Feedback: Duh! Feedback and criticism (but only constructive) is welcomed and appreciated.
Disclaimer: None of it's mine except the storyline. If it were Angel wouldn't have left Buffy in the first place. This is therapy for me.
Rating: Pg - 13, for violence
Pairing: B/A, minor use of other ships e.g. W/O, S/F
Summary: AU. The whole gang are werewolves and living in L.A.
Note to readers: For timeline references the gang all went to Sunnydale High together. Buffy was never the Slayer and moved to Sunnydale because her Mom wanted to set up a new art gallery. Graduation day did happen but the present slayer Kendra took Buffy's place in the whole part. Her watcher is Merrick. The gang then all moved up to the Hyperion, which is where they've all been living since Graduation. Oh, and obviously Cordelia doesn't know they're werewolves.
-#-#-
Though they'd managed to calm Cordelia down and get her changed into some clothes of Buffy's, she was obviously still shaken. Her face was pale and round like moon and her hands, clutched around a steaming mug of coffee, were shaking.
"Now," said Angel kindly. "Can you tell us what happened Cordy?"
Cordelia looked up from her coffee mug to gaze at the people who were watching her with a mixture of sympathy and curiosity. They'd all been really nice to her, even Xander, who hadn't made a sarcastic comment once, even though she knew he'd been severely tempted. The gang hadn't changed much since High School, but she didn't recognise two of the faces that peered at her. In their early teens both had dark hair and strangely they reminded her of Angel and Buffy. Siblings perhaps? But they'd never mentioned anything about… well now was not the time to go into it. Everyone was watching her expectantly and she decided that she might as well get it all out.
"Well, after you left the office, I worked until about nine trying to rearrange your schedule for this week 'cos the Ferreaties called and wanted another meeting and you should try dealing with their PA, god she is such a …"
"Cordelia." Angel cut in sharply.
Xander hid a smirk. She had obviously been through something bad and yet she still managed to be the same old Cordelia. She actually had the grace to look slightly sheepish.
"Well anyway, I finished and I went to get in my car but the stupid thing wouldn't work, so I decided to walk home."
She paused and took a sip of her coffee trying to gather her thoughts.
"It was only a couple of blocks and I was about halfway there when I heard this kind of whimpering sound coming from this alley, and I thought it was a puppy or something. So I headed over and… and this great big dog thing came out from the shadows, with yellow eyes and its teeth were huge. It was snarling at me and I, I was so scared I think I screamed."
"And that's what made you run here?" Faith eyed her incredulously. "A large dog?"
Cordelia shook her head violently.
"No, what happened next made me run here. Some one must have heard me because all of a sudden I heard footsteps. Well the dog looks at me and I swear it was scared. It backed away into a corner behind a couple of dumpsters and before you can say good doggie I'm surrounded by soldiers, all pointing their guns at me. They pulled out this scanner thing like on star trek when they're doing a medical exam, not that I watch it cos I am not a trekkie, god forbid, just that when I was dating Xander, he used to go on about…" She caught Xander's glare.
"Anyway they finished doing whatever it was they were doing and just as suddenly as they came they were gone. I just wanted to get the hell out of there when the dog came round from the dumpster and it…it spoke to me in my head."
The group looked at each other in alarm. If what Cordelia was saying was true then this 'dog' was infact a werewolf.
"What did it say Cordelia?" Asked Buffy urgently.
Cordelia looked at her strangely. "Go find Angel quickly and tell him that the Initiative are back in town. I got completely freaked out and then it kind of whimpered again and keeled over on its side. By this time I was practically hysterical and I ran all the way over to you guys."
Angel swore violently under his breath. "The colour Cordelia. What colour was it's coat?"
"Um, no don't tell me this one… black, coal black."
"Okay so that narrows its down," muttered Angel who hadn't even noticed he had started pacing. "Any distinguishing features?"
