*~*~*~*~*
When Wesley woke up the next morning in his apartment, he felt lighter than normal. Not physically, really, but rather like a burden had been lifted from his shoulders. He went about his normal morning routine with a slight bounce in his step. Once dressed and fed he looked at himself in his bathroom mirror and smiled. It was going to be a beautiful day today. He could just feel it.
*~*~*
She could just feel it. Cordelia knew this was going to be a horrible day. Not only did she sleep through her alarm, but also the shower had run out of hot water, she ripped her new shirt on the closet door, stubbed her toe on the bedpost and was out of milk for her cereal. When she finally gave up on the idea of her hair doing what she wanted she pulled on a hat and headed out the door. Maybe work would be better.
*~*~*
After about three hours of sleep, Angel woke up fully charged. But he was limited to his hotel during the day unless he wanted to drawl around in the sewers. That didn't seem so appealing today. He showered and dressed then made his way down to the lobby. He could smell something coming from the kitchen. Someone was cooking. It was then that he remembered he had offered Eve a place to stay.
He made his way into the kitchen and smiled when she greeted him with a steaming cup of coffee. "Morning," she chirped.
"Morning." He sat at the table.
She plopped the morning paper in front of him. "Keeping up on current events?"
He shrugged. "Some of them."
"But your time has been taken up with demons and the like I take it." She scurried about the kitchen as she made her breakfast. She paused once to pull out another mug from the microwave and hand it to him. "O positive still your calling?"
He took the mug and sipped at it. "Warmed just right."
She nodded and served up her own meal. "I'll most likely be leaving tonight. I thought that this time I might tell you good-bye instead of just leaving you." She sat across from him. "I've been debating on whether or not to tell you exactly who I'm heading over to direct to their destiny." She ate a bite of food. "You know them."
He looked at her, searching her face. "Who?"
She ate another bite. "I didn't even realize she was the one until I saw her picture. She's very pretty. It's a shame."
"Cordelia? Please say it's not Cordelia."
"It's not Cordelia." She washed down the bite of food with some milk. "Her name is Buffy Summers."
Angel just stared at her in utter horror. "No, you can't take her."
Eve sighed. "You know that I have to. It's my duty. It's her time. It was actually her time when she drowned. But she was given some time to take care of a few things."
"But that's not fair."
"Was it fair to take the lives you did?"
This made him silent as he bowed his head. "That was a low blow."
"Well how do you think I feel? Life and death happens, Angelus. You can't stop it all. It's not decided by us." She picked up her plate of half eaten food and dumped it in the sink. "I'll leave now to stop you from warning her."
He stood. "I can call her."
She shook her head. "I cut all the phone lines and burned the outlets. I gathered that you'd try to warn her. But Angel…"
"What?"
"I can make it painless if you'd like."
He closed his eyes and held back tears. "Fine."
She swallowed. "I wanted to tell you now so that you wouldn't hate me later. You are one of the only friends I have kept over the years."
His eyes stayed closed. "I don't hate you. I hate Them."
"But you can't. Don't you see? Why should They favor her and not some other slayer?" She touched his shoulder. "Please understand."
He brushed off her hand. "Go if you have to." He headed out the door back to his office.
So she left.
*~*~*
Angel had never been more thankful for Cordelia and all her business savvy then when he reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a cell phone. He dialed up Buffy quickly. But only received an answering machine. He hung up before leaving a message. What was he going to say? So he broke down and called for help.
"Angel Investigations, we help the hopeless!"
"Cordelia, this is Angel. I need your help. And Wesley's. We have to get a hold of Buffy." He tried not to sound panicked.
"Sure, what's going on?"
"Can I tell you when you get here? I think the battery is low."
"Yeah, we can be there in a minute."
Angel hung up the phone and turned to the front door. "You know I had to try."
Eve nodded and stepped inside. "I know. That's why I didn't take the job. Buffy will be fine for a while." She faltered a step, almost falling.
