They'd been patrolling for about an hour when Wesley shot a curious look at the older watcher. "Mr Giles?" he asked when his question went unanswered.
"What? Oh... yes." Giles was brought out of his thoughts reluctantly. Buffy's call informing him Ethan Rayne was in L.A. and talking with Gwendolyn Post was disturbing even if far fetched. "I uh... What was it you said?"
"I was telling Kendra the elder vampire in Sunnydale is a master, Joseph."
"That's correct," Giles answered. "He's three hundred and sixty years old."
"Buffy's went after him a few times," Willow spoke up. "But he either runs or his minions fight for him."
"Sometimes both." Xander snorted. "The guy's definitely afraid to face her."
"Slayer. Care to play?" The call came from a distance, and they turned toward the vampire standing several yards away.
"Vampire," Kendra scowled. "Is that him? Is that the coward that runs this hellmouth?"
"It's hard to tell," Xander answered. "It could be..."
An instant later Kendra was after him as she left the humans behind.
"So there's a vampire lair in there?" Buffy asked as she looked at the high rise apartment building.
"From what my sources tell me it's in the basement." Post gave Buffy a cool appraisal. "Of course you realize there will be more than one vampire..."
"Yeah," Buffy muttered, "I know the drill." She opened the car door and got out.
"Good. I'll expect you back by four."
The blonde frowned before nodding and turning toward the building. She listened as the car drove away before moving up the stairs and into the high rise. The expensive and gleaming interior surprised her, and she cast a suspicious glance at the doorman who eyed her curiously. "May I help you miss?"
She cocked her head. He didn't feel entirely human, on the other hand, he wasn't a vampire either. She moved closer. "I'm here to visit my friends in the basement." To prove her point she pulled out a stake and watched as he paled and stepped away.
"Feel free miss." He motioned to the elevator. "Just punch the B button and you'll find what you're looking for."
She eyed him challengingly before nodding and moving toward the elevator.
"She... she's gone." Wesley's shoulders slumped. It had been about 45 minutes since Kendra had been challenged... and disappeared. Since then, they'd been combing the area without success of finding her, or the vampire she'd been after.
Giles glanced at him sympathetically. Even though Kendra had only been a slayer for a couple of days, she'd been training with the watchers for years before that. "It's possible she'll meet you at your hotel room," he offered.
"It... it is possible," Wes agreed without conviction.
Buffy was already in fighting stance when the elevator doors opened, and she hesitated as she looked over the tastefully furnished room. She could *feel* the vampires, her slayer senses warning her what she was getting into. Taking a deep breath she stepped off the elevator and moved cautiously into the lair. She didn't see anyone, and she looked through a large squared doorway and into another immaculate room.
A noise to her left got her attention, and she moved toward it and found herself in a hallway. It would be harder to fight in the narrower space, but that would work both ways.
Moving to the first door she came to, she shot a glance behind her before throwing it open. Five vampires turned toward her, and she had three dusted before the other two slammed her against a wall. It took a moment for her to get her bearings before two more bursts of dust floated through the air.
"Well done," a voice from the hallway boomed through the sudden quiet. "But tell me how you intend to walk out of here alive."
The slayer turned toward the group watching from the doorway before dropping into stance and waiting for the first attack. It didn't take long before two of them came into the room with angry shouts, and she let pure instinct take over, her moves flowing from one attack to another. She was backed against a wall, and her palm came up to shatter a nose before she dropped to sweep the feet out from under the other. Her stake hit its mark before she got to her feet and dusted the one still standing. A moment later, she fell into stance and met Luke's eyes challengingly. "It's a good thing you guys turn to ash, there's no bodies to trip over. Don't you agree, Angelus?"
Luke laughed before grabbing the arm of the minion trying to push past him. "I'm honored." He lowered his head in a show of mocking respect. "However I'm merely watching over his territory until he comes home... and that I think," he added as he looked her over, "would include you."
"Don't think so," she disagreed as she tried to focus on fighting rather than fear. Chances were good she wouldn't get out of this alive, but she'd already dusted seven and wasn't done yet.
"Oh, but I do." He smiled darkly before looking at the angry minion he was holding on to. "Tell Penn to open the doors and clear out the rooms between here and Ares. I want the way open for her. When that's done come back and let me know." The minion scurried away, and Buffy eyed Luke with narrowed eyes before glancing at the growing number of vampires behind him.
Kendra woke with a massive headache. One of her hands slid across her face, and she winced as her eyes blinked open. "Well hello there," a voice sounded through the dimly lit room. "And how are you feeling tonight?"
She sat up quickly and stared at the bleached blonde sitting outside of her cell. "You're a vampire."
Spike raised an eyebrow. "Yeah. I've been told that," he murmured as he got to his feet and walked over to study her through the bars. "For a three year old, you don't appear to be..." he broke off and cocked his head thoughtfully. "You are the Sunnydale slayer aren't you?"
"I am," she got to her feet and looked over the rest of the room. "And where's the other one?"
"Angelus?" Spike smirked. "He went out for a bite to eat. I told him I'd keep an eye on you."
She scowled before walking over to try the bars of the cage. They didn't budge, and her scowl deepened when she reached for the stake in her boot and discovered it was gone.
They were herding her Buffy realized as she backed away from the slowly advancing vampires... and as fun as trading witty remarks with them was, she really didn't want to find out what they had planned for her. Deciding to try to get a few more options, she turned and bolted down the hallway and through a large ornate door at the end of it before abruptly turning to lock it behind her. She'd bought some time but was a long way from being safe, and she almost cautiously turned to look over her surroundings.
A broadsword hanging on the wall got her attention, and she started toward it before turning to fight when the door she'd just locked swung open. Her stake slid through dead hearts, and dust settled on hardwood floors before she turned to run down a hallway and through another identically ornate door. A burst of energy hit her at the entrance, and then there was nothing but darkness.
She woke laying on something comfortable, smooth, and cool. Low hissed voices broke the silence, and her eyes snapped open as she remembered where she was. A tall brunette man was standing with his back to her and a brunette woman was facing him. "No Dru," he hissed.
