Author's Note: Now we embark on the night to remember. Last we let them, Sophia and Wesley arrived in London to assist Bianca in her mission to find out Roger-I-have-no-heart's secret. Wesley plans are to reveal his feelings on this snow covered night. Well, I wonder if things go as well as planned. The second husband/wife mission for the two brings them to The home of Jennifer and Howard Cates, and not everything is so utopia-esque for the world of secret watchers. GAH! All we want is one time where there are no interruptions! Have no idea what I'm talking about? How about this Sex-dancing, cream puffs, Sophia, Wesley, and pookey. Put them together and what do you got? Not bipity bopity boop! Say it with me. Chapter 13! Enjoy!
To My Reviewers:
Imzadi: Isn't Binks great! I know it's horrible that she had to marry Roger. LOL I love my mind too. I swear I didn't do that on purpose. LOL But life works funnily that way. Thanks for the review!
Miss American Pie : Oh with the Faith/Wesley no getting together! Stop it! You gave him a happy jab (Still laughing about the couch incident), so lets make Faith see it. LOL Oh there's a great chapter waiting. And Craven's back! YAY! And nice ketchup joke. I need to print out the Lex picture for my locker. Ohh yay school. Thanks for the reivew!
Chasing the stars: Next time on the Drama of Angel…Nia finds out that Gunn, in fact is still looking for Bob to tell him to shut up. Great episode no? LOL. This was a great summer, and I'm glad I didn't waist it with that other person. Love you hon! Only you (JOSHUA KELLY…who I hated and now love) and I could have a summer of Angel and Chinese food! Hmmm you know who I mean. And please never take AP Bio! LOL Thanks for the review!
Nala147: Well, no, because these people were isolated from the time they were brought in for this segment. So that would be when Wesley was first introduced as a Watcher. LOL I know it's a leap of faith. Thanks for the review!
Luna : Ohh thanks! I didn't know Nicholas was in that Fox show. I want Lex Denisof to guest star on Alyson's show. I mean one episode! C'mon! LOL Anyway…you'll love the end of this chapter. Let's just say torture no more! Thanks for the review!
"How do I look?"
Sophia was a princess. Bianca had hired a professional make-up and hair team to fix her up for the big event. Her beautiful white gown looked almost bridal and her hair looked wonderful.
"Oh my dear, you look most beautiful. Idalina personified. Although I don't think she ever looked as perfect as you so tonight"
"Thank you so much"
"Sophia, When you get back I have to tell you something. It's important" Her eyes had a touch of sadness in them,
"All right. You sure you don't want to tell me now?"
"It's best that you focus on tonight"
"That bad huh?"
"All right"
"Your dress is magnificent. Where did you buy it?"
"It was my mothers" Sophia was amazed that her mother was her exact size. This white dress was Cinderella come to life. The crystals on the corset were shinning like precious stones found in some Greek play. The bottom of the dress flowed like a waterfall on her.
Although, you couldn't see her shoes, they were also wonderful white with crystals along the strap. A tiara was placed on her head while her hair was half way up with curls falling on her back. It was the perfect look for the perfect night.
Bianca recognized the timeless dress from the dinner Isabella wore it to when she was engaged to Rupert. Sophia did look like her mother in the dress, but her light shown through and this dress was made her own.
"Sophia, may I give you something for tonight?"
"Oh Bianca, you've done more than enough--"
"Not nearly. I want to let you borrow this" Bianca walked over to the box she brought with her from her room. She picked it up and gave it to Sophia.
"Please. Open it and say you'll wear it"
Sophia smiled and followed the instructions to open it. It was a brilliant princess cut diamond surrounded by oval sapphires. Sophia was overcome with awe and speechlessness.
"This was Idalina's engagement ring. She gave it to me to protect it. She told me most confidently that she would be back for it one day. She came back in you. Honor her and wear it with pride" Bianca's eyes were watering.
"I'll make both of you proud" Sophia hugged her new friend.
"All right. Don't want to ruin that beautiful face. You have a ball to attend"
"Oh right. That little thing." She said touching her stomach that was jumping around the room.
"Not only am I playing a wonderful dead woman, but I'm playing house with Wesley. I just can't let my emotions screw this up. Not for Idalina or for Bianca"
"You'll do splendid" She took her hand and squeezed it.
"You're an Avila. Failing is not in your blood" She thought of Isabella's never ending strength.
"My darling, it's time to leave. My son is eagerly waiting for you downstairs"
"Eagerly?"
"I'm ready"
Bianca walked down the stairs first as to announce the coming attraction that was Sophia Avila. She turned her head towards the young woman and nodded approvingly.
Wesley was standing at the end of the stairs for what seemed an eternity. He was anxiously awaiting for Sophia. He spent the night wondering about Sophia and their night together. He also did his ritual of becoming the person he was supposed to be. Ridgeford wasn't the most outgoing man, but through all his journals one thing was made very clear. He loved his wife with all of him. Someone in the council managed to obtain a love letter between the two.
