Some Kind of Wonderful: 5
A/N: Hi all. Nothing much to report except to say thanks for the reviews and I'll be putting up the second chapter to Xander vs. Spike sometime next week or over the weekend. Also, a new story I have out Dancing on the Edge. AU but not too much. Demons and vamps roam Sunnydale still. My hit counts are looking fabulous and so I will thank the lurkers. You guys make it all worthwhile. Any way on to the story. Enjoy. Skyz.
Disclaimer: A person told me I actually don't own Btvs and a man named Joss Whedon does! How weird is that? I love em but they aren't mine. I own my own creations. So please don't sue.
~*~*~
Chapter 5:
When her mind touched his, he was extremely surprised.
"Why what a surprise," he mused aloud. "What do I owe the pleasure of such a visit?"
He heard Mornay's quiet laughter and frowned slightly.
"Well, if you have to ask, I guess the word that has spread isn't true after all."
"Word? Of what?" Delos asked innocently as his eyes drifted shut and he began to relax in his chair. It had been so long since he'd had such a conversation with any of his childer much less his favorite childe. Since someone had reached out to re-establish the link.
He didn't think to question why of all times she had initiated their bond now.
"Of re-siring Spike," she said mockingly. "Surely you haven't forgotten so soon. The means in which to regain your power lies in Spike."
"Of course."
"You'll be dead before you find the boy Delos, by my hand or the Orders."
Amusement lifted the corners of his mouth.
"I doubt that. Elias would never be so bold as to attack me. In doing so he will not only kill William but the boy and me. I am firmly in control here."
"So you're going to rule the world now? You never used to aspire to such heights. What changed?"
"Well, all my childer turned their backs on me for one. What else am I to do but rule the world and wreck havoc on all who have betrayed me?"
"An eye for an eye huh?"
"You know me so well Mornay. However, you forget, I know you too. Why have you deigned to crawl back into my mind? What game are you playing this time?"
~*~*~
Giles paced the length of the hallway out side Buffy's bedroom.
He shoved a hand through his hair and let out a sigh.
He was extremely concerned about her and he wished she had listened to him. Waited to do the spell when they had more facts on what the claim would do to her and Spike.
There were no records of this having ever taken place before. Never to a Slayer and not a master vampire who was now a minion. He was worried about both their mental states. If something happened to Buffy when she reached out to Spike and she was hurt he would never forgive himself! Never!
The unknown factor was enough to make him pause, but Buffy had been adamant about doing the spell as soon as possible despite the risks.
Now he couldn't stand the wait, they didn't know how long this would take and he was worried about Buffy and the rest of them. The whole spectrum of things that was beginning to pile up was daunting and he feared they might not make it. At least not all of them.
"Rupert?" Joyce asked as she came up the stairs.
Looking up he watched Joyce stride up and smile hesitantly.
"Yes Joyce?" he asked quietly.
"Are you worried? I know this wasn't what you wanted to do, but Buffy was sure there wouldn't be any negative effects. She was too-"
"I have faith in her Joyce. I believe she thinks that she has the power to save Spike, but there is a part of me that is doubtful. I want nothing to harm her. I love her like she was my own daughter Joyce I would do anything for her," he declared passionately.
Joyce smiled and wrapped Giles in a quick hug.
"I know. Buffy wanted me to ask you-she was worried that she made a mistake in trusting this Mornay woman. I'm concerned myself. We know next to nothing about her! She wants you to keep an eye on her and watch her."
Giles smiled slightly, one that didn't reach his eyes.
However, Joyce didn't notice as she glanced at her daughter's door.
"Everything is under control Joyce. I've taken care of it and spoken to Mornay," he replied his eyes losing focus as he recalled the conversation he'd had earlier with the vampire.
**
Giles shoved Mornay into the kitchen and glared at her.
"You can't possible think I'd believe a word you had to say," he hissed.
Mornay pursed her lips and shrugged.
"I don't know Ripper. Do you believe me?" she asked with a small smile and wink.
"Let us not play these games! I am well aware of your past sins Mornay! You are not to be trusted. And certainly not for the pleasure of killing Delos, no matter how satisfying!"
