Chapter 4
Restfield didn't have much activity, just a couple of fledges. The young and foolish were the only ones that dared to move into Spike's cemetery. Any demon that valued his hide knew that the cemetery was well protected by the master vampire, and the dark-haired beauty that fought beside him still. There was still a lot of curiosity about Kara in the demon community. They didn't know what she was, and few knew her name. Stories came up from L.A. about a woman of her description saving innocents around town, but they still didn't give any real answers. The one thing universally known was that she never lost.
Spike opened the door for her to his home, as usual, after unlocking it. Kara had finally persuaded him to put a lock in the door, and a discrete one had been found. If anyone really wanted in his home, then the forced door would be a dead giveaway, and he'd have some warning.
"Home, sweet home, kitten. Hungry? Thirsty?"
"Yeah, but not for anything in your fridge," she purred. Kara sidled up to him, pressing her body to his, and started nibbling on his neck. She delighted in satisfaction as he growled when she nipped at his siring scar.
"Go on down below, pet. I'll lock up and be there in a moment," he replied, his eyes promising her a long night ahead. She shivered in anticipation.
"Okay. Hurry up, or I might have to start without you." She dropped down the hole to the cave below, and he heard her flick the lighter to get the candles going.
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Kara's first thought upon waking was that she was incredibly hungry. The next thought was that she was partially pinned beneath a dead-to-the-world vampire. She wouldn't be able to get him to move without waking him, so she shifted to a smaller form, taking on the guise of a house cat. She changed back at the foot of the ladder and climbed up to go check the fridge. 'Let's see…leftover wings, whipped cream, and beer…nope, nothing for breakfast.' It was early morning, and the birds were still in the trees.
Kara quietly snuck outside and shifted back to being a house cat. The pattern of her coat blended in with the shadows still present from the not-yet-risen dawn. She stalked toward a tree that had a flock of wrens living in it this time of year, and stealthily climbed the tree trunk. Ooo, lucky her – a pair of crows had taken their place – even better. She pounced just as the two birds awoke, sinking her teeth in one's neck and pinning the other with her claws. A quick snap of one neck, then the other, and she was having a filling breakfast. Kara ate as much as she could around all the feathers, then cleaned her face and chest of the blood from the birds. She shook away the thought of bringing the heads to Spike, and left the tree.
She was soon back in bed, purring contentedly.
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It was afternoon when Kara awoke again. Spike wasn't in sight. Stretching her senses revealed that he was up above warming up his breakfast. She grabbed his t-shirt off the floor and slipped it on before joining him.
"Hey, kitten," he purred, pulling her into a passionate kiss until the microwave beeped. Kara snuggled into his bare chest while he drank.
"I'm happy you're coming with me today."
"What time will it be when we get there?"
"Not sure. I'll have to look at the clock at home. I set one to Ossiriand time."
"And how many Empress duties will you have to fulfill?"
"Not many, unless there's been a problem. The Elders handle the governing pretty well since there aren't many people to watch over. They give me the update, I look around to make sure I like what I see, and the rest of my time is free. Think of it as a vacation."
"I'll admit that the idea of being waited on hand and foot is pretty appealing," he said, grinning.
She frowned at him. "Yes, they'll treat you well as my guest, but don't take advantage," she scolded. "These are very sweet people, and I want them to stay that way."
He rubbed her nose in an Eskimo kiss. "I promise I won' be difficult. Is that my shirt?"
"Uh, yeah. It was the first thing I saw."
"You, need to stop stealing my shirts. They get stretched out funny," he complained.
"Stretched funny? How does that work when they're too big for me?" Kara asked, hands on her hips.
He stepped forward, wrapping one arm around her while the other hand slid under the tee to cup her breast. "Catch on now, luv?"
Her breathing hitched. "You just want an excuse to grope me again," she teased.
"Well, there is that. I'm a bad man, baby, what can I say?"