My Dearest Idalina-
I am not one with words, but the truth must be told. I have adored you since our first meeting. I remember everything about you from that day. I still have the pen you loaned me for the testing. I know with our job, it is a high risk for two watchers to be in love and marry, but I want to defy every law against this and make you my wife. That night in Paris will remain as the night I began to live again.
"This shouldn't be too hard." He felt a connection to Ridgeford like he did with Dimitri. Both were married to the loves of their lives and here he was trying to do the same.
There Wesley stood in his best tuxedo with the beautiful black bow tie Bianca bought for him on this occasion.
"It's a new beginning Wesley. You need a new tie" She kissed him on the cheek while he was tying it. Or trying to tie it for that matter.
He had spent extra time shaving and putting cologne on to be perfect for Sophia and the ball party. His hair was gelled just the way she liked it in a 'not too much but just enough' gel way for the event. He was extraordinarily worried about how this operation would go, but more so worried about playing married in front of people he had never met before in his life.
When Wesley saw Sophia descend from the stairs for a second time in his life, it was like the first. He looked at the way his angel floated down and felt a flash of a wedding march. His heart pumped more, his eyes shinned more, and his mind felt more unsure and complete. There was no denying that Wesley Wyndam-Pryce was in love.
Sophia was nervous as she held tight to the banister and walked down the flight of stairs. When she held her head up saw Wesley standing, waiting for her, she became memorized by the love she had for him. She wanted desperately to run into his arms and experience that kiss that made her faint over and over again. But, tonight was work and her dreams had to take a backseat. She finally made her way down and was met by his hand.
"You look beyond astonishing" His hand didn't want to let go of hers.
"You look wonderful, Wesley" Her eyes couldn't look away.
Bianca saw all of the tension between them and decided to break it for their sake.
"The car is waiting outside. Now is there anything you two need before you head out?"
"No" Sophia shook her head
"Not that I can think of" Wesley told her
"You both be extremely careful. And ring me if there is any kind of danger." Bianca hated to put them in harm's way.
"Bianca, we won't let anything happen" Bianca pulled her into a hug
"We're gonna find who did this to them. I promise" Sophia whispered to her.
"I love you mum" Wesley hugged his mother and smiled. Bianca touched his cheek and sighed
"Have a good time too. This is a ball after all. And do not say good bye to me. I don't want to hear farewells" Bianca smiled as they turned to leave. Wesley headed for the rack to get Sophia's coat for the evening. He put his on and grabbed hers.
"Let me?" He motioned to put it on
"Sure" she said as she felt him slide the coat on her. She turned around and smiled gratefully. They walked out together and turned at the same time to see Bianca waving goodbye and blowing a kiss.
"Married in a year. I have the perfect locations. She'll look wonderful in a wedding dress" She thought closing the door.
The sky had a reddish blue hue that it turned right before a fresh snow. Between the clouds, the stars glimmered towards the couple.
"Is that a good sign?" Sophia asked Wesley as she pointed towards the night sky.
"Always" He assured her as waved off the driver and opened her door. They got in the car and, after a 30 minute ride spent discussing their counterparts, arrived at the Cates Estate.
Howard Cates was the host of the night's soirée. He was the one the oldest officers in the special operations, but he never met any of his associates. That was the purpose of tonight, to mingle and meet the people they've worked with for years.
They emerged from the car more nervous than before. Sophia noticed the weird tension between the two and grabbed his hand again.
"It's all going to run smoothly right Wes?" This was the only thing that would make him more confident. The fact that Sophia was relying on him for support.
"According to plan. Everything will be perfect" He tapped her hand.
"Ready Ridge?" She closed her eyes
"Yes my darling Idalina" It was a ritual they had devised from their first case. They would always call each other their false names in private to make the process easier. They linked arms and felt the surge they always felt being next to each other.
They entered the house and became the Kanes. The house rivaled Buckingham. It's chandeliers were as big as some apartments. The floors were pure marble and painted with Da Vinci-esque artwork. The furniture was imported from God knows where and seemed to be crafted by the most delicate men. The walls were covered with portraits of the two members Cates family. Howard and Jennifer Cates had been married for 35 years and never had children. It could have been his life as a watcher or his infidelity to his wife, either way the two decided three was a crowd.
"I wonder if they made a deal with the devil. Oh not funny. You never know" Sophia was too amazed by the two palaces she had been in the last two days.
Wesley took out the invitation from his coat pocket and handed it to the man at the entrance.
"Thank you sir. I shall present you to the Cates this moment"
"Thank You" Wesley had turned his boyish smile to a smug glare. Sophia was still on Wesley's arm and decided to become her character.
"Ridge, don't discuss work all the night to Howard." Wesley saw that all too familiar 'go with me look' and responded.
"Darling of course not. I have the most beautiful woman here, my mind is far from work" He kissed her hand as others in the party watched. They seemed to approve of the young couple's affection.