Mornay turned from Giles and studied the kitchen with feigned interest.
"Did the Slayer's mother decorate this on her own? It's quite-"
"Granted Buffy is a child, who will and has done anything to get Spike back. She loves him. Therefore, her thoughts aren't quite on the priorities. I'm sure you've thought of this."
Mornay met Giles's eyes and grinned.
"Of course I did! I only gave the little Slayer what she wanted."
Giles jerked his glasses off and slowly closed them. Rolling his shirtsleeves, he leaned against the counter and regarded her.
"What do you want?" he asked his voice soft and silky.
"I knew you were smart," Mornay mused as she stepped closer. Letting her body rub against his. She trailed cold fingers down his cheeks and cupped his face.
"What do I want? I want a lot of things," she whispered in his ear.
Giles shuddered in revulsion.
"I only have so much to give," Giles spat out.
"You've got just enough."
"What do you want?"
"What everyone else wants. The boy."
Giles's answer was immediate.
"No."
Mornay clucked her tongue.
"I wasn't asking."
Giles attempted to shove past her but Mornay slid her hands down until they rested against his neck.
"One wrong move and I snap your neck."
"And Buffy shall kill you."
"I highly doubt that. Even so, I'll get more of hers than she will mine. I want the boy."
"That's impossible! No one knows where he is. Even if we did, I couldn't just hand him over-"Giles protested.
"I'm not asking you," she repeated. "When Delos does the ritual I'll help you stop him. Anyone else who tries to get the boy too. After that? I'll take him; you keep the Slayer off my back."
Giles swallowed, his mind conflicted. To do as she asked would be a betrayal so deep; he feared Buffy would never forgive him. Then on the other hand, they couldn't hope to defeat all the threats they would face without Mornay's help.
"If you're worried about me causing hell on earth, by opening the hellmouth then don't worry. I've got other plans for the boy. And for that to pan out he's gotta be alive. Now, I help defeat Travers and Delos and get the boy in return. Right?"
Giles closed his eyes.
It was a simple choice, between his Slayer and her son.
The answer was easy.
"Right. You get to keep...Wolfe when it's all said and done."
**
Giles shook his head glanced at Joyce as he led her down the hall.
"Don't worry I've got it under control. Buffy need not worry."
~*~*~
Spike pounded on the walls, screaming and cursing.
He had to get out!
Being stuck here, unable to escape had become unbearable.
This wasn't the way it was supposed to be, he thought in despair.
He wasn't supposed to have gotten in so much trouble!
All he had wanted to do was get Dru off his hands.
For the Slayer.
Snarling he re-established his efforts.
"Let me outta here," he yelled.
"S...Spike?"
His name from her lips had him whirling, assuming a fighting stance.
"Who's there?" he demanded.
Fear gripped him and he barely resisted the urge to attack. He knew it had to be Delos, come to destroy any lingering remains of himself. He was going to rid what made him Spike and make him his willing slave.
"Spike? It's me," the Buffy double said as she came forward.
"This isn't right. Think you can play me Delos; make me think you're the Slayer? Never gonna work. You've come to destroy me, well not if I get you first," Spike yelled as he attacked.
He knew it couldn't be his Buffy, not his Slayer.
She was busy dealing with Angelus.
Besides, she wouldn't bother with him.
Buffy watched as Spike flung himself at her and hesitated so long he knocked her flat on her back. Her heart constricted and fear wormed its way into her heart. He would kill her if she didn't convince him.
Instinct took over and she flung him off and took her own defensive stance. One way or the other she would make him listen.
"Spike this isn't a trick okay? I'm here to-"
He cut her off, his fists flying out and catching her in the chin. Her head flew back and she let out a frustrated growl.
"Like that? Well let me te-" Spike began.
Buffy reacted abruptly as she swept him off his feet and followed him down with a boot to the stomach.
"Do you want to get out of here Spike?" she asked. "I'm here to help you. I need you to help me help you. The claim we-"
Spike grinned through his fangs and twisted suddenly, gripping her ankle and twisting as he rolled out from beneath her.
Buffy let out a startled gasp as pain surged through her leg.
