Chapter Five
Only Hope
Wesley had slept two and a half hours over the last two days. Two which were with Fred, when she was still safe at home with him and the others. He'd come to the conclusion the only way to defeat Angelus was to use a Slayer's strength. One was busy in Sunnydale with the First Evil and he was already taking away their witch. The other Slayer was insane in prison. He sighed. Yes, he'd have to ask Faith for help. So, he was driving to the prison. He was scruffy, a light beard appearking on his face. Dark circles appeared under his eyes and his hair was tousled. He requested to see Faith and she was brought into a locked room.
"Well, if it isn't Mr. Self-Righteous ex-watcher."
The prison guards stood on either side of the door.
"Hello, Faith."
"You look awful. Where's the suit, the glasses, the clean-shaven Wesley Wyndam-Pryce?"
Wesley sighed and sunk in the chair. "I'm not in the mood for it, Faith."
"I assume you're here to talk about our recent apocalypse; surprised you haven't axed it already."
"Angelus has returned. We need him to learn about the beast. He got away. He's stolen, Fred." His voice broke slightly when he said her name.
"Fred?"
"She's one of our employees at Angel Investigations. He's going to use her."
"You're in love!"
Faith's smile spread across her face. It was a mocking one, pleasure in Wes's pain and discomfort.
"I do love her. Please, Faith. We'll need your help to defeat Angelus."
"Even if I would help, I am in prison."
"I've got strings I can pull. But I need to know that you will help me."
Faith rolled her eyes.
"What if I haven't reformed? What if I run off when you let me out?"
"I'll make sure you don't run. You're part of my plan to save Fred."
"Will I be going back to prison after I help you?"
Wesley shook his head. "No. You help me, you're free as long as you don't endanger others."
Faith shrugged. "Fine."
"Is it a deal, Faith?"
"I'l save your girlie."
"She's not my girl."
"Bitter, Wes, bitter. I like it."
He stood, ignoring the comment. "You'll be with us soon. Just stay safe. And preferably sane."
He left her in the prison room.

Fred let out a muffled cry as Angelus handcuffed her to the wall.
"Are you scared, Fred?" Angelus asked in a taunting tone.
Fred didn't reply, only stared wide-eyed with horror. He moved close to her, his hands running down her neck.
"You're so beautiful. No wonder all those boys like you. And that neck. It's so long and silky, just waiting to be bitten, fresh, pure blood running through your veins, begging to be tasted. I'm going to enjoy drinking you. You even have great potential to be a vampire. I've always had a soft spot for innocent girls. You remind me of Drusilla, minus the whole nun thing."
Dru put her hand on Angelus's arm.
"Can we play a game?"
Angelus bestowed a smile on his Childe. "Not yet, Dru. Soon." He winked at Fred and gave Drusilla a kiss.