Chapter 4
Bela decided that to go for a walk, needing the cool, bracing, air to help clear her head. Scotland was so quiet at night, unless you're in Edinburgh. But perhaps a pit-stop at a low-key pub might be just what she needed. Pulling on a black, short, leather jacket, with a fluffy wool, collar, along with her favorite pair of Italian leather, knee-length, high-heeled boots, that complimented her True Religion dark-washed jeans, she ran a hand through her hair, grabbed her keys, purse, and phone, and headed out.
With surety, yet caution, she navigated the Old-world, cobblestoned road, not having a particular destination, but decided to try out the 3rd pub she came across. Unusually, Bela wasn't paying attention to her surroundings, so she noticed the double-set of footsteps following behind her a tad too late. Slowing her walk to determine if they were focused on her, while reaching into her purse to grab her Bowie knife, she walked on. But their steps slowed down as well, so as soon as the next alley came up, Bela quickly ducked into it while dropping her purse and pulling out her knife. Bela was no ordinary helpless girl, as her pursuers were about to find out first-hand. Leaning back against the wall, waiting, for her shadows, tensed and ready to fight, she expanded her senses. Hearing nothing, wondering if her trail was attempting a different sneak attack, Bela crouched, knife at the ready, and slowly stuck her head around the corner.
The plan was immediately shot when her eyes met up-close-and-personal with one of her grinning would-be attackers. "Well aren't you a lovely bit o' tail." She watched as his eyes turned yellow, his forehead unnaturally scrunched up, and fangs grew lengthy. His grinning mate stood over his shoulder with the same physical adjustments.
Bloody vampires, Bela thought disgustedly. She really should have known better by now. She'd hunted or been hunted by all kinds of dangerous things that creep in the night. "Well as 'delighted' I am at the prospect of getting to know each other better, I'm afraid I'm going have to decline," Bela sarcastically replied right before she viciously head-butted the Vampire closest to her.
Howling, he grabbed his now bleeding nose, as she brought her knee up into his crouch, while bringing her knife up to stick it into the side of his neck. The other stood stunned by the vicious attack against his Maker, before letting out a roar and charging around his injured brethren. He was big and he was moving a bit too fast as she momentarily struggled to dislodge her knife. Once it was loose the injured Vampire was almost falling against, cutting off the room she needed to wreck more havoc in their undead lives. Because surely she wouldn't meet her true demise at the hands of these apes?
The bigger Vamp closed in, a huge ham-fist clenched around the collar of her jacket, shoving her body and more importantly her head, into the brick building behind her a couple times, causing her to see stars and her ears to ring, before snapping out a quick punch to her jaw. But as he was about to haul her in close, a sound like a 'snick' had the Vamp stilling, stunned surprise filled his eyes, before he looked down at the arrowhead protruding out of his chest, right before he turned to dust, which unpleasantly filled her nostrils and stung her eyes.
Looking up, she saw Dawn with a crossbow at the ready, along with two other women on either side of her, one already pounding the injured Vamp into the ground. "You know it's not safe for nice girls like you to be walking around at night."
"Ha-ha, I haven't been a nice girl in a long time. So I guess that rule doesn't apply to me." Bela smirked at the look of amusement Dawn tried to pull off in place of the concerned-fear in those big baby-blues.
Dawn shook her head, lowering the crossbow, moved closer to Bela, while telling the other two that she'd catch up with them in a few minutes. "What the hell are you doing? You could've gotten killed."
With startlingly insight, the thought of never seeing Bela again, filled Dawn with a tension that she only experienced a few times in her life. Those few times were horribly inked into her brain and gave her continued nightmares. Not since the battle with Twilight or the battle with The First in Sunnydale, Willow going on a world-ending bender, Tara's murder, Buffy's 2nd death, and her Mom's death, had she felt that momentary grip of terror crawling up her throat.
Reaching up towards the back of her head, touch an fierce ache that was rapidly making itself known, Bela's fingers came away with blood, attributing the fluid as the warm trickle that was creeping down the back of her neck, while her limbs trembled with adrenaline.
