Chapter Fifteen

Two days later, Buffy arrived home with Shannon. The last day in hospital, all she had wanted was to be alone with her family but the others had kept pestering her with gifts and worldly advice. Willow had flow over to see her "niece" and all the others had been swooning over the tiny baby. Lorne had even come to the hospital to see her and it turned out he was brilliant with children. Angel had taken to his uncle role quite well and had been offering advice to Spike, which Buffy found amusing seeing as Angel never had had and never could have children.

But now they were finally home, alone and she was putting Shannon to sleep in her crib. She could hear Spike banging around in the kitchen, fixing some dinner for himself. She knew he hadn't eaten properly in the last couple of days, too attentive to leave her side. But now they were home, she could make him look after herself again. She would get on to Wesley about that little problem she was still having as well. The thought of it made her frown as she left the snoozing child to walk into the kitchen. Spike looked at her as she walked in and saw the concerning look on her face.

'What's wrong luv?' He asked, going to her.

'I want blood still.' She looked up at him. 'I shouldn't. Something is wrong.'

'Pet it's probably because you have been drinking it for months on end. Just need to adjust.'

'No, it's more than a craving. I feel weak…like I need it.' She sat on the sofa. 'Do you think Wesley will come over and check me out? I don't want to be dying or something.' She looked like she was in a daze and Spike frowned in concern.

'Don't need to tell me twice.' He grabbed the phone and dialled a number. Ten minutes later a knock sounded at the door. Spike opened it and Wesley walked in. Buffy still sat on the sofa, staring into space. Wesley sat next to her as Spike hovered in a worry.

'Buffy, Spike said you are craving blood.' He took out a cross and pressed it against her palm. She didn't pull away. 'Does that burn?'

'No. It's just warm.' Wesley frowned.

'I think that suggests you aren't a vampire.'

'Wesley…vampirism, it's like a disease. You have to share blood and…' Spike was cut off by the watcher.

'Buffy has been sharing blood with the baby for nine months. Meaning she may have taken on some of their attributes.' The watcher stood and turned to the platinum blonde. 'Give her some blood. Monitor her behaviour. And tell me tomorrow if anything significant changes.'

'I'm not evil.' Buffy piped up. 'It's like food. I need it. My stomach is rumbling.' Spike looked at her and then turned back to Wesley.

'Ring me if you are worried. This is new territory so we'll see how it goes.' He put a reassuring hand on the vampire's shoulder and smiled. 'I'm sure it will be fine Spike. I'm on the end of the phone.' With that he left and Spike turned to Buffy.

'Suppose I'd better make you some dinner then pet.' He said and turned to go to the kitchen.

Buffy sat alone for the moment, staring at the blank television screen and wondering what would become of her.

Buffy had gone to sleep a while ago and for now there were no signs of life coming from the bedroom. Shannon had been asleep for hours and Spike was preparing to join his family in sweet slumber he had been missing out on in the past few days. He stretched as he got up from the sofa in the living room, and grabbed a glass of water from the small kitchen before entering the bedroom. He stood for a moment, his eyes wandering over the sleeping forms of his newborn daughter and his girlfriend.

His girlfriend…he wondered now if he would ever call her his wife. But that was a thought for another time.

Now it was time for rest. He placed the glass of water on the side, knowing Buffy would want it at some point. He carefully undressed to his boxer shorts and climbed in next to the sleeping blonde.

Spike had never been fond of boxer shorts – he preferred to go commando, as it provided easier access for spontaneous occasions. But since the arrival of Buffy in his life and their now steady relationship, he had to wear the dreaded things. She said they looked good on him and he had taken her word for it.

In all truth, Spike had been completely pussy-whipped by the slayer. The coat was hanging up in the closet and would remain so. And whilst he was still fond of the black jeans and took any chance to wear them, his black shirts had also been committed to early retirement. He was most often found nowadays in button down shirts and coloured t-shirts.

Yep, he was completely pussy-whipped. Under the thumb.

But right now, looking at her angelic face…he didn't care. He didn't give a flying crap what anyone said about him, if anyone ridiculed him for the loss of his reputation as a master vampire.

Because she was far more important and precious to him than any reputation. His family was the most treasured thing in his life now and he felt he had nothing to prove anymore. Not to anyone.

For the first time in over a hundred years…he had nothing to prove.

He was awake and he could feel the piercing in his neck. It wasn't as painful as the last time she had jumped him, but she was still taking far too much far too quickly. He raised his hands and placed them on her shoulders, gently pushing her away. She moaned softly in protest and he relented, knowing that she was pushing the boundaries with this.

'Buffy…luv.' He pushed her away and she fell to the bed beside him, a confused look on her innocent face. He smiled reassuringly and raised a hand to feel the wound. She had bitten cleanly this time and not with blunt teeth. He frowned and placed a hand on her face, looking at her eyes and noticing the sharp incisors framed between her red lips.

'What's wrong with me?' She whimpered and he pulled her into an embrace. Instinctively she went for his neck again and he pushed her away.

'Pet…stop it. You're…you're too good at this.' He scowled a little with frustration and Buffy stood up, looking at him with guilty features. Her eyes were speckled with gold and her teeth were slowly retracting. Spike scrambled to the edge of the bed as she moved to the crib.

'Wesley was right wasn't he? I'm a vampire now.' She closed her eyes and felt the change in her teeth. She stroked Shannon's face gently. 'I'm not angry at her. It's just…I was built to kill vampires. And now I'm part of a family of them.' Spike arms encircled her from behind and he placed a chaste kiss on her forehead.

'Baby…you're still the slayer. You are still Buffy and I love you. Just because your physique has changed doesn't make you a different person.' She turned to face him and kissed him softly on the lips.

'I'm still tired.' She whispered and he pulled her to the bed, laying her down next to him. She curled into his body as he pulled the covers over them, and she closed her eyes.

Slowly the two fell asleep, content in the fact that they were safe in each others embrace.