince and smile in one. "It took almost losing you for me to realize, not only am I so in love with you I can't see straight but I have been for a while now. I just didn't know what I was feeling."

Buffy gave him a wide smile, "So I guess it might be time to admit that..." Buffy trailed off and began again, "If you haven't noticed, kinda been in love with you for some time now too just waiting for you to realize it, why do you think I got so jealous and wanted to torture you with the outfits. Every time I knew you were gonna be there, I would look for the tightest shirts I could find, had to make you suffer."

Alec shook his head, "I knew it." After a few seconds, he moved one hand to her cheeks and gently trailed over her cheek. "Come here," he murmured before slowly leaning and gently brushing his lips over her.

Buffy pulled Alec closer to her lips and returned it with equal fervor, when she pulled back, she had a bright smile, "This wouldn't be a good time to admit other things would it?"

Alec smiled back and let out a relieved laugh. "You have no idea how good it feels to finally get it, say it, have you feel the same way about me and that all of four of us are alright."

"So you don't wanna know the other stuff, cause if you don't wanna know. I'm gonna keep those puppies under a tight lid."

"Know what?" Alec asked her his interest peeked.

"I spit in your date's drinks for one thing, Dee Dee's spit in twice, had Jackie spit in it too." Buffy smiled shyly, "You have no idea how hard it was to keep telling you no."

Alec smirked, "Well I am pretty irresistible. It's how I was made." he leaned down to her neck and began to trail light kisses towards his mark. "I didn't care about those other women, I was just trying to convince myself I could get over you while I already knew I couldn't." he reached his mark and began to work his magic touch on the skin. "I only love you." he murmured in between.

Buffy closed her eyes caught up in the moment but pulled back and looked at his face with a raised eyebrow "So what are you saying, I didn't stand a chance at resisting you? Cause I can so resist- you." She smiled with a playful glint in her eyes.

"Exactly." Alec stated smiling smugly but if you looked closely enough you could see the playful glint in his eyes

"I really need to go home and get some sleep, cause going on 72 hours of no sleep and I work tomorrow night."

"I'll take you home. And you're not working at Crash tomorrow. You're hurt. Call in sick. I'll come spoil you after work..." he paused, "I can probably call in sick too so we will some quality together time." he winked suggestively while hoping Max would stay in the kitchen and not ruin their moment, since he was only half-not serious about calling in sick himself tomorrow.

"So, are you challenging me about the resistance thing? I'm fine…besides after I give birth and shortly before that, I'm gonna haveta stop working for awhile. So I need to make money while I can."

"You don't need to work." Alec insisted. "I think Max had this job planned on some rich bad guy. Should get me a couple of grand out of it and I have money and a job, so you don't need to work... or work less."

"It's not your job to take care of me. Not to mention, I suspect if you had your way. You'd have me chained naked to your bed and do nothing all day except suck on bon-bons." Buffy laughed trying to lighten the mood.

Alec pretended to give her idea some serious thought then shook his head; "I wouldn't need the chains to keep you in bed with me all day. I thought I'd already proven that back at Manticore?"

Buffy smacked his chest playfully, "You are a naughty thing. But I do seriously need some sleep, so if you're walking me home we should probably go."

"You just can't wait to have me all to yourself in bed again." Alec half joked, half stated before he smiled down at her and gave her another kiss on her lips. "Can't say I'm not looking forward to it myself." he added smirking.

Buffy blushed and cleared her voice, "Hey Logan, Max, I'm gonna head home. Tired and definitely need some sleep."

Max and Logan both came out into the living area where Buffy and Alec stood, to say goodnight. "Buffy, if you need anything don't hesitate to call me?" Logan gave her a kind smile.

"And you better show you ass up for work tomorrow." Max warned Alec. "We'll have our little chat then too. You take care of her, you hear?"

Alec rolled his eyes at the work thing, putting on a fake smile he stated, "I'm looking forward to it Maxie. Don't worry about Buffy; she's in good hands that will be taking excellent care of her tonight." His dual meaning was obvious as he pulled Buffy closer to him.

Max gave him a disgusted look, "Pig" she scoffed. Turning to Buffy she asked, "I don't know why you like him. You can do better, I can introduce you to my brother Krit he-"

Alec sneered his contempt evident when he interrupted, "Could never keep up with her slayer stamina. Having missed out a couple of years in training, he's gotten weak. The last mission he went on you got shot through the heart."

Max glared at him. "I guess you're stuck with him 'cause he's claimed you as his mate and knocked you up."

"Oh Max, did I tell you about the time I actually got stuck inside Buffy for a while because she just made me that hard?" Alec asked nonchalantly. "Her walls were gripping so tight, it took me a good 90 minutes to separate from her."

Buffy's eyes went wide; he did not just say that out loud. Logan looked a little shocked too; "I think that's a private discussion. Something you do when I'm not around."

"I second that," Buffy gulped then looked to Alec's face, "I don't think that is something Max or Logan need to hear about… "

Alec shrugged, "Fine. Let's get back to my apartment and take a hot bath."

Red-faced Buffy mumbled something and walked out the door, she was so getting him once they were out of this building. She had walked to the elevator almost afraid to even look anyone in the face after Alec's last comment, the elevator arrived, and she stepped on and turned to see if Alec was going to follow. Once she was alone in the elevator, she smacked him hard on the arm, "Jeez, did you have to tell them that… I think that happened to be the night of conception." She crossed her arms annoyed, "Surprised you didn't give them a play by play of that as well."