Cordelia stared at him in disbelief. "I was sorta preoccupied with staring at its teeth. If I'd have known you wanted personal details I would've invited it on a date!"
"Nice to have you back Queen C," said Xander.
Cordelia smiled sweetly at him, which was a lot scarier than most of the demons he'd seen put together. " Xander, I see you haven't changed much. By the way how is your pizza delivery career?"
"Cordelia, Xander, please!" Angel glared at them. "Are you sure you can't remember anything?"
Cordelia racked her memory. "Oh, there was like this scar thing across its muzzle."
"Penn," said Faith sinking into a chair. Spike rubbed her shoulders comfortingly.
"It's alright luv. We'll find 'im." He looked up at Angel. "Right mate?"
Angel nodded and started organising everyone. "Xander get Cordy a room and fix her up. She can't go home until we have this sorted out." Xander's groan casued his lips to twitch upwards. Cordelia glared at him as she walked out into the lobby.
"Well, it's not like I want to go with you either, dorkhead."
"Dorkhead? You wound me with your words."
Angel watched them go, and then rolling his eyes he turned to the others and set about organising everyone in a low determined voice.
" Willow, I need you to do a locator spell to find Penn." She nodded.
"It should be ready in about five minutes."
"Good," said Angel. "When we've found his location Spike and I will go and get him. Oz, I need you to look on the computer database for all the information we have on the Initiative from our last little encounter with them."
Faith, who had been resting her chin in her hands, looked up. "What can I do?"
"Get medical supplies ready. If what Cordy says is true then he's hurt badly."
Faith frowned. "But I can help you and Spike. I'm just as strong as you guys and I can help carry him back." Angel just shook his head.
"No, the more people, the more chance there is of getting caught."
"But he's my brother!" She argued fiercely.
Angel started to growl low in his throat in warning. "Don't argue with me Faith, I haven't got the time." She backed down, grudgingly accepting his dominance.
"Fine."
Angel made no reply instead turning to Buffy.
"I need you to call Kendra. See if she or Merrick know anything about our little soldier friends."
"Okay."
At that point Willow returned. "I've found his location. He's three blocks away on West Street in the alley next to Harry's bakery."
Angel offered a small smile of thanks before heading out of the kitchen to the weapons cabinet. Selecting a simple 15th century two-hander for himself, he grabbed his duster and turned to Spike, who favoured a plain but effective broadsword.
"Ready?"
Spike nodded, suddenly serious, and stamped out his cigarette with the heel of his boot. Angel made to go but he was suddenly turned around by a firm grip on his upper arm. A pair of warm, soft lips pressed urgently against his and he relaxed, allowing his tongue to gently tease the full bottom lip of his mate's. Buffy pulled away and squeezed his arm.
"Be careful?"
He smiled reassuringly at her. "Don't worry about me." He kissed her forehead and then moved his head next to her ear. "I'll be back in a bit with Penn and Spike and everything will be fine love, you'll see."
He nuzzled her neck and then with one last look walked out of the door with Spike, their dusters flapping in the cold, wet night.
-#-#-
They'd been gone for nearly an hour and a half…which was far too long.
Buffy had picked up Angel's habit and was now pacing nervously up and down the hotel lobby. Faith had gone upstairs long ago; tired, worried and feeling more than a little useless Buffy had made her get some sleep. There was nothing they could do now. She ran her fingers through her hair. Kendra had not been home and Buffy realised that she'd be out patrolling.
She'd tried Merrick as well but he hadn't been home either, and so she assumed he was with Kendra watching her fighting technique. It was something the ever-vigilant Watcher was prone to do, though she was sure his charge wasn't quite so enthusiastic about him accompanying her.
Oz's info had also been far from reassuring.
The Initiative had been in Sunnydale when the gang had been in High School and those irritating army boys had made the pack's life hell. It was only when Kendra had blown the base up that the werewolves had felt any peace.
