Ok, bit of a shorter chapter this time around. Especially after my last chapter. I do admit I'd probably closer to thirty chapters if I cut some of my chapters a bit.

Anywhos, here you go. Enjoy.

Chapter 25

The gentle rain was pattering against the windows with the coming of dawn.

The small droplets of water had a barely noticeable pink and orange hue to them as the sun began to peek its head over the horizon. The creatures of the night began to melt into the darkness they were so accustomed to as the citizens of the day starting to stir in the beds. The sun's glow was dimmed by the curtains of the room as Dawn lay in the arms of her Archangel as the room began to slowly light up.

She brushed her fingers along his wrist; sleep had been elusive since she had woken up in the still dark hours of the morning. She lay on her side, in her teeny-tank top and her shorts as she tried to let sleep take her again. She smiled as she thought about the night before and their shower. Along with the smile came a deep, red blush. The very thought of what they had done caused her body to heat up. She knew it was her inexperience that caused her to blush; she wasn't embarrassed nor did she regret what had occurred between them. It had been all about her last night and that was something she was concerned about, as she had hoped she could have given him something in return.

She sighed and then hummed in surprise when she felt him shift behind her and purr tiredly.

"Why are you awake Dawnie? Is everything all right?" he asked sleep slurring his voice. She smiling, snuggling into her pillow a little more.

"I'm fine. Just thinking." She answered softly.

"About?" he enquired. She sighed, unsure how to reply.

"I dunno, us I guess." He shifted a little behind her and she hugged his arm to her.

"Us?" She nodded.

"Yeah." She wriggled around so she was looking at him, moving her hand to his waist as he looked at her. "I mean…you know…last night in the shower." She blushed and he ran his fingers through her hair.

"Do you regret it?" he enquired. She shook her head vehemently.

"No! Not for a second." She thought for a moment, unsure how to voice her thoughts. "It's just…you're my first, as in everything, well except one kiss but that doesn't count." He nodded, his eyes soft and understanding. "Last night was…amazing but I'm worried I guess."

"About?" she glanced down.

"Logan, you've been with girls before, don't even try to deny it." He smirked at this and sighed. "I'm worried that I won't…"

"Won't be enough. Won't be able to hold on to me. Worried I'll leave?" he listed off. She nodded, looking down again.

"All of the above." He hooked his finger under her chin and tilted her head back so she was looking at him.

"If you weren't enough for me, I wouldn't be here. You are the only woman who has captured my heart so completely so I won't leave under any circumstance. Dawnie, I love you and you will always be enough for me." She smiled, tearfully and reached up to kiss him softly.

"I love you so much Logan." He smiled and settled his head back onto the pillow.

"Now go back to sleep Dawnie." She nodded and planted a kiss on his cheek before lacing her fingers with his and laying her head down. Their noses were touching as they slipped back into slumber.

…

Buffy sighed as she reached up and stopped the water from the makeshift shower in Spike's crypt. She swept her hair back down her back, the water dripping down her skin as she stepped out into the bedroom. She smirked at Spike's leer and his purr of approval as she sauntered back to the bed and crawled in. She placed a sensual kiss on his lips before settling down next to him.

Their night hadn't really ended. Their need for each other had not been sated by their first lovemaking session. They had been going non-stop for at least 6 hours and were now finally having a break. Buffy thanked the Powers for Slayer and Vampire stamina, giving them hours of satisfaction. But even then, she was still throbbing with want and need. Unfortunately whilst her mind was more than willing, her body needed rest, just as Spike's did.

Or so she thought, until she felt him half-ready against her leg as she lay down next to him.

But, even though she knew how much they loved each other, she couldn't but wonder if this need for him was the incomplete claim.

She shivered when his hand trailed up her leg and smiled as he laid a soft kiss on her head.

"What's going on in that pretty head of yours?" he asked. She sighed, still smiling.