"Spike!"
"What claim? So I bit the Slayer, can't really call that a claim. Can't use that to get me Delos. Besides, she rejected it. Rejected me. There is no claim," he muttered bitterly.
Buffy couldn't help but feel hurt at his words. She had rejected him and now it seemed she was paying the price. But what was she supposed to say ? I love you? He had not even told her he loved her! It had been all about making her love him, presumptuous much? She thought angrily as she fell back a bit trying to get her balance.
Right hook, duck a flying kick to her head, feint right, a low sweeping kick to the shins, a fist to the head...and on it went. Left and right, she matched him.
Why couldn't this have been easy? she thought as she was thrown back into a wall, her head hitting with a resounding thud and she moaned as stars bloomed before her eyes.
Why did she have to do this? There had to be easier ways she mused as she sent him flying over her head and grinned when he hit with a groan. Serves you right, she thought gleefully. If you had stayed and hung around like a good little puppy, I wouldn't be here trying to convince you I'm here to rescue you!
A thought occurred to her then as she let him circle her. She should be convincing him that she wasn't Delos come to do him in. Her fighting him would not cut it.
He watched Buffy blink owlishly at him and his jaw clenched as she opened her mouth. He didn't want to hear any more of her lies! She wasn't here to help him at all, more like here to kill him! She'd be the death of him after all he thought with a snort.
"What's it gonna take to convince you I'm Buffy? Not Delos playing tricks on you! I don't have all day Spike. I have to get you better so I can concentrate on Wolfe."
It was the mentioning his son from the mouth of the devil himself that caused Spike to snap, as he'd been fighting Buffy he hadn't gone full out, some part of him not wanting to hurt her no matter if it was Delos in the guise of Buffy.
He sprang at her and startled by the blur of movement Buffy had no time to respond as he tossed her to the ground and snarled as he lowered his head and sank his fangs into her throat.
It wasn't supposed to go this way, Buffy mused dazedly, but it would sure as hell do.
~*~*~
Rufus Travers slipped into his perfectly tailored tuxedo jacket and solemnly regarded himself in the mirror. Impeccable as always he thought with a small smile.
Turning he smiled at his wife.
Martha Travers was just right, the perfect wife for such a perfect man. Nothing less would have ever done for the eldest of the Travers line. Beautiful to his plainness. People could not find a reason other than money for the pair to have met and married.
Those who thought that though were terrible wrong. For it was love. A twisted, evil love that thrived on pain. Giving, receiving. Causing the most damage to whoever their victims were was a constant form of amusement for the couple.
Their eyes met and in that one moment, they were one and the same.
Evil.
With his wife on his arm, he led her into the black tie charity event held every year in honor of past Council members. As the head of the Council, it was his duty to come and he always did his duties.
Presently Rufus was separated from his wife as she had been whisked away for some feminine chatter.
Sipping from his flute of champagne, he was accosted by Bosworth the head of Demonology at one of their divisions in Bath. A large portly man, with a ruddy complexion and the tongue of a lush, he wasn't fit to be in Travers's presence.
"Good party innit?" Bosworth asked loudly as he slapped Travers on the back.
Rufus nodded a barely contained look of disgust on his broad face. He downed the rest of his champagne in a gulp. Signaling to a near by waiter for another flute.
"Yep. Real nice. Real shameeeeeeee we's won't be havin' any't othas."
Rufus took a sip of his new glass and glanced at the offending man at his side.
"Why do you say that?" he demanded.
"Weeellllllll..that half breed's flown the coop. That crazy vampire re-siring William the fuckin' Bloody..We 'r all gonna die," Bosworth mumbled as he shuddered and wandered away.
Rufus cast a quick glance around seeing if anyone else had heard their conversation. As he realized no one seemed to, he hurried as calmly as he could to find his wife.
Heart pounding in fear and anger he gripped his wife's arm and led her to a secluded area of the ballroom.
"Have you heard?" he demanded.
"What is it Rufus?" Martha asked concerned at his distraught face.
"Delos! Damn him. He's ruined everything."
"Ruined what?"
He looked at her as if she were too dense to understand his words.