At seeing the look of concern, Bela brought her other hand to clasp one of Dawn's. "I'm fine. I just need a quick patch and perhaps a stiff scotch."
"Uh, uh. You're coming home with me. You probably have a concussion. So we'll patch you up, get you whatever you need, and I'll even tuck you into bed."
"What? No there's no need. I assure y-,"
Dawn hand came up to gently enclose her upper arm before moving up to smooth a lock of Bela's hair out of her eye, Dawn's eyes turned shyly-pleading. "Please. I'd rather you not be alone, just let me do this for you."
Bela was discovering that when Dawn turned those baby-blues to pleading it was very hard to resist her anything, plus she might learn a little bit more about her lover. Lover… registering what Dawn was to her. It sounded strange, it sounded… possessive, even though it wasn't. Mentally shaking herself from that train of thought, she began to feel a little light-headed, and realized that aside from taking on two Vamps, she hadn't really eaten. Maybe Dawn will feed her. Christ, what is happening to her, wondered Bela?
Dawn began talking into her cell phone again, Bela didn't really pay attention to what was said, and she just watched Dawn in action. The two women came bounding around the corner, listening as Dawn snapped off instructions for them, before giving them her crossbow to carry back to the car while she helped Bela. As one tore off to bring the car around, the other walked alongside them, guarding against other possible creatures. Dawn looped her arm around Bela's waist, while Bela curled her hand around Dawn's neck to help give her leverage as her legs began to feel like they were being encased in cement.
She let out a whimper that had Dawn fussing over her further, as the Audi Q7 pulled up alongside them. "Ok, let's get you into the car."
The other woman, name Jodi, helped Dawn get Bela into the vehicle. Once settled, Dawn clambered into the other side, settling in so that she could pull Bela's body into her, Bela's head falling onto Dawn's shoulder, while throwing a thigh over Dawn's legs, snuggling into her lover. Meanwhile, Dawn tried not to let the sudden feelings of protectiveness and tenderness envelope her. She couldn't afford to care about this woman; she was even more terrified to take a chance on acknowledging the few pesky, not-so-insignificant feelings she already had.
Dawn knew next to nothing about Bela, on purpose. Sure with her expert research skills, along with having access to information and one of the world's most powerful witches, she could have easily put together a dossier on Bela. If Buffy had found out about Dawn's… friend, especially once she began pumping Dawn for information she didn't have, Buffy would have already: a) paid a "visit" to Bela and b) dug up some background on Bela. Both options would have been intolerable to Dawn and she suspected even more so to Bela. Bela was exceedingly private, any attempts by Dawn to gently glean information about her background was smoothly and expertly diverted. So Dawn got the hint.
Which brings her to an upcoming BIG problem that could very well explode in Dawn's face; how was she going to pull off Bela as just an acquaintance, a someone, whom Dawn occasionally interacted with when she went looking for rare tomes having to do with Watcher business? Then there was the issue that Dawn would feel exceedingly… uncomfortable desire of not letting Bela out of her sight; Dawn wanted to scoop her up and whisk Bela away to Dawn's own set of rooms. Rooms that she would totally lock to prohibit Buffy or other concerned Scoobies from entering without knocking.
Aside from a couple of guys she dated, Dawn went out of her way to ensure that her personal life remained as separate as possible from Slayer-Watcher's business. After the second guy, she realized how nearly impossible that goal was; Dawn was a Watcher and the Key, and her sister is already a mystical legend, The Slayer (or One of Two), not to mention Willow, who essentially has been functioning as since Buffy's right-hand-woman, as Dawn's her adoptive parent/sister, plus was one of the most powerful Witches in the world. All of which is pretty hard to hide anything from, even more exhausting to try, and considering that the battle between good and evil, plus everything in between, was a 24-7-365 day job, they were always suspicious.