"Spike…we have stuff to do today…"
"It can wait another day, luv. Need you now." Her response was swallowed in his kiss as he plundered her mouth.
She didn't know what was up with them lately. They'd never been this desperate for each other before, but then, she didn't mind. Kara wrapped her arms around his neck and hopped up, wrapping her legs around his waist, too. She heard his zipper lowered, and then he was inside her again, and all other thoughts faded away.
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The gang was gathered at The Bronze Friday night.
Anya leaned over so Tara could hear her over the music. "Is it just me, or are Kara and Spike even more touchy-feely lately than usual?"
"Nope, not just you. I don't think she's even gone back home, yet." Tara looked over at the couple, who'd been making out since they sat down, and decided to talk to Kara. She tapped her friend on the back.
Kara turned her head, blushing. "Yeah?"
"Ladies room?" Universal female code for 'wanting to talk'.
Kara nodded, and disentangled herself from her boyfriend. "I'll be back in a few, baby."
"Alright. I'll get myself a drink while you're gone."
She smiled at Spike, then followed Tara and Anya to the bathrooms.
Anya checked the stalls to make sure no one would be eavesdropping.
"What's up, guys?"
Tara started. "Kara, you and Spike…have been a bit…"
"Overzealous with the public displays of almost boinking?" Anya added.
Tara rolled her eyes at the ex-demon before continuing. "Sweetie, what's going on? You two have hardly stopped touching each other all night…like you're both afraid the other is going to disappear. Is something wrong?"
"It's been that bad?" Kara asked, embarrassed. The other two nodded emphatically. "Nothing's wrong. I don't know how to explain it. We just can't get enough of each other, since I came up this week. It's been a good thing that I leave clothes at Spike's, 'cause I haven't been home, yet."
Anya snapped her fingers. "I know what this is reminding me of! Did you mate? You know, claim each other?"
"Not yet. We haven't talked about it," Kara said.
"Well, you're acting like a newly mated pair, that's all. When the claim is new, the pair is all over each other until they adjust. The sex is supposed to be amazing! I've known a few couples in my days as a demon."
"Yeah, I know about claims, but we haven't done one. It's probably just that we haven't had much time together all month, so it's caught up with us. I'm sorry if we made you guys uncomfortable," Kara said softly.
"No, just it's unlike you to be like that in public, so I was concerned," Tara replied.
"Didn't bother me," Anya said with a shrug.
"Neither does porn, Ahn!" Kara teased.
That made them laugh, and after a quick check in the mirror, the girls went back out into the club.
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Kara asked her sister to check on the pets for a couple days while she and Spike would be in the other dimension. She wasn't exactly sure when they would be back, but she knew they couldn't stay past the weekend. The time difference between the two worlds was always a problem. Every extra day in Ossiriand compounded the time gone from Earth, or so it seemed. She wouldn't be surprised to find that two months would turn into two years when she got back home. Kara wondered if there was a way to sync up the two, tighten the dimensional travel difference. Ossiriand also turned on a 24-hour day, so if she could get them close, it would be a matter of just different days of the week. She would have to research altering the spell on her portal.
"Spike! Let's go!"
"'m comin'," he muttered. Spike thundered down the stairs to the basement, bag in hand.
"You're bringing luggage? We're only staying overnight."
"Never hurts to be prepared," he said.
"I suppose you ate a Boy Scout leader once?" she teased.
"Ha, bloody, ha. Let's just get this over with."
Kara waved her hand over the wall, revealing the portal. It swirled various shades of purple. She grabbed Spike's hand and pulled him through.
They stepped out immediately in the receiving area of the palace. Spike wobbled, the experience disorienting to someone not used to it. He noticed the sunshine coming through the large window and dove for cover.
Kara laughed. "Spike, you're not on fire."
"Why am I not on fire?" he asked, puzzled.
"Different star system, baby. Different sun. You're safe here."
