Chapter 3

Buffy stood in the middle of the living area. The gang sitting was sitting on the couch and in the over stuffed chair. Elizabeth was sitting on Riley's lap in the chair. They had become the cuddle couple. They couldn't stay far from each other for longer than two seconds.

"All right, I called all of you here today for a special announcement," Buffy said in a calm, crisp, orderly voice.

Angel stood next to her with his arm wrapped her waist. She leaned into him a little and looked at the group.

Her mother, Joyce, was sitting across from Giles at the dinning room table. Even Spike had shown up for the meeting but she guessed he had shown up because he wanted to see Elizabeth. He was glaring over at the couple.

"What is the announcement, sweetheart?" Joyce asked a little concerned. "You aren't ill, are you?"

"No, Mom. This has nothing to do with my health but it does have to do with my future. I've been sick the past few weeks and Angel, Elizabeth, and Willow were getting worried about me. So, I saw a doctor about it. He did a blood test and he gave us the results a couple a weeks ago. You see…I'm pregnant," Buffy announced.

The whole room gasped and fell into an eerie silence. Buffy held her breath as she looked at her friends for support. Giles was the first one to move and make a sound.

He took off her glasses and polished them with his white handkerchief and muttered, "Good lord."

"How far along are you?" Joyce asked finally finding her voice.

"I'm a couple months along," Buffy answered sheepishly. "I know you guys don't really approve of what's going on but I plan to keep the baby."

"I plan to marry Buffy as soon as possible. I'm, also, looking for a job to help support her. We are taking full responsibility of our actions," Angel added. 

Elizabeth got off of Riley's lap and walked over to the couple. She threw her arms around them and hugged them tightly.

"I'm so happy for you two," Elizabeth said with a pleased look on her face.

"Thank you, Beth," Buffy thanked with a thankful smile on her face.

Riley rose up next to Elizabeth and put his arm around his waist. It surprised Buffy and Angel how protective it was.

"Congratulations," Riley said with a warm smile. He pulled Elizabeth off out of the apartment.

"Anybody else think the wanker is controlling?" Spike asked raising his hand.

Everyone turned and looked at him blankly. Even though they agreed they were stunned that Spike was the one to bring it up. They were surprised that he even cared in the first place since Elizabeth and he hadn't talked in over two weeks.

"Yes, Spike," Giles said sharply and looked back to Angel and Buffy.

The group just fell into a silence that was thick with tension and surprise.

"Do you realize how big of a mistake you made?" Joyce asked minutes later.

The shock had finally worn off and the anger had finally settled in its place.

"You had just thrown away your future. You can't go out and party anymore. You can't finish collage. You're 19 years old and you are going to be a mother. A very immature mother," Joyce ranted.

Buffy stared at her mother with tears in her eyes. She licked her lips as the words of the harsh truth hit her to the core. Her breath became unsteady.

"Joyce, I know that this is a major shock. It was to us too, but we talked about our options. We love each other deeply and we love this child. I think that's enough to build a happy home," Angel argued.

"Happy home? Buffy is 19 years old! She isn't an ex-vampire that is 243 years old. She has hardly even experienced life," Joyce protested.

"You see that's where you are wrong. Buffy has experienced life. She has died and fought three apocalypses. She is a strong willed person. She will make a wonderful mother. No matter how young she is," Angel said defensively.

Buffy let out a hard sigh and looked frustrated at her mother then at Angel. She rubbed her head and pulled away from Angel.

"You guys act like I'm not standing here!  I can fight for my self. I know what I am doing! There will be no protesting or fighting of any kind. FROM ANYONE!" Buffy yelled.

She stomped out of the apartment and slammed the door behind her.

Riley pushed Elizabeth against the cement wall of the graveyard and kissed her neck. His hand lingered against her body. She stiffened and tried to push Riley off. He was more forceful and he made it obvious what he wanted.

"Riley, stop!" Elizabeth requested.

"Come on, Liz," Riley wined pulling back. "We've been together for a month and a half now. Don't you think it's time we had our fun?"

"No, I don't," Elizabeth answered sternly.

"What do I have to do convince you other wise?"

Elizabeth looked at Riley with disgust. She moved from under him and walked away from him.

"How about waiting until I'm ready," Elizabeth suggested.

"You're a fucking virgin, aren't you?" Riley assumed amazed.

"Do you have a problem with that?" Elizabeth asked.

"No, it's more of a turn on," Riley said with a smug smile on his face.

"Well go turn on somewhere else, because I don't want to see you right now."

Elizabeth turned and started down the street. Riley ran up to her and grabbed her by the elbow. He twirled her away and crashed his lips to hers.