"Our plans Martha! I don't know why I didn't think of this. Delos has re-sired William the Bloody. Ensuring control of the boy!"
"Is that all? I thought it more serious Rufus," she remarked with a smile.
Inhaling sharply he glared at her.
"Martha this is very serious. I've made plans on capturing the boy. The Order will love this. Now they can back out of our deal. This is what Elias has always want-"
"Rufus think a moment about this. All Delos has is the father. Imagine if we had the Slayer. Even odds. Better yet, why not begin the ritual. Open the hell mouth and they will flock like bees to honey. Do that and we're back in control."
Rufus nodded, calming down slightly.
"We're back in control," he muttered.
"Yes."
"But..but if we do that I'll have to stop the spell, we'll be back home. I'm sure the Slayer's become aware of this."
"Why do you think that?"
"She's resourceful. Besides, Delos was always one to give away bits and pieces. I'm sure he couldn't resist taunting her."
"Well if that's the case, then we should worry about her later. Right now we should concentrate on the hell mouth."
Rufus took her hand and squeezed.
Hard.
She grimaced in pain as the bones in her hand rubbed together.
He smiled.
"What about Angelus?" he asked.
"What about him? You still have it don't you?" Martha asked through gritted teeth as the pressure on her hand increased.
"Of course," he dropped her hand to root around in his breast pocket.
He pulled out a small blue crystal and handed it to her.
They stared at the crystal in a sort of awed yet contemptuous manner. As if, it was something beneath them.
"Well...if all else fails we've still got this to bargain with," Rufus acknowledged.
Their eyes met and they shared a smile of mutual admiration.
"I'm sure there isn't anything the Slayer wouldn't give to get Angel's soul back. We are back in control Rufus," Martha announced locking arms with her husband.
Pocketing the crystal Rufus nodded again.
"We're back in control," he whispered.
~*~*~
A/N: Hoped you enjoyed this chapter. Next ch will be out next week and a continuation of the claiming process. The Spuffy connection will be made complete and more of Wolfe so look out for it. Thanks for reading. Skyz
A/N: Hi all. Nothing much to report except to say thanks for the reviews and I'll be putting up the second chapter to Xander vs. Spike sometime next week or over the weekend. Also, a new story I have out Dancing on the Edge. AU but not too much. Demons and vamps roam Sunnydale still. My hit counts are looking fabulous and so I will thank the lurkers. You guys make it all worthwhile. Any way on to the story. Enjoy. Skyz.
Disclaimer: A person told me I actually don't own Btvs and a man named Joss Whedon does! How weird is that? I love em but they aren't mine. I own my own creations. So please don't sue.
~*~*~
Chapter 5:
When her mind touched his, he was extremely surprised.
"Why what a surprise," he mused aloud. "What do I owe the pleasure of such a visit?"
He heard Mornay's quiet laughter and frowned slightly.
"Well, if you have to ask, I guess the word that has spread isn't true after all."
"Word? Of what?" Delos asked innocently as his eyes drifted shut and he began to relax in his chair. It had been so long since he'd had such a conversation with any of his childer much less his favorite childe. Since someone had reached out to re-establish the link.
He didn't think to question why of all times she had initiated their bond now.
"Of re-siring Spike," she said mockingly. "Surely you haven't forgotten so soon. The means in which to regain your power lies in Spike."
"Of course."
"You'll be dead before you find the boy Delos, by my hand or the Orders."
Amusement lifted the corners of his mouth.
"I doubt that. Elias would never be so bold as to attack me. In doing so he will not only kill William but the boy and me. I am firmly in control here."
"So you're going to rule the world now? You never used to aspire to such heights. What changed?"
"Well, all my childer turned their backs on me for one. What else am I to do but rule the world and wreck havoc on all who have betrayed me?"
"An eye for an eye huh?"
"You know me so well Mornay. However, you forget, I know you too. Why have you deigned to crawl back into my mind? What game are you playing this time?"
~*~*~
Giles paced the length of the hallway out side Buffy's bedroom.
He shoved a hand through his hair and let out a sigh.