"And you couldn't have mentioned that before I made a ponce of myself?" he asked, irritated.
"And miss you diving under a table? That was priceless!"
He closed the gap between them and hauled her close, trapping her in his arms. "You – are evil."
"Learning from the best, honey," she purred. Their lips met in a passionate kiss that quickly escalated, until someone loudly clearing their throat interrupted them.
"Forgive me, Empress," the Elder said with a smile.
Kara had forgotten that she had changed appearance coming through the portal. It was something she instinctually did these days, taking her proper place around her people. They seemed uncomfortable if she was dressed in plain clothes, for some reason. She was now wearing a halter top and skirt in Kalari's style, gleaming white and showing lots of skin. A white metal circlet graced her brow. Her eyes held the faint silver glow that would intensify at night.
"How are things, my friend?" she asked, taking his hands and kissing him on the cheek.
"Peaceful, as always, Empress. The palace has been completely restored, as you requested. I'm sure you will want a complete tour?"
"Yes, later. I would like to show Spike the countryside, first."
"Of course. Greetings, friend. It is a great honor to meet any companion of our beloved Empress," the Elder said, nodding his head to Spike. Spike just raised a brow at Kara, bemused. "I will have your rooms prepared while you are out." He bowed to Kara, then left the room.
"This how they always talk to you, pet?"
"Pretty much. That is the Elder I've spoken of. He did the spell that set all this in motion. He takes care of everyone here, loves them like his own children. He has been instrumental in re-integrating the two halves of the tribe. Come, I want to show you my world."
They walked out of the palace doors, and Spike would have had his breath taken away, if he had to breathe. He had never seen a land like this. He had been all over Earth in his 100+ years, but even the most beautiful country there couldn't compare with the sight before him. The palace stood on a hill, overlooking a valley. The sky was lavender, and the sunlight warm, but soft, like it was filtered. A river bisected the valley off in the distance, the town embracing both banks. Colors were so vibrant, more than he could ever remember seeing as a human, like the essence of jewels had been poured into every flower and blade of grass. On top of it all, he could feel the deep magic at the heart of this world, thrumming through his toes.
"Beautiful, isn't it?"
"You'd said it before, but I had no idea," he replied, his voice an awed whisper, like speaking too loudly would disrupt the vision of this place. "Has it always been like this?"
"There are more trees, again, then there were in Kalari's day. Less people now. It was a great, flourishing kingdom when my family reigned. The whole planet was under our care. The Great War destroyed almost everything, so this is the only continent my people live on now. There is said to be another race of peaceful demons on the other side of the world. Refugees that have been here 20, 30 years, maybe. I should meet them eventually. Shall we?"
Kara laced her fingers with Spike's and started walking down the hill. She was barefoot, the plush grass acting as natural cushioning. The land spoke to her, when she had this connection. It felt like an old friend. Spike could have sworn he saw the trees bowing to her as they walked, but that was ridiculous, right? A group of children playing in the fields spotted them first.
"Kalari is here! Kalari is here!" they shouted. Their voices soon brought the townspeople out of their homes, and Spike and Kara were soon surrounded by friendly people all talking at once. She shook hands with the adults and kissed the children on their cheeks. A few little girls handed her flowers.
Spike spun around in game face when a particularly feisty old woman dared to pinch his ass, causing the crowd to gasp in wonder.
"Okay! Everyone! Take a few steps back and allow me to breathe," Kara said. They obeyed immediately, respectful of their empress, and waited. "I'm happy to see you all, too, but as usual, my time is limited, and I need to see everything before it is time to leave."
A curious young boy raised his hand. "Empress, who is the man with you?" His mother hushed him for asking such a thing. Kara smiled pleasantly, indicating that she was not offended.
She caressed Spike's face with her hand, and he turned his face into her palm to kiss it. "This is Spike. Respect him as you do me. That includes you, Roquita. I saw you pinch his butt," she replied, shaking her finger at the old woman, who laughed. Kara laughed as she shooed them away, back to their lives. She took Spike's hand again as they continued along the path.