He rushed to her side. "Are you alright?"
She shook her head. "I was punished for saving her." She leaned on him and closed her eyes. "I've never felt pain this much."
He swooped her into his arms and took her over to the couch, laying her down. "You'll be okay though, right?"
She nodded. "This was just a warning." Her blue eyes were slightly pale. "This is the first time I've gone against their wishes so they took it easy on me."
He brushed some hair from her face. "Can I get you something?"
She shook her head with a small smile. "I just need some rest for now." She closed her eyes. "A blanket would be nice though."
He hurried to the linen closet and came back with a blanket for her. "I'm so sorry, Eve."
Wesley and Cordelia filed into the hotel. "Angel?"
Eve sighed. "Dura lex sed lex."
Angel furrowed his brow. "What?"
Wesley came closer. "She said, 'the law is hard, but it is the law.' What happened?" He kneeled by her side. "Are you all right?"
She opened her eyes and smiled at him. "I will be. Thank you for asking."
Cordelia watched from the door. "So what's this about Buffy?"
Angel turned to her. "She'll be fine. Eve took care of it." He paused a beat. "I mean, she's NOT going to let Buffy die." He turned back to Eve and gasped. Cordelia followed his gaze and rolled her eyes.
Wesley was leaned over the couch, kissing Eve.
Angel had seen a lot of kisses and kissed a lot in his time and he could defiantly tell that this kiss meant one thing. Sex. And lots of it by the way the two started grabbing at each other furiously.
Angel cleared his throat. "Wesley? Why don't you help Eve to a room?"
The kiss broke abruptly. "Uh, yes. Of course." He lifted Eve into his arms, carefully trying to hide the erection he had and took her away.
Cordelia scowled. "He's SOOO not getting paid for this time."
Angel chuckled and looked over at her. "You want some coffee?"
*~*~*
It was an hour past sunset before Wesley emerged from the room. He sauntered down the stairs with a smile a mile wide. Angel was in the lobby, now joined by Gunn. Cordelia had elected to go back to her office after two hours. Gunn and Angel looked up at him.
Wesley looked from one to the other. "Something wrong?"
Gunn grinned. "Go English! You are the MAN!" Laughter erupted from him.
Wesley turned about ten shades of red as he cleared his throat. "Uh, thank you I think." He went over to the counter, tucking in his shirt. "What time is it?"
Angel glanced at the clock. "Almost eight."
Wesley nodded. "Then I take it Cordelia left?"
"She was gone by ten." Angel paused. "I'm surprised you have any energy left."
He smiled. "We fell asleep about two." He went over to the coffee pot and poured out a cold cup. "She is quite a woman."
"Quite a pixie you mean," Angel corrected.
Gunn looked toward the stairs. "Pixie?"
Wesley nodded. "Yes, that she is."
Angel mumbled something under his breath.
"What was that?" Gunn smirked.
Angel cleared his throat and stood up straight, then went over to the desk and shuffled through some papers. "She's probably pregnant."
Cold coffee came shooting out of Wesley's nose. "What?" He set the cup aside. "Oh Lord, I read that. Pixies breed with human males."
"Papa Wes!" Gunn exclaimed as he doubled over in laughter.
Angel glared. "Gunn, we don't even know if she's pregnant."
"We do now."
All voices ceased as they looked at the stairway were Eve stood wrapped in a robe. Her belly was slightly swollen. She looked about three months along in her pregnancy.
Wesley dropped his coffee cup, shattering it on the floor. "Eve... But how?"
Gunn grinned. "Well first there's a man and a woman..."
Wesley shot him a glance. "I mean, how did you progress that far?"
She took slow steps down the stairs, a hand on her stomach. "It only takes a few days for a pixie to have a baby. It's part of our magic."
He watched her walk. "You knew I'd impregnate you?"
She nodded. "I had a feeling it was you when I first saw you. Then this morning when we kissed I knew. I knew you had to be the father of my child." She smiled over to Angel. "Hello. You look well." Her eyes drifted to Gunn. "And who might this new one be?"
