Hard Choices: Chapter 3
Spike woke a couple of hours later, making it back to Xander's apartment with barely enough time before the sun rose. He let himself in, careful not to disturb Anya, who was still curled up on the far end of the sofa. He felt sorry for the girl. She still held her delusions about a perfect life with Xander, even after the unexpected turn of events. He quietly took the afghan from the back of the couch and placed it over her body before turning toward the bedroom.
All was quiet when he pushed open the door. The room was dark, protected by the heavy drapes on the window and the figure still lay sprawled out on the bed, looking more asleep than dead. Spike shuddered at the thought. Xander was dead. Until later, when a vampire would emerge, taking the place of the happy go lucky carpenter. Spike eyed a chair, pushed far against the corner of the room. He unloaded the armfuls of clothes piled in a heap on top of it and pulled it out alongside the bed. He sat with his legs straddling the seat, his chin resting atop of his hands on the back of it. Intently, he sat and watched. Watched the lack of breath. The lack of movement. He casually wondered if he appeared this dead when he slept.
He closed his eyes, trying to remember back to the night so long ago in the abandoned barn. Drusilla had been a beauty to him, full of passion and mystery, appearing when he needed it most. Given the choice when she showed her true face, he had still accepted the life she offered without fully understanding what it meant. His thoughts roamed to the man on the bed. Xander wasn't given that choice. It had been decided for him. How would the boy react? Would he embrace his new life as Spike had? Relish in the strength and power that came with the demon?
Spike shook his head. Of course he wouldn't embrace it. Not like he had. He'd done what demons were meant to do. He'd fed, hunted, fucked.... ultimately given a two-fingered salute to the society that raised him. He wreaked havoc on the townspeople just because he could. Not Xander. He wasn't going to be allowed that freedom. Buffy would just as soon stake him before she'd let the demon loose. Spike would have to teach him, control him. He wouldn't allow him human blood, only bagged from animals. His plan was to teach the boy to fight against his nature.
Spike had done it. Not by choice, of course, but the fact remained he hadn't fed from a human in two years. Okay, there was one slip when Dru came to town, but hey, no one's perfect he thought casually to himself. It wasn't like he'd killed the girl. And how could you turn down a gift from your sire?
Realizing his mind was wandering off track, he cracked an eye open one last time to the motionless figure on the bed and sighed deeply. For both their sakes, he hoped for once in his life he had a plan that would work. He settled down, making himself as comfortable as the old rickety chair would allow, and finally fell into a restless sleep full of bitter anticipation.
Xander stirred. He slowly opened his eyes, roaming the outline of his darkened bedroom. He knew the sun was out, shining brightly beyond the covered window and subtly wondered what time of day it was. He hadn't remembered actually lying down the night before and pondered over how long he had been asleep. One thought kept repeating itself like a mantra over and over in his brain. Hunger. He felt hunger like he'd never known. A hunger so deep he almost felt nauseous with it.
He stretched his body, feeling a wave of pain throughout his chest and torso. He closed his eyes and recalled the fight in the graveyard the night before. At least it explained his discomfort and the smell he'd begun to notice. He pulled the blanket away, realizing he was still dressed and covered with the blood from his wounds. His mouth watered at the scent and his stomach turned at the confusing thought he'd just had.
He swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood cautiously, thinking he'd still be weak from the abuse he had taken. Surprised immediately by the strength he felt coursing through his body, he smiled as he crossed the floor to the window, lightly pulling the drapes back to allow some light into the room.
"No!!!" the familiar voice shouted from across the room.
Xander growled before he realized what was happening and felt the pain of the sun on his bare arms. He felt another body against his, shoving him roughly out of the way. Spike closed the curtains and turned to Xander, allowing his vampiric features to emerge.
Xander stood in panic, his hands traveling the plains of his face. He felt the ridges, the teeth, letting his fingers take in the overall appearance of what he was. It only occurred to him then, at that moment, that he hadn't taken a breath. He unintentionally growled deep in his throat as he caught the expression on Spike's face and put it all together. No longer human, he was a vampire. He felt a rage deep in his gut, fiercer than any anger he'd known. It became clear, the craving he felt. The smell of the blood permeating the air, calling to him.
His eyes narrowed on the other vampire in front of him. "What the fuck did you do?!"
Spike growled loudly in reply, making his dominance known. He grabbed the other man and forcefully pushed him against the wall, holding him in place. "If it wasn't for me you'd be dead you stupid git."