"Oh I would have." Alec said, with a delighted smirk. "If I thought it'd make Logan redder."

"You're such a …" Buffy broke off her words at Alec's gentle smile he gave her.

"Made Max squirm a little too," He gently maneuvered her into the circle of his arms, kissing her forehead and sighed. "It's about time we head home- we have some serious things to make up for- lost time- gettin' busy."

**
Alec insisted on carrying her halfway there, he just wanted so desperately to protect her. He knew she had the abilities to protect herself if it came down to it but, she was bringing out a side of him, that until tonight. He wasn't even aware it existed. Buffy tried to protest but he kissed her every time she tried to convince him to put her down, not to mention. He was starting to like the feel of her in his arms. He gently put her down when he reached his door. As they walked up to Alec's door, he pulled out a lock pick and started to unlock the door with it, "No key." He said, as though his actions needed explaining in the post-pulse world they now lived in. Alec pushed the door open and held his arm out for Buffy to enter first, "Ladies and babies first." The smile seemed to be plastered to his face permanently when he radiated a warm smile to Buffy.

"It's okay I have to keep mine locked with a wire hanger and the couch shoved up against it every night" She shrugged her shoulder and entered his apartment with small steps. She looked around at his place, a lot nicer than hers not that it mattered. She hadn't been to the new apartment and she had only briefly been to the one he was at when they were not seeing each other. She had a seat in one of the chairs while Alec continued to smile at her, with an infectious smile, unable to contain the love and freedom that love brought to him. Attempting small talk to avoid the elephant of a conversation that she feared would eventually come, "Nice place." She crossed her arms glancing around.

Alec said, "Better than nothing." as he shut the door behind him.

Alec's eyes traveled the length of Buffy's body; his eyes looked as though he was seeing into her very soul and his expression was purely filled with wonder and hope for the first time in his life.

"Why are you looking at me...like that?" Buffy felt his eyes on her breasts and pressing in all her intimate places. She could feel his hungry stare; he looked like he wanted to devour her. She blushed and looked away.

"Like what?" Alec continued to follow her every move as though memorizing it and making an internal note of everything about this woman.

She gave him a shy look and spoke low, trying to avoid the heat from his eyes." Like you know...what I look like naked?"

"Well...I do." Alec smirked openly.

**

Alec had given Buffy one of his shirts to sleep in, and he was going to take a bath with her but he knew if he saw her luscious body that being gentle was going to be a problem and he was already excited just being in the same room with her. He was trying desperately to behave and he didn't want to overwhelm her with his feelings which to say the least were intense, especially after her ordeal with Dante earlier that day. They had held hands and he had just held her on the couch, when she fell asleep. He lifted her brushing his lips across her temple.

He laid her on the bed pulling up the blanket to cover her, but as he turned to leave, a small hand caught his, holding it tightly. He sat down on the edge of the bed, Buffy sitting up to meet him.

She put her hand to his face, feeling him lean into it slightly and shuffled closer to him, "Stay with me." She brushed her lips across his in a whisper of a kiss that left them both wanting more. Drawn together by an invisible force, their lips met again. Hands came up to tangle in hair, caress faces, necks, and backs until they were both so far awash in sensation that neither could stop. The kiss deepened, tongues dancing to an erotic beat that only they could hear.

Alec brought his hands to her shoulders, sweeping them under the shirt she still wore, pushing it from her body. They traced back along her arms to her neck and he cradled her face to his. Buffy's hands were spurred into action, running down his spine and causing him to shiver involuntarily. They pulled his shirt from the confines of his jeans to allow her fingertips to trace the muscular lines of his back and abdomen. He gasped as she hit a sensitive spot. Loosing patience, she pulled at his shirt, buttons flying as it gave way to her slayer strength.

Alec broke away from her lips, pushing her back to lie on soft pillows and trailing heated kisses down her throat to her lace encased breasts. Nuzzling the soft skin between them, his right hand unclasped her bra, throwing it to the floor behind him. His shirt joined it... quickly followed by his pants leaving him gloriously naked. His left hand was busy with the buckles of her overalls, his mouth lowering to surround a nipple, as he pushed them halfway off her delectable body.

Buffy's gasps turned to moans as shocks of pure pleasure raced to her already flowing core. "Please Alec, god...harder." He complied with a small smirk, loving how he could bring pleasure to his woman.

Her small hand ran down to his cock, encircling him and pumping lightly. "Aughhh." He moaned softly, the feel of her hand bringing him to a fever pitch.

Alec pulled away from her, sitting back on his knees to pull her overalls away, taking her simple white panties with them. He tossed them over the edge of the bed, his eyes locked with hers. Leaning over her again, he left wet kisses along her breasts, then ran his tongue down to her navel, dipping in and out if it a few times. Buffy shifted under his ministrations, rubbing her thighs together for friction. "Oh no… you don't," Alec laughed lightly, spreading her thighs and placing himself, between them. Buffy whimpered in exquisite agony as his head descended to her soaking flesh. His tongue split her labia, circling her hole and dipping in just once. Her hips rose in frustration as he pulled away, "Sssh baby, I got ya." His lips attached themselves to her clit and she came screaming his name repeatedly.