"Things are on schedule. She really does look beyond words tonight" Then, they saw an older couple heading towards them. The husband seemed to fit the bill of a watcher. He was self-righteous, towering, and bored out of his mind. The wife seemed more inviting with her red hair and big smile. This was when Sophia turned on her beauty of a gift.
"Ah Mr. And Mrs. Kane. I am Howard Cates and this is my wife Jennifer" He said with false enthusiasm. He shook Wesley's hand and kissed Sophia's.
"I don't trust him" Sophia's intuition told her he was hiding something. Also her empathic powers caught the same feeling of protectiveness over a type of evil
"He seems sinisterly familiar" Wesley knew the voice from long ago.
"It is very nice to finally meet you two. Howard says you're the best in the field" Jennifer was more true in her words.
"She's in the clear. No evil a brewing" Felt Sophia
"Charmed to meet you both. Thank you for inviting us to your lovely home" Sophia hoped Idalina was appreciative of her performance.
"My wife are most appreciative of the invite. Howard, you've been running a great operation lately"
"Well, Mr. Kane. It's because of your dedication to your work that I thrive. But let's not speak of work."
"Yes, there are waiters with drinks and dinner will be served in 25 minutes"
"Perfect time to search the house" Sophia knew this house inside and out.
"Thank you." Sophia said
"Yes, thank you" Wesley said in a snotty tone.
"Enjoy the night, and welcome" Sophia knew Jennifer wasn't the one to blame in this situation, but Howard was another story. They left the couple. Sophia turned to Wesley and whispered.
"Ridge is a tight ass?" She questioned
"That's how I read him" He said strongly
"Ok, cause that's what Bianca told me." she smiled. They walked over to talk to other couples. The men and women separated to talk about the other sex.
"We can get more information with one on ones. I already feel something evil with Howard. I need to read the woman"Sophia told him while they were walking. She squeezed his hand in encouragement and let him go to do his job.
"Are you two recently married?" Asked Miranda Gray, a wife of a watcher
"No, it's been 2 years. Why?" Sophia said politely
"You have that newly in love glow" She smiled.
"You do! How do you do it?" Asked Gwendolyn Oldham, a watcher in the program for 6 years.
"They're jealous. That really doesn't help me"
"I have a great husband" She looked at Wesley.
"My wife is wonderful" Wesley told the men lovingly.
"How fortunate for you. Miranda was been quite moody since I was almost killed last month." Brigham Gray was one of the high ranking officers with a bit of an adventurous streak.
"Yes, woman can be touchy" Joshua Wade told him
"Yes" Wesley agreed
"These men are insane" Thought Wesley taking a sip of his drink
"Your ring is exquisite! My mother always told me to marry a man with great taste in jewelry"
"How True Prudence. Joshua has the best taste in diamonds" Said Charlene Merewether
Sophia was bored to tears with these woman who were obviously pulling a façade on their true interests. But they weren't.
"They all know nothing. Got to ask the straight question"
"Am I just an overcautious wife, or have our husbands been spending more time at the office?" Sophia took a sip of her wine to buy time.
"I was about to ask you the same question" Jennifer told Sophia. The woman jumped at the chance to talk about their husband's faults.
"Yes, Charles seems to be more enthralled in his work. The work of a watcher and all" This coming from Julia Phillips
"Julia's husband is cheating on her with some young tart in the city. Oh sorry Jules"
"Oh course"
"Give me something else ladies"
Wesley wasn't having much luck either, so he thought it best to ask a subtle work question.
"Well, Gentleman. About work, I seemed to have noticed more of our agents have been perishing"
"Quite unfortunate Ridgeford, but what can you do. I remember when a watcher's job was only to look over his slayer." Howard said with a longing look in his eyes.
"Much fun. You sit in your seats of power while you watch a young woman either kill herself quickly or suffer endlessly" Wesley never understood how Rupert lived that way all those years watching Buffy. And now he had Sophia to take care of and worry about over demons and vampires. He could never let a person he loved fight without him helping her.
"Not too long ago. But that's what the young ones are for now. They can't handle the truly tough jobs. Oh I'm sorry Ridgeford. You and your wife are an exception"
"No it's true. You know the most ridiculously false thing I heard? Some young watchers think that the older officials dabble in the dark arts. Listen to that rubbish" Wesley waved it off as he tried to think of a better question to get some answers.
At that time Wesley assessed the crowd to see who would respond in an incriminating way. Only one of the men flinched. It was a slight flinch, a flinch you could only catch if you examined facial expressions for a living.
Howard Cates.
"Got you"
"Really? What do the young ones say?" The other men were fascinated with Wesley's revelation
"Some men in our inner circle have taken part in demonist rituals and have made alliances with occults" Wesley felt himself being pushed back into the days of a Sunnydale him. The uptight, straight laced young man had always presented himself with the arrogance of many experienced watchers without any of the field work. He never felt comfortable in that skin, but today he had to convert himself to his old ways.