Xander growled again, trying to break the hold Spike had on him, only making the older vampire squeeze harder. He began to feel dizzy, his legs giving way under him. Spike caught him before he fell and hoisted his body onto the bed.
"You need to feed."
"Blood. You want me to..... What the hell did you get out of this, Spike?! Payback? Amusement?!!"
"Wasn't my bleedin' idea, you wanker! If you think I wanted this, you're crazy! And you can do what you like, but blood's the only thing's gonna satisfy that hole in your stomach. Nothing else."
Xander relaxed when he felt Spike's hold ease a bit. "It hurts." His body began to tremble and he pulled his arms around his torso, curling into a ball.
"It's the bloodlust. It'll pass." Spike answered in a softer tone. When he was sure the other man was calmer, he rose from the bed and walked to the door.
"Stay here." His tone was demanding, taking on the role of sire.
Spike opened the door to the room cautiously, looking around first to make sure they were alone in the apartment. When he found no sign of Anya, he stepped out and headed straight for the refrigerator. Opening it, he found the usual contents emptied and refilled with bags upon bags of blood. Grabbing a handful, he tossed them into the microwave all at once and pushed the button. He used the few spare minutes to telephone Anya at the Magic Box. He quickly let her know that Xander had awakened, and forced his hand again when she'd immediately wanted to see him. After convincing her otherwise, he hung up, tore into the allotment of bags and prepared to let the newly risen vamp experience his first taste of blood.
Xander was pacing at the door before Spike had a chance to walk through it. His nostrils flared at the scent coming from the kitchen, his body trembling wildly with the anticipation of the relief he knew the blood would give. He growled and grabbed for the large mug as soon as Spike was close enough. He began to drink. The warm liquid slid down his throat, calming his stomach, easing the pain. He gulped, taking in as much as he could at one time, almost choking from the speed in which he drank. Done with the first, Spike handed him another right away, watching as Xander downed the second just as quickly. When he began begging for more, Spike shook his head, pushing the brunette away.
"No. You've had enough for now."
"Fuck you, Spike! This is my place, my rules!"
Before he could attempt to defend himself, Xander was on the floor with one hundred seventy pounds of furious vampire on top of him. Spike gave a warning growl before clasping his hands around Xander's throat.
"Remember who you're talking to, Harris. I made you! I could have bloody well let you die in that cemetery!"
"Why the fuck didn't you! Like this is so much better."
"I gave you a gift. Learn to appreciate it, mate."
Spike eased his way off the boy onto shaky legs. He turned, swaggering out of the bedroom, trying not to let Xander see the true grief on his face. When he reached the couch, he let out a deep breath and sat down, sinking into the cushions. He hated having to be rough with him, but he knew Xander would have to learn his place if Spike was to have any hold on his childe. The stronger he became, the more he would fight. Stubborn in life, he knew death would be no different. The boundaries would have to be set early on. As much as he hated the fact, he was now a sire, responsible for Xander. Their unique situation would make things that much harder to deal with. He inwardly laughed at his dilemma. He was a vampire with nothing but a chip for obedience, intent on teaching another vampire to live as he himself had to. No hunting, no feeding, no terrorizing victims and relishing in the kill. All for the love of the one woman whose sole purpose was to rid the earth of their kind. A woman who treated him no better than dirt.
He shook his head in disgust. "Love's bitch you bloody sap."
The bedroom remained silent and Spike began wondering what Xander was doing. When enough time passed, he returned to check on the other man and found him lying on the bed, staring at a picture frame. Spike leaned in the doorway, crossing his arms in front of him.
Xander's gaze fell on him and then went back to the picture.
"I hate you."
"I know."
"This was taken last summer. Me, Will and Buffy at the beach. The memory's there. I can see it just like it happened. But I don't feel it. I don't feel anything."
"You felt the bloodlust."
"That was physical."
"It gets better," he acknowledged, pointing toward the picture.
"How? How does it get better?" he asked full of sarcasm.
Spike shrugged. "You start forgetting the memories."
"Do you remember being human?"
Spike closed his eyes and pictured his mother's smile, the warmth of her embrace. The love she'd given him, as only a mother could. "No."
Xander sighed and returned to the picture.
"Buffy's the slayer though. Is she gonna kill me?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"I won't let her."
"Like you'd choose me over her," he scoffed.