"Just thinking." He gazed at her expectantly and she dropped her head sheepishly. "Thinking about the bond." He nodded, settling down with his arm curled under his head.

"What about it exactly?" Buffy gazed at him before a moment, thinking about how she could put this tactfully.

"Ok, bare with me here." He nodded and she thought for another moment. "Now, you know I love you and I know you love me, but tonight has been…intense, amazing and insane." He just listened patiently. "This…need for you, I'm just worried if, you know, it's mainly because of this bond that isn't finished yet." He nodded again and she swallowed a little. "Do…you…well, just I'm scared I guess."

"I am too." Spike replied. She blinked at him.

"You are?"

"Hell yeah, I am." He answered. "Have you ever thought that if this bond is completed that it'll change how I feel about you?" She shook her head, mutely. She knew Spike too well to even worry about him not loving her. "Well I am, I'm scared that once this claim is finished, you'll realise it isn't what you want, that I'm not what you want. And when you see that, you'll hate me for this bond that keeps us tied together." She shook her head furiously.

"Never." She replied, grabbing his hand and lacing her fingers with his. "I could never hate you, Spike. You know, I don't think I ever did." He looked at her, dubiously and she giggled. "Hell, not even when you were evil and trying to kill me. You bugged the crap outta me but I didn't hate you." He raised a brow and she smirked. "Even back then I saw how…human you were for a vampire. Dru, sorry but I hate that bitch for what she put you through. But I never hated you, even back then. And when we were fighting, god it was the best feeling the world." He chuckled and she grinned, thinking back to their fights in the past and the rush she used to get from them when they fought.

"So even back then, you wanted me." She rolled her eyes and swatted his chest causing him chuckle. "Bloody knew it."

"Ok, so I had…urges towards you even when you were evil, but my point is, I could never hate you. I've seen the best and worst of you, Spike. And you're the one for me." She smiled dreamily. "You're my vampire." He smiled back and leant down to kiss her. She pulled back after a moment. "God I wish I admitted that sooner." He brushed his fingers through her still soaked hair.

"Was the worth wait."

"But we could've had years by now if I'd just gotten over myself."

"As long as I'm with you now, I don't care." She grinned and kissed him again before once again pulling away to look at him.

"Can I ask you something?" He nodded.

"Anything."

"You know, when Willow brought me back?" he nodded, grimly and she felt a little guilty bringing it up. It was obviously still a sore spot for him. "If you'd known what she was doing, would you've helped her bring me back?"

"No." She blinked, taken aback by his quick and honest answer and she shuffled a little on her pillow as he gazed at her.

"Why not?" She asked. He gazed at her seriously for a moment.

"Seeing you lying at the bottom of that tower when you jumped…was the worst moment of my life." She smiled sadly and he swallowed, obviously caught up in the memory. "But you've done so much good for the world, hell saved it what? 3 times?" she nodded. "No matter how much I wanted you back, how much I wished I could wake up and you'd be back with Dawn, smiling and laughing, there was no way I would've brought you back." He lowered his head, a single tear slipping down his cheek and Buffy reached up to catch it with her thumb. "You were up there," he waved his hand towards the ceiling of his bedroom, "with the saints and heroes and its what you deserved. Some peace, some happiness and you've bloody well earned it. You deserved to see Joyce again and even if it was the most painful thing in the world to be without you, I would have never brought you back to this."

"Oh Spike…" she whispered as he gazed at her.

"I would've never wanted and will never want someone else, but I know that you damn well deserve to be up there in eternal paradise." He answered. "And god-forbid I was going to take that away from you." She was crying, hot tears cascading down her face as she sniffed. His words had gone straight to her heart and she felt herself flutter with warmth.

"I don't deserve you." She sobbed as he cupped her face, brushing her tears away. "How can you love me that much after everything I've done to you?" She asked.

"How can I not Buffy? You're a hell of a woman." She shook her head.