All the men laughed at the sheer stupidity of the accusations.
"That's preposterous"
"You said it best. What can you expect from the young watchers?" Wesley raised his eyebrow at Howard
Suddenly Ridgeford became their gateway to the secrets of a wet behind the ears watcher. Wesley was an expert in that felid being that he lived the life years ago. The once cocky Wesley had mellowed after he was introduced to the harsh reality of being fired and having to go back to the country that caused the trouble in the first place.
Meanwhile, Sophia was still having no victories in the 'find the truth category'. She decided to excuse herself and grab an appetizer. Jennifer, being the good host, decided to accompany her and get her the best snack.
"May I speak freely, Idalina?"
"Of course Jennifer"
"I have never heard of a couple as devoted in love as you and Ridgeford. It does seem to translate in person too"
"Thank you."
"Considering that we're just faking, sort of"
"Oh of course. Oh here a cream puff" Jennifer gave it to Sophia as she smiled at her.
"So much for British food being horrible" Sophia thought happily
"This is delicious. I haven't been able to eat much lately" A look of concern came over Jennifer. All Sophia meant was that she didn't like the airplane food and she was too tired to eat that day, but Jennifer saw it as a sign.
"Are you with child?"
"Oh wait how should I respond. Maybe Idalina might have been. It could be a test. You can make yourself be pregnant, but how do you say you're not anymore?"
She couldn't feel any string of emotion from Jennifer except worry and that could have been for anything.
Something in her gut told Sophia to tell her a wobbly answer. A kind of.
"I might be. But no one knows, so I'd appreciate it if we kept between us" Sophia winked at her. She thought it was important to give the illusion that she wanted to tell Ridgeford first.
"Oh of course dear. I won't tell. I think it's great that you're starting a family so young. Howard never wanted children" Jennifer's eyes deepened with sadness
"I'm sorry Jennifer" Sophia looked at her sincerely
"It's all right. It's odd. I caught him one time looking at a book about the linage of children and how their strength comes from their family" Jennifer found it odd but never thought much of it that day.
"Really?" Sophia knew somehow that was enormously important to this situation.
"Yes, he was extremely defensive about it too. Idalina, about earlier, when you asked about our husbands being consumed by work?"
"Yes?"
"Does Ridgeford ever leave at specific times every week, but doesn't disclose where?"
"No, he usually tells me. Do you think he's doing something wrong every times he leaves?" Any information was relevant to what Roger Wyndam-Pryce did behind everyone's backs in the dark.
"At first I thought he was having an affair, but that couldn't have been due to his condition"
"I won't pry for my own sake" Sophia didn't want to know.
"Then I discovered blood on his shirts and asked him about it. He said it was because of test on vampire blood on slayers"
"Blood? Demon blood, possibly" Sophia really wanted to get her hands on that shirt.
"And you didn't believe him?" Sophia was suspicious about Howard's connection to Roger's underground dealings.
"I knew he was lying. I'm afraid of what's going on"
"Jennifer, I swear If I hear anything about it. I will tell you" She wanted to help another woman wronged by her husband as Bianca had been.
"Thank you" Jennifer took her hand. At that moment Sophia felt Jennifer's urge to cry and tell her all the information she knew
"What aren't you telling me? What are you afraid of?"
Sophia knew Jennifer was trust worthy and wanted to help her desperately. That something Jennifer was hiding wasn't out of evil, it was out of the yearning to help Sophia. Later, Wesley and Sophia would be grateful to her for her actions that night.
After excusing himself from the herd of watchers, Wesley saw Sophia and Jennifer at the other end of the house and walked over to them.
"Are you enjoying yourself, darling?" Sophia could feel him near her and the sensation made her tingle. She spun around to see him standing behind her with a smile of pride on his face.
"Yes, in fact I was just chatting with Jennifer about how our husbands are such workaholics"
Sophia turned her shoulder to see Jennifer give her a grateful smile. She was thankful Sophia kept her word about not telling anyone.
"So in love" Thought Jennifer
"Excuse me, and Idalina? Thank you so much" Jennifer told her
"I'm always here Jennifer" Sophia smiled
"Please, call me Jen. I'll see you soon" Jennifer left the two lovebirds to talk over what they just learned. Sophia turned the magic mojo off for Wesley.
Sophia turned to Wesley and straightened his tie. He looked at her as she helped him and smiled at her wifely skills.
"Perfect. Are enjoying the time with the boys?" Sophia asked taking another bite of the cream puff.
"It's quite eventful. I found out something or should I say someone?" He leaned into her ear and whispered the delicate info.
"I have information too, although mine's killing my perception of happy marriages"
"That's exactly what I want her to feel on the night I tell her I love her" Wesley was in an emotional whir a twirl, going form angry to in love to inspector man.
"Well, what did you learn?"