"You're mine." The statement felt strange from his lips. "My responsibility," he corrected.
"Bet that pisses you off."
Spike began picking at his nails, obverting his eyes from Xander.
After a moment when he realized Spike wasn't going to answer, the other man spoke again. "I can't change."
Spike met his eyes again suspiciously.
"My face. I can't change back. I tried."
"Takes time. How many new vamps you fought hid their demon?"
Xander thought about it for a moment. "None."
"Give it a day or two. You'll learn. 'S not so hard."
Xander frowned, another thought taking hold. "How do you stand it?"
"What?"
"The hunger."
Spike nodded at the change of subject. "That gets better, too. Look, Harris. There are worse things you could be. Not so different really if you think about it."
"Not so different! I'm a fucking vampire for Christ sake!"
"I did notice that, yeah."
"What, did you think I was gonna just be able to go on, business as usual. same friends, same job? Sorry, Buff, your best friend's a vampire but its okay, he won't bite you because he knows you can kick his ass?!!!"
Xander closed his eyes, letting his head fall back on the pillow seeing visions of Buffy lying beneath him, his cock buried deep inside her body, blood coating his mouth while he drained her essence.
He sat up with a start, his eyes wide, panting for unneeded breath. "Fuck, I can't handle this!"
He jumped up, trying to push past Spike. "I've got to go!"
"Go where?!" Spike demanded, blocking his way.
"I don't know! Somewhere! Out! Just, away from here!" His movements were jittery, sporadic without thought.
"Don't think that's a good idea, mate. Too much you can get into. Besides, sun's up. You won't get too far," he reminded the other man, pointing toward the window.
"I need.....something. I'm going crazy here, Spike." Xander began to pace the room.
"What you need," he answered, drawing out his words slowly, "is to grab a pint, sit down in front of the telly, and calm the fuck down."
"It was Buffy! The thought of Buffy! I saw myself killing her!"
"Yeah, one of my favorite daydreams, too. Now ignore it and come out here and sit!"
Spike allowed the body to squeeze past him, eyeing him wearily until Xander did as suggested and plopped down onto the couch. He grabbed the empty mugs from the dresser and made his way to the kitchen, heating more bags before returning to the distressed vamp on the sofa.
"Don't worry. I'm sure you won't hurt her," he spoke, trying to reassure his childe that it was only his imagination.
Xander caught his gaze, his own eyes full of dark fury. "That's not what I'm worried about."
"What is it then?" he asked, taking a sip and handing the other mug over.
"It's the fact that I want to."
A breath hitched in Spike's throat and Xander noticed the surprised expression.
"Surprised? I can picture it. Every detail. And I bet she tastes a hundred times better than this shit you're feeding me. What's worse is I don't feel bad for thinking it. It's not like she means anything to me now. Just a treat."
The blonde sat, one eyebrow raised as he listened.
"Does that bother you? I know you say you love her. I can't figure out how cuz I sure as hell don't feel anything. I can try and I can pretend, but I'm empty. A demon is what you made, and a demon is what you've got!"
Xander picked up the cup that had been offered to him and with the full force of a childish, angry vampire, shattered it against the wall as he stormed into the bedroom, slamming the door behind him.
Not letting him get away that easy, Spike stormed just as rapidly after him, throwing the door wide open.
"We're not through yet! You don't bloody walk away from me!"
Xander glared at Spike, feeling the power the blonde had over him. He gestured his hand in a not so friendly manner and flipped over on the bed, stomach down to ignore the other man.
A rumble sounded deep in his throat and Spike pounced. "You want to see what a demon can do!" He pulled Xander back over, pushing him into the mattress. "You think because I learned to want more than the craving, the need for the hunt, and feel more human than vamp most days. that I won't make you submit to me!? I was gonna be nice about it, you lot of do- gooders rubbing off on me. But if you need to be treated like a demon to learn your place, I can do that too!! See, I was taught by the best! And Angelus showed no mercy when it came to obedience. I. AM. YOUR. SIRE. You 'will' remember that!!" He roared in anger and brought his fangs inches from Xander's face. "Let this be a warning. Next time you throw a bloody tantrum, you 'will' be sorry."
He stared down at the frightened eyes of the vampire under him, knowing he'd gotten his point across. He felt strong. Masterful. He removed himself from the bed and slowly sauntered across the room, leaving the man lying where he was.
"Go take a shower, Harris. You wreak of day old blood."