"I don't deserve you." She repeated.

"True." She looked up at him sharply and he smiled at her. "You deserve so much more." She beamed at him before leaning up to kiss. She moaned as she slipped her tongue into his mouth, getting full taste of him.

"Don't want more." She said between kisses, wrapped a leg around his waist and her arms over his shoulders. "I just want you. God, Spike I love you so much." He smiled.

"I love you too." She willingly let him roll her onto her back and gasped when she felt the tip of him at her entrance. God he was so ready for her. She wiggled against him and he groaned a little as she reached down to tentatively wrap her fingers around his length.

She pumped lightly a few times before guiding him into her. They both whimpered as they came together.

As their lips met, their bodies began to dance together and the slow, sensual ballet of their skin against each spoke silent words of the connection between, constantly deepened by their joy at being together after such a long and difficult road.

…

Logan pulled a white form-fitting shirt on and straightened it out before turning to look at Dawn. She was still asleep, her arms tucked underneath her pillow, as she remained completely oblivious to the world. He smiled gently, walking over to her and tucking a small note next to her hands. He leant down and placed a soft kiss on her cheek. She let a small, girlish whimper at being touched in her sleep and snuggled deep into her pillow. He brushed some of her hair from her face before straightening up and making his way to the door.

He stepped out of the apartment building, into the early morning sunshine and began to make his way towards a nearby department store. Looking at the small list he had written of things he needed to get for him and Dawn, he smirked at the small number of snacks she had written down for him to get. She certainly loved her chocolate and ice cream.

Entering the store and grabbing a basket, he made his way around the shop, occasionally stopping to chat with some of his neighbours. He picked out the items he wanted; making sure to get Dawn two of each thing she wanted. What could he say? He liked spoiling her. After this, he went to the check out to pay.

It was there that he first felt it. Like he was being watched. He couldn't shake it as he handed the boy the money to pay. He didn't look around as he placed all of his items in the bag and smiled to the clerk as he left.

Stepping out into the day again, he made his way back home along the pavement beside the road. The feeling was still there and was stronger this time. He narrowed his eyes, flicking his gaze over his shoulder without turning his head. He was being followed now and he had a sinking feeling he knew who it was.

Deciding to take a shortcut, he turned into an alley that came out opposite the apartment building and slowed his pace. Sure enough, he could now hear the person's footsteps. Logan allowed his eyes to melt from grey into piercing blue as the footsteps came a little closer. He flexed his left hand before dropping his bag and whirling around.

His follower let out a strangled cry of shock as he grabbed him by the throat and slammed him against the wall. Logan's eyes widened slightly when he caught sight of his follower.

"Hmmm, not who I was expecting." He mused as he started into the very frightened eyes of Jonathan. The young man squeaked as he gripped his wrist with both hands. "What is this Jonathan? You following me now?"

Jonathan made another squawking noise, as Logan didn't lessen his grip. The Archangel titled his head as he gazed dangerously at the young man.

"You still on Warren's leash or something? Couldn't work up the nerve?"

Jonathan rasped at him and Logan leaned in closer. "What was that?" Jonathan tapped his hands on his wrist and then managed to get one word out.

"Air!" Logan blinked and then finally noticed that his face was turning blue.

"Oh sorry." He released the boy's throat and instead placed his hand next to his head as Jonathan doubled over choking. After a couple of moments, Jonathan straightened up, rubbing his throat gingerly. "You'd better have a good reason for following me around, kid. I dislike stalkers." Logan growled out and Jonathan shook his head.

"Not stalking, not stalking. I was looking for you."

"Looking for me?" He nodded.

"Looking for you."

"On Warren's orders?" He blinked at that question.

"On Warren's orders?" He repeated.

"Is it on his orders?" Logan asked.

"No!"

"Good, coz that'd be bad."

"Why?"

"I'd have to kill you." Jonathan blanched at that statement.

"Ok that's bad."