He was extremely concerned about her and he wished she had listened to him. Waited to do the spell when they had more facts on what the claim would do to her and Spike.
There were no records of this having ever taken place before. Never to a Slayer and not a master vampire who was now a minion. He was worried about both their mental states. If something happened to Buffy when she reached out to Spike and she was hurt he would never forgive himself! Never!
The unknown factor was enough to make him pause, but Buffy had been adamant about doing the spell as soon as possible despite the risks.
Now he couldn't stand the wait, they didn't know how long this would take and he was worried about Buffy and the rest of them. The whole spectrum of things that was beginning to pile up was daunting and he feared they might not make it. At least not all of them.
"Rupert?" Joyce asked as she came up the stairs.
Looking up he watched Joyce stride up and smile hesitantly.
"Yes Joyce?" he asked quietly.
"Are you worried? I know this wasn't what you wanted to do, but Buffy was sure there wouldn't be any negative effects. She was too-"
"I have faith in her Joyce. I believe she thinks that she has the power to save Spike, but there is a part of me that is doubtful. I want nothing to harm her. I love her like she was my own daughter Joyce I would do anything for her," he declared passionately.
Joyce smiled and wrapped Giles in a quick hug.
"I know. Buffy wanted me to ask you-she was worried that she made a mistake in trusting this Mornay woman. I'm concerned myself. We know next to nothing about her! She wants you to keep an eye on her and watch her."
Giles smiled slightly, one that didn't reach his eyes.
However, Joyce didn't notice as she glanced at her daughter's door.
"Everything is under control Joyce. I've taken care of it and spoken to Mornay," he replied his eyes losing focus as he recalled the conversation he'd had earlier with the vampire.
**
Giles shoved Mornay into the kitchen and glared at her.
"You can't possible think I'd believe a word you had to say," he hissed.
Mornay pursed her lips and shrugged.
"I don't know Ripper. Do you believe me?" she asked with a small smile and wink.
"Let us not play these games! I am well aware of your past sins Mornay! You are not to be trusted. And certainly not for the pleasure of killing Delos, no matter how satisfying!"
Mornay turned from Giles and studied the kitchen with feigned interest.
"Did the Slayer's mother decorate this on her own? It's quite-"
"Granted Buffy is a child, who will and has done anything to get Spike back. She loves him. Therefore, her thoughts aren't quite on the priorities. I'm sure you've thought of this."
Mornay met Giles's eyes and grinned.
"Of course I did! I only gave the little Slayer what she wanted."
Giles jerked his glasses off and slowly closed them. Rolling his shirtsleeves, he leaned against the counter and regarded her.
"What do you want?" he asked his voice soft and silky.
"I knew you were smart," Mornay mused as she stepped closer. Letting her body rub against his. She trailed cold fingers down his cheeks and cupped his face.
"What do I want? I want a lot of things," she whispered in his ear.
Giles shuddered in revulsion.
"I only have so much to give," Giles spat out.
"You've got just enough."
"What do you want?"
"What everyone else wants. The boy."
Giles's answer was immediate.
"No."
Mornay clucked her tongue.
"I wasn't asking."
Giles attempted to shove past her but Mornay slid her hands down until they rested against his neck.
"One wrong move and I snap your neck."
"And Buffy shall kill you."
"I highly doubt that. Even so, I'll get more of hers than she will mine. I want the boy."
"That's impossible! No one knows where he is. Even if we did, I couldn't just hand him over-"Giles protested.
"I'm not asking you," she repeated. "When Delos does the ritual I'll help you stop him. Anyone else who tries to get the boy too. After that? I'll take him; you keep the Slayer off my back."
Giles swallowed, his mind conflicted. To do as she asked would be a betrayal so deep; he feared Buffy would never forgive him. Then on the other hand, they couldn't hope to defeat all the threats they would face without Mornay's help.
"If you're worried about me causing hell on earth, by opening the hellmouth then don't worry. I've got other plans for the boy. And for that to pan out he's gotta be alive. Now, I help defeat Travers and Delos and get the boy in return. Right?"
Giles closed his eyes.
It was a simple choice, between his Slayer and her son.