TBC.......
Spike woke a couple of hours later, making it back to Xander's apartment with barely enough time before the sun rose. He let himself in, careful not to disturb Anya, who was still curled up on the far end of the sofa. He felt sorry for the girl. She still held her delusions about a perfect life with Xander, even after the unexpected turn of events. He quietly took the afghan from the back of the couch and placed it over her body before turning toward the bedroom.
All was quiet when he pushed open the door. The room was dark, protected by the heavy drapes on the window and the figure still lay sprawled out on the bed, looking more asleep than dead. Spike shuddered at the thought. Xander was dead. Until later, when a vampire would emerge, taking the place of the happy go lucky carpenter. Spike eyed a chair, pushed far against the corner of the room. He unloaded the armfuls of clothes piled in a heap on top of it and pulled it out alongside the bed. He sat with his legs straddling the seat, his chin resting atop of his hands on the back of it. Intently, he sat and watched. Watched the lack of breath. The lack of movement. He casually wondered if he appeared this dead when he slept.
He closed his eyes, trying to remember back to the night so long ago in the abandoned barn. Drusilla had been a beauty to him, full of passion and mystery, appearing when he needed it most. Given the choice when she showed her true face, he had still accepted the life she offered without fully understanding what it meant. His thoughts roamed to the man on the bed. Xander wasn't given that choice. It had been decided for him. How would the boy react? Would he embrace his new life as Spike had? Relish in the strength and power that came with the demon?
Spike shook his head. Of course he wouldn't embrace it. Not like he had. He'd done what demons were meant to do. He'd fed, hunted, fucked.... ultimately given a two-fingered salute to the society that raised him. He wreaked havoc on the townspeople just because he could. Not Xander. He wasn't going to be allowed that freedom. Buffy would just as soon stake him before she'd let the demon loose. Spike would have to teach him, control him. He wouldn't allow him human blood, only bagged from animals. His plan was to teach the boy to fight against his nature.
Spike had done it. Not by choice, of course, but the fact remained he hadn't fed from a human in two years. Okay, there was one slip when Dru came to town, but hey, no one's perfect he thought casually to himself. It wasn't like he'd killed the girl. And how could you turn down a gift from your sire?
Realizing his mind was wandering off track, he cracked an eye open one last time to the motionless figure on the bed and sighed deeply. For both their sakes, he hoped for once in his life he had a plan that would work. He settled down, making himself as comfortable as the old rickety chair would allow, and finally fell into a restless sleep full of bitter anticipation.
Xander stirred. He slowly opened his eyes, roaming the outline of his darkened bedroom. He knew the sun was out, shining brightly beyond the covered window and subtly wondered what time of day it was. He hadn't remembered actually lying down the night before and pondered over how long he had been asleep. One thought kept repeating itself like a mantra over and over in his brain. Hunger. He felt hunger like he'd never known. A hunger so deep he almost felt nauseous with it.
He stretched his body, feeling a wave of pain throughout his chest and torso. He closed his eyes and recalled the fight in the graveyard the night before. At least it explained his discomfort and the smell he'd begun to notice. He pulled the blanket away, realizing he was still dressed and covered with the blood from his wounds. His mouth watered at the scent and his stomach turned at the confusing thought he'd just had.
He swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood cautiously, thinking he'd still be weak from the abuse he had taken. Surprised immediately by the strength he felt coursing through his body, he smiled as he crossed the floor to the window, lightly pulling the drapes back to allow some light into the room.
"No!!!" the familiar voice shouted from across the room.
Xander growled before he realized what was happening and felt the pain of the sun on his bare arms. He felt another body against his, shoving him roughly out of the way. Spike closed the curtains and turned to Xander, allowing his vampiric features to emerge.
Xander stood in panic, his hands traveling the plains of his face. He felt the ridges, the teeth, letting his fingers take in the overall appearance of what he was. It only occurred to him then, at that moment, that he hadn't taken a breath. He unintentionally growled deep in his throat as he caught the expression on Spike's face and put it all together. No longer human, he was a vampire. He felt a rage deep in his gut, fiercer than any anger he'd known. It became clear, the craving he felt. The smell of the blood permeating the air, calling to him.
His eyes narrowed on the other vampire in front of him. "What the fuck did you do?!"
Spike growled loudly in reply, making his dominance known. He grabbed the other man and forcefully pushed him against the wall, holding him in place. "If it wasn't for me you'd be dead you stupid git."