"Indeed." Logan sighed and stepped back out of the human's personal space. Jonathan noticeably relaxed, still massaging his tender throat and also still watching the Archangel warily. When his shifted back to grey, Logan folded his arms and gazed at the young man pointedly. "Ok, talk. What do you want?"

"I…uh." Jonathan stammered, unsure how to start. He'd realised how stupid it was to sneak up on Logan like that. "Well, first sorry about the whole coming up behind you thing."

"Apology accepted." Logan answered, coolly. The boy nodded in thanks.

"Anyway, I was coming to find you and I thought about going to your apartment but I figured that with Dawn there you wouldn't be in the mood for visitors."

"You know where I live?" Logan asked, amused. "And you said you're not stalking me."

"I'm not!" Jonathan exclaimed. "The only reason I know is because I asked around in Willy's club, I needed to see you. But when I was going home, I saw you at the store so I thought I'd try and talk to you." Logan hummed in acceptance. Thanks to his telepathy, he could tell the boy wasn't lying.

"So what? You were going back to Warren and you saw me and had a change of heart?" He enquired.

"No, nothing like that." The stammer had left Jonathan's voice now. "I haven't been with Warren since the whole thing with Dawn." He explained, noticing the look of rage that passed over Logan's face when he spoke of it. "I've been living by myself now, trying to make something of myself." Logan nodded once; again knowing it was the truth. "But it didn't last. Andrew called me a few days ago saying Warren was better and wanted to see me."

"He recovered that quickly?" Logan enquired with a frown. "I broke all his ribs, caused a number of internal injuries and made sure he lost a lot of blood. And you're telling me he recovered in a number of weeks?" Jonathan nodded.

"I don't know how to explain it either." Logan nodded for him to continue. "Anyway, I told Andrew that I was done and that Warren could go to hell. After he kidnapped Dawn, I couldn't take it anymore. Well, it turns out I didn't get a choice in the matter as Warren showed at my door an hour a later. He was completely healed, there wasn't a scratch on him." Logan frowned as Jonathan went on. "It was a good thing I put up the magic wards when I did, because he tried to come in but couldn't." he shuddered at the memory of Warren screaming bloody murder at him from his front door.

"Did he threaten you?"

"Only to rip me apart when he got the chance." Logan lowered his head, in thought as he stepped back from Jonathan, who watched cautiously. Warren was back and fully recovered? After what Logan had down to him, it should've taken months, close to a year for him to become healthy again. Something was very wrong about this. "There is something you should know though…" He looked back up the human who was gazing at him.

"What?" Jonathan shook his head, looking around.

"Not here. I think all of your friends will want to heart this." Logan appraised him for a moment before nodding and the two exited the alley, picking up Logan's shopping as they did so.

…

The cell phone began vibrating loudly on the bedside table as Buffy gasped out a moan as she climaxed hard. Spike didn't stop however and she whined in pleasure as he kept thrusting into her, whilst she groped blindly for the phone. She bit her lip, whimpering as she shuddered him after a particularly deep thrust, finally getting her fingers around the phone.

"Baby, stop." She panted, as he did just the opposite. He growled in disapproval and she cried out as she tried answer the still vibrating phone, seeing the caller Id. "You have to stop, it's Logan." He huffed in annoyance and finally stopped his thrusting, though remained buried within her. She worried her lip between her teeth as she pressed the accept button

"Hello?" Spike glared at the phone and she swatted at him. He responded with a cheeky, little swirl of his hips and she, quite clearly, bit back a moan. "Yeah I'm…fine." She scowled at him and he waggled his eyebrows at her. "What do you mean?" She frowned as Spike tilted his head in concern. She sat up quickly, Spike going with her and they both groaned at the feeling of the movement, though Buffy stifled the noise with her hand. "Sorry Logan, yeah…ok…keep him there, we'll meet at the Magic shop in half an hour." She hung up and sighed, looking at him apologetically.