"But... I want to play with mommy," she whined as she tried to get past him.
"Dru," he threatened warningly as he blocked her again. "I said no."
Buffy stared at them before sitting up in the king sized bed as the silk sheets slid down to her waist. It drew their attention, and they both turned as she self consciously slid out of the bed.
"Dru," he murmured as he studied Buffy before turning back to the vampiress. "I think it's time for you to go." Catching an arm around her waist he half led and half forced her toward the door Buffy blearily remembered running through, and she watched as he gently pushed her through it before turning back.
"Well..." she stated as she looked him over, "I guess we fight now?"
His eyes glinted with amusement before he gave a shake of his head. "You're welcome to try to dust me, but I don't think you'll like what you find."
She raised an eyebrow. "Why's that?"
"That energy field you hit when you ran in here? That's... well, it's a barrier I can't cross, but it's also a protection spell. Nothing on this side of it can hurt me."
"And yet," she reached for her stake, "I'm here."
"Yeah," he answered. "I noticed that."
She stalked toward him like a predator, and his eyes sparked with interest as he watched. "I'm Angel by the way," he murmured as she stopped in front of him.
She hesitated, struggled to come up with a response to that before deciding to leave it alone as she reached out to press a stake against his chest. "Are you sure I can't hurt you, Angel?" He didn't comment, and she gave a shake of her head and drew her arm back. "It was nice meeting you." Her stake flew toward his heart... and stopped a few inches from his chest with a jolt before skittering across an invisible barrier.
"Told you," he murmured with amusement.
She frowned before quickly shifting into a roundhouse kick... and lost her balance when she came up against the barrier again. A moment later, she fell on her butt before looking up to see the completely devastating smile he was giving her.
She climbed to her feet and took a few steps back. "I suppose it *doesn't* work both ways?" He shook his head, and she took a breath. "Why didn't you kill me?"
His eyes found hers. "I don't kill."
"Uh huh," she muttered skeptically. "And do you feed?"
"Yeah..." a woman's voice broke in causing Buffy to look over to see a brunette strutting toward her. "And he feeds off me," she added as she stepped between them and looked at Buffy challengingly.
Buffy eyed the scars on her throat before looking accusingly at Angel.
"My brother wants me alive," he stated quietly, "and insists I feed normally. If I don't do what he wants, he's more than capable of dismembering his *offerings*."
She didn't understand what was going on and didn't want to... and the 17 year old stared into his eyes before glancing at Eve uneasily. "Fine," she agreed, "but I should be going now."
Eve smiled brightly and stepped out of the way, but Angel still blocked the door. "You're safer here," he warned.
"How? I'm in a vampire's lair."
"Yes, but you're in *my* lair. Out there," he motioned to the door, "that belongs to Angelus."
Buffy rolled her eyes. "There's a difference?"
"You're safe here, at least until he gets back."
"And when he does?"
Angel's eyes flecked with gold. "I'm sure he'll be thrilled to have you here, even if you're in my territory." Buffy just looked at him, and he gave a slow bitter smile. "The only way he'll get to you is through me."
She studied him skeptically, watched as he cocked his head and studied her at the same time. "What are you doing here anyway?"
Buffy frowned. "My watcher or... well... Gwendolyn Post, she's *a* watcher sent me."
"But she's not your watcher?"
"No. Not mine."
He ran a hand through his hair. "She had to know it was a suicide mission. Breaking into a lair... *our* lair just," he shook his head, "isn't done."
"Angel," Eve whined. "Can't you just let her go?"
His gaze flitted to the brunette neutrally before he moved away from the door and motioned Buffy toward it. "I'm not stopping her."
Buffy hesitated and met his eyes, her hand tightening on the stake before moving to the door. She pulled it open and recoiled at the vampires waiting on the other side. The room was full of them, and she assessed her options soberly. A large blonde minion moved toward her. "Angelus wouldn't mind if we just had a taste would he?"
Another one snorted. "You'd drain her man. Slayer blood is supposed to be the best there is."
Silence fell, and half the minions in the room began to look over her head. She stiffened when a large hand came to rest against the door jamb she was standing by.
"Sire," the vampire that had herded her bowed his head to the one behind her. "I thought you might enjoy some new company."
"You're not wrong," Angel agreed. "But I have to admit I'm curious to see how well she can fight." He took a moment to look over the minions. "Does anyone want to step into my rooms?"
The casual confidence in his voice bothered her, and Buffy swung away from him suspiciously. She was surprised when he looked at her with amusement before looking back at the room full of vampires. "Well? I'm waiting."
A look of mocking disappointment crossed his face. "No one?" He looked back at her. "Looks like they don't want to fight you." He cocked his head curiously. "I didn't catch your name by the way." She didn't answer, and he turned back to face the brunette in charge. "Allowing minions into Angelus's rooms isn't the smartest thing to do Luke. I'm pretty sure he wouldn't appreciate it."
Luke stared at him with yellow eyes. "I'll see to it, sire."
"See that you do," Angel answered coolly before closing the door and turning to watch Buffy pace. He studied her for a moment before running a hand through his hair and looking at Eve. "I think we're done for today."
She scowled. "You're kicking me out?"
He sighed. "I don't need this now."
"Fine." She gathered her coat and purse. "Clem's been asking me out. At least with him, we can go out to a restaurant." She shot him a look before walking over to open the door.
"She'll be killed," Buffy admonished as she started to follow.
"No she won't," Angel stopped her with a hand on her arm, and she watched as Eve shot her a dark look and stepped into the empty room on the other side of the door before closing it. "She's one of my blood donors. None of them will touch her."
Buffy twisted away before turning to look at him. "Blood donor," she mimicked as a cold feeling settled in her stomach.
He didn't reply, and she glanced over the room... carefully avoided looking at the large silk draped bed before beginning to explore the rest of his lair.
Spike walked out of the basement and watched as Angelus slid his duster off. "Luke called."
"Oh?" Angelus hung up his coat before dropping on the sofa and setting his feet on the coffee table. "What did he want?"