Alec didn't wait for her tremors to calm, he just rose up over her, placing his throbbing arousal at her entrance and thrust gently home. He locked eyes with her as hers flew open at the invasion. "Buffy, look at me… I love you." Tears fell from her eyes at his admission, but she could not reply as he began his gentle rhythmic thrust. With every fill of her body Buffy could feel the tightening in her belly renew again, each time stronger and stronger. Alec was moving faster now, angling himself to give the most pleasure he could. As they lost their grip on control, thrusts became more and more erratic.

"I'm gonna cum," groaned Alec. Buffy's cries and moans escalated and as his orgasm hit, hers began too, her clenching channel taking everything he had to give.

When it was over, he collapsed next to her, ever mindful of her stomach, and curled her into his chest, waiting for their breathing to even out. He held her in silence not wanting to ruin the pure bliss of the moment. When he glanced down to her face, she had fallen asleep again, and his eyes were bright and filled with emotion as he pulled her tighter to him, He closed his eyes as Buffy and his children's heartbeats lulled him to sleep.

**

Alec awoke groggy but securely warm as the last remainders of his dreams brought him to consciousness. His hand glided softly across the still warm body that was in his bed. The woman he loved was in his bed and had told him she loved him last night. His hand went automatically to her little baby bump. He splayed his hand over her abdomen and couldn't believe that his children were growing inside her at this very moment. He could hear her light breathing and it gave him comfort in a way- he had never really experienced.

They had made love explosively most of the night, both their appetites an unending cycle. The pre-dawn peeked through the blinds, His eyes glided down her body wrapped in the dark blue sheet. The memory of her telling him, – she loved him filled his heart with a newfound joy. He leaned in and kissed her temple. She stirred only slightly bringing a new smile to his lips. This incredible woman loved him. The soldier, assassin had someone who loved him and was going to make him a father. He still couldn't believe it. What good thing had he ever done in his life to deserve this, his eyes just kept staring at her in awe. He knew right then and there- he would give his life gladly to keep this woman safe. Manticore had turned him into a monster but had given him the greatest gift in his entire existence without knowing it.

Buffy began to stir and her eyes fluttered as she smiled warmly and stretched. "Good morning."

He returned her smile while he rested on his side, his head held up by his arm. "Good morning beautiful."

Buffy rubbed her eyes, "Your sweet- a terrible liar but sweet." She shifted her eyes to his face. "What time is it?"

He raised his arm to look at his watch, "Still early…" He continued to stare at her with a radiant smile. His face glowing so bright you would think he was the one pregnant.

"I need to get up and go home change then let Michael know since you commanded I not work today."

"Who say's I'm letting you out of this bed?"

She rolled over to look at him, while he entwined their hands, "I can't stay in your bed naked, what am I supposed to do all day?"

"I have a couple of things in mind." He reached down and lightly brushed his lips against her smooth skin, closing at the warmth and softness.

Chapter 27 –Reeducation

The dark ominous creature stood upright from his throne and began to yell expletives at the lesser creatures. "Where is she? I want her before me right NOW?"

The echoes from the last bellow ricocheted off the caverns walls. A hissing sound and bright light appeared in front of the regal creature.

The smoke cleared and Willow stood before the throne, no fear evident on her face. One eyebrow quirked at the fearsome angry creature that had all the other occupants of the room cowered before it in fright.

"Willow. What is this I hear of you helping humans?"

Willow cut her eyes to the creature and smiled with her eyes turning the darkest shade of black. "Technically, she's not human."

"D'hoffryn stood and no-one except the lone redhead were unaffected by his screams. "EVERYBODY OUT! RIGHT NOW!"

Once Willow, and D'hoffryn were alone. He sat back down on his throne, Exhaustion taking over his visage while he rubbed his temples. "Willow. We are justice demons. We don't play with humans especially the slayer. I know you have a connection to her and I am willing to let a small amount of allowances, because, you are after all my favorite. No one has caused pain, and torture with such artistry..." He smiled with pride and glee. "Since Caligula, but the others are talking and I just need to be kept on the loop, so I can explain if there is ever a review from downstairs."

"Buffy is my friend and shall always remain so. Have I ever disappointed you? When you needed a massacre, have I not always delivered?"

D'hoffryn mused silently with a quirk of his lips and a nod for Willow to continue.

"These bastards impregnated her without her permission. I can't. NO! I WON"T allow… them to hurt her." Willow paced with flailing hands to express her indignation of it all.

"Very well… I'm sorry to have to do this but you are grounded, you will limit your work to the ninth and sixth circle for the next six months. You know how Halfrek is jealous of you. Every time she thinks your doing something, she runs to tell me." D'hoffryn waved the statement away as if a gnat in his face.

"So, I'm not even allowed to tell Buffy?" Willow glinted angry at her punishment but willing to pay the price for helping Buffy.

"I'm not suspending you indefinitely, just long enough to appease the senior partners, once they are focused on something else, I will return you to your rightful place." D'hoffryn smiled at his favorite demon.

Willow smiled with her deep ruby lips glistening. "I promise when this is over the blood of many will run the streets." The tone of her voice left nothing to the imagination of what she had in mind.

"And I will look forward to that, in the mean time… remember sixth and 9th." Then as if something dawned on him," Which reminds me...do you know what she's having? The office pool is running bets and I kinda wanna win this one."

"What's the prize?"

"Winner gets a vacation in Barbados." D'hoffryn tapped his chin, "Have you heard from Jonathan lately?"