"What's wrong? Something happen?" She sighed, wrapping her arms around his shoulders.

"Logan's got Jonathan at the Magic shop." She explained. Spike raised his scarred brow and she shrugged. "He said the nerd has something to tell us about Warren, who by the way, is back in the picture."

"You bloody what?" Spike exclaimed. "Logan nearly killed the bugger, there's no way he's back on his feet this bloody soon!" Buffy nodded.

"I know, so we'd better go and see what Jonathan has to say." Spike sighed and pulled away from her, slipping out of her as he did so. She whimpered at the feeling of loss because of this. As they began finding their scattered clothes, she heard him muttering angrily to himself and giggled as she pulled on her lacy bra and thong from the night before.

"Sorry, baby." She simpered, moving over to him, wrapping her arms around him. "I'll make it up to you." His eyes blazed momentarily as he struggled into his jeans, trying to will away his erection.

"Let me be very clear, kitten." He answered. "When we've heard what the little ponce has to say, we're coming straight back here, and picking up where we've left off." She let herself moan at the thought as she began to ache for him again. She leant down, picked up her dress and slid it on, she pouted when he slid one of his black t-shirts. Zipping up the dress, she placed a deep kiss on his lips and grinned at him.

"Can't wait, baby."

As they made their way through the tunnels towards the shop, the both of them tried to will away their lust for each other or at least, stay it off until they were able to get into a more private setting. Spike went up first and helped Buffy out of the tunnel and they both entered the training room. Sighing once more, they glanced at each longingly before entering the main area of the shop. All of the Scoobies and Jonathan were waiting for them.

Logan was leaning against the counter, arms crossed over his chest as he turned his eyes to them as they came towards them. Willow and Tara were sitting next to Dawn, who was shaking a little bit, wringing her hands before she noticed her sister. Xander was sitting opposite Jonathan at the table, whilst Anya was behind the counter, glaring at the boy.

"Good you're here." Logan greeted them. Buffy nodded as Spike moved towards Dawn. She smiled at him, shakily. Logan glanced at Jonathan, who nodded and turned his gaze to the Slayer who had folded her arms, glaring at him.

"Well, um, where do I start?" He mumbled.

"Wherever you want, as long it involves me possibly hitting you repeatedly with a blunt heavy object." He paled as Spike take up his place next to Logan.

"Ok, well how I start with I'm sorry." Her eyes narrowed and he squeaked before catching himself. "Ok, I just…I'm here because I don't want anyone else to be hurt because of me and what I've done. Warren is already a psychopath and doesn't anymore help from me in that department." He took a deep breath, controlling himself. "I thought I could warn you about him, or at least something…he's back."

"We know." Buffy answered in a growl. "Can I hit him now?" she asked Logan. "I've got this itch on my hand that I think his face can cure." He shook his head and looked Jonathan.

"Tell her what you told me." He nodded and looked at Buffy.

"I think Warren is targeting you specifically now." He informed her. "He has been watching you for months now as you know, but the thing he's put up cameras everywhere you go, I don't know how he got them there." Buffy frowned, looking at Spike, whose fist was clenched very tightly. "He's got some in your home, he had one here but well, that's been smashed." She paled at that. Warren had…oh God! What had seen her do?

"Why is he doing this?"

"Some master plan of taking over Sunnydale." Jonathan answered. "But he's going after you, because you're really the only real threat to him along with Logan." He paused. "He has been trying to find ways to get you and when you rescued Spike from the Initiative," she stiffened at that, her fingers digging into her arms, "he decided to use a more direct approach."

"Dawn." Buffy snarled. The young Summers flinched, getting up from her seat and moving straight over to Logan, who quickly embraced her. "He kidnappedand tried to force himself on my sister to try and get to me?" she demanded, incredulously. He nodded, his fear growing as Buffy's eye changed into a vampiric yellow.