"It seems there was a bit of a disturbance at the lair tonight." Angelus glanced up, and Spike sat across from him. "Luke said a slayer walked in and started dusting minions."
Silence filled the room before the brunette set his feet on the floor. "How many did she get?"
"Fourteen."
Angelus got to his feet and began to pace before turning to look at his grandchilde with narrowed eyes. "What happened to her?"
Spike leaned back and smirked. "She's with Ares."
Angelus's eyes turned gold. "She's with my brother?" Spike just grinned, and Angelus headed for the closet, slid on his coat before heading for the door. He gave Spike a threatening look when the bleached blonde moved to block him.
"She can't hurt him grandsire. They're just nice and cozy in his rooms. I doubt he minds."
Angelus stared at him before taking off his duster and tossing it on the sofa. Less than a minute later, he was standing in front of Kendra's cage. "It appears I have two slayers at the moment." She bristled, and he cocked his head as he stared at her intently. "The question is, which one are you?" Kendra didn't say anything, and his eyes narrowed. "Spike," he called.
"Here."
"I want the cell." Angelus held out his hand, and Spike handed it over. "Would you like to talk to your watcher? All you have to do is give me his number."
"I don't know it."
The brunette moved to drop a shoulder against a bar on her cell. "You don't call him then," he asked in a silky voice as he watched her with sharp eyes.
"Of course not," Kendra snapped.
Angelus made a soft annoyed sound and stared down at the cell phone. "What's their name?"
"Wesley Pryce," she informed coolly.
Angelus looked up, a slow lift of his head. "Then Rupert Giles's slayer is in L.A.?"
"Yes."
He stared at her before throwing the phone across the room. It hit the wall with a crunch of plastic, and he turned to Spike angrily. "She walked into *my* lair," he hissed angrily. He went silent before turning back to look at Kendra. "Whose idea was it for you to trade places?"
Kendra eyed him uneasily. She'd been told what to expect from being a slayer, and this wasn't in the ballpark. Slayers and vampires killed each other, that she was being held prisoner by one was unacceptable. "The watchers. They sent her to Los Angeles, so I could train on the tamed hellmouth."
"Then you were to be my next kill," he stated as he looked at her through gold eyes. "How convenient that you followed me here."
The knock on his door two days later had Angel opening it expectantly. "Thanks, Luke," he murmured as he took the boxed pizza.
"No problem, although I must admit having a slayer here is upsetting the minions. I had to remind them to leave the delivery man alone."
Angel glanced up. "If they get too worked up, send them to me. I'd like to see her fight." A moment later, he started to close the door.
"Ares."
"Angel," he corrected tightly.
"Angelus knows about your guest."
"Really?" he asked in a bored tone that belied the tension he felt. "What does he have to say about it?"
Luke shrugged. "He's a little put out, but so far hasn't come home."
Angel shut the door before going to find Buffy. She was attacking his punching bag, and he took a moment to enjoy the graceful way she moved before knocking a foot against the wall to get her attention. "I sent out for pizza," he told her when she turned to him. "Since you wouldn't eat the chili I made, and haven't eaten anything in two days, I thought you might like this."
She looked at him suspiciously, and he frowned before turning away. "I'll leave it in the kitchen," he called over his shoulder before moving to the room and setting it on the table. She hadn't followed, and his frown deepened as he looked over the room before giving a shake of his head. It was beyond weird he had so many humans in his life that he needed a kitchen... but Angelus refused to let him feed on animals, and he refused to kill the humans he fed on. It was a truce, and being able to feed them made it easier to accept.
He moved through a large doorway and into a room he used for meditation before sitting on the plush carpet and closing his eyes. He opened them again when he heard soft steps in the kitchen.
"Is it poisoned?"
A slow smile grew, and he shook his head. "It's still warm from the restaurant." She scowled and turned back to open the box. "I ordered pepperoni." She didn't say anything, and he watched as she examined it. "It's Dawn and Nina's favorite."
She turned toward him. "Dawn and Nina?"
"I already told you my brother makes me feed on humans. I have a week with Gwen, followed by a week with Dawn, then Eve, Nina, and Kate."
She rubbed at her forehead before turning back to the pizza. "I don't want to know." Reaching in, she picked up a piece and took an experimental bite. It was good, and she took a seat before tearing into it hungrily.
Angel watched with hooded eyes before getting to his feet and walking into the kitchen. "What's your name?"
Buffy glanced at him as she chewed on her pizza. "Buffy."
"Nice name." He cocked his head. "And one I'd swear I've heard before." She eyed him warily, and his eyes sparkled with gold. "You must be Joseph's slayer."
She looked up with surprise before snorting and turning back to her food. "I don't think I'd put it that way."
"What way would you put it?"
She rolled her eyes. "Joseph might be a master, but he's never been brave enough to face me. If anything he's nothing but a thorn in my side." She attacked the pizza again.
"Angel," A feminine voice cut in. "Who's that?"
He turned to Nina with a hint of annoyance. "A guest," he answered curtly.
The blonde eyed him before looking over to where Buffy was studying her. "Is she leaving soon?"
"No."
"Yes," Buffy answered at the same time. "Why don't you come in so we can talk?"
"Why?"
"Look," Buffy got to her feet and moved to where Nina was standing. "You want me out of here, and I want out of here. Maybe we can change places, and I can just walk out in a coat or something."
"It won't work," Angel broke in.
"Why?" Buffy challenged with a snarl that had him lounging against a wall.
"We both know minions aren't that bright... but Luke isn't a minion, and you can bet he's smart enough not to let you walk out of here." His eyes glinted as he waited for her next move.
Nina snorted. "They don't pay attention to me when I come and go. I think she can make it."
"No she can't," he disagreed with a hint of annoyance as he turned to look at her. "All they'd have to do is catch the scent of vanilla, and they'd *know* she wasn't you."
Both girls stared at him. "What..." Buffy broke off, her face turning red as Angel turned to look at her.
"You realize vampires are predators don't you Buffy? I mean, a whiff of your blood could lead to a feeding frenzy. Vanilla wouldn't though, but that doesn't mean they wouldn't notice it."