"We should say later. Ears are everywhere and all"
"Oh yes" He turned from her and saw most of the couples waltzing on the ballroom floor
"I should ask her to dance"
"Umm Sophia?" He wasn't thinking of his alter ego at the moment
"Wes!" She whispered in an rough tone.
"Oh right Idalina. Would you like to dance?"
"With my husband?"
"No one else. I won't let them"
"Extra points on the protectiveness. Of course"
He took her arm and linked it with his as they walked to the ballroom. He tapped her hand lightly. They both felt the jolt they always felt when they touched each other.
"Dancing?" She knew how to dance. Her mother taught her as a child and her father taught her the waltz for Dawn's wedding. But Wesley, that was another story. She knew he could slow dance, but to waltz?
"Of course He can. He was born into London society"
"Are you worried?"
"Nope" She lied.
"Do you want to dance" He looked straight at her
"I feel like I'm in 9th grade again." she laughed
"We don't have to" Sophia took his hand and led him to the floor.
"I want to" She stated firmly.
They faced each other and looked lovingly into their eyes. Wesley put his arm around her waist. Sophia put her hand on his arm because she couldn't reach his shoulder. He cupped her hand into his as they began to glide on the floor. All they could manage to do was smile and giggle at each other, so smitten and so happy in each others arms.
"Who taught you to dance?" She had to admit he was really good.
"And you know what they say about men and dancing. OK I need to stop that"
"My mother. She decided at a young age I should be introduced to the art of the dance"
"Of course she did. I could see it. A young Wesley being taught in the sun room how to waltz. That's a beautiful image"
"Any river dancing?" Sophia giggled
"I must say not. My mother was never cruel" He smiled.
They laughed as the stared into each others entrancing eyes. Four dances past as they kept talking about their dancing incidents.
"You're the one that Lorne tangoed with at the Well's wedding?" Wesley was surprised as she reveled that fact. He remembered Lorne said it was 'sex-like' dancing with this woman., and he had to agree. She laughed at the memory.
"Oh her laugh" He thought happily.
"Yeah, special me. By the way why weren't you at the wedding?"
"Business. Someone had to stay behind. I volunteered considering I don't have fond memories of Sunnydale" His smile faded
"I would have been happy to meet you that day" She decided to expose her feelings a bit
"Really?" His heart jumped
"We could have met earlier and…" She went on
"What's going on in my heart?" He thought
"Yes?" He hoped
"I could have introduced you to the world or good movies and wonderful dinners" She rambled out of nervousness
"Nice save Donovan" She thought
"Oh yes" Wesley looked down
"Plus, it would have been nice to have known you before I came to LA. We could have built a relationship earlier. I'm really happy to have met you and gotten to be a close friend. I'd really be lost without you" She put her head in his chest
"I'm very happy to have you in my life too" He held her closer. The heat between them escaladed. The touches were meant to be so much more. They were future kisses and embraces.
"I've tried to flight it. That hasn't worked. It's only brought me misery" She knew what she had to tell him.
The song ended. It killed Wesley to tell her what came out of his mouth next.
"We should start--"
"I agree. We Don't have much time" They let go slowly
"Shake it off Avila" She shrugged
"Let's go upstairs and figure out what to do" The Cates's rooms were on the second floor
"We should go together" Wesley was adamant about keeping Sophia safe.
"But we'll cover more territory apart" Sophia was thinking logically
"If we caught. It'll be together" He reminded her
"We won't get caught" She was pretty confident in her plans.
"Ida" He said loudly
"Fine, together" She took his hand as they morphed into the public married couple. They walked to the entrance and saw no one was guarding both staircases. They ran up them carefully to make no noise and arrived on the first floor. After more cautious steps, they found another staircase to the second floor.
"Wes I heard something" Wesley heeded her warning and saw a guard walking through the halls. Sophia saw him coming their way and decided to create a scene. She brought him down into her and whispered in his ear.
"Wes, I'm about to yell at you. Just go along with me. Charles. Julia" She told him the names to use in this mission.
"All right" But all he was focusing on was how close they were.
"That is your child Charles! I saw you with her at the party! The way you paraded her around while I was at home with little Solomon. My lord you have no soul!"
"Oh Julia, you know I love you!" Wesley's inner actor came out with a bang.
"That's pure shit! Your libido says otherwise!" The guard came around the corner after hearing the heated argument.
"Is everything all right?'
"It most certainly is not! My husband is nothing more than a cheating scoundrel" She said fake sobbing into her hand.
"Do you really think It's good for me to show up at Howard's with my unstable wife? Never mind her, guard. We came up here to avoid a disturbance. That's enough now Julia"
"If you don't apologize this very moment, then I will go down to the guests and tell them about your shortcomings"
"Oh dear" The guard was blushing at this point
"Why do you think it took so long to conceive Solomon?"
"You wouldn't dare!"
"Married you didn't I? After mother distinctly told me not to"
"Your blasted mother!"
"Don't even start in on her!"