He stood and looked her over. "Gunn, and you?" He smiled.
She returned the smile tenfold. "They call me Eve." She sat on the couch as her eyes found Wesley again. "Is something wrong?"
He had a foul look on his face and he didn't come near her. "Why didn't you let me know before hand?"
Her smile faltered. "Would you have made love to me if I had?"
He didn't look at her. "I would have taken the time to think about this. About fathering a baby, a PIXIE baby no less."
The room fell silent.
"Ya know, I better go check on Cordy and see what she's up to at the office." Gunn took this moment to retreat out the door.
Angel straightened up. "Eve, is there anything you need?"
She nodded. "Some water please. And maybe something to eat." She looked almost close to tears and Angel had never seen her cry. Ever.
He walked up to her and squeezed her shoulder. "No problem. Wait here." He looked up to Wesley. "Why don't you come help me?" In his voice was no question though. In his voice was a little bit of anger.
Wesley nodded and followed him back to the kitchen. Once there, Angel slammed the door shut. "What is your problem, Wesley?"
He turned to the vampire in shock. "What is MY problem? How about the fact that I was used for something that I got no say in! Angel, I'm going to be a father of an immortal being! You think I have no right to be a little upset?"
"No, and you don't have a right to bring her to tears when all she was trying to do was have the only child she'll be allowed to before she dies!" Angel turned to the fridge and pulled out some food to cook for her.
Wesley was in shock. "What? But in three thousand years, surly..."
"No. She's never had a child. That's why she's lived so long. Pixies die a couple of years after giving birth. They didn't put that in the books." He turned on the stove and proceeded making her some dinner.
Wesley had to take a seat. "I had no idea..."
"And you didn't bother to ask either. You just started accusing her of things. But she gave you everything. Her life and a child."
*~*~*
Wesley came out of the kitchen before Angel to find Eve still on the couch, hugging a pillow and crying softly. He felt instant regret for the way he had spoken to her. He sat next to her and wrapped an arm around her shaking shoulders. "I'm sorry," he said.
She sniffled a little and leaned on him, still hugging her pillow. "I'm sorry as well. I should have told you. This is all my fault. You don't want a child. I shouldn't have tricked you like that."
He stroked her hair and kissed her head. "You didn't trick me. If you recall I was quite willing to sleep with you." He exhaled loudly. "I think, perhaps, that in some way I as well knew that I would father your child."
She looked up at him, her cheeks streamed with tears. "You aren't mad?"
He shook his head. "Not in the least. I am quite honored." He smiled and kissed her softly. "I was just surprised is all."
She nodded. "Thank you. You'll never understand how much this truly means to me." She wiped her eyes and laid her head on his chest. "What would you like me to name her?"
He held her close and thought. "How about Allison?"
She smiled. "That's a very pretty name. I'm sure she'll like that."
*~*~*
Eve had wanted to stay at the hotel so Wesley stayed as well. Angel was quite impressed by the care that Wesley was taking of her. He had tucked her into bed with extra pillows, sat and read to her, talked to her about his family in England and just general let her know that someone cared about her. She was all smiles most of the time. Then the baby would grow or move a little and she would shift about. When the end of the second day came, Wesley lay next to her and wrapped her in his arms. "Sleep well," he told her.
She kissed him. "I will. Tomorrow's the day."
He swallowed. "Tomorrow? You... you're sure?"
"Wesley, the baby is almost full grown." Her smile faltered some. "There's something I think you should know."
"And that is?"
She closed her eyes. "I won't be around after a couple of years. And Allison will probably have to go to them."
He ran his fingers through her hair. "I know. You're dying." His voice choked with emotion. "I don't want you to die."
"But you'll have me for the couple of years to help with Allison. She'll need guidance for her powers. And I'd like her to get to know you and her human side as well." She sighed. "Let her learn with Angel, Gunn and even Cordelia. I'd like her to understand life so she won't take it for granted."