Nina stared at him before looking jealously at the horrified blonde that was turning to leave the room. When Nina turned to do the same, Angel stopped her with a hand on her arm. "Buffy's going to be here for a while, but that doesn't change our arrangement."
"Are you sleeping with her?" Nina asked angrily.
"No, and chances are I never will. She's a slayer Nina. She dusts vampires. I doubt she's going to want to sleep with one."
Nina looked at him doubtfully. He was gorgeous, kind, and considerate, but he wasn't hers... as much as she wanted to pretend otherwise. It was a business arrangement, and she was well paid for it. She sighed as he tugged her closer. His lips found hers, and she opened for him, eagerly following his lead when he lifted her into his arms.
She hadn't eaten or slept since entering the lair 2 days ago, too preoccupied with finding a way out, and not knowing from minute to minute when she'd have to fight for her life. It was draining in itself, but when you added Angel's latest insinuations, Nina's jealousy, and the pizza she'd forced herself away from, it was overwhelming.
She needed food, and sleep... but first... Buffy broke the thought and closed the door to the bathroom. She'd been wearing her clothes for the last two days. They weren't filthy, but it wouldn't hurt to wash them... and maybe take a shower, she decided as she looked at the large immaculate shower stall. She hesitated and took a breath before rubbing at the back of her neck. The idea of using his shower felt odd... intimate in a way that was not good. Glancing back at the door, she saw the robe hanging on it and slowly began to undress, at least she'd have something to wear while her clothes dried.
"I took too much," Angel murmured.
"No. I'm fine," Nina practically purred.
Silence fell, and he sighed. Nina was a werewolf, she healed a little faster than a human, but he knew he'd taken more than he should have. Pushing himself out of her bed, he began to dress.
"Angel," she sat up, "where are you going?"
"Get some sleep," he told her as he pulled on jeans before turning back when he was done. "There's some chili in the kitchen."
Padding out of the room he'd assigned for her, Angel hesitated in the hall before going in search of Buffy. "Hey," he greeted quietly when he found her.
She glanced up from the pizza uneasily before shifting the robe closer. She hadn't sensed him coming, and that bothered her... that, and the fact she was wearing his clothes. "Um... I borrowed your robe."
"It looks nice on you."
She looked away as he walked in to lean against a counter. Silence fell, and Angel looked over the almost empty pizza box with satisfaction. She'd ate, and felt comfortable enough to shower in his home, now if he could convince her it was safe to sleep. "You know when I mentioned you smell like vanilla, I wasn't implying you needed a bath." Her face turned red, and he studied her a moment. Maybe it was best to leave that alone, although he really did love the scent not even the shower had entirely taken away from her. He turned his attention back to the matter at hand and changed the subject. "If you're done eating I'm pretty sure I've got some clothes around here that would fit you."
"One of your blood donors'?" she asked with a harshness that surprised her.
His eyes shot to hers before he gave a slow sexy smile. She sounded jealous, and he could definitely handle where that could go. "My blood donors have their own rooms and clothes," he stated, "but I have another bedroom for guests I have apart from them."
"I take it you're pretty popular then?" she almost challenged.
"Popular?" He shook his head. "I wouldn't go that far. My sire wants to stake me, and the only reason I'm still alive is because my brother..." he broke off at bringing up Angelus. There wasn't any need for her to find out about his relationship with his twin, at least not yet, and hopefully not ever. "Come on and I'll show you to your room." He started out of the kitchen and listened to the soft movements she made as she followed.
"This is a spare," he told her as he went across to the antique dresser and pulled open one of the larger drawers to show her a pale blue set of sweats. He pulled open another drawer and showed her a neatly folded tank top. "Um..." he turned to her, "they might be a little large."
"They're fine."
Buffy moved over to pick them up, and he motioned toward the door. "I'll just wait outside, and then maybe... if you want, we can spar a little."
She frowned as he stepped out before examining the clothes. She doubted they'd ever been worn. Glancing at the doorless entry suspiciously, she quickly slid into the comfortable outfit before picking up his robe. She found him standing with his back against the wall as he stared at the floor. "This is yours," she murmured as she held out the robe.
"Feel free to use it anytime," he told her as he took it before glancing at her curiously. "Would you like to spar?"
She rubbed tiredly at her forehead before looking at him. "How can we when I can't touch you?"
"Who says you can't touch me?"
She drew back a fist, and his eyes flashed with amusement. "You can't hit, or kick me unless I move into it, and I seriously doubt you can stake me at all... but you can touch me." He reached out and slid fingers across her cheek. "You *can* touch me, Buffy."
She abruptly took a step back. She was tired, but slayer stamina and the constant tension she felt were keeping her on her feet. Sparring might help her relax, or if nothing else test his reflexes. She had to admit he was different from other vampires she'd faced, but that didn't mean she wouldn't have to dust him. The thought bothered her, and she looked at him searchingly before nodding. "Alright. Let's spar."
Swords clashed as Angel blocked her swing before Buffy ducked under his blade as it passed over her head. She stood up quickly and slashed at his stomach before watching as he jumped back gracefully and began to circle her again. She moved with him, her sword held in front of her. "Very nice," he murmured as he studied her form.
"Thanks," she answered before suddenly bringing up her sword. Sparks flew from the blades as they fought until the swords were locked at the hilts. Angel spun, the sudden movement surprised her, and her blade flew from her hand, causing her to take a step back, her heart hammering as she waited for his attack. Instead, he dropped his sword and motioned her forward. Buffy hesitated before throwing a punch, and he caught it, his hand engulfing hers. A moment later, her feet were swept out from under her, and she was on the ground with her wrists held over her head.
"Gotcha," he told her with a smile. He knew she was exhausted, and all he'd intended to do was help her relax, but he couldn't help wishing she were human. If she were, he'd keep her, he didn't have a doubt about that.
"Yeah," she muttered crankily. "Now get off."
His lips twitched up. "You didn't say please."