The answer was easy.
"Right. You get to keep...Wolfe when it's all said and done."
**
Giles shook his head glanced at Joyce as he led her down the hall.
"Don't worry I've got it under control. Buffy need not worry."
~*~*~
Spike pounded on the walls, screaming and cursing.
He had to get out!
Being stuck here, unable to escape had become unbearable.
This wasn't the way it was supposed to be, he thought in despair.
He wasn't supposed to have gotten in so much trouble!
All he had wanted to do was get Dru off his hands.
For the Slayer.
Snarling he re-established his efforts.
"Let me outta here," he yelled.
"S...Spike?"
His name from her lips had him whirling, assuming a fighting stance.
"Who's there?" he demanded.
Fear gripped him and he barely resisted the urge to attack. He knew it had to be Delos, come to destroy any lingering remains of himself. He was going to rid what made him Spike and make him his willing slave.
"Spike? It's me," the Buffy double said as she came forward.
"This isn't right. Think you can play me Delos; make me think you're the Slayer? Never gonna work. You've come to destroy me, well not if I get you first," Spike yelled as he attacked.
He knew it couldn't be his Buffy, not his Slayer.
She was busy dealing with Angelus.
Besides, she wouldn't bother with him.
Buffy watched as Spike flung himself at her and hesitated so long he knocked her flat on her back. Her heart constricted and fear wormed its way into her heart. He would kill her if she didn't convince him.
Instinct took over and she flung him off and took her own defensive stance. One way or the other she would make him listen.
"Spike this isn't a trick okay? I'm here to-"
He cut her off, his fists flying out and catching her in the chin. Her head flew back and she let out a frustrated growl.
"Like that? Well let me te-" Spike began.
Buffy reacted abruptly as she swept him off his feet and followed him down with a boot to the stomach.
"Do you want to get out of here Spike?" she asked. "I'm here to help you. I need you to help me help you. The claim we-"
Spike grinned through his fangs and twisted suddenly, gripping her ankle and twisting as he rolled out from beneath her.
Buffy let out a startled gasp as pain surged through her leg.
"Spike!"
"What claim? So I bit the Slayer, can't really call that a claim. Can't use that to get me Delos. Besides, she rejected it. Rejected me. There is no claim," he muttered bitterly.
Buffy couldn't help but feel hurt at his words. She had rejected him and now it seemed she was paying the price. But what was she supposed to say ? I love you? He had not even told her he loved her! It had been all about making her love him, presumptuous much? She thought angrily as she fell back a bit trying to get her balance.
Right hook, duck a flying kick to her head, feint right, a low sweeping kick to the shins, a fist to the head...and on it went. Left and right, she matched him.
Why couldn't this have been easy? she thought as she was thrown back into a wall, her head hitting with a resounding thud and she moaned as stars bloomed before her eyes.
Why did she have to do this? There had to be easier ways she mused as she sent him flying over her head and grinned when he hit with a groan. Serves you right, she thought gleefully. If you had stayed and hung around like a good little puppy, I wouldn't be here trying to convince you I'm here to rescue you!
A thought occurred to her then as she let him circle her. She should be convincing him that she wasn't Delos come to do him in. Her fighting him would not cut it.
He watched Buffy blink owlishly at him and his jaw clenched as she opened her mouth. He didn't want to hear any more of her lies! She wasn't here to help him at all, more like here to kill him! She'd be the death of him after all he thought with a snort.
"What's it gonna take to convince you I'm Buffy? Not Delos playing tricks on you! I don't have all day Spike. I have to get you better so I can concentrate on Wolfe."
It was the mentioning his son from the mouth of the devil himself that caused Spike to snap, as he'd been fighting Buffy he hadn't gone full out, some part of him not wanting to hurt her no matter if it was Delos in the guise of Buffy.
He sprang at her and startled by the blur of movement Buffy had no time to respond as he tossed her to the ground and snarled as he lowered his head and sank his fangs into her throat.
It wasn't supposed to go this way, Buffy mused dazedly, but it would sure as hell do.
~*~*~
Rufus Travers slipped into his perfectly tailored tuxedo jacket and solemnly regarded himself in the mirror. Impeccable as always he thought with a small smile.