Trying to deal with steroid filled soldiers and murderous robots was not high on Buffy's Top 10 Fun-Filled Activities-To-Do, and she had felt only satisfaction and gratitude when Maggie Walsh – the bitch who'd been behind the whole scheme- and her lackeys had all been killed in the explosion. Also killed in the blast was the incredibly annoying and slimy Riley Finn.
Even now she couldn't repress a shiver of disgust. Greasy hair, a larger than life smile and his farm boy manners had all caused him to merit the nickname 'Captain Cardboard' courtesy of Spike, and what Angel called him couldn't be repeated in polite company. Riley had asked her on endless dates, and each and every one she'd very firmly turned down. Angel hadn't taken kindly to someone pursuing his mate and the fact that Riley couldn't walk properly the day he died was testament to Angel's anger. The thought of her mate brought her out of her thoughts with a bump.
If the Initiative had somehow regrouped and were now in L.A then they were all in serious danger.
-#-#-
(An hour before)
Spike surveyed the fallen soldiers without compassion.
The stupid buggers had jumped them just as they'd crossed the park and before they knew it they were fending off a dozen of highly trained, well-armed soldiers. How they had known they were werewolves was a mystery, as they hadn't changed; and now they'd have to be especially careful if they could be detected in human form. Seven soldiers lay unconscious on the ground but five were dead; two had had their necks broken by the Alpha werewolf and his beta while the swords that they wielded had killed the other three, severing major arteries in the blink of an eye.
The fight felt like it had gone for ages but in reality it had only lasted ten minutes. They'd had to fight quickly in order to stop the soldiers from shooting their silver tipped bullets. They'd dodged, dived, tackled, bitten and punched their way to victory but not without injury. Spike was sporting a nasty slash to his torso and he knew that he'd be sporting a black eye tomorrow. Meanwhile Angel had taken a bullet to his right shoulder. Spike did not look forward to what Buffy might do to him when she found out that he'd failed to protect their leader.
Still, if she used chains and got Faith to help her…
Shaking himself out of his thoughts he looked over to where Angel was crouched licking his wound.
"Better get going if we want to get Penn before these idiots wake up." He emphasised his point by poking his boot into the side of the nearest soldier.
Angel nodded, straightening up and turning to face him. Silently they ran onto the block Willow had named and slowed down as they neared the alley next to the bakery. There was no need to scent the air. The smell of fresh blood was strong and the beast within Angel started to rear its head. He pushed it down firmly and with a nod to Spike they entered the gloomy alley.
There was a low whimpering sound.
They hurried forwards and moved next to the dumpsters. Two bright yellow eyes met Angel's and sparked in recognition. Penn's tail thumped once and he tried to get up but he was too weak to move. Ignoring the blood that covered Penn's side, Angel and Spike lifted the wolf on the count of three. There was a short howl of pain, quickly muffled by Angel placing his hand on Penn's muzzle.
'We'll have you home in no time', said the Alpha, speaking directly into Penn's mind.
'The sooner the better,' came Penn's pain filled response.
Spike chuckled inside his head. 'Yeah, well we're the ones who've got to carry you.'
'Yeah but you don't have your intestines trying to fall out of your side,' mumbled Penn sourly.
'Wonderful imagery there mate,' grinned Spike. 'Shoulda' been a poet.'
'Spike, shut up,' said Angel.
They came round the corner only to hear the groans of the soldiers rapidly gaining consciousness.
"Damn," muttered Angel. They'd woken up sooner than he'd anticipated and now they wouldn't have time to make it back to the hotel without their cover being blown.
'Change of plans. Were heading to Caritas', he said as he turned to his right and headed off towards the club.
'The karaoke place?' Slurred Penn as he tried to stay conscious.
'I know the owner. He'll give us protection, until we can go home.'
'You do realise that Fluffy's gonna be getting antsy back home don't ya mate?"
'Yes Spike,' came Angel's wearied response. 'The thought had crossed my mind.'
'Pity you can't do this talking thing over long distances. Woulda come in handy.'