He held back some tears. "You talk as if you'll be dead tomorrow. We'll have time for this. Just sleep now. It's going to be a big day tomorrow."
She nodded and drifted to sleep in his arms.
*~*~*
When dawn reared up the next morning, Angel awoke with a start to a bloodcurdling scream. He bolted out to the lobby and straight to Eve's room. She was on the bed, her knees up and parted. Wesley was standing at the foot of the bed in shock.
She was in labor.
Angel went to Wesley first and grabbed his shoulder gently. "Wes, go get some towels and water. And call Cordelia." When Wesley didn't move he squeezed his shoulder. "Now would be good."
Snapping out of his trance, the father to be took off to gather things.
Angel looked over to Eve next. She was breathing heavily, her eyes wide. "Angelus! Get this thing out of me! NOW!"
He had to keep from laughing as he went next to her and took her hand. "Just stay calm. I've seen this a couple of times." He looked to see if the baby was coming out yet. "A couple of times on TV."
She grabbed his shirt and yanked him close. "ON TV?!? ARE YOU NUTS?!?" She let go of him and clung to the sheets. "Here she comes!"
Wesley came back with the towels and water. "Cordelia's on her way." He dropped the water when he saw that the baby was coming out. "Oh dear Lord." He fainted.
She looked down at Wesley. "A lot of fucking help YOU were!"
*~*~*
A blissful hour later, Allison was cleaned and dried and happily sleeping in her mother's arms. Cordelia had taken care of most of that. Angel was impressed by how much she helped. Wesley was conscious again, holding an ice pack to the bump on his head while he sat by Eve. All seemed well, like nothing bad could ruin it.
Cordelia cried out as she grabbed her head and fell towards the ground. Angel swooped her into his arms and held her up. "What is it?" he asked.
She took a moment to steady herself. "Buffy." She looked to Eve. "They're sending another one to finish what you couldn't."
Eve looked at her sleeping baby. "They waited until they knew I wouldn't be able to help." She looked to Wesley. "You have to go. All of you. It will take all of you to defeat her. She's powerful I'm sure."
"But how can we defeat her?" Angel asked.
"Take a lock of my hair, each of you, for protection. You will not be able to kill her, but you will be able to stop her. I must stay here with Allison." She kissed the sleeping baby's head. "We'll be fine till you get back."
Angel shook his head. "It's daylight out. I can't go."
"You can cover and ride in the trunk. They'll need you. Please. You have to save her."
He nodded. "Let's go."
*~*~*
When they had finally left, Eve stood with her baby in her arms and walked to the window. She basked in the warm sunlight, humming softly with her eyes closed. She finally had what she'd been wanting for three thousand years.
"That's a sweet tune."
Eve turned slowly to face a man in a suit. He had a prosthetic right hand and an evil grin. "Who are you?" she asked.
He leaned on the doorframe. "Lindsey McDonald. I'm a lawyer from..."
"Wolfram and Hart." She sighed. "I was wondering when they would send you." She held her baby closer. "You can't have her."
"Miss, you are the oldest pixie."
"The first pixie."
"Exactly. You're child will be ver powerful and I'm here to take her where she can learn to use those powers and control them." He stepped closer. "No one wants to force you to do anything. We'd like you to come with us. We'll provide anything you need during this special time."
"That vision that Cordelia had about Buffy, did you plant that?" She stepped back.
"No, ma'am. That was a real vision." He held out his good hand. "If you'll just come with me, there's a car waiting outside."
She closed her eyes. "You'll have her as an assassin, won't you? Teach her to kill for money? Teach her to kill for sport?"
"Now let's not talk like that. We simply want to teach her to use her powers to the best of her ability." He took his hand back. "We can take her by force, you know. You're powers are weakened. I don't want to have to do that."
Eve swallowed and nodded, opening her eyes. "May I at least take a few things with me?"
He smiled. "Of course. I'll help you."
She shuddered and rocked Allison in her arms.