"Yeah and you need to talk to Azul. The reception out of here is starting to become a bitch."

"Have you had lunch yet?"

"No." Willow sulked with open irritation.

"Wanna run to Paris for a late lunch?" D'hoffryn stood, with a majestic sweep of his robe.

Both creatures disappeared with a cloud of purple and red smoke clearing slowly until the room was empty.

**

The manicured nails, tapped on the mahogany desk with a slight rhythm. Across from the attractive female, a manila file with the word Slayer written in bold red letters emblazoned upon the front. The man pushed the file over to the woman. She picked it up idly and snorted, "I don't need a file on the slayer runt to know her intentions or her whereabouts, just look for Angelus, wherever he is, you can guarantee that Buffy," The woman scoffed at the name, "Is nearby."

The older gentleman; who some might consider distinguished cleared his throat, "Cordelia, while I need your assistance- I cannot allow you to harm the slayer. She is with child."

Cordelia's eyes widened and she looked shocked for a moment, "Gotta say didn't see that coming. So what do you want me to do –once I find her?"

"Actually, I need to know what Angelus is up to and Spike? See if they are behaving while they are out."

"And once I do what then?"
The man smiled at the sarcastic tone, she was a viper, but her jealousy of the slayer would come in handy, hence why she was being given a free pass to Seattle, Washington.

**
The lovely blonde with the short hair, with the exception of her few streaks of fuchsia was hidden behind a large amount of make-up and dark black streaks in her hair, only complemented by her heavy eyeliner. She shoved her way onto the packed tube train, squeezing in by the door and frowning when someone elbowed her in the back as they got on behind her. She tiptoed to see if there was any space further along and sunk back onto her heels when she saw it was packed tighter than a tin of sardines. She leaned her head against the glass panel beside her and stared at the newspaper the man in the seat on the other side was reading.

Someone in front of her turned and she wrinkled her nose up when she smelled sweat. Just great! What a way to start the day. It was already up to boiling point outside and it was barely eight in the morning, Global warming. That's what it was, all this pollution and stuff; it seemed like the pulse had done a whole lot more than just take out all the computer systems. She sighed again and closed her eyes, trying to whisk herself away from the present journey by remembering her dream. She told herself it wasn't a dream. She looked at the address on her piece of paper she held firmly in her hand. Another hour and they would be at her stop, her new home. Getting off, she jostled along with the rest of the commuters and then breathed a sigh of relief when she hit the street. Grabbing her bag from the space above the alcoves, she began to walk down the marketplace street to find a cab or other form of transportation to the address listed on her slip of paper.

**
Alec sat on the bench in front of his locker, staring off into space. His mind reeling as he analyzed all the information he had collected over the last twenty-four hours. He made love to Buffy last night and although they had a little spat, and it caused a small bit of unsettling, his love for her still radiated in the depths of his soul. He planned on making that up to her tonight. He smiled thinking about his children- right now the woman he was in love with was carrying his children and although that scared him more than anything or any mission he had ever faced. He didn't think he could protect her alone. He was going to have to go to Max because even though they were friends only part time. He knew that she wouldn't let anything happen to Buffy.

Max had walked over to Alec and noticed his blank stare and she cleared her voice, Max sat beside him on the bench, "You wanna talk about it?"

"She's pregnant, Max." He turned his head and gave Max a troubled look.

Max then remembered the fact Buffy was pregnant and didn't take a genius to figure out when it happened. Without thinking about what she was doing, her hand immediately flew out and smacked Alec in the back of the head. "Sorry been holding that all night for you."

He stood up and glared daggers at Max, "You don't understand Max- It was Manticore doing the thinking for me." He gripped his hands tight pressing his nails into his palms.

"Oh right, So Manticore told you to have unprotected sex with Buffy?" Max suspected that maybe Manticore may have had something to do with it, but Alec still needed to be called to ground about his hand in the situation. Max crossed her arms, and glared at Alec. She couldn't believe he would act like such a complete idiot, when he mostly knew how the outside world had worked while he was in Manticore. Sure, he was the perfect little lap dog soldier then, but there were some things she would have hoped he would know better about. Max continued to scold Alec, as he had sat back down and held his head in his hands. When she finished with her rant, she stood before him with a condescending glare and arms crossed.

He answered with a firm voice, "My orders were to get her pregnant- I had no idea that it succeeded, I know I should feel bad about it but I don't."

Max looked down at Alec, who looked truly scared; she sighed and sat down on the bench next to him. She stared ahead at the lockers, and spoke with an even tone of voice, "So, What are you going to do?" Max was actually worried for the both of them, she may not like Alec half the time, but she was actually starting to get use to having him around. He was growing on her, like a fungus or a mold.

He did regret the circumstances Buffy had gotten pregnant but he didn't regret the fact that she was. He had never considered himself father material. Hell, he didn't even think he would live long enough to enjoy life then Renfro gave him his angel, his saving grace that made him feel like he was more than just a soldier. "I need to protect… I just don't know if I can do it alone, I'm a dad..."Alec shuddered, thinking about the implications. He sat back down his head held between his palms. Manticore had wanted to breed him with the slayer it looked, as though, the project was a success. His child or children were growing inside her.