Xander growled again, trying to break the hold Spike had on him, only making the older vampire squeeze harder. He began to feel dizzy, his legs giving way under him. Spike caught him before he fell and hoisted his body onto the bed.
"You need to feed."
"Blood. You want me to..... What the hell did you get out of this, Spike?! Payback? Amusement?!!"
"Wasn't my bleedin' idea, you wanker! If you think I wanted this, you're crazy! And you can do what you like, but blood's the only thing's gonna satisfy that hole in your stomach. Nothing else."
Xander relaxed when he felt Spike's hold ease a bit. "It hurts." His body began to tremble and he pulled his arms around his torso, curling into a ball.
"It's the bloodlust. It'll pass." Spike answered in a softer tone. When he was sure the other man was calmer, he rose from the bed and walked to the door.
"Stay here." His tone was demanding, taking on the role of sire.
Spike opened the door to the room cautiously, looking around first to make sure they were alone in the apartment. When he found no sign of Anya, he stepped out and headed straight for the refrigerator. Opening it, he found the usual contents emptied and refilled with bags upon bags of blood. Grabbing a handful, he tossed them into the microwave all at once and pushed the button. He used the few spare minutes to telephone Anya at the Magic Box. He quickly let her know that Xander had awakened, and forced his hand again when she'd immediately wanted to see him. After convincing her otherwise, he hung up, tore into the allotment of bags and prepared to let the newly risen vamp experience his first taste of blood.
Xander was pacing at the door before Spike had a chance to walk through it. His nostrils flared at the scent coming from the kitchen, his body trembling wildly with the anticipation of the relief he knew the blood would give. He growled and grabbed for the large mug as soon as Spike was close enough. He began to drink. The warm liquid slid down his throat, calming his stomach, easing the pain. He gulped, taking in as much as he could at one time, almost choking from the speed in which he drank. Done with the first, Spike handed him another right away, watching as Xander downed the second just as quickly. When he began begging for more, Spike shook his head, pushing the brunette away.
"No. You've had enough for now."
"Fuck you, Spike! This is my place, my rules!"
Before he could attempt to defend himself, Xander was on the floor with one hundred seventy pounds of furious vampire on top of him. Spike gave a warning growl before clasping his hands around Xander's throat.
"Remember who you're talking to, Harris. I made you! I could have bloody well let you die in that cemetery!"
"Why the fuck didn't you! Like this is so much better."
"I gave you a gift. Learn to appreciate it, mate."
Spike eased his way off the boy onto shaky legs. He turned, swaggering out of the bedroom, trying not to let Xander see the true grief on his face. When he reached the couch, he let out a deep breath and sat down, sinking into the cushions. He hated having to be rough with him, but he knew Xander would have to learn his place if Spike was to have any hold on his childe. The stronger he became, the more he would fight. Stubborn in life, he knew death would be no different. The boundaries would have to be set early on. As much as he hated the fact, he was now a sire, responsible for Xander. Their unique situation would make things that much harder to deal with. He inwardly laughed at his dilemma. He was a vampire with nothing but a chip for obedience, intent on teaching another vampire to live as he himself had to. No hunting, no feeding, no terrorizing victims and relishing in the kill. All for the love of the one woman whose sole purpose was to rid the earth of their kind. A woman who treated him no better than dirt.
He shook his head in disgust. "Love's bitch you bloody sap."
The bedroom remained silent and Spike began wondering what Xander was doing. When enough time passed, he returned to check on the other man and found him lying on the bed, staring at a picture frame. Spike leaned in the doorway, crossing his arms in front of him.
Xander's gaze fell on him and then went back to the picture.
"I hate you."
"I know."
"This was taken last summer. Me, Will and Buffy at the beach. The memory's there. I can see it just like it happened. But I don't feel it. I don't feel anything."
"You felt the bloodlust."
"That was physical."
"It gets better," he acknowledged, pointing toward the picture.
"How? How does it get better?" he asked full of sarcasm.
Spike shrugged. "You start forgetting the memories."
"Do you remember being human?"
Spike closed his eyes and pictured his mother's smile, the warmth of her embrace. The love she'd given him, as only a mother could. "No."
Xander sighed and returned to the picture.
"Buffy's the slayer though. Is she gonna kill me?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"I won't let her."
"Like you'd choose me over her," he scoffed.