When Wesley woke up the next morning in his apartment, he felt lighter than normal. Not physically, really, but rather like a burden had been lifted from his shoulders. He went about his normal morning routine with a slight bounce in his step. Once dressed and fed he looked at himself in his bathroom mirror and smiled. It was going to be a beautiful day today. He could just feel it.
*~*~*
She could just feel it. Cordelia knew this was going to be a horrible day. Not only did she sleep through her alarm, but also the shower had run out of hot water, she ripped her new shirt on the closet door, stubbed her toe on the bedpost and was out of milk for her cereal. When she finally gave up on the idea of her hair doing what she wanted she pulled on a hat and headed out the door. Maybe work would be better.
*~*~*
After about three hours of sleep, Angel woke up fully charged. But he was limited to his hotel during the day unless he wanted to drawl around in the sewers. That didn't seem so appealing today. He showered and dressed then made his way down to the lobby. He could smell something coming from the kitchen. Someone was cooking. It was then that he remembered he had offered Eve a place to stay.
He made his way into the kitchen and smiled when she greeted him with a steaming cup of coffee. "Morning," she chirped.
"Morning." He sat at the table.
She plopped the morning paper in front of him. "Keeping up on current events?"
He shrugged. "Some of them."
"But your time has been taken up with demons and the like I take it." She scurried about the kitchen as she made her breakfast. She paused once to pull out another mug from the microwave and hand it to him. "O positive still your calling?"
He took the mug and sipped at it. "Warmed just right."
She nodded and served up her own meal. "I'll most likely be leaving tonight. I thought that this time I might tell you good-bye instead of just leaving you." She sat across from him. "I've been debating on whether or not to tell you exactly who I'm heading over to direct to their destiny." She ate a bite of food. "You know them."
He looked at her, searching her face. "Who?"
She ate another bite. "I didn't even realize she was the one until I saw her picture. She's very pretty. It's a shame."
"Cordelia? Please say it's not Cordelia."
"It's not Cordelia." She washed down the bite of food with some milk. "Her name is Buffy Summers."
Angel just stared at her in utter horror. "No, you can't take her."
Eve sighed. "You know that I have to. It's my duty. It's her time. It was actually her time when she drowned. But she was given some time to take care of a few things."
"But that's not fair."
"Was it fair to take the lives you did?"
This made him silent as he bowed his head. "That was a low blow."
"Well how do you think I feel? Life and death happens, Angelus. You can't stop it all. It's not decided by us." She picked up her plate of half eaten food and dumped it in the sink. "I'll leave now to stop you from warning her."
He stood. "I can call her."
She shook her head. "I cut all the phone lines and burned the outlets. I gathered that you'd try to warn her. But Angel…"
"What?"
"I can make it painless if you'd like."
He closed his eyes and held back tears. "Fine."
She swallowed. "I wanted to tell you now so that you wouldn't hate me later. You are one of the only friends I have kept over the years."
His eyes stayed closed. "I don't hate you. I hate Them."
"But you can't. Don't you see? Why should They favor her and not some other slayer?" She touched his shoulder. "Please understand."
He brushed off her hand. "Go if you have to." He headed out the door back to his office.
So she left.
*~*~*
Angel had never been more thankful for Cordelia and all her business savvy then when he reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a cell phone. He dialed up Buffy quickly. But only received an answering machine. He hung up before leaving a message. What was he going to say? So he broke down and called for help.
"Angel Investigations, we help the hopeless!"
"Cordelia, this is Angel. I need your help. And Wesley's. We have to get a hold of Buffy." He tried not to sound panicked.
"Sure, what's going on?"
"Can I tell you when you get here? I think the battery is low."
"Yeah, we can be there in a minute."
Angel hung up the phone and turned to the front door. "You know I had to try."
Eve nodded and stepped inside. "I know. That's why I didn't take the job. Buffy will be fine for a while." She faltered a step, almost falling.
He rushed to her side. "Are you alright?"