"I should really leave you two…"
"NO!" They both yelled as they turned to the poor guard
"I hate you! I hate you!" Sophia screamed at Wesley
"No, you don't" He told her annoyed
"How dare you assume!" She slapped him. His face winced in pain. Then reality seeped in as she realized she really hit him and felt horrible.
"Oh shoot GOD, sorry Wesley got carried away."
"I really think…" The guard was inching to get away from the "Knots Landing" drama.
"You Won't tell Jennifer? Please! I don't want to ruin her party" Sophia pleaded with the man.
"But you were about to go downstairs--" Wesley started in
"Charles!" Sophia closed her eyes in anger as she screamed.
"Yes Dear" He said reluctantly
"I won't tell Mrs. Cates" The man smiled at her.
"Please, will you point me in the way of the bathroom" She straitened herself out and asked bubbly.
"It's on the second floor, second door on the right" He pointed to the stairs
"Thank you." She walked on as Wesley nodded to the guard.
"I really am sorry about the past month, but that is not my child" He took her hand and winked.
"I know. It's Franklin Marx. Poor Bethany"
"I love you dear"
"I love you too pookey"
"Pookey?" The guard mouthed to himself as he went down the stairs. They ran up the second stairs. Sophia stopped him and touched his cheek softly to examine it. He took her hand and smiled.
"I'm so very sorry about the hit! Dramatic effect and all"
"It only hurt for a minute. Just don't feel the urge to become your art"
"Noted. Very brilliant act back there Charles"
"Well Julia, Your performance was wondrous"
"Thanks Pookey" she laughed.
They searched the numbers on the doors. Sophia took out her map from her purse.
"Their room is the fourth on the left" She stopped by the window and rested for a minute. She leaned against the windowsill and looked at Wesley.
"So he squirmed? I knew something was wrong with him."
"He is a creep. And did Jennifer say what kind of blood?"
"Read my mind"
"No, but since it was only a little while ago maybe we could find the shirt"
"That's a long shot"
"You know me and odds, but you might be right. Couldn't hurt to look. Everyone has a little dirty laundry, Wes"
"I can't open it. Why would he need so many locked doors?"
"He must have something to hide. Either that or he owns a brothel with secret rooms for his customers. Anything like that from your watcher days?" She laughed and yet wanted to know for her husband standards
"Get into the bedroom" He looked at her intensely
"What! "
"I was just kidding about the play rooms" She got up and stood straight
"Sophia get into the bedroom now!" He yelled. Just as he pushed her aside, a Spenical demon burst through the window. Sophia flew against the wall and recovered long enough to find two large swords hanging on display. Wesley struggled with the monster trying to puncture its head with the broken shards of glass.
"Wesley!" She yelled as she threw the sword at him. He caught it quickly and began to slice the behemoth. Sophia came out from the dizziness to help him. It's big yellow eyes focused on the couple as they tried stabbed its orange skin.
"Sophia go back!" He yelled
"Stop it Wesley! You know you need me"
"Listen to your wife" the dark voice of the animal came booming from it's fanged mouth.
It wasn't really fighting until Sophia stabbed it in one of it's hearts. After howling in pain, it rammed her against the wall. Wesley came behind it and pierced it's second heart while it screamed in horror. It disappeared in to nothing as the blood was erased from the hall. Sophia was on the floor breathing heavily as Wesley dropped to her.
Before they could get another word in another Spenical came through the window.
"Different approach?" He asked
"Go with the flow" She cracked her neck.
She grabbed the sword from the floor as he lifted himself to get into fighting mode. Sophia distracted it by ramming her sword into its feet. It was immobile as she questioned it. Wesley was slightly suprised by Sophia's quickness to violence, but it made her more attractive than before. He didn't think that was even possible.
"What do you know!" Spenicals only cared about their own well-being and would tell you anything you would want to know.
"I was sent by the holy one" It responded breathless.
"OK, I don't think your getting it. Who by name is that?" Wesley angled his sword to the demon's chest.
"Why should I tell you?"
"Because if you value your life at all you'll tell us. You feel that pain in your foot?"
It nodded.
"Well-" She forced the sword even deeper into the feet and twisted it all the way around. The Spenical yelled in terror and began to whimper.
"I'll make your death last a million, that's 6 zeros, times worse if you don't. You get it now?"
"All right! I'll tell you" It wailed
"Singing like a canary. Like the sound of that. Your not all that strong, cowardly in fact"
It jumped towards Wesley in rage
"Ah uh no. Or my darling wife will get angry again. And you still want the use of your feet right?" It grumbled after thinking about future pain he should avoid.
"It's name is The Holy One. That's his only name"
"He's telling the truth" Sophia had turned the emotional finder for a second to see if he was lying to them.
"That's anticlimactic. How about Bob?" Sophia expected something more commanding.
"A priest could be called 'The holy one'. Hey!"
"It was nice for you to be of service" Wesley turned from it and smiled at Sophia. He turned swiftly as he raised his sword. The demon hollered in pain as Wesley stabbed both his hearts with one swift jab. It vanished as the other had done.