She struggled against her and pushed him off of her. She could feel how turned on he was and she felt sick. She never thought of Riley was the bedding creep. She, suddenly, had a bad feeling for him.

Riley grabbed her by the arm and dragged her into the cemetery. He, again, pushed her against the wall and started the trailing kisses down her neck.

Elizabeth hated it. She kept complaining for Riley to stop but he wasn't listening to her. His hands were getting way too closer to the danger. She kept struggling against him. She felt helpless for the first time in her life.

"RILEY, STOP IT! RIGHT NOW!" Elizabeth yelled.

"Come on, Bethie. Just give me this one shot," Riley begged. "All I want is you and your sweet…."

"RILEY SHUT UP AND LEAVE ME ALONE!"

Riley's hands pulled her abruptly to him so she could feel him. She gulped and was going to punch him when she saw Spike in the corner of her eyes. He was her only hope.

"RILEY, STOP IT!"

Spike turned his head and saw the situation. She almost felt relief flood through her. She never thought she would be happy to see Spike before.

He stalked over to them and punched Riley in the face. He wrapped his arm around her waist.

"Didn't your mum teach you to listen to a lady when she says 'no'?" Spike asked harshly.

"Fuck off, Spike," Riley cursed. "This is none of your business."

"I'm sorry, mate but this is my business," Spike said leading Elizabeth towards his crypt. "Maybe you need to be taught some proper manners how to treat a lady."

Elizabeth felt relived and surprisingly secure to be in Spike's arms. She felt like she was going to burst into tears at the same time. She took in Spike's sweet scent of leather and cigarettes.

They got to his crypt and he opened the door for her. She walked in cautiously and let him do the rest. He moved her to the couch and sat her down. He checked her over for any cuts or bruises.

"Are you ok, pet?" Spike asked softly.

She was surprised to see the easy of slow reassurance of his face. He was being gentle with her and actually acting like he cared. His hands rested gently on hers. His deep blue eyes were boring into with concern and anger.

"I'm just a bit shaken," Elizabeth answered. "I don't know why I didn't use my slayer powers on him. No, scratched that I do know why."

"Why is that then?" Spike asked as he eased up and sat down next to her.

"He seemed so……so over powering. His whole presence makes me feel like a weak ant that he's ready to squash. I….He was never like this before. It was so out of character for him," Elizabeth said.

Her voice was soft and distant. Spike didn't realize how shaken up she was until that point. He stifled a curse and wrapped his arms around her. He didn't know if it was cold or not but he was worried about her. He needed her to trust him on these things now.

"It's ok, love," Spike whispered. "I promise that sodding whelp won't ever try to hurt you again."

Elizabeth felt drained at that point. She just leaned on Spike and let him sooth her nerves the best he could. She was exhaust from patrolling, the big announcement Buffy made, and now Riley try to have sex with her. Her world was spinning out of axis and she hated every moment of it.

"Spike?" Elizabeth said softly.

"Hm?"

"I don't want…..I mean I don't feel…." Elizabeth snapped her mouth shut trying to figure out what to say.

"Hush now, pet," Spike said as his hand went into a steady motion of caressing her arm.

"I'm tired, Spike."

"Then close your eyes. I promise I won't disturb you unless it's necessary."

Elizabeth looked up at him and cuddled close to him. Apart of her wanted to feel the security that she had when she was younger, she didn't want the world to rest on her shoulders at that point. She just wanted someone to protect her.

Spike fought the urge to kiss her on the head. He got him self settled on the couch and then laid her on top of him. She didn't seem to mind. He pulled the blanket over them as she rested her head on his shoulder. He pressed his check close to her. He looked at her and saw the innocence of a child staring at him. Her deep sea green eyes staring at him.

"Good night, Spike," Elizabeth whispered sleepily.

"Good night, Elizabeth," Spike whispered.

It wasn't long before he sensed her steady breath and heartbeat. She was sound a sleep. He couldn't sleep though. His mind was racing with the events of the night. RILEY TRIED TO RAPE HER! He played the wholesome farm boy but inside he was an evil demon. He would have killed the bloke right then and there.

He slipped his arms around her and closed his eyes as the scent of her strawberry shampoo flared his nostrils. He could smell the lavender shop she washed with. He inhaled her scents and smiled. She was a sweet fruit and flower in one. He loved every second of it.

Willow woke up that morning and saw the bed next to her was empty. She couldn't help but feel worry in her gut. She reached over and dialed Buffy's new phone number.

"Hello?" A groggy male voice said on the other line.

"Angel, it's Willow," Willow said in a stiff voice.

"What's wrong?" Angel asked.