Max nodded thinking about Alec being a father; it scared her even if she wasn't the one it was happening to. "Yeah, it's big...like blowing up Manticore big. Even though I'm on your case a lot, you know I'll be here to help you, right. I mean, how bad can one kid be?" Max smiled and thought of a mini Alec, which caused her to frown slightly at the thought.

Alec gave Max a lop-sided smile, how could he put this delicately. "Actually there's a possibility it's two- twins." Surprise; now let's see how she felt about two mini-Alecs.

Max jumped up from the bench as though she had sat on hot coals, "What? Twins?" She smacked him upside the head once more for good measure, and then sat down again. Trying to control her breathing, and calm down. Fricken twins, one kid was hard enough and now there were two to worry about? Without thinking she said a loud, "What, do you have super sperm or something?" She looked over at him and pointed her finger at his face, "Do not answer that?"

He gave her a wolfish grin, "Well I am genetically enhanced." Yeah like, he was going to leave that out there without a reply.

Max closed her eyes and said loudly, "Ugh, I could have gone my whole life without hearing that one." She opened her eyes and looked at him, "Only you could make that sound disgusting." She smiled lightly, and took on a more serious expression, "What are your plans Alec? Do you even have any plans?"

"She's kinda pissed at me right now for the whole Logan deal- I overreacted about it when she told me she was gonna go see him this morning." He looked at Max hoping she would see it in her heart to talk to Buffy without him asking.

Max's eyes widened and she said a little too quickly, "Oh, she went to see Logan this morning? That's nice, was it just a friendly visit or business?" Max looked down at her fingerless gloved hands, and opened the palms so she could look at them. She avoided Alec's eyes, and said as calmly as she could without wanting to rip something to shreds, "Maybe I could stop by there, and see how they're doing."

Alec scrutinized Max's face; she was just as bad as he was. Sure, he didn't like her seeing Logan this morning. Matter of fact, if he could've got away with it, he would have stayed home and made sure she was too tired to go see anyone. Damn, he kept thinking about her like this and he was going to have to take a trip to his apartment on his lunch break. He shook his head to bring back to Max's questions. "Said she was helping him with something and then I blew up at her, accused her of wanting to play hero with Logan. She was not happy. Why you think we should go check it out?" If Max was concerned maybe, he needed to be too.

"I'm sure it's fine." But Max's face was telling a different story, she knew she shouldn't be jealous or hurt if Logan was starting to be attracted to another woman, she had told him it was over and it was. Well, it was on the outside, not so much on the inside. "Yeah, I'm sure they're just working on something together." Max's head jerked up and she locked eyes with Alec.

Alec stood abruptly, "I think I left the iron on back at my place- so I'm gonna just go check that out." He yelled to Normal, "Got an emergency be back tomorrow." Then slowly backed away from Max till he got to the outside where he used his speed to get to Logan's as fast as he could.

Max had stood at the same time and had thrown a lame excuse to Normal at the same time as Alec, "I left water boiling on the stove, don't wanna burn the building down. I'll hit you up tomorrow." As she watched Alec back away from her, she slowly took steps forward toward the exit. Apparently, neither of them wanted the other to know what they were doing, but as soon as Max was outside of Jam Pony, she jumped on her bike and hauled ass as fast as she could to Logan's.

Usually Alec was not one to use his transgenic speed except in extreme emergencies. But, this was an emergency. He needed to make sure Logan Cale kept his paws off his mate. When he arrived to Logan's door, and noticed Max was there too.

He chuckled, "False alarm, forget I spent all night with Buffy- But you know since we're already here- might just check on how things are coming- see if maybe Logan needs a hand."

Max arrived outside Logan's door, she saw Alec standing there too. At the same time, he started speaking, she did as well. She was not even listening to him, but more trying to cover her tracks, "Forgot I didn't boil water today, that was yesterday. Since we're already here though, wouldn't hurt to check on how things are going? See if Buffy needs a hand." When Max was done speaking, she gave Alec a confused look, as they apparently said very similar things over one another. The sound of voices penetrated the door of the penthouse. Alec nervously smiled at Max. He was concentrating on the same voices.

Buffy's voice rang through the closed door. "Can you please not point that thing?" Buffy whined.

Alec nervously smiled at Max, and she gave him the same nervous smile. She was concentrating on the voices. Max looked at the door to hear the voices better.

"Buffy it only hurts for a minute." Logan admonished.

"Then you let me poke you with it. OWWW- Pull it out! Pull it out! Did you have to shove it in there- god that hurts- are you sure it's in the right place?"

"Hold still or you going to rip it!"

Without even realizing, they both grabbed the door handle at the same time and gave a forced fake smile with a light chuckle. "Maxie I got this covered if you have something else you need to be doing? I'll give Logan your regards. "

**
"I don't remember it hurting this bad last time."

Max also forced a smile, and refused to let go of the door handle. "No, it's cool. I can handle it Alec. I'm sure Normal needs his Golden Boy back at work, I'll tell Buffy you said hey." Max tried to wiggle her hand, to cause Alec to let go, but he held on just as tight. They both had the smiles plastered to their faces, and neither would let go of the handle. "Alec, let go before I-"

Alec scoffed at her, "Before you what, kick my ass? We've gone through this Maxie, don't make me smack yo bitch head."

Max dropped the smile and tried to push Alec away without letting go of the door, he shoved right back and they were shoving, pushing, and pulling each other as though the door handle meant life. Max slapped at his hand, and he slapped right back. Soon they were slapping at each other like little girls fighting over a candy bar, "Let go of the door Alec!"