"A translation would be nice, luv," he gently reminded her.
"Oh! I'm sorry. I'm so used to understanding them that I didn't even think you couldn't. They wanted to know who you are, that's all. Here, stop for a minute." She put her hand on his head and chanted a few words. "That should do it."
"What did you do?" he asked, as they resumed walking.
"Just translated the language for you. You'll understand them clearly now."
"Where to next, your highness?"
"Get an update from Belegurth. They keep to themselves in the fortress now."
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"Empress. You look magnificent, as always."
"No one likes a kiss-ass, Belegurth. I'm here for your report. Will I like what I hear?"
"We are your humble servants, Empress. My men, the few that are left, understand their place here."
"The few that are left?"
"We have been soldiers beyond remembrance, Empress. Without a purpose to fight for, some of the men grew listless, and have left for other lands to seek a new life. They left a month ago."
"And just where did they go?"
"Across the sea, to the uninhabited islands, Your Highness."
"Do you think they will pose a problem in the future? I will not tolerate the start of any wars," Kara said ominously.
"No, Empress. They did not take their swords and armor. Only clothes, food, and bows for hunting. I believe they mean to settle in peace."
"I hope your right, Belegurth, for your sake. Have a report delivered to the palace tonight of every file for every soldier that left."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Spike was waiting by the door for the demon's office. Kara came out a few minutes after she went in.
"Everything alright, pet?"
"I think so. Let's head back to the palace. I want to give you the tour."
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"That wing is mostly bedrooms for the servants and the Elders overseeing everything. Down this central hall are the banquet room, the ballroom, and my father's lounge where the men would retreat to after dinner. The opposite wing has the library, which is quite extensive, the art gallery, and the medical facility is further back."
"And where is your room?"
"Upstairs, but that will have to wait until I've shown you what's down here."
She led him through each public room, pointing out Ossiriand's history in the murals on the walls. Every room was elegantly, but simply, detailed. Royalty here had not been the ostentatious sort. Further back were the kitchens and common areas for the servant's recreation. Kara led him through the back of the house to the gardens. The sun had yet to set, so they could be clearly seen. There was even a pool centrally located in the rear courtyard.
"That pool is fed by an underground hot spring. It's always warm, and the minerals in the water have soothing properties."
"Maybe we'll have to take a dip before we go?" he asked sensuously.
"You have a one track mind, Spike."
"I have a gorgeous girl that's all mine, kitten. What else should I be thinking about?"
"Come on, you." Kara continued the tour, taking Spike upstairs and showing him the rooms that had belonged to Kalari's family. She was about to show him her suite at the end of the hall, but a servant interrupted.
"Empress, the evening meal is ready. We await you downstairs."
"Thank you." She tugged at Spike's sleeve. "Let's go. You can see my room later."
"Can't we get room service?"
"The Elders are waiting for me, Spike. It's our custom to catch up over dinner. You'll like the food," she entreated.
He followed, muttering under his breath, making her giggle.
Kara changed her clothing as they walked back to the banquet hall, the material magically shifting to a different outfit. She now wore a shimmering light blue dress that flowed over her curves and exposed her back, jeweled sandals, and a tiara nestled in her hair.
"Now I feel a bit underdressed," Spike teased.
"Don't worry about it. I'm just maintaining the image. The rest won't be dressed up, either."
The Elders stood behind their chairs, waiting for her to enter. Spike had the seat to her left. They took their seats once Kara was seated. She didn't sit at the head of the table. That seat was reserved in the memory of her father. The opposite end was empty in memory of her mother. Kara sat in the middle on one side so she could talk to all the Elders seated across from her. These dinners were as informal as they would let her get away with.
"This is Spike, everyone," she said, looking at him lovingly.