Buffy rolled her eyes in annoyance, and he rolled off, gracefully getting to his feet before reaching down to help her up. She eyed him a moment before taking his hand and being pulled to her feet. He turned to pick up the swords before moving to the wall to put them back in place. "How old are you?" she asked quietly.
"Two hundred and fifty-six," he answered with his back to her.
She tiredly ran a hand through her hair. His age didn't surprise her. Vampires got stronger over time, and she knew he had a little more strength than normal. She watched him as she absently massaged her shoulder. Their sparing session had been fairly light, but it had given her the motivation she needed to try to sleep... And it wasn't like she could stop him if he wanted her dead. She turned to the door and started toward her room. "Good night Angel."
He looked up curiously as he watched her leave. "Good night," he called as she disappeared before giving a slow smile. He could definitely get used to having her around.
The knock on the door came at sunup, and Angel slid out of silk sheets before curiously answering it. "Luke," he murmured as he tried to wipe some of the sleep out of his eyes. "What's going on?"
"Angelus called."
He looked up. "And?"
"And I'm supposed to tell you if Nina leaves now, she won't be killed."
Angel dropped a shoulder against the door frame and studied Luke thoughtfully. "And if she doesn't?"
"She won't make it out alive sire."
His eyes narrowed. "And Kate? Will she be here next week?" Luke shook his head and a silence fell as Angel ran a hand through his hair before looking back at his childe. "I'll get her," he murmured as he headed toward her room.
"It's her isn't it?"
Buffy woke up at the sound of the angry voice.
"It's Angelus," Angel answered quietly. "He's putting you on vacation for a while."
Nina stared at him as she started dressing. "Do you expect me to believe that?"
"It's the truth."
"You don't have to lie," she hissed. "You want her don't you?"
Silence fell, and Buffy sucked in a breath as she got out of bed and found them in a room a couple of doors down from hers. "What's going on?" she asked sharply. Nina turned to her, Angel didn't.
"Why are you really here?" Nina asked angrily as she walked over to stand in front of the slayer.
"This is a vamp nest, and I dust them. That's why I'm here." Buffy's gaze slid pointedly to the bite marks on Nina's throat before she locked eyes with the other girl. "I think I've got a better reason to be here than you do."
"You're so high and mighty," the werewolf snarled. "Do you really think you can turn away from that?" She motioned to Angel who had turned to look at them, and Buffy couldn't stop from looking him over... from his messed hair to his shirtless chest, over his dark blue sweats, and on to his bare feet.
Her face flushed, and she looked at Nina with cool eyes before turning to Angel. "What's going on?"
"Angelus is offering to let her live if she leaves now," he answered quietly.
Buffy took in the information with a frown before a hard slap from Nina jerked her head around. "You think you've won," the werewolf hissed, "but he'll get bored with you."
The blonde pushed past her, and the slayer barely registered Angel's quiet, "Sorry," as he followed.
Luke was waiting at the door, and Nina didn't hesitate to step through it before turning to look back. "It's a package deal you know," she told the slayer that was still standing in the hallway. "You don't get to Angel without going through his brother." She cocked her head and looked at her coolly. "Of course with you being a slayer and all, I doubt Angelus worries you too much." Nina smirked maliciously before turning away, and Luke smiled through fangs as he looked at Angel with amusement. Angel shut the door in his face, and silence fell before he turned to face the girl behind him.
"You didn't tell me Angelus was your brother."
"You didn't ask."
She took a breath. "And I take it he's cutting off your blood supply?"
"Looks like it."
She nodded. "And how long will it be before I'm dead?"
"I can go without feeding for 12 weeks or so," he answered, "and I can even fight a few rounds with Angelus for the first 3 or 4 of those... but," he shook his head, "after that..." he trailed off and silence fell.
She swallowed and ran a hand through her hair. "Well, I suppose by that time I won't have to worry about it. I doubt I'll live past 5 weeks before starving to death."
He looked up with a frown before opening the door and ringing a doorbell. A few moments later, Luke stepped into sight. "You rang sire?"
"Is he cutting off Buffy's food?"
"No, just yours."
Angel nodded. "Did Nina get out okay?"
"Yes."
"Good," he murmured before closing the door and turning back to her. "He doesn't want you dead... not until I'm unable to fight anyway."
"That's comforting," the slayer answered before heading back to her room.
She was pacing a few minutes later. She had choices, but none of them gave her much chance of surviving. She could wait for Angel to go into a feeding frenzy... in which case she wouldn't stand a chance, or she could face off with Angelus when he returned, but even if she dusted him, she'd still have to get through his minions. That left one other option, and she picked up her stake before heading toward the door leading to Angelus's rooms. Relief ran through her when she realized they were empty.
"Buffy?" Angel murmured from behind her.
She tensed before stepping through the barrier and turning to look at him as he strode up to the door. "You don't have a chance," he told her forcefully as he touched the barrier he couldn't cross. "Luke's as good as dead if he lets you go, and he knows it."
"Maybe he should worry about what I'm going to do to him instead," she answered before moving to pull the next closed door open and stopping in her tracks when a room full of vampires turned to her hungrily. She shifted back and slid into a fighting stance. "Who's first?"
Four minions stepped through the door and lunged at her.
Dust settled for the 30th time, and Buffy glanced down at the layer she was walking through. It was about half an inch deep in spots and coated the floor, dresser, and bed. She shifted an aching shoulder and looked back up with a sinking feeling when 2 more minions came toward her. "Call it off Luke," Angel ordered.
"Hold," Luke called. The two approaching minions stopped, and Buffy straightened and gave him a hard look.
"I thought Angelus was a coward," she taunted, "but you won't even face me after I've been fighting for an hour." And was still in the same room she'd started in, she thought grimly.
"Luke," Angel spoke up. "How many minions are in the lair?"
"Close to fifty after our loses... not including Dru, Penn, and myself of course."
"Of course," Angel answered casually before looking at Buffy.
Buffy did the math... It had taken an hour to kill thirty minions... and there were fifty more... which equaled almost another two hours of fighting at her current rate. She stared at him coolly, not quite ready to throw in the towel... "Prove it," she challenged, and Luke threw open the door behind him to show another room full of minions.
