Author:snipsnap

Title   :A night of hunting

Chapter-2

Xander took a deep breath and straightened his shoulders and mustered his courage. As he raised his hand to knock the door opened abruptly revealing a harassed looking Anya. He could see Halfrek in the background and groaned inwardly. Nothing good ever came out of Hallie's visits. She always managed to bring up Anya's insecurities. He guessed that she had put her two cents worth of mischief in the current situation as well. As if the current situation was not volatile enough!

"Honey I am home" Xander managed to paste a fake smile and waited for the approaching storm. It did not take long to come.

"Xander, how could you do it to me? Do you know how long we waited for you?"

Xander interrupted the tirade and spoke soothingly.

"Honey we will make another appointment." But Anya refused to be mollified.

"Dorothea is not free until the next millennium. And..."

BEEP! BEEP!

Immediately everyone in the room rummaged in their bags, pockets etc for their cell phones. It turned out to be Halfrek's and with a quick'Excuse me' she moved to the dining area.

"Anya" whispered Xander "I didn't know demons had cell phones. Did you see that? She has a Nokia 3650 too. Cool!"

Xander was impressed and resolved to be friendlier with her in future. It was a pity he could not carry out his resolution.

As soon as she came back she rushed to Anya's side and enveloped her in a mighty bear hug.

"Oh you poor girl! You poor, poor girl."

Anya seemed as much surprised by Halfrek's affectionate display as much as Xander.

"What is it Hallie? Who called?"

"It was T'mnon. We called him to trace your fiancé, you remember?"

Anya shook her head impatiently.

"Yes, but he is here all safe and sound."

Halfrek made another choking sound and stroked Anya's hair and spoke in a soft voice.

"Yes, but do you know where he was this evening?" Halfrek threw a triumphant look at Xander while she drew her winning card. "He was in a Xuxu bar, of all places."

Anya threw a reproachful glance at Xander and sank down to the couch.

"Tell me it isn't true?"

Xander tried opening his mouth but no words came out. After doing a gold fish impersonation for a few times Xander did manage to produce a faltering 'no'. He did not know what was going on here but he knew enough to deduct that he was in deep trouble here.

Anya drew herself to her full height and struck a dramatic pose.

"Do you deny that you were in a Xuxu bar while you stood me up?"

"No, but…"

"He was with me."

All eyes were turned on the newcomer. He was a bleached blonde cloaked in a black duster.

"Spike!"