"Why would he do that?" Willow asked. "If he wanted Buffy, he should've gone for her."

"He knew he was no match for her." Jonathan answered. "Well, at least not at that moment."

"What does that mean?" the witch asked again, standing up and leaning down near him. he sighed, looking at Logan who nodded.

"He has the orbs of Nezzla'Khan." Every looked at him confused, obviously not understanding.

"Orbs of Nezzly's what?" Buffy demanded, looking baffled. Xander looked Anya who shrugged in confusion.

"The orbs of Nezzla'Khan." Logan answered. "They are a pair of magical orbs that can cause the person who holds them to become practically invincible and gain immense strength." Buffy frowned.

"And how in the heck did he get these things?"

"Because he made me get them for him." Jonathan whispered. "He killed one of demons guarding them and made me wear it's skin." Every Scooby, except Logan and Spike blanched at this. "The demons were the only ones that could travel through the barrier that they were kept behind and so by wearing the demon's skin, I could go in and get the orbs."

"Why would you agree to this?" Tara demanded. "Warren treated you like crap."

"I was afraid to say no. It took me a long time to work up the courage to leave." He replied, ashamed. "And now that I have, he wants to kill me and you."

"Because he's a power hungry little prick!" Spike spat. "Why didn't you kill him, Logan." He demanded.

"I had other things on my mind." Was the reply, as the Archangel tightened his grip on Dawn, who was trembling horribly. Jonathan took another breath and they all turned their attention back to him.

"I think he may go after Dawn again." She froze, and Logan's eyes burning bright blue as Buffy snarled.

"If he values his life, he won't." She spat. Jonathan shook his head.

"I told you, he's a psychopath and completely outta control. He won't stop until you're outta of the way but Dawn got away." He answered. "And he hates that she gave him such a fight and then got away. He feels like she's insulted him but not giving in."

"Sick freak." Anya spat. "Kill him and get it over with." She snarled.

"If I knew where to find him, I'd tell you." Jonathan answered. "But I think he's moved to a different house or apartment, judging by saying there's no way they'd find him when he killed me."

"Coward." She retorted. "He knows he can't take Buffy, Spike or Logan in a fight and so he's running. Hiding away in his little den until he can try another sneak attack." She scoffed in disgust. "Can't even face the depths of his depravity, pathetic."

"Anya…" Xander began.

"Don't tell me to calm down, Xander!" She snapped at him. "I've killed men being unfaithful. I've eviscerated men who abused their lovers, wives and daughters. But there's special place in hell for rapists." Dawn tried to crawl inside Logan as she clutched him desperately. "And that scumbag needs to put down like the rabid dog he is." She stopped and everyone was looking at her as she breathed hard from her rant. "Don't try and talk me out of this. Sit there and tell me that demons are evil, Xander, I dare you. And I'll tell just how evil you humans can be!" He looked down as she calmed down.

"She's right," they looked at Jonathan again who had spoken very quietly, "he won't stop until he's dead."

"It's settled then." Anya announced.

"What do you get out of this?" Buffy asked suddenly. "What do you want from us now that you've said this?"

"Nothing, I just want you stop him." He answered. "I'm leaving Sunnydale soon. I'm going somewhere he can't find me and doing something useful with my life." He sighed. "I just wanted to do one thing that might help stop what I've helped cause." Buffy looked at this young in a new light.

At high school, he had been bullied constantly to the point where he had almost snapped out of desperation. When she had talked him out of his desperation, he had changed, become more confident and standing up for himself. He'd even had a single date with Cordelia as well as giving her an award at her prom.

Then there was the super hero spell, which was now quite funny to think about. The boy was gifted with magic and despite all the mistakes he'd made he wasn't a bad person. He had a good heart, underneath all the insecurity. It seemed he'd joined Warren more out of boredom than anything else. And once he'd plunked the courage to leave after seeing what Warren was capable of, he had done.