She shook her head. "I was punished for saving her." She leaned on him and closed her eyes. "I've never felt pain this much."
He swooped her into his arms and took her over to the couch, laying her down. "You'll be okay though, right?"
She nodded. "This was just a warning." Her blue eyes were slightly pale. "This is the first time I've gone against their wishes so they took it easy on me."
He brushed some hair from her face. "Can I get you something?"
She shook her head with a small smile. "I just need some rest for now." She closed her eyes. "A blanket would be nice though."
He hurried to the linen closet and came back with a blanket for her. "I'm so sorry, Eve."
Wesley and Cordelia filed into the hotel. "Angel?"
Eve sighed. "Dura lex sed lex."
Angel furrowed his brow. "What?"
Wesley came closer. "She said, 'the law is hard, but it is the law.' What happened?" He kneeled by her side. "Are you all right?"
She opened her eyes and smiled at him. "I will be. Thank you for asking."
Cordelia watched from the door. "So what's this about Buffy?"
Angel turned to her. "She'll be fine. Eve took care of it." He paused a beat. "I mean, she's NOT going to let Buffy die." He turned back to Eve and gasped. Cordelia followed his gaze and rolled her eyes.
Wesley was leaned over the couch, kissing Eve.
Angel had seen a lot of kisses and kissed a lot in his time and he could defiantly tell that this kiss meant one thing. Sex. And lots of it by the way the two started grabbing at each other furiously.
Angel cleared his throat. "Wesley? Why don't you help Eve to a room?"
The kiss broke abruptly. "Uh, yes. Of course." He lifted Eve into his arms, carefully trying to hide the erection he had and took her away.
Cordelia scowled. "He's SOOO not getting paid for this time."
Angel chuckled and looked over at her. "You want some coffee?"
*~*~*
It was an hour past sunset before Wesley emerged from the room. He sauntered down the stairs with a smile a mile wide. Angel was in the lobby, now joined by Gunn. Cordelia had elected to go back to her office after two hours. Gunn and Angel looked up at him.
Wesley looked from one to the other. "Something wrong?"
Gunn grinned. "Go English! You are the MAN!" Laughter erupted from him.
Wesley turned about ten shades of red as he cleared his throat. "Uh, thank you I think." He went over to the counter, tucking in his shirt. "What time is it?"
Angel glanced at the clock. "Almost eight."
Wesley nodded. "Then I take it Cordelia left?"
"She was gone by ten." Angel paused. "I'm surprised you have any energy left."
He smiled. "We fell asleep about two." He went over to the coffee pot and poured out a cold cup. "She is quite a woman."
"Quite a pixie you mean," Angel corrected.
Gunn looked toward the stairs. "Pixie?"
Wesley nodded. "Yes, that she is."
Angel mumbled something under his breath.
"What was that?" Gunn smirked.
Angel cleared his throat and stood up straight, then went over to the desk and shuffled through some papers. "She's probably pregnant."
Cold coffee came shooting out of Wesley's nose. "What?" He set the cup aside. "Oh Lord, I read that. Pixies breed with human males."
"Papa Wes!" Gunn exclaimed as he doubled over in laughter.
Angel glared. "Gunn, we don't even know if she's pregnant."
"We do now."
All voices ceased as they looked at the stairway were Eve stood wrapped in a robe. Her belly was slightly swollen. She looked about three months along in her pregnancy.
Wesley dropped his coffee cup, shattering it on the floor. "Eve... But how?"
Gunn grinned. "Well first there's a man and a woman..."
Wesley shot him a glance. "I mean, how did you progress that far?"
She took slow steps down the stairs, a hand on her stomach. "It only takes a few days for a pixie to have a baby. It's part of our magic."
He watched her walk. "You knew I'd impregnate you?"
She nodded. "I had a feeling it was you when I first saw you. Then this morning when we kissed I knew. I knew you had to be the father of my child." She smiled over to Angel. "Hello. You look well." Her eyes drifted to Gunn. "And who might this new one be?"