"You're mine." The statement felt strange from his lips. "My responsibility," he corrected.
"Bet that pisses you off."
Spike began picking at his nails, obverting his eyes from Xander.
After a moment when he realized Spike wasn't going to answer, the other man spoke again. "I can't change."
Spike met his eyes again suspiciously.
"My face. I can't change back. I tried."
"Takes time. How many new vamps you fought hid their demon?"
Xander thought about it for a moment. "None."
"Give it a day or two. You'll learn. 'S not so hard."
Xander frowned, another thought taking hold. "How do you stand it?"
"What?"
"The hunger."
Spike nodded at the change of subject. "That gets better, too. Look, Harris. There are worse things you could be. Not so different really if you think about it."
"Not so different! I'm a fucking vampire for Christ sake!"
"I did notice that, yeah."
"What, did you think I was gonna just be able to go on, business as usual. same friends, same job? Sorry, Buff, your best friend's a vampire but its okay, he won't bite you because he knows you can kick his ass?!!!"
Xander closed his eyes, letting his head fall back on the pillow seeing visions of Buffy lying beneath him, his cock buried deep inside her body, blood coating his mouth while he drained her essence.
He sat up with a start, his eyes wide, panting for unneeded breath. "Fuck, I can't handle this!"
He jumped up, trying to push past Spike. "I've got to go!"
"Go where?!" Spike demanded, blocking his way.
"I don't know! Somewhere! Out! Just, away from here!" His movements were jittery, sporadic without thought.
"Don't think that's a good idea, mate. Too much you can get into. Besides, sun's up. You won't get too far," he reminded the other man, pointing toward the window.
"I need.....something. I'm going crazy here, Spike." Xander began to pace the room.
"What you need," he answered, drawing out his words slowly, "is to grab a pint, sit down in front of the telly, and calm the fuck down."
"It was Buffy! The thought of Buffy! I saw myself killing her!"
"Yeah, one of my favorite daydreams, too. Now ignore it and come out here and sit!"
Spike allowed the body to squeeze past him, eyeing him wearily until Xander did as suggested and plopped down onto the couch. He grabbed the empty mugs from the dresser and made his way to the kitchen, heating more bags before returning to the distressed vamp on the sofa.
"Don't worry. I'm sure you won't hurt her," he spoke, trying to reassure his childe that it was only his imagination.
Xander caught his gaze, his own eyes full of dark fury. "That's not what I'm worried about."
"What is it then?" he asked, taking a sip and handing the other mug over.
"It's the fact that I want to."
A breath hitched in Spike's throat and Xander noticed the surprised expression.
"Surprised? I can picture it. Every detail. And I bet she tastes a hundred times better than this shit you're feeding me. What's worse is I don't feel bad for thinking it. It's not like she means anything to me now. Just a treat."
The blonde sat, one eyebrow raised as he listened.
"Does that bother you? I know you say you love her. I can't figure out how cuz I sure as hell don't feel anything. I can try and I can pretend, but I'm empty. A demon is what you made, and a demon is what you've got!"
Xander picked up the cup that had been offered to him and with the full force of a childish, angry vampire, shattered it against the wall as he stormed into the bedroom, slamming the door behind him.
Not letting him get away that easy, Spike stormed just as rapidly after him, throwing the door wide open.
"We're not through yet! You don't bloody walk away from me!"
Xander glared at Spike, feeling the power the blonde had over him. He gestured his hand in a not so friendly manner and flipped over on the bed, stomach down to ignore the other man.
A rumble sounded deep in his throat and Spike pounced. "You want to see what a demon can do!" He pulled Xander back over, pushing him into the mattress. "You think because I learned to want more than the craving, the need for the hunt, and feel more human than vamp most days. that I won't make you submit to me!? I was gonna be nice about it, you lot of do- gooders rubbing off on me. But if you need to be treated like a demon to learn your place, I can do that too!! See, I was taught by the best! And Angelus showed no mercy when it came to obedience. I. AM. YOUR. SIRE. You 'will' remember that!!" He roared in anger and brought his fangs inches from Xander's face. "Let this be a warning. Next time you throw a bloody tantrum, you 'will' be sorry."
He stared down at the frightened eyes of the vampire under him, knowing he'd gotten his point across. He felt strong. Masterful. He removed himself from the bed and slowly sauntered across the room, leaving the man lying where he was.
"Go take a shower, Harris. You wreak of day old blood."
TBC.......