"It's Elizabeth…She didn't come in last night," Willow answered. "Her bed hasn't been slept in. This isn't like her."

"Maybe she's with Riley?" Angel suggested.

"Maybe but I doubt it. She isn't ready for that kind of relationship with Riley."

"How do you know?"

Willow let out a frightened breath and looked at her alarm clock. It was eight o'clock. The sun had risen two hours ago. She should have been there.

"Angel, she told me. I'm concerned that she got killed last night when she patrolled by herself."

"Don't worry, Willow. I'll go over to Spike's and see if he had seen her. It's possible that maybe she did spend the night with Riley."

Willow could hear the doubt in his voice. She finally agreed and hung up. She got out of bed and changed. She had rushed over to Oz's for comfort.

Buffy walked with Angel tiredly through the cemetery. She groaned and leaned into Angel.

"Remind me again why I came," Buffy groaned.

"Because Elizabeth is one of your best friends and you are concerned for her," Angel reminded.

"Oh yeah," Buffy answered tiredly.

He looked over at her and had to agree. It was too early to be up after spending hours talking and her crying on his shoulder. They had just fallen asleep and four hours later Willow ended up calling.

Angel picked up his pace as Spike's crypt came into view. He rushed to the door and threw it open. He walked down the step and stopped abruptly. Buffy bumped into him and cursed. She looked why he stopped and she bit her bottom lip.

Elizabeth was sleeping in Spike's arms. The blanket wrapped around them tightly. She seemed content and Spike actually seemed human. She stirred a little then settled. Buffy put her finger to her lips motioning him to stay quiet. They tiptoed out of the crypt and walked out of the cemetery.

"Well that was a waist of time," Angel complained as they headed back to the mansion.

"Well look at it this way, we can go back to bed," Buffy suggested.

Angel nodded and scooped Buffy up in his arms, making her squeal. She wrapped her arms around his neck and laid her head on his shoulder. He kissed her lightly then continued into the old mansion to their bedroom for much more needed sleep.

Willow sat in the Giles's living area and sat silently as Giles got done talking to Buffy on the phone. Oz was sitting next to her with his arm wrapped around her. She laid her head on his shoulder.

"I'm sure every is ok," Oz whispered assuring.

Willow looked up at him and kissed him gently on the lips and nodded.

 "You're probably right. I'm sure she is all right was in fact with Riley," Willow agreed.

"Well I wouldn't say with Riley," Giles said walking over to them.

He took off his glasses and rubbed the bridge of his nose. He took out his white handkerchief and cleaned his glasses.

"Is she all right, Giles?" Willow asked concerned.

"Huh? Oh yes, she is fine. Buffy and Angel made a trip to Spike's crypt this morning and found her sound a sleep on the couch…with him," Giles explained. "She looked pretty battered so they're guessing that something must of happened."

"What do you mean battered?" Willow asked.

Elizabeth eyes opened slowly. She was laying on someone. She took a deep breath and she stiffened. She recognized the scent.  She was sleeping on top of Spike. She was fully clothed so that was a good sign. Panic still took over her. She let her mind register her surroundings.

Spike made a protesting sound as she sat up. His hands rested on her waist now. She stared at him intently. She couldn't help but wonder why he didn't take advantage of her. He had an opportunity to take advantage of her in her vulnerable state.

She remembered how easy and soft his touch was with her. He acted like she was a wounded child. He was delicate with his touch and his face expressed concern. It was so overwhelming. Instead of throwing her out or taking advantage of her, he soothed her nerves to let her sleep.

"Morning, pet," Spike whispered tiredly.

Elizabeth about jumped at his voice. She hadn't even realized he was awake. She was off her game.

"Morning," Elizabeth said softly.

Her cheeks turned slightly red and she gave an embarrassed smile.

"Did you sleep ok?" Spike asked as he moved to his elbows.

"I haven't slept that good in years," Elizabeth answered. "I felt….secure."

Spike's face lit up with pride. She felt safe with him. He, then, knew that it was a turning point on their relationship.

"Don't let it go to your head," She added hastily.

Spike smiled and placed his hand on her cheek. His thumb ran over her bottom lip. Her green eyes stared intently at him. He felt his dead heart jump with the intensity of her gaze.

"Elizabeth, are you still going to see that wanker?" Spike asked.

The night before hit her hard at what Riley had done. Her face turned darker and her face became unable to read. Her eyes had turned hollow.

"I…I…"

Her voice dropped into silence and her eyes filled with tears. She covered her face as her whole body was rocked into sobs.

Spike sat up and took her into his arms. He rocked her slowly letting him be her rock. He wished he killed the bastard instead of just punching him.