She could respect that.

"Thank you." She said, genuinely. He blinked confused.

"You're not gonna hit me."

"Do you want me to?"

"No."

"Then, no I'm not going to." She answered. She smiled at him. "If you're going to leave, do it today or tonight. Sooner the better." He nodded and stood up to leave. "Make something outta yourself, Jonathan. You're better than this." He smiled thankfully, blushing.

"T-thank you and I will." He gave an awkward wave before turning and leaving the Magic Shop. Buffy sighed, rubbing her face as she turned back to Logan, who was still holding her trembling sister, who had buried her head in his chest.

"Take her home, Logan. She's had enough for tonight." He nodded and Dawn just clung to him, not moving her head to even look at the Scoobies as he guided her out of the Magic Shop. "Tara," the witch looked up at her, "put wards around the house in case Warren gets any ideas." She nodded. "Willow, look for this damn cameras. I wanna see just where and what he's recorded."

"You sure, Buffy?" Willow asked. "Who knows what he might have…"

"I'm sure Wills, do it." She nodded. "Xander, Anya I want you guys to do the same with your house and the shop. I'll have Tara, put wards here and at your place as well." They nodded in agreement. "I'm not gonna looking for him, it's what he wants. I'll wait him out, see how long it takes for him to lose patience." They all nodded in agreement."

"What about me, pet?" Spike asked. "What do you want me to do?"

"Help out where you can, Spike." She answered, simply. "Maybe talk to some of your friends at the club?" he nodded.

"They have said he's been nosing about recently, maybe they'll know something more about those bloody orb things." She inclined her head.

"Ok, there's nothing to worry about." She told them all as they looked at her. "He's just a kid hungry for power that he's got no right to. We've faced master vampires, demons and hell gods, this is nothing." They agreed and she turned to Tara, who was opening a book of spells.

Warren was in for the fight of his life. And he would lose.

…

Logan brushed Dawn's hair as she hugged him to her tightly as she sat in his lap on the edge of his bed. She shuddered against him, sniffing defiantly, refusing to let the tears in her eyes fall.

Knowing Warren was still after her was terrifying but she was determined to let him scare her anymore. Even if theses orbs of whatever the hell they were called did make him stronger than her, she was going to fight him with everything she had. She pulled back, looking at Logan desperately.

"You ok?" he asked.

"No! I'm sick of that asshole trying to screw up my sister's life by coming after me. I'm sick of always being the one who's helpless whilst everyone I care about fights to protect me. I'm sick of being useless!" She shouted in frustration. "I want to be able to look after myself when a Big Bad decides to attack my sister. I don't have to rely on everyone else to protect me."

"Dawn, we'll be fine. You'll be fine." He reassured her. "Warren's not brave enough to confront Buffy, imagine what he'll do if he sees what you're capable of now." She giggled lightly, sniffing again.

"Logan, I know I'm not ready to go home yet, I'm not ready to confront what he did to me, to Jonathan or to anyone else. But I know that I need to fend for myself." She looked at him, desperately, pleading for some comfort. Some reassurance that they'd get through this. "But before I can do that, promise me he's not gonna hurt you to get to me." He sighed, shaking his head.

"Dawnie…"

"Logan, please!" She whimpered. "I couldn't take it if he went after you to get to me just so he can screw with Buffy. I'd never forgive myself. Please!" He closed.

"I can't promise that, Dawnie." She looked down, clearly upset. He took hold of her chin and lifted her eyes to his. "But I can promise you, that I'll never let him harm you or Buffy, again. You're safe with me, I swear it to you." She searched his gaze for any deception, knowing that was the best she'd get from him. Seeing nothing, she lunged forward.

As their lips met in passionate display of their feelings for each other, Dawn made a silent vow to herself.

Warren was going to pay for what he did to her and everyone she cared for.

There you go peoples. Next chapter will be longer than this one I promise. Reviews please