"Welcome, Sir. Did you enjoy your first glimpse of Ossiriand?"
"I did. It's a beautiful country." Spike wasn't exactly comfortable around all these strangers, people that Kara knew well by now. He was saved from answering more questions by the food's arrival.
Kara pointed out what everything was to him, especially what she thought he would like best. Ossiriand had many animals similar to Earth species, but all unique. The deer were hunted for game during the right season, and the farmers also raised a type of cattle. The land boasted several species of fruit-bearing plants, also, and unique spices. Several dishes were set on the table to be passed around, enough to have each plate heaping three times.
The tribal members spoke both in the common tongue, and the dialect that evolved for the ones in South America. Kara had only enabled Spike to understand the common language, not thinking about the other, so he missed a phrase now and then. He ate quietly, listening to Kara discussing the intricacies of Ossiriand with its caretakers. Apparently, they made sure to remember everything that had passed since her last visit, so it was a long meal. He was now full, his elbow on the table with his head resting on his hand, and yawning in boredom. The second time he yawned out loud, Kara looked over to him sympathetically.
"It's late, guys, and we're still on a different time zone."
"Oh, of course, Empress. Forgive us for keeping you and your companion from your rest."
"Not a bother. Goodnight, everyone."
They called their goodnights as Kara and Spike left the room. His energy picked up immediately and he bounded up the stairs ahead of her on a quest to her bedroom.
"Eager, aren't you?" she commented, laughing.
"You've been walking around in things I can almost see through all day, luv. Can't tease a man and expect him not to bite," he answered saucily.
"You're incorrigible."
She unlocked her suite door and pushed it open, beckoning for him to go in ahead of her. The room was like a fantasy, incredibly romantic with the candles and soft fabrics everywhere. It was like walking into a cloud, pale blue and white silks softening the coldness of stone walls and floors. There were fluffy rugs on the tile to cushion their feet. The first room was a parlor, basically, with comfortable furniture and bookshelves on one wall. Kara pulled back a heavy curtain to reveal the bedroom, the bed taking up most of the central space.
"The door on that side is the closet, and down that little hall is the bathroom. There's also a balcony with a table and chairs. They didn't bother with glass windows when building the upper floor since it's always warm here." She led him down the hall. The bathroom was all marble, with an enormous tub. "Oh, look. They drew me a bath already." The water was still steaming, and fragrant flowers floated on the surface.
"Be a shame to waste it, then," he murmured.
"Mmm, it would."
They happily engaged in a passionate kiss, Spike's hands moving up and down her bare back. He moved to kissing her neck when she needed air.
"Wearing anything under this dress?"
"Nope," she responded, popping the 'p'. A pleased growl greeted her answer.
He pulled the ties loose at the back of her neck and the dress pooled to the floor. He swept her off her feet and placed her in the bath, then started undressing.
"Been a while since we had fun in a tub," Kara mused.
She admired his naked body once again, as he stepped into the bath, moving over to him as soon as he sat down. He sighed happily at the feel of the hot water on his body, and pulled her onto his lap.
"So beautiful, my goddess, my love…" He kissed her languidly as his hands caressed every curve. Now that they were finally alone, there was no reason to rush things, and he wanted to worship every inch of Kara.
She arched her back as his mouth blazed a trail down over her collarbone to the rising curve of her breast, clutching him tighter when he sucked on the pebbled peak. His tongue and teeth were driving her crazy. No one had ever incited desire within her like Spike, not that she'd had bad previous experiences, but it was just, like, he was made for her, created to know every perfect touch for every moment, and touched her heart as much as her body.
"Oh, god," she gasped.
"Like that, kitten?" His voice dropped to an unbelievably sexy register, roughened with his own desire. "Want me to make you scream? So sexy…flushed, wanton. Should I make you beg, luv?" Spike slipped under the water, and she gripped the side of the bath.