He stood and looked her over. "Gunn, and you?" He smiled.
She returned the smile tenfold. "They call me Eve." She sat on the couch as her eyes found Wesley again. "Is something wrong?"
He had a foul look on his face and he didn't come near her. "Why didn't you let me know before hand?"
Her smile faltered. "Would you have made love to me if I had?"
He didn't look at her. "I would have taken the time to think about this. About fathering a baby, a PIXIE baby no less."
The room fell silent.
"Ya know, I better go check on Cordy and see what she's up to at the office." Gunn took this moment to retreat out the door.
Angel straightened up. "Eve, is there anything you need?"
She nodded. "Some water please. And maybe something to eat." She looked almost close to tears and Angel had never seen her cry. Ever.
He walked up to her and squeezed her shoulder. "No problem. Wait here." He looked up to Wesley. "Why don't you come help me?" In his voice was no question though. In his voice was a little bit of anger.
Wesley nodded and followed him back to the kitchen. Once there, Angel slammed the door shut. "What is your problem, Wesley?"
He turned to the vampire in shock. "What is MY problem? How about the fact that I was used for something that I got no say in! Angel, I'm going to be a father of an immortal being! You think I have no right to be a little upset?"
"No, and you don't have a right to bring her to tears when all she was trying to do was have the only child she'll be allowed to before she dies!" Angel turned to the fridge and pulled out some food to cook for her.
Wesley was in shock. "What? But in three thousand years, surly..."
"No. She's never had a child. That's why she's lived so long. Pixies die a couple of years after giving birth. They didn't put that in the books." He turned on the stove and proceeded making her some dinner.
Wesley had to take a seat. "I had no idea..."
"And you didn't bother to ask either. You just started accusing her of things. But she gave you everything. Her life and a child."
*~*~*
Wesley came out of the kitchen before Angel to find Eve still on the couch, hugging a pillow and crying softly. He felt instant regret for the way he had spoken to her. He sat next to her and wrapped an arm around her shaking shoulders. "I'm sorry," he said.
She sniffled a little and leaned on him, still hugging her pillow. "I'm sorry as well. I should have told you. This is all my fault. You don't want a child. I shouldn't have tricked you like that."
He stroked her hair and kissed her head. "You didn't trick me. If you recall I was quite willing to sleep with you." He exhaled loudly. "I think, perhaps, that in some way I as well knew that I would father your child."
She looked up at him, her cheeks streamed with tears. "You aren't mad?"
He shook his head. "Not in the least. I am quite honored." He smiled and kissed her softly. "I was just surprised is all."
She nodded. "Thank you. You'll never understand how much this truly means to me." She wiped her eyes and laid her head on his chest. "What would you like me to name her?"
He held her close and thought. "How about Allison?"
She smiled. "That's a very pretty name. I'm sure she'll like that."
*~*~*
Eve had wanted to stay at the hotel so Wesley stayed as well. Angel was quite impressed by the care that Wesley was taking of her. He had tucked her into bed with extra pillows, sat and read to her, talked to her about his family in England and just general let her know that someone cared about her. She was all smiles most of the time. Then the baby would grow or move a little and she would shift about. When the end of the second day came, Wesley lay next to her and wrapped her in his arms. "Sleep well," he told her.
She kissed him. "I will. Tomorrow's the day."
He swallowed. "Tomorrow? You... you're sure?"
"Wesley, the baby is almost full grown." Her smile faltered some. "There's something I think you should know."
"And that is?"
She closed her eyes. "I won't be around after a couple of years. And Allison will probably have to go to them."
He ran his fingers through her hair. "I know. You're dying." His voice choked with emotion. "I don't want you to die."
"But you'll have me for the couple of years to help with Allison. She'll need guidance for her powers. And I'd like her to get to know you and her human side as well." She sighed. "Let her learn with Angel, Gunn and even Cordelia. I'd like her to understand life so she won't take it for granted."