"That's not all of them. There's a few more scattered here and there."
She looked at them with a sinking feeling as they started to surge into the half empty room Luke was standing in... And because she was watching them, she didn't notice the brunette that threw the knife. It nicked her arm in a long thin cut, and without having to give it thought, she automatically slid into stance and turned to fight.
"Luke," Angel snarled a couple of seconds before every minion in the room started to move toward her. Buffy dusted one... managed to take down a second... and then a third before nearly going down under the sheer weight of minions that were after her. She backtracked as they drove her against the wall, and toward the angry vampire on the other side of it.
She just managed to make it through his door when the protection spell knocked her out again. Angel caught her, pulled her farther into his lair before picking up the stake and twirling it in his fingers. "I guess it's my turn now," he told them as his eyes glittered with gold. "Do I have any takers?"
One by one they turned away, and Angel slammed the door.
She woke up with an arm under her head, another slung around her waist... a hard muscled body at her back, and tensed before moving away. Ashes shifted out of her hair... off her clothes, she could feel them sticking uncomfortably to her face, sliding down the collar of her shirt. She brushed at them before glancing at the blood that had dried on her arm, and then she glanced behind her at Angel. Brown eyes met green, and she looked away.
"That was impressive," he told her as he sat up, "but not very smart."
"I had to try," she answered as she got to her feet and watched as he did as well.
"I suppose you did."
"How long have I been out?"
"The same as last time... about half an hour."
She ran a hand through her hair before motioning to the mess on the floor. "Sorry about that."
"It's okay."
She hesitated before leaving without another word to take a shower, and he watched with narrowed eyes before glancing down at the pile of dust. She'd taken out 33 minions in a little more than an hour. He couldn't deny he wanted her, and he also couldn't deny his brother would as well. He scowled at the thought before going into the kitchen and gathering the items needed to make chili.
"You did what?" Spike asked as he shot a surprised look at his grandsire.
"I took away his blood donors," Angelus repeated as he shifted back into the chair with a smirk.
"I thought you wanted him alive."
"Of course I want him alive," the brunette growled menacingly. "That hasn't changed. I've just given him a new blood source."
Spike slowly nodded. "You mean the slayer?"
"It's perfect isn't it?"
"I suppose so," Spike answered, "but she's 3 years old, and I doubt Ares will let you get anywhere near her."
"I'm sure he won't want me to," Angelus answered before changing the subject. "Have the humans arrived yet?"
"Not yet, but Nest says they should be here sometime today."
Angelus nodded before looking up at the blonde that was moving down the staircase. "Darla," he greeted. "I didn't think you'd be joining us this year."
"I suppose you thought I'd head to your lair and stake your sick brother?"
Angelus studied her, the short skirt she was wearing, the tight top with the v neckline. "You haven't seen him in *years* sire." He walked to the bottom of the stairs to meet her. "He's doing much better than he was 70 years ago. But to answer your question, no. If you were in his lair, it's more than likely it would be your dust on the floor."
She snorted as she took his arm. "I have other plans for Ares." She released him before walking over to sit on the sofa.
"Meaning?"
"Meaning I've volunteered him to fight the mamuth demons Joseph has." She looked up into his suddenly angry eyes. "Joseph was delighted."
"Darla," he hissed, "he's not going to want anything to do with the clan games. Not to mention he hasn't fought in years. It could get him killed."
"Yes it could," she agreed cheerfully.
He stared at her as she reached to pour herself a glass of blood wine.
The sound of the door opening and closing had Angel glancing toward it before walking out of the kitchen and into his bedroom. He slid into game face when he saw his childe. "Luke," he snarled before shooting a glance down the hall. Buffy was just starting to trust him, and if Luke screwed that up... He broke the thought and turned his attention back to the brunette that had entered his lair.
"Sire," the younger vampire bowed his head and didn't move a muscle as Angel moved toward him predatorily.
"Not very smart of you to come into my rooms," Angel stated before suddenly tossing the brunette against the wall and wrapping a hand around his throat. "Why are you here?"
Luke looked at him somberly. "You won't like it, but you'll like it less if we don't talk."
Angel stepped back and glanced one more time down the empty hallway before shifting into a corner of the room to talk.
Spike stood at the edge of the arena with a scowl. Ares may have taken an interest in killing mamuths, but Angelus never had. And this latest hissy fit from Darla... He shook his head and glanced at the blonde sitting several feet away. She didn't look happy, and he changed into game face as he looked at her angrily. Her hatred of Angel could cost them Angelus.
A shout from the crowd had him turning back to watch as the mamuth demons began to stir. A few moments later, his grandsire walked into the arena and held his arms up in victory. Spike shook his head at the action even as pride ran through him as the crowd cheered.
Joseph strode onto the platform a couple of seconds later, walked to the microphone and motioned for silence. "This event will begin soon," he stated. "There is however one notable change, it will be Angelus instead of Ares in the arena tonight." He looked over the suddenly still spectators. "I know many of you, myself included, were looking forward to watching a repeat of the fight Ares had with mamuths over a hundred years ago, but I've been informed he will not be able to attend. His brother however has offered to take his place. May this event prove to be as memorable," he finished.
Vampires that were still clustered in groups began taking their seats as a buzz went through the crowd, and Angelus glanced at them before shooting Joseph an unreadable look. The hellmouth ruler met it with a toast of his glass, and Angelus's eyes narrowed before he turned to look at the tranquilized demons. One of them moved a ponderous tail, and he shifted away from it before finding the largest free space he could to wait.
The mage's spell had taken them to the vicinity of the games, but not to the arena, and when Dru collapsed to the ground, Angel looked at her with hard eyes. "What is it?"
"It's started," she wailed.
He glanced into the darkness. He could *feel* where they were gathered, and he started toward them with vampire speed.
Angelus gracefully avoided the demons as they charged. So far he'd managed to avoid their horns, tails, and stomping feet as they churned the grass into dirt. One of them stared at the vampires in the bleachers before turning to run as fast as it could toward him. The tip of its horn caught his shoulder a moment before he thrust a sword into its eye. It thundered past with a blare of pain taking the lodged sword with it, and he pulled out the blade he had in reserve.