Just as Angel was about to reply they came upon Caritas. Angel sighed in relief, Penn was extremely heavy and Spike wasn't helping things. They entered the bar that was closing for the night and Angel searched for Lorne, the anagogic demon and owner of the club, only to find him already rushing to meet him, his gaze resting on Penn, who was now unconscious.
"What happened?" Lorne asked as he led them into his own private area in the back.
"The Initiative. You heard of them?"
Lorne's forehead creased in concentration and then snapped his fingers. "Yeah, sugarlips I have. Weren't they on the hellmouth before? I seem to recall you telling me something about them... but that was when you first moved here, ages ago."
He gestured for them to lay the prone werewolf on a bed in one of the rooms and then frowned at Angel.
"Shouldn't his healing kick in by now? And look at you Angelcakes, you're hurt and by the looks of it it's a bullet." He turned to face Spike. "You too?" He started over to a large medical cabinet and started pulling out supplies without waiting for an answer.
"I don't need any of your bleedin' medicine mate and neither does Angelus here," said Spike folding his arms over his chest. "What I could do with though is a cigarette. Musta dropped my packet in the fight."
Lorne tutted disapprovingly as he carried the bandages back to the bed. "No I haven't got any of those filthy things; and are you sure Angel? I've got some tweezers somewhere and…"
"No thanks Lorne. The bullet's already on its way out due to the healing. It's Penn who I'm more concerned about. His healing should have kicked in by now but if there's something stopping it we need to get it out now."
Lorne nodded his head and passed damp cloths to Angel and Spike.
"Start that side, clean him up and we'll go from there. I'll work this side and then we'll try and stop the bleeding. He'll soon be on his feet in no time."
They started quickly, concentrating on the task of trying to save Penn. Suddenly there was a loud crash as Lorne dropped the water bowl he'd been holding. His face was rapidly becoming pale and the others turned to look at him in concern.
"What, what is it?" asked Angel urgently.
Lorne held up the small, now beeping little black box and Spike voiced what they were all thinking.
"Shit."
-#-#-
Thank to all of my reviewers!
Michelsita: In answer to your query, no I haven't read Wolf pack yet, but since you've recommended it, I'll have a look. I was really hoping no one would notice the Dawn/ Conner/Sibling thing cos I have to admit I haven't quite worked it all out myself yet! Here's my version (and beware you may get lost in my reasoning):
Werewolves age differently to humans. Dawn and Conner are Buffy and Angel's twins. For every 1 human year a werewolf grows two, so if Dawn and Conner are sixteen technically they'd only be eight in human years. This is why Cordelia thinks they are siblings not offspring, because sixteen years haven't passed since she's seen the gang. In fact only twelve years have passed since graduation, but I decided that Buffy and Angel needed to set up somewhere to live and get settled down before they started raising a family. Once a werewolf hits sixteen in human terms, the aging process slows down and becomes one human year one werewolf year instead of two. If this slowing process didn't occur they'd all be dead really quickly. So, are you confused yet? Simply put they look older than they really are.
If this raises any more questions on how old Angel and Buffy are please feel free to ask. Whether you (or I) understand the answer is an entirely different matter.
eliska-grainne: I'm glad you liked my story!
Ellie C.: Thank you for your nice, if short review.
Jennap: I'm so glad you loved it. I'd been having a bad day when I received your review and it just brought a smile to my face!
Angelicslayr007: Sorry you had to wait so long for an update. Glad you like the story; I enjoy writing it.
Oppy: I completely agree with what you said. I often find the stories that I'm reading are infact complete rubbish and the people who are writing them infact have the English skills of a two year old. Harsh but sadly true. I'm glad you think it's well written, and I like people who give long reviews. It makes me feel like you've actually put some thought into what you've written. Thank you very much!
Pyro Bear: Thank you, my ever-faithful reviewer. I am glad I have now fixed the length of the chapters and I hope this one again meets your large but by no means unwelcome appetite.