"No, you let go!"

Max growled with frustration and finally pushed him off the handle, as she tried to turn it, Alec pushed her off, and they were back to slapping and pushing each other until finally they both grabbed the handle and turned it at the same time. (Nearly colliding with each other and falling into the penthouse)

Buffy gave Logan a sour look, "You're sadist, you know that?"

Logan chuckled softly, "Buffy – you heard him- you're underweight and dehydrated." Logan's voice stopped cold as he turned to the door of his penthouse and saw Max and Alec in the entryway. "Max?"

Buffy then stared back at the doorway, "Alec what are you doing here?"

Buffy was seated at the kitchen table with Logan beside her and her arm hooked to an IV bag. He had obviously just added the final straps of tape to keep the needle in place.

**

Chapter 28- After the Dark

Alec rode his bike in the grungy alleyway. He laid the bike to the side and swaggered to confront three men decked in retro attire with spikes coming out of their face and bodies. He shook his head and slapped his hands together to get their attention. "Excuse me, gentlemen. I'm looking for three butt-ugly Steel heads that beat up a friend of mine this morning."

"Well, you found 'em." The blonde steel head snorted and strutted to stand before Alec with disdain.

Alec raised an eyebrow in the third mans direction at his obviously missing arm, "What happened to you? Did you, accidentally chew your arm off?"

The man pleasantly answered with a false bravado," Actually, I'm pre-op. I'm gettin' a top-of-the-line, Japanese-made cyber-arm put in next week. "

Alec pursed his lips and made a quirk of his eyebrow, "Well, whatever moves your furniture?" Alec then slapped his hands together and rubbed them briskly. "Here's the thing, fellas. My friend was carrying a package that didn't belong to him. It belonged to me. You guys took it. I need to get it back."

The third steel head confidently moved to stand directly in Alec's personal space. "There seems to be a breakdown in communication, doesn't it? Maybe your friend didn't relay our message."

Alec smirked, "What message would that be?"

"Nobody around here sells anything but us." The blonde British speaking thug moved closer and spat in Alec's face daring Alec to reply to his caustic remark.

"Yeah, see, here's the problem. I had a buyer who was willing to pay me five hundred dollars for that package. Now he's upset that he didn't get his package, I'm upset that I didn't get my cash, and you guys are upset because-well, I'm not quite sure why you're upset, but you seem to be. So what do you say you give me five hundred dollars, and I get out of here before anybody gets more upset than they already are?" Alec displayed his hands outward.

The blonde, who the others referred to as Eddie, glanced back at his two partners in crime as he laughed then turned back around to stare Alec down with a glare, "What's a poofter like you need with five hundred bucks, anyway, eh?"

Alec smiled, "Actually, I need it for a ride on your mum." Alec retorted mocking the guy's British accent.

Eddie was in the midst of striking Alec when a cell phone started to ring. All four men checked their phones. Alec glanced at the caller ID; his face lighting up with a smile when he saw it was Buffy. "Excuse me, fellas. I'm sorry it's me." Speaking into the phone, his voice instantly softened. "Hey gorgeous, how's my girl?"

"Actually, Alec, that's why I'm calling, I'm tired. I don't think I can handle going out tonight. Just want a night in to myself, have a bath, go to bed early. I'm sorry." Buffy sounded worn out, her voice barely a whisper over the cell phone static.

"You cheeky bastard." the thugs started to swing at Alec while he just dodged with a confident smile. Alec.

"That's ok sweetheart, I'll come to you, and we can have a night in." Alec tried. He wanted to see her tonight; they had been apart too long already. He was busily hitting the steel heads with one hand and not even sounding out of breath.

"Seriously Alec, I can't… I'm just exhausted." Buffy sighed, "Maybe, tomorrow?" her voice a little firmer now to get her point across. "What was that sound?" Buffy clearly heard what sounded like a scuffle.

"Nothing sweetheart just downtown, I miss you, I want to see you tonight" Alec was almost to the point of begging now, "just for a little while?"

By this time, Buffy was getting aggravated. "Look, don't you get it? You think its easy being pregnant. It's not, it's tiring, and I get mood swings and…"

"Yeah I get the mood swings." Alec interrupted.

"Jesus, Alec, I'm not asking for much." Buffy snapped then her voice softened, "I don't want to argue with you."

Alec could see he wasn't getting anywhere. It was likely she was standing, tapping her foot by now, never a good sign. Although the truth was- it made him horny as hell when she tapped that foot. He was going crazy not seeing her- it had only been 48 hours since they last made love and had their first post make up sex fight. He still didn't like her spending so much time with Logan but pissing Buffy off about it was not going to win him any points plus- pissed off Buffy could seriously dampen his chances of the next time of sex being anywhere near soon. He had already been denied her for too long. He ended the call but Alec was nothing if not an opportunist. He bent down after knocking the final man out, took his money out of the wallet, and dropped the wallet back on top of the steel head's prone body.

**

Spike had been trolling the streets of Seattle trying to get a bead on the whereabouts of the slayer, not being able to go out in the daytime made it difficult but not impossible. His connections had sent him to a dark back alley, that didn't bother him. That was like visiting the feeding grounds for his kind. He came upon the three steel heads that Alec had fought earlier because Tiffany, the succubus demon had heard rumblings of a superhuman man stealing some money off some steel heads. Spike stepped out into the alley and was met by the steel heads from earlier. If he didn't have this damn chip in his head, it would be having three-course meal. (Bloody government- messing' with all his fun) Spike cleared his voice to garner their attention, "So what do you have… mate?"