Spike's jaw was clenched as he watched. First blood had been drawn, but it had been on both sides... A sudden commotion from outside the arena gate momentarily got his attention, and he glanced over to see vampire dust settle around a man standing there. Voices were raised, and he watched curiously before refocusing on Angelus.
A couple of seconds later, his attention went back to the gates when they were thrown open as a lone man entered the arena... and Spike watched the newcomer with surprise as the mamuth with the sword in its eye charged him. He didn't try to dodge it as it got closer, but at the last moment brought his sword down against the one already in the eye socket. The demon screamed before sliding onto its side, and with a lightning fast movement, Angel pushed Angelus's sword in almost to the hilt. The demon went limp, and he pulled the weapon out and quickly wiped it against the carcass before sheathing it in the scabbard on his back.
When he looked up, his brother was staring at him with gold eyes, and he gave a sword salute before abruptly turning as another demon charged him. Angelus's laugh rang out, and a second later, Angel barely managed to jump out of the way as the demon that was charging him went down and skidded across the torn grass, his sword sticking out of its eye. He pulled it out before moving to his twin's side.
"Pitting you against mamuths," Angel breathed as he watched the demons. "They're expecting a show."
"They wanted you," Angelus answered. "They're expecting to see me dead."
Angel snorted. "I realize you don't have the best aim, but you're not dying tonight."
Angelus looked at him with gold eyes before they jumped apart as a demon charged them. A second later, Angelus's sword sunk into its eye, and it skidded through the dirt between them. The twins looked at each other over the body as cheers broke out in the stands.
"Three down," Angel called before turning to face the herd of demons heading for them. "Looks like about twelve more to go."
The fight wore on. The large dumb beasts continued to charge, and the twins slowly took them out one at a time. The crowd went crazy when the last two mamuths charged and went down simultaneously, the movements of the twins in synch before they finally sheathed their swords and turned to each other warily.
"Angelus," Angel broke the standoff quietly as he met his brother's eyes, "I'm going to try to do this," he motioned toward the stands, "but don't expect a lot from me... and I have to get back to L.A. as soon as I can."
"Why?" Angelus breathed as he looked at him threateningly. "We've got a cell at the mansion waiting for you... and how did you get past the barrier anyway?"
Angel took a step closer. "Luke let me out, but I'm on a short leash." He met his brother's eyes pointedly. "For some reason he thought you might dust him if I disappeared."
Angelus stared at him before glancing over the cheering stands with a scowl. "Who did you dust?"
"Someone that pissed me off. Didn't catch a name."
Angelus shot him a look, and they walked out of the arena together before stopping when Joseph met them at the gate. "Ares I presume?"
Angel inclined his head. "And you must be Joseph." He gave a smile that Angelus knew well. "You put my brother in a pen of mamuth demons. I'm not sure how to react to that."
"You were offered for the games by your sire," Joseph stated as he sized him up. "It was your seeming refusal that put your brother in the arena."
Angel's smile turned dangerous, and Joseph's gaze went between them. They were identical except for their clothes. Angelus was in black silk and leather while Ares was wearing crimson silk and jeans.
"Ares," a new voice cut in, "is that you?"
Angel turned to Nest, "Master," he murmured before walking over to kiss the back of his grandsire's extended hand. He straightened and glanced neutrally over Nest's shoulder at Spike before returning his attention to the ancient vampire.
"That was Joseph's childe you dusted my boy," the Master breathed. "He has a right to challenge you."
"No," Joseph broke in. "It's of little consequence, and you are guests in my town."
Angelus gave Joseph a knowing smirk before Darla broke the silence. "Ares." She looked at him with hard eyes as she moved to stand at Nest's side. "So nice of you to pay us a visit." Cold chocolate eyes lifted to lock with hers and hers narrowed.
"It has been a while hasn't it *sire*?" he answered coolly.
Angelus took a step closer to his twin and shot Darla a warning look before abruptly turning to his brother. "I think we have a lot to talk about," he threatened quietly. Angel didn't respond, and Angelus turned back to Nest. "Maybe it's time I showed Ares the clan home."
Nest nodded, and Angel waited for his brother to take the lead.
He looked up fifty minutes later when his twin pushed a curvy brunette into the room he was sitting in.
"Brought you something to snack on," Angelus stated as he looked at him intently.
"Thoughtful," Angel murmured without getting out of his chair.
Angelus smirked. After his brother had been cursed with a soul he'd worked on breaking down his moral code of right and wrong. At first Ares had wanted to starve himself, and Angelus had gotten him to feed on animals. From there it had been a challenge to get him to feed off humans, although he drew the line at killing them. Tonight though, Ares had stood in front of the vampire clans, had kissed the Master's hand, and Angelus had to admit he was curious how far his brother was willing to go.
"I called Luke," he murmured. "He told me about that short leash you were on." Angel didn't respond, and Angelus's eyes sparked with gold. "I told him if I didn't call back in half an hour to send the minions after your slayer."
Angel got to his feet and stared at his brother. "This isn't a game... I don't want her hurt."
"And she won't be if you give me what I want."
"And what do you want?" Angel asked angrily.
"We'll start with feeding. You've got to be hungry."
Angel glanced at the brunette cowering against the wall. "She's not a donor."
"No, but she's as good as dead. You know it, and I know it."
"That doesn't make it right... doesn't make any of it right."
Angelus looked at him with calculation and changed tactics. "You could save her if you want, take her back to L.A. and release her on the streets."
Angel turned to him with interest before walking over to lock a hand in his shirt and jerk him close. "Don't play games with me."
"I'm not. She'll be turned loose, but you're going to have to feed so I can call Luke." He gave a nasty smile. "It could get pretty ugly... I mean, think of the bits and pieces the minions will leave lying around your lair." Angel's hand tightened before a sudden thought caused a flash of pain in his eyes... and Angelus saw it. "What?"
Angel glanced away, his hold weakening. "Are you going to offer..." he broke off and ran a hand through his hair as Angelus waited. "What do I have to do to free Buffy?"