He held back some tears. "You talk as if you'll be dead tomorrow. We'll have time for this. Just sleep now. It's going to be a big day tomorrow."
She nodded and drifted to sleep in his arms.
*~*~*
When dawn reared up the next morning, Angel awoke with a start to a bloodcurdling scream. He bolted out to the lobby and straight to Eve's room. She was on the bed, her knees up and parted. Wesley was standing at the foot of the bed in shock.
She was in labor.
Angel went to Wesley first and grabbed his shoulder gently. "Wes, go get some towels and water. And call Cordelia." When Wesley didn't move he squeezed his shoulder. "Now would be good."
Snapping out of his trance, the father to be took off to gather things.
Angel looked over to Eve next. She was breathing heavily, her eyes wide. "Angelus! Get this thing out of me! NOW!"
He had to keep from laughing as he went next to her and took her hand. "Just stay calm. I've seen this a couple of times." He looked to see if the baby was coming out yet. "A couple of times on TV."
She grabbed his shirt and yanked him close. "ON TV?!? ARE YOU NUTS?!?" She let go of him and clung to the sheets. "Here she comes!"
Wesley came back with the towels and water. "Cordelia's on her way." He dropped the water when he saw that the baby was coming out. "Oh dear Lord." He fainted.
She looked down at Wesley. "A lot of fucking help YOU were!"
*~*~*
A blissful hour later, Allison was cleaned and dried and happily sleeping in her mother's arms. Cordelia had taken care of most of that. Angel was impressed by how much she helped. Wesley was conscious again, holding an ice pack to the bump on his head while he sat by Eve. All seemed well, like nothing bad could ruin it.
Cordelia cried out as she grabbed her head and fell towards the ground. Angel swooped her into his arms and held her up. "What is it?" he asked.
She took a moment to steady herself. "Buffy." She looked to Eve. "They're sending another one to finish what you couldn't."
Eve looked at her sleeping baby. "They waited until they knew I wouldn't be able to help." She looked to Wesley. "You have to go. All of you. It will take all of you to defeat her. She's powerful I'm sure."
"But how can we defeat her?" Angel asked.
"Take a lock of my hair, each of you, for protection. You will not be able to kill her, but you will be able to stop her. I must stay here with Allison." She kissed the sleeping baby's head. "We'll be fine till you get back."
Angel shook his head. "It's daylight out. I can't go."
"You can cover and ride in the trunk. They'll need you. Please. You have to save her."
He nodded. "Let's go."
*~*~*
When they had finally left, Eve stood with her baby in her arms and walked to the window. She basked in the warm sunlight, humming softly with her eyes closed. She finally had what she'd been wanting for three thousand years.
"That's a sweet tune."
Eve turned slowly to face a man in a suit. He had a prosthetic right hand and an evil grin. "Who are you?" she asked.
He leaned on the doorframe. "Lindsey McDonald. I'm a lawyer from..."
"Wolfram and Hart." She sighed. "I was wondering when they would send you." She held her baby closer. "You can't have her."
"Miss, you are the oldest pixie."
"The first pixie."
"Exactly. You're child will be ver powerful and I'm here to take her where she can learn to use those powers and control them." He stepped closer. "No one wants to force you to do anything. We'd like you to come with us. We'll provide anything you need during this special time."
"That vision that Cordelia had about Buffy, did you plant that?" She stepped back.
"No, ma'am. That was a real vision." He held out his good hand. "If you'll just come with me, there's a car waiting outside."
She closed her eyes. "You'll have her as an assassin, won't you? Teach her to kill for money? Teach her to kill for sport?"
"Now let's not talk like that. We simply want to teach her to use her powers to the best of her ability." He took his hand back. "We can take her by force, you know. You're powers are weakened. I don't want to have to do that."
Eve swallowed and nodded, opening her eyes. "May I at least take a few things with me?"
He smiled. "Of course. I'll help you."
She shuddered and rocked Allison in her arms.