"Some poofter got our money-he was everywhere at once." All three men started to babble at once.

"Not here to hear the sob stories...wanna make the cash tell the tale." While they were talking, Spike pulled out a pack of cigarettes and proceeded to light and take small drags. They relayed the story of the grunge- messenger that had originally tried to deliver a package on their turf- the nerve of the bloody, Wanker. Spike had a good idea who the so-called super human was but asked them to describe him anyway. "So got bested by 494, at least sounds like it-this messenger service, you know where to find it?" Spike finished his cigarette blowing out the rings and throwing the cigarette on the ground.

"So, we still out 500 dollars." The steel head, that had introduced himself as Eddie, whined like a petulant child.

Spike couldn't believe the nambi's in this day and age give him a freaking demon with a bloodlust any day. "Cry me a river." Spike pulled out his wallet, dropped five-one hundred dollars on the ground, and began to walk away.

The men feeling somewhat confident after receiving their money back called out, "So we git nothin' for our troubles."

He needed to go investigate this messenger service, but right now he was feeling a little peckish- maybe he could find some idiot with a death wish- just because he couldn't kill 'em, didn't' mean he couldn't take a bite when they were down. Spike turned at their last request and shook his head and changed into his vampire visage when he faced the steel heads, they suddenly changed their tune. "So which one of you blokes want to have dinner?"

"Just kidding mate-no need to get violent," The leader threw his hands up in surrender and all three backed away slowly.

"Thought so..." Spike changed back to his human face and noticed all three had run off in the opposite direction. "I love this town..." Spike swaggered down the alleyway in a swirl of leather as he whistled his favorite tune. "Early one morning- as the sun was rising…"

Chapter 29- We are family.

The girl from the train stood before the rubble and ruins trying to piece together what happened. Her bright eyes narrowed at the scene before her. She pulled a small satchel out of her pockets and tossed the dust around her, and murmured the words, "Ostendo mihi preteritus ut is eram - ostendo mihi iam quis volo." A shimmering of portal of light appeared and visions overtook her sight as she saw the burning building and the creatures running in the opposite direction, but she was more concerned with one person in particular, the one she had been told to seek out, She didn't have long. The scenes changed as if running on rewind through a movie then she spotted him, the one she sought but she also saw; no that was impossible. It couldn't be, it was - none other than the lost slayer. The slayer that disappeared twenty-four years earlier, Of course that was before her time but her mother had told her the story on numerous occasions. There was that and the fact that the girl was radiating power as well as something else she couldn't quite put her finger on. No matter the person she wanted was already moving toward something or someone else.

**

The lovely brunette with the angelic face stood before a tombstone, the epitaph was very simple:

Robert Matthew Berrisford
Loving Father.

She turned when a man with an earpiece and dark suit motioned her to come with him, "It's time to go now, Rachel… Your father wouldn't want you out here at night. It's not safe."

The young woman smiled briefly, a flash of something else in her eyes then they returned to the normal hazel color as she followed the man to a waiting limousine.

**

Her long blonde hair fell in her face and she attempted to push the stray locks to the side. X5-494 was, in the basic terms of his friends, pussy-whipped. He still was very protective about his relationship with Buffy. Not that he was ashamed by any means. He just didn't want anyone trying to hurt her or for some other person he pissed off to use her as a means to get to him. So, with the exception of Cindy, Max, and Biggs, he pretty much kept his relationship on the down low.

Sometimes like now, he would keep to the shadows and just stare at her, she was so beautiful that he couldn't believe that she was his to love, to have and all he had to do was catch a whiff of her scent, so seductive and sweet. His anatomy rose to the occasion.

**

Dante awoke from his sleep, his mind in a complete whirlwind, he felt stronger and more alert than ever. It was if he could feel every molecule in his body. He was in some type of warehouse. He was also famished, when was the last time he had eaten? Everything seemed clearer but somehow foggy in some areas. He remembered fighting 494 over his slayer, then him sticking him with a knife. Then as if in a dream, a lovely dark haired woman with a sing song voice and vintage clothing came out of the darkness and saved him.

Dante pulled against the metal shackles around his wrists. The jangling echoed off stonewalls of the dungeon and rang in his ears. With his new superior hearing, the noise sounded exceedingly sharp to him and he cringed.

His gaze followed the attached chains up to the high ceiling. Double bolted. He was obviously not the first to be held prisoner here. His fingers curled around the heavy links and he yanked harder, unmindful of the noise.

A thin ray of light shone in from one high, barred window and streaked across the dungeon. The light, out of reach even at midday, was not a threat. He was safe from a fiery death. Well, maybe not quite death. Not like some torch set aflame, but very severe burns, which could lead to infection and eventual death; an unpleasant way to go. At least something in his mind gave him this knowledge - how or why seemed to be less important now.

With a sigh of frustration, he relaxed his arm muscles as much as possible. He should try to sleep to keep his strength from waning too much but the uncomfortable position, plus the surplus of energy and expectation running through his system, made it fairly impossible.