Angelus watched thoughtfully, and after studying him for several long moments, decided he liked what he saw. His guess was his brother didn't want to give her up, but his high moral code demanded he try. The unsouled demon cocked his head before deciding to find out if his guess was right. "There's nothing you can do to have her released," he stated slowly. "The only way she'll get out of the lair is dead."
He was rewarded. Angel instantly walked over to the cuffed woman. He took a few minutes to try to soothe her... and when she quieted, sank fangs into her throat and drank.
"How's he doing?" Nest asked quietly as he watched Angel stare out the window.
"He's fed... and accepted there will be human deaths he won't be able to stop."
"And you intend to make sure he sees them?"
"Of course." Angelus gave a wicked grin. "I'll have to stay close though." He glanced at his grandsire. "I could use some help keeping Darla away from him."
"She's his sire."
"Yes... but she wants him dead, and I'm not sure he wouldn't dust her if given half a chance."
Nest nodded. "I'll talk to her."
"Thank you."
"Ares," Nest called. "Would you like to join me back at the games?"
"I think I've had enough of the games," Angel answered, "but thank you for the offer grandsire."
The Master gave a knowing smile. "Well," he turned back to Angelus. "Have fun my boy..."
Angelus smiled as his gaze dug into his brother's back. "I intend to."
The Aurelius mansion was packed and humans were being freely offered for refreshments or entertainment. Not that they'd planned on hosting a party, but more that the clans were interested in Ares's sudden reappearance after years of being gone. Angelus was cautiously thrilled while his brother stood back and watched everything with dark angry eyes.
Spike quickly moved to block the vampire heading for his grandsire. "Thomas," he greeted. "What brings you to our home?"
"My brother's death," he hissed.
"Your sire believed it was of no consequence."
"Yes," Angelus agreed as he walked over to join them, "and it would be a shame to have him go through two childer deaths in such a short period."
Thomas's gaze slid over their shoulders as he locked eyes with Angel. "Perhaps he wouldn't have to deal with 2 childer deaths."
"He would," Angelus growled with certainty.
Angel shook his head before walking to his brother's side and looking at Thomas with a hint of interest. "If it's satisfaction you want, I'm more than willing to oblige."
"And deny me the pleasure?" Angelus answered threateningly. Angel glanced into Angelus's gold eyes with a scowl before looking back at Thomas when he shifted uneasily.
"I didn't challenge you, Angelus," the sandy haired vampire stated.
"Know this," the brunette growled, "if by some miracle you challenge my brother and win... I will dust you."
Thomas hesitated before giving a sharp nod and turning to go.
"I take it there's no hard feelings then?" Angel called.
"My sire's hospitality will stand." Thomas threw over his shoulder before continuing to walk away.
"Cowardice is more like it," Angelus snorted.
"And you think your threats make me look good?" Angel asked incredulously.
"About as good as your interference in the arena made me look," Angelus answered.
Angel smirked before glancing over the room, and even as he watched, a body was carried out the door. He closed his eyes before glancing back at his twin. "Luke says you're cutting off my blood supply."
"Not entirely."
Chocolate eyes flecked with gold. "She's a *slayer*. What makes you think she'd even consider..." he broke off. "And what makes you think I'd force the issue?"
"Don't force it then," Angelus answered. "I'll just bide my time until you're easier to get along with and pay her a visit. I'm sure she won't mind."
"Even a slayer would find it tiring to be an only source of blood," Angel growled.
"I'm sure you'll be considerate."
Angel looked away with a scowl before noticing Spike's smirk and watched as the bleached blonde's expression slowly turned into a smile. "I envy you your new blood donor... grandsire," he murmured as he gave a slight bow of his head.
Buffy stared at the door leading to Angelus's bedroom and took a breath before opening it. It was packed with minions, and she slammed it shut before looking at it nervously. Angel was gone, there was no guarantee they wouldn't come into his rooms, and she quickly found a wooden chair to push under the doorknob before looking at it with a frown. A moment later, she went to find every weapon she could before sitting against the wall to wait.
A knock came on the door several minutes later, and she got to her feet before cautiously going to answer it. Luke was standing in the middle of the room, minions on all sides of him. "Did you want something Slayer?"
"Where's Angel?"
"He's with his brother."
"But he said he couldn't leave the lair," she countered.
"Not as he pleases, but there are times when he can take short vacations."
"And when is he coming back from this one?"
"He was supposed to be back last night, but his brother gave him an extra twelve hours." He studied her with amused gold eyes. "Of course, if he's not back after that, we've got Angelus's okay to kill you."
"That wouldn't be easy," she answered. "There would be loses."
His smile widened, and he said something she couldn't hear to the minions around him. They shifted, and she watched curiously as they passed a pizza box to the front of the door and tossed it a few feet past the barrier. "Is that all then?" Luke asked.
Buffy glanced over the minions closest to her. They leered, and she slammed the door shut.
Angel glanced at the mage as he chanted before walking into his lair when he was done. He stopped when he saw Buffy. She was on her feet, looked angry, and was surrounded by almost every weapon he owned. He smiled. "Are you okay?"
"I thought you couldn't leave your rooms."
"My sire wants my dust," he answered evenly, "and my brother was trying to stop her from getting it. It may or may not have gotten him killed if Luke and I hadn't worked out a deal."
"So your sire could have been responsible for having Angelus taken out," she summed up. "Sounds like she and I might have the same goal. What's her name?"
"I doubt you'd like her."
"Try me."
He lifted an eyebrow at her choice of words before sighing. "Darla."
"Darla." She rubbed at the back of her neck before looking up with hard eyes. "I've met her. She's as psychotic as he is isn't she?"
"Angelus and Darla are *normal*," he stressed. "I'm the freak." Silence fell before she closed the distance between them and drew back her stake. The barrier blocked it, and he gave a slight shake of his head. "We're back to that?"
"Yeah." She turned to leave the room, and he watched with a frown before beginning to pick up the weapons on the floor. It looked like he was almost back to square one with her.