Turning he smiled at his wife.
Martha Travers was just right, the perfect wife for such a perfect man. Nothing less would have ever done for the eldest of the Travers line. Beautiful to his plainness. People could not find a reason other than money for the pair to have met and married.
Those who thought that though were terrible wrong. For it was love. A twisted, evil love that thrived on pain. Giving, receiving. Causing the most damage to whoever their victims were was a constant form of amusement for the couple.
Their eyes met and in that one moment, they were one and the same.
Evil.
With his wife on his arm, he led her into the black tie charity event held every year in honor of past Council members. As the head of the Council, it was his duty to come and he always did his duties.
Presently Rufus was separated from his wife as she had been whisked away for some feminine chatter.
Sipping from his flute of champagne, he was accosted by Bosworth the head of Demonology at one of their divisions in Bath. A large portly man, with a ruddy complexion and the tongue of a lush, he wasn't fit to be in Travers's presence.
"Good party innit?" Bosworth asked loudly as he slapped Travers on the back.
Rufus nodded a barely contained look of disgust on his broad face. He downed the rest of his champagne in a gulp. Signaling to a near by waiter for another flute.
"Yep. Real nice. Real shameeeeeeee we's won't be havin' any't othas."
Rufus took a sip of his new glass and glanced at the offending man at his side.
"Why do you say that?" he demanded.
"Weeellllllll..that half breed's flown the coop. That crazy vampire re-siring William the fuckin' Bloody..We 'r all gonna die," Bosworth mumbled as he shuddered and wandered away.
Rufus cast a quick glance around seeing if anyone else had heard their conversation. As he realized no one seemed to, he hurried as calmly as he could to find his wife.
Heart pounding in fear and anger he gripped his wife's arm and led her to a secluded area of the ballroom.
"Have you heard?" he demanded.
"What is it Rufus?" Martha asked concerned at his distraught face.
"Delos! Damn him. He's ruined everything."
"Ruined what?"
He looked at her as if she were too dense to understand his words.
"Our plans Martha! I don't know why I didn't think of this. Delos has re-sired William the Bloody. Ensuring control of the boy!"
"Is that all? I thought it more serious Rufus," she remarked with a smile.
Inhaling sharply he glared at her.
"Martha this is very serious. I've made plans on capturing the boy. The Order will love this. Now they can back out of our deal. This is what Elias has always want-"
"Rufus think a moment about this. All Delos has is the father. Imagine if we had the Slayer. Even odds. Better yet, why not begin the ritual. Open the hell mouth and they will flock like bees to honey. Do that and we're back in control."
Rufus nodded, calming down slightly.
"We're back in control," he muttered.
"Yes."
"But..but if we do that I'll have to stop the spell, we'll be back home. I'm sure the Slayer's become aware of this."
"Why do you think that?"
"She's resourceful. Besides, Delos was always one to give away bits and pieces. I'm sure he couldn't resist taunting her."
"Well if that's the case, then we should worry about her later. Right now we should concentrate on the hell mouth."
Rufus took her hand and squeezed.
Hard.
She grimaced in pain as the bones in her hand rubbed together.
He smiled.
"What about Angelus?" he asked.
"What about him? You still have it don't you?" Martha asked through gritted teeth as the pressure on her hand increased.
"Of course," he dropped her hand to root around in his breast pocket.
He pulled out a small blue crystal and handed it to her.
They stared at the crystal in a sort of awed yet contemptuous manner. As if, it was something beneath them.
"Well...if all else fails we've still got this to bargain with," Rufus acknowledged.
Their eyes met and they shared a smile of mutual admiration.
"I'm sure there isn't anything the Slayer wouldn't give to get Angel's soul back. We are back in control Rufus," Martha announced locking arms with her husband.
Pocketing the crystal Rufus nodded again.
"We're back in control," he whispered.
~*~*~
A/N: Hoped you enjoyed this chapter. Next ch will be out next week and a continuation of the claiming process. The Spuffy connection will be made complete and more of Wolfe so look out for it. Thanks for reading. Skyz