Author's note: I have to warn everyone that this chapter is a little 'rough' in keeping with the

beginning of this story. Those that are easily offended please feel free to skip it as I will

summarize in the next chapter. As it is I try to be as vague as possible but you get the meaning.

Phase 26

Where was she?

Damn it. The slayer bitch and her little band was currently besting his best people. And Willow

was nowhere to be found.

Xander Harris looked on grimly as Sunnydale High's ex-quarterback dusted two more vampires.

Granted, there were still a dozen left but at this rate...well he could see the writing on the wall.

And it didn't spell anything good for the undead crew.

Frustrated and completely unprepared for this turn of events he left the main hall in search for

his missing lover. If things got too out of hand they could always get out. The Master could

protect himself and anyway Xander didn't much care for the welfare of his leader.

But first he had to find Willow.

Xander knew that she wasn't fighting. It really wasn't her style as she'd grown used to relying

on her growing powers to fell her enemies. No, Will was most likely hiding out and working on

a really nasty spell.

He'd sought her out in the alcoves and main floor rooms to no avail. All that was left was the

basement. She might be with her 'pet'.

The initial explosion had left the foundation a mess and the vampire had to be careful to pick

through the assorted remains of the wooden staircase leading to the lower floor. He tore a piece

of the handrails to use as a stake. Everything was dark and had a cloud of dust surrounding it.

His sensitive nose caught a few spores and he sneezed loudly alerting the basement's sole

occupant of his presence. By the time he'd approached the cage, Spike was breathing rapidly in

nervousness.

As preoccupied as Xander was he could not help but relish the blond vampire's reaction. He'd

stayed away from Willow's pet for the most part but was very much aware of what his lady had

done to the vampire. He knew Will's penchant for torture and gore so he wasn't surprised that

there was little left of the vampire who was the Slayer bitch's lover. It did a lot to ease his

frustration.

Xander opened the cage door and slowly made his way towards the chained vampire. Spike was

all but plastered on the wall. His blue eyes focused on the approaching form through the dim.

"Hey Spikey. How's it hanging? I bet you could really use some company now and

unfortunately Willow seems to be missing. Maybe we could do a little roleplaying" The

vampire taunted as he swung his wooden stake carelessly.

His prey regarded him silently as Xander neared. He really was a mess, Xander thought upon

seeing the condition that the captive was in. His face was bruised and one eye so swollen that it

was doubtful that he could see out of it. There was a deep gash on the neck as Willow had

obviously been draining him regularly. His bare chest sported many tiny burn marks as Willow

had gotten creative with a holy water dropper. Xander grabbed the vampire by the hair and

pulled him forward as much as the chains would allow. His back was covered in deep

purple/black stripes and more than a few cuts which attested to the vampiress fondness for her

whips.

"She really worked you over didn't she?" he asked unfazed. "My girl had some really

impressive skills with the elements of torture. That's why I love her so"

Spike did not reply but tried to push himself back into his corner. Xander slapped him hard

across the face. Spike stilled and looked up at his tormentor.

Something about Spike's eyes piqued Xander's interest. The blue pools were really beautiful in

its damaged state. Ever since he'd become a vampire, Xander had become fascinated with his

own power. He was addicted to the idea of being stronger, more vicious than any enemy. Here

before him lay one of the most ruthless and cold-blooded vampires in history and he was his

prisoner. It was too delicious to pass up.

He threw the chained Spike on his belly across the floor. The weakened vampire landed with a

bone-crunching sound. He moaned pitifully as Xander positioned himself on top of him and

pinioned the manacled arms on the floor. With his free hand he unzipped and pulled the

bloodstained jeans to his victim's ankles. Xander stopped to enjoy the view which was arresting

to say the least and quickly disposed of his own leather pants.

He entered his victim roughly and without much consideration. The vampire gasped

convulsively as he was being torn from inside. His cries turned to screams as acid exploded

inside of him. Without hesitating, Xander continued his assault until Spike was little more than

quivering mass of sobs under him.

Satisfied, he withdrew and replaced his clothing. Spike was still, as in a trance. Xander kicked

him on the ribs but the aggression wen unheeded. It seemed like vampire was no longer

occupying its shell.

Imminent defeat aside, Xander felt good. He felt king of the world good. He adjusted his

leather jacket and cocked his chin defiantly. No matter what the Slayer bitch did to him, he had

gotten his pound of flesh from her.

Picking up his discarded stake, he approached his defeated foe. And aimed.

TBC.

Please Read and Review otherwise I'm gonna leave there. Promise (well not really since I am as

eager to finish this as you are). I already have the last chapter in my head which is why I wrote

this story in the first place. Thank you ever so much to those that are still reviewing especially

to Professor Weasley and alex9 for their continued support. TTFN.