"Are you hurt?"
"No, I really hate this cryptic crud. Are you ok?"
"I'm fine. Let's worry about this after we find what Howard's hiding.
They went to the Cates's master bedroom .
"Damn it! It's locked. Can you jimmy it?"
"Jimmy?" He said examining the lock. He bent down and tried to look the keyhole
"Open it Wes with a gadget or something. I see those weapons you assemble in your office or at home. I particularly love the 'crossbow that comes out of the sleeve' one. Show me how to use it?" He got up and looked lovingly at her.
"You really think it's good?"
"Your potential isn't all in books Wesley. I know you know that" She put her hand on his chest.
"Sophia I-" He put his arms on her face.
"Idalina? Ridgeford?" Jennifer was at the top of the stairs looking at the couple in a kissing position.
"Jennifer! We were trying to find-" Sophia was about to tell her the bathroom story
"My husband's secret. I know and that's why I'm here to help"
"What?" Wesley was confused to the core. Wasn't this the oblivious wife?
"I'm about to divorce the bastard, because of this….what he's hiding. I need to know now before he gets rid of it. I know you two specialize in deciphering, so by looking at the codes he keeps in his room, you'll know what he's doing"
"Did you know all long that he was dealing in evil?" Wesley wondered about Jennifer.
"Yes, I just didn't know in what. I know one thing. The story I told you at the party was a half truth. I know he has eyes and ears everywhere but here. I made special arrangements including killing the sound feed and the video system"
"Could he hear everything we said downstairs?" Sophia was worried about all the times she let Wes's name slip.
"Just what I said. The man is overprotective about the wife, especially since we're getting a divorce. He thinks I might be trying to kill him."
"What was this half truth you told Idalina?"
"All the secrecy has to do with children. It's not that Howard didn't want children. It's that I wouldn't give him any. He couldn't divorce me at the time because he was blinded by a contract my father created in my arranged marriage."
"Why didn't you want him to be a father?" Sophia asked
"Because he would have sacrificed our child to demons for power. He told me one day because he 'loved me' enough to tell me the truth. The reason why I don't know, that's why I need you."
"That's horrible" Sophia was disgusted by Howard's every move now.
"Some men shouldn't be fathers" Wesley spat with bitterness
"I'm sorry Wesley. You deserved more" Sophia knew of his inner torment over his father, if you could call him that.
"I agree. Please go inside his room and investigate" She took out a tape recorder and pushed the button
"Atra verum-I" The voice was of the monster named Howard Cates. The door unlocked itself and swung open . They walked in slowly and cautiously aware that at any moment something could trigger an alarm of some sort. They rummaged through his belonging and found nothing of value to the case.
"Did he ever mention anything about Roger Wyndam-Pryce?" Wesley asked adding a hint of hate with his father's name.
"No, he was just an old friend. I never met him, but they had dinner occasionally"
"Dinner? As in a date for a date book" Wesley continued to search the remaining parts of the room for clues.
"Do you know where that date book is?" Sophia needed to get her hands on that book.
"No, I'm sorry"
"If I could find that book"
"Jen, do you know how he organizes his books?"
"By most --"
"Important" Wesley interrupted. His face seemed to ooze clarity now.
"What do you have?" Sophia saw the thoughts in his head now.
"As a watcher, your taught to keep the most necessary for emergencies. You keep the most important item close to you at all times. Which mean he would have it somewhere he could access it easily" Wesley looked around the room and carefully bent under the bed. He brushed his hand over the wooded floor and felt a sliver of displaced wood.
"Something…got it!" He popped the wood down to find a hollow space which held an old date book. He pulled it out and handed it to Sophia. She smiled and hugged him strongly.
"My wonder savior. Never forgot that his father did the same thing" She thought of his intelligence.
"Another thing your taught is to never throw anything away" They all sat on the bed and opened the latch on the book. It was like children on a warm Christmas night looking at what goody Santa brought them. Wesley looked at the dates and noticed a pattern.
"These are the same dates as my father, and the same demons"
"What does that mean?"
"You husband is dealing with black-market trading with demons. I still--"
A paper fell out of the book and reviled the question still unanswered by the discovery.
Sophia picked it up and began to read.
"Jennifer, I'm very glad that you never had children with Howard. And you should be too"
S
he handed the paper to Jennifer who stood in shock.
"He---how. I should have know he could do something like this" She shook her head in disbelief and closed her eyes in shame of her husband. She got up from the bed and went to the dresser to lean on for support.
"Why didn't you tell us?" This is what Sophia knew Jennifer was hiding.
"I didn't think it was relevant to what Howard was doing" Jennifer really didn't think that part of her life was important to the secret
"Well it was" Wesley said re-reading the letter.
"The child would have half blood of a watcher, half blood of a witch. Worth a lot of power. It doesn't fit our commands, but a demon would use it. The sacrifice would give us what we needed"
"Your husband was willing to kill your child for more power. Demonic or otherwise" Wesley looked at Jennifer after he got of the bed.