Yet, apart of him was confused. Slayers were supposed to be the strong women of the world. They had to be to fight evil and dark forces of darkness, but Elizabeth was so vulnerable and was shook up by the events of last night. He couldn't help but wonder if she was this shook up when she staked her watcher. He, then, felt an urge to protect her how ever he could.

"It's ok, Beth. I'll protect you," Spike whispered.

Elizabeth unconsciously cuddled close to him to feel the security she felt the night before. She didn't want to leave his arms or the safety on his place. She didn't want the gang to see how weak she was. So she decided to just stay put until her nerves and feelings were under control.

Willow got off of her bed when she heard a knock on her door. She turned off her CD player and headed for the door. She opened the door and saw Riley standing there.

"Is Elizabeth here?" Riley asked bluntly.

Willow looked at Riley sympathetically.

"No," Willow answered.

"Do you know when she is going to be……"

Riley was cut off by Willow's phone. She gave him a sad smile and closed the door. She rushed over and picked up the phone.

"Hello?"

"Red, it's Spike. I'm calling an emergency scooby meeting."

"Spike, you can't call a scooby meeting. You aren't really a scooby."

"I know that. I'm calling on behave of a friend of mine."

Willow let out a sigh and she licked her lips.

"What happened to Elizabeth last night, Spike?"

"What are you talking about, Red?"

"Angel and Buffy saw Elizabeth at your place and she was all battered. Now, tell me what happened."

Spike cursed under his breath. He should have been careful. He made a mental note to get locks for the doors and a peep whole.

"You'll find out at the meeting. I will warn you. Elizabeth isn't in the best mental and emotional state right now. She just wants some security and I will provide it."

"Who told you that and gave you the permission?"

"The bit herself. Now, call the rest of the scoobys and let them know. I have to go."

Willow was about to protest but Spike had hung up the phone. She sighed frustrated. Something was wrong with Elizabeth. There had to be if she was relying on Spike.

Spike sat in Giles's overstuffed chair with Elizabeth sound asleep on his lap. The scooby gang would be there soon but he didn't have the heart to wake her. He glanced over at the kitchen.

Giles kept glancing over at them and muttering, "Good Lord." Spike saw the concern on Giles's face when he walked up with Elizabeth clinging to him.

"Spike, does Elizabeth want anything?" Giles asked walking over out the kitchen.

"She's asleep, Rupes. All the girl needs is a day to sleep." Spike reminded.

The gang rushed into the apartment loudly and basically screaming. Spike cursed under his breath and he let her cuddle closer to Spike. Every one stopped at the watched Elizabeth cling to him.

Spike ran his fingers through her hair and looked sternly at the group. Everyone settled into a silence and sat themselves down.

"Ok, peroxide head, what the hell is going on?" Xander asked harshly.

"Whelp, come down. She had a frightening experience last night. Now, if you all shut up and let her sleep, I will explain everything," Spike ordered.

"Was she attacked last night?" Willow asked concerned.

"Yes, but not in the way you were thinking. She was attack by the wonderful boyfriend you all loved so much," Spike answered.

"What do you mean Riley attacked her?" Willow asked concerned.

Spike explained what he saw and parts that Elizabeth had told him. The room had fallen into a stiff silence once he was finished. He never felt the urge to protect anyone in his whole undead life. 

"The Jackass," Angel swore.

"You actually rescued her?" Buffy asked unconsciously moving closer to Angel.

"Sure did, slayer. She was really shaken up by it and I wouldn't blame her. So, I decided that I will be patrolling with her once she is back on her feet. Until then, I will take over patrol. I don't trust the bugger, so I need you guys to stay with her at all times," Spike continued.

"Spike, we have our own lives to live. We can't baby sit her twenty-four seven," Xander reminded.

"You won't be with her at night. I will take over the spot. I just need you guys to stay with her during the day," Spike explained.

"Look, I know Riley tried to force her but that doesn't mean he's harmful. He just got carried away last night," Willow suggested.

"Well, I'm not taking any chances," Spike said as his voice turned rougher.

"Willow is right, you are throwing this way out of hand," Giles agreed.

"Out of hand?" Xander about yelled. "She is clinging to Spike for dear life. The guy screwed her up."

"She's just shaken up. We'll give her a couple days to regroup then she can deal with Riley on her own. Now we can't lose our heads about this," Giles explained.

Spike growled and leapt up with Elizabeth in his arms. He scowled at the group and he headed for the door. He grabbed the blanket and he ran out of apartment.

Group didn't see a shadow figure watching the whole meeting or followed Spike back to his crypt.