I love that he doesn't need to breathe. Little tremors coursed through her womb as he teased her. Kara was soon panting with need, trying to maneuver for more stimulation. She felt him laugh underneath her. Damned arrogant vampire. Well, if he was just going to keep teasing her, than she could one-up him. Using the best of her speed, Kara sank down on him in one motion, causing him to buck underneath her in surprise.
"Bloody hell!" he sputtered.
Kara grinned, and shrugged her shoulders. "I got impatient." She picked up a sweet-smelling soap and started building up lather in her hands. She ran her soapy hands through his hair, massaging the curls as she washed them, then soaped up a cloth and started washing his chest, shoulders and arms.
"Luv, what are you doing?"
"Bathing you," she answered sweetly.
"I see that, but, uh, why now?"
"Isn't that what one usually does in a tub?" she asked innocently.
"Usually, but not when we're like this," he emphasized with a thrust of his hips. One of them had to start moving, or he was going to go insane.
"Well, I'm multi-tasking." She dipped a small pitcher in the water and tipped it over his head to rinse the suds away. Kara wiped the drops on his forehead away before they could run into his eyes. "You got a little sun today," she said, studying his face.
"Did I, now."
"Mmm hmm. The bridge of your nose is a touch pink. Do you remember if you freckle?"
"Nope, why?"
"'Cause they'd be cute across your nose."
"Are you mocking me, woman?" pretending to be insulted.
"Oh, never," Kara replied, eyes wide and innocent.
Spike growled and attacked her sides with his hands, making her shriek and giggle. She couldn't stay still while tickled, and that made the position they were still in very obvious, as her laughter quickly turned to moans at the feel of him inside her. She tightened around him, and started to raise and lower herself in the familiar rhythm. They kissed, and Spike's hands caressed her curves again.
Her heartbeat thundered in his ears, her blood singing to him. Spike's face rippled as he tried to control his demon. He never wanted to bite her without her permission. Kara felt the bones shifting against her as they kissed, and pulled back to look at him.
"Show me," she whispered, not breaking her rhythm.
His human mask fell away, and she was faced with his demon visage, a face that had never disgusted or frightened her. She ran her fingertips over the brow ridges and pronounced cheekbones, looking directly into his amber eyes.
"Never be afraid to show me this face, William. It's just another part of you I love. Has it ever bothered you that I'm not wholly human?"
"No, but-"
"But nothing. You've always been 'Spike who happens to be a vampire' to me. If you want to bite me, please do. Anywhere you like. I think you know I enjoy it by now," she said with a grin.
His demonic face had faded away while she was speaking, but now, he shifted again, and buried his fangs in her throat, triggering her orgasm as she clung to him. Spike gulped down her blood, his teeth deep in her flesh, before her spasms caused his own release to follow. He pumped into Kara until there was nothing left, before releasing her throat and looking into her eyes.
"Mine!" he growled.
Her eyes widened for a moment before she responded. "Yours. Always."
Another pleased growl, and he kissed her brutally, still in game face. Tasting her own blood didn't bother her at the moment. Kara was too caught up in the feelings coursing through her from the developing claim, as well as the feel of Spike still inside her at full hardness again. He released her to breathe and started licking the blood off her skin. She took the moment to bite him back, seating her teeth in to obliterate Drusilla's mark, gulping down his blood, which now provided images from his mind because of the claim. She thought she heard him moan, and then his teeth were in her throat again, gently this time, just connecting them. Kara pulled back just enough to speak around her fangs.
"Sub specie aeternitatis, esto perpetua," she whispered.
Something about that phrase tickled the back of Spike's mind, but he was in too much bliss to bother thinking. He felt warm, warmed by her blood, warmed by her love, and she was his. No worrying about her affections belonging to someone before him. Kara felt him worthy, and both the demon and man had never been happier. They licked at each other's marks, purring.
Unknown to either of them, the symbols on Kara's back changed and rearranged themselves, shimmered, and faded to black once more.