"How could I stay married to him?" Jennifer ran her fingers through her tearing some strands out.
"You never knew. Do not blame yourself" Sophia walked over to the distraught woman and took her hands
"No, I blame him" She said with vengeance
"That book on linage was all about prices on blood. But why would a watcher need power?" Sophia turned to Wesley for the answer
"They all want it, yet don't have the supernatural ability. It's all about empowerment" He didn't know the feeling, but his father certainly explained it enough to him. Not to mention every man downstairs felt a rush off of watching their slayers in action.
"Sick sick men"
"There's more to that. Something else" Sophia knew better than to leave it at that.
"We'll find it." Wesley walked over to her and she took his hand
"I think that's all for tonight. We'll take the book and if we receive any new information we'll give you a ring" Wesley told Jennifer softly.
"I'll try to look around the house for some clues too. Thank you so much for this" She was grateful at their determination and support for her. Sophia put the letter and the book in her purse.
"Thank you. We now have a slight better understanding to what's been happening"
"Are you going to be ok? We could find you a hotel or someone to stay with"
"Thank you but it's all right. I'll be fine"
Sophia sighed and nodded reluctantly. They all fixed the room to the way it was and walked out locking the door behind them. Quickly, they walked down the flights of stairs and headed back to the party. Most of the people were gone or heading out for home.
"Guess we missed dinner" Sophia didn't really trust the food being served anyway.
"We should go. We'll call"
"Thank you. I could never repay you for this"
"Take care Jennifer"
"Thank you Idalina, thank you for everything"
She nodded and hugged her.
The doorman got their coats at Jennifer's request. Howard came over from his finished conversation with a fellow watcher to say farewell to his guests
"Missed you two at dinner"
"Oh Gee, how sad for you." She put her alarm on for any more clues from him.
"I'm not feeling too well, Howard. But thank you Jennifer for inviting us into your lovely home" Sophia decided to pretend Howard wasn't there
"It was wonderful to finally meet both of you" Jennifer was happy she met them that night.
"Same for us" Wesley said with enthusiasm.
"Well one of you anyway, not so wonderful to meet my father incarnate"
"Good bye" The Cates bid them farewell
"Good night" The Kanes were on their way out the door.
Sophia didn't wait for Wesley to put on any coverings for the snow falling night. They walked out of the house and walked down the steps together. She looked up at the blues and whites of the stars poking out of the clouds. They both forgot about the mess they left behind in that house. Sophia giggled as the snow fell in her hair. Wesley just looked at her with the love bursting in his heart. He knew she was the mother of his children and the love of his life. She knew he was the father she knew she wanted for her beloved children and the reason she lived every day. She cherished him, his eyes, his soul, and his heart.
Wesley put on Sophia's coat for her. Their skin touching was orgasmic for both, it was love in a way only two people like Sophia and Wesley could feel.
"I do love him with all of my heart and soul"
That was when all the emotions both felt for the past year came blossoming out of both of them. For that instant Sophia read Wesley's mind.
"She's so beautiful. I love her so much" He thought no one else was in there in with him.
"Huh?" She couldn't believe her ears. The confirmation of her hopes. All her thoughts flew at once into one thought.
"I didn't say anything" Wesley was concerned about her.
"Oh my God! " She walked away from him with tears in her eyes.
"Sophia?" He gently turned her towards him and looked into her eyes with passion.
"Why? Why didn't you--A whole year Wesley!" She yelled at him out of all the pain she felt in that year. She should have stopped it, and he could have to. All it took was a forgetful Sophia not turning off her power and a loving Wesley to bear his true emotions.
"A whole year what?" he didn't understand. A whole year they knew each other?
"A whole year…" She struggled to say her thoughts. At this point Wesley knew what he had to do, or rather say.
"I love you" It was the explosion of a lifetime. No fireworks could ever rival this moment. Wesley finally said the words he was dying to say. He finally declared his love for Sophia Avila.
"And I love you" And in turn Sophia Avila let go of Christian Langdon and her past reservations over a broken heart and affirmed her love for Wesley.
They stood in the snow looking at each other in marvel and adoration. He held her in his arms as she put her hand on his cheek.
It was endless love. It was always endless love. And it would always endless be love for Sophia Avila and Wesley Wyndam-Pryce.
In the Next Chapter: ARE YOU JUMPING UP AND DOWN IN HAPPINESS? ARE YOU GLAD I'M GIVING YOU TWO CHAPTERS? DO YOU WANT ME TO STOP WITH THE CAPS? All right then, if you think that was good, wait till it's a whole chapter dedicated to the two of them in the snow, together and in love. And they both know they love each other. That's a new one! Declarations and dare I say real, non spell kisses? YES! Read and Review! LOL I told you I would get them together eventually, just had to drag it out a bit. Love me now? Ok then review!