The sound of footsteps on stone reached his ears; Normal movement or something more? He waited anxiously. A swishing of a skirt and a giggle drew his focus to the doorway as a woman stepped inside. The exotic looking brunette with dark eyes spoke to him in a sing song voice, as one would comfort a young child.

"Don't fret kitten – Mummy's here." She ran her blood red nails down Dante's now cool chest. A feminine, yet seductive long black skirt graced her body and covered her legs to the ankles. A black, skintight bodice accentuated her cold pale breasts. Her curled black hair hung down to her elbows in ringlets and reflected the torchlight magnificently, causing the long strands to shine. Silky was the first thought that came to his mind. The second was the gnawing hunger he felt down to his non-existent soul.

She drew his head down to her neck murmuring softly to her newest childe and giggled again as she felt his young fangs sink into her neck.

Too soon, she whispered "enough," and Dante let go immediately, forced against his will by a sire's command. Drusilla patted his brow.

"Mummy has a job for you precious, but first you must meet Daddy - and if your manners are good, we shall all have tea and cakes. Now be still and wait while I find my Angel." She twirled out of the room; skirts spinning around her and Dante could hear the strains of her insane ramblings to her 'Daddy' - whoever that was. Before long, he felt the pull of something strong. Realizing it was the presence of his grandsire chilled him to the bones. As the man stepped into the room, Dante became aware that Angelus would be the one to control whether he lived - or died.

"First lesson boy," Angelus pulled back his fist and smashed it into Dante's face. The blood flowed freely from his nose and Dante looked to the floor immediately. "Better. Now, what information do you have for me? What do you know of the slayer hmm?"

"She is pregnant sir - living with a transgenic by the name of Alec. He protects her unborn spawn, hers - and his." Dante's voice shook as he relayed the information, cowering before his grandsire.

Angelus roared... "Well-well pregnant you say?" His lips curled into a dangerous smile. "This has possibilities." Angelus continued to pace in front of his new fledge. " First, I think I'll get the lay out of this new lad - see where his weaknesses are and which brush of wind will make him just... fall" Angelus got a deep-seated smile on his face, oh how he would torture her new boyfriend. How dare someone touch what is mine! He will pay in blood! These were the main thoughts in the master vampire's head along with how he would reintroduce Buffy to who she really belonged to.

Drusilla dropped to her knees before her everything. "Yes Daddy, oh my Angel, let's have the babies to tea! I so love children." Her eyes lit up with an unnatural light, "Miss Edith says the fairies all dance for them, - they are so strong. We must have them Daddy. Will you give them to me? I have been so good for you?"

Angelus put his hand down to stroke her face. "We must wait Princess. This fledge has been useful, you were good to bring him to us. But be patient, Daddy has a plan," Thinking of Buffy and how easy she would be to control - as long as he held the life of her children in his hands. 'And she would be mine', he thought to himself.

**

The magic trail had led her here, she wasn't quite sure how to approach him, and then she saw him leave. Her luck was just not going well tonight. She knew what he was so he would sense her if she got too close. So she waited and would use her power to follow him to where he was going.

Earlier that day…

She had followed the first trails, which lead her to a bar; she searched high and low when she came face to face with the slayer. Her magic must be on the fritz, why would it bring her to the slayer? The slayer gave her a strange look but shook it off, thinking she was imagining the power surge. Good thing, she had no desire to come against a slayer, sure, she had power, but slayers were no slouches in the power department either. She had never had problems with her magic before but for some reason the slayer was throwing off her whole magic base; making her think that the person she sought was here. When he only showed up an hour later, she watched the two interact.

There was definitely something going on between the two, even though it was obvious they were trying to hide it. The slight touches and hidden smiles, and the way her target kept looking at the slayer as if she was the Hope diamond.

**
Alec waited as long as he could and casually walked up to the bar, where Buffy was sitting, "You coming over tonight?" he whispered, bent down, he had to fight the desire to touch her, because one touch was usually all it took for him to want her. That wouldn't help with trying to make sure no one saw him talking to her and maintain the secrecy of their relationship. He just didn't want to place the woman he loved, not to mention the mother of his children, in danger. Buffy turned with a glowing smile and touched his hand in understanding. It was getting harder every minute to pretend like there was nothing going on, she understood Alec's fear about the relationship and wanting to protect her children from their enemies, but one smile from the arrogant man and she was willing to surrender just about anything.

**

Although White was still perturbed by the loss of his son Ray; Kidnapped by 452 and an unidentified man from the Familiar's own school Brook-ridge Academy, the boy was now MIA, leaving no clues to his whereabouts. In the end, he not only had lost Ray, but his wife Wendy as well.

Of course, White had killed Wendy himself . . . a necessity, considering her treachery toward him; but that didn't negate the nagging needle of loss. His wife had been a fine companion, with many good qualities-she just hadn't known when to let things go. In the long run, though, he supposed he and Ray were better off without her-she was merely the vessel for Ray's creation and as such, lacked the breeding he and his son shared.

The most important thing now was to find the goddess, the one who all the signs said she had arrived over four months ago in this backwater state. Someday, White knew, whether he got his son back or not that he would reap tremendous reward if he was the one to bring the goddess forth, he had others helping like his fellow partner in crime, Lindsey Macdonald, but Lindsey had a tendency to always make sure he was the one that reaped benefits when a undertaking of this magnitude was at stake plus the perceived rewards of bringing in the goddess first to the familiars the status alone would affirm him as the superior being he knew himself to be.