Of course the other problem is that Dawn strongly desired to have some sort of separate life, but was determined that unless she lucked out and found someone who was: a) had knowledge of all things supernatural, b) was also involved in this eternal, mystical, battle, and c) wasn't evil or insane, she just couldn't see herself getting involved with someone. Buffy tried that and it was disastrous, some boring, die-hard Catholic –guy, she'd met in New York City, who was also a cop, loved the idea of a petite, California-girl, who seemed worldly and professional. But once the veneer came off, aka; they became serious, he started talking about how many kids they were going to have, where they were going to live (near his parents of course), or how Buffy would permanently move to New York, and whole host of other archaic, Neanderthal-like, ideas, Buffy kicked him to the curb. Literally.
Sighing, she instructed Raya, the other Slayer who was driving, to call in and have an ID waiting for Bela. However, any hope for discretion was shot when Raya got on the phone, blanched at whatever was being said back, and then gingerly handed Dawn the phone with Buffy on the other line. Fuck! Just once she'd like to do something for herself, Dawn thought with annoyance.
Dawn slowly brought the phone to her ear and gently cleared her throat in preparation for her nosey, bossy, sister.
Yes Buffy?
Dawn what the hell is going on? You're bringing someone to HQ without clearance, someone who was attacked? You know we have protocol for that. What if something happened to you – like getting kidnapped, again? And who cleared you for patrol with Jodie and Raya?
Buffy shut up! I can handle myself; I've been taught by the best since I was in my early teens; you, Giles, and Faith. And the person I'm bringing to HQ is… a friend, ok? This is happening whether you like it or not. I'll take care of everything. We'll be in my rooms, anyways. Just gi-,
What? Who are you bringing to your apartment? What's his name? You never told me you were dating again.
Look Buff, we're almost there, I'm tired, Bela's injured, and no it's nothing serious. Probably just a mild concussion; and so I need a shower, she need's First Aid, then we're going to eat, and then get some rest. You can harass me in the morning. I'll brief everyone in the morning.
After answering and arguing a few more points with Buffy, particularly around the issue of confidentiality, Dawn finally hung up. "Word of advice Jodi and Raya, if you have an over-protective sibling, don't go into business with them if you were planning on any kind of personal space."
Handing the phone back to Raya, Dawn returned her attention to Bela; who was still snuggled up against Dawn's shoulder. Dawn ran a cursory check for further injuries along Bela's body, gingerly touching the darkening bruise on her jaw, while lightly probing around the small head wound on Bela's head. Bela only groaned and continued sleeping or she might be unconscious—Dawn hoped not.
As the castle appeared on the horizon, Dawn gently shook Bela awake, smoothing her hair, as the woman shifted, whimpering no doubt in response to her injuries, before those gorgeous bluish-gray eyes groggily opened, looking around at her surroundings in confusion and wariness before locking onto Dawn's concerned visage, and calming.
One elegant hand reached up, rubbing her temple as the throbbing seemed to intensify since being awakened. "Dear lord, did someone get the name of the gorilla that smacked me around? I ache everywhere." Bela leaned up to brush her full lips along Dawn's jaw. "You're lucky that the sex is amazing or I'd be really put-out." She watched with wicked-delight as Dawn turned a deep red at that revelation, well aware that theirs weren't the only set of ears listening.
Bela made a determination that if she was going to be bruised and battered; she'd tried to get some enjoyment out of the situation. That was when she realized that she was… snuggling with Dawn. Mentally aghast, she shifted, trying to get put some space between them, gathering more intel on her surroundings. They were in a vehicle coming up to a huge, gothic-looking gate.
After punching in some kind of security code (which Bela felt fairly certain she could break), it occurred to her that she should inquire about where they were taking her. "Would now be a good time to tell me where you're taking me?"
The part of her skin that was no longer touching Bela, seemed to internally protest, warmth seemingly leaking out quickly, making Dawn shiver.
Trying to stem the disappointment with Bela attempting to create her usual distance, Dawn wrapped her arms around herself, trying to center herself. "We're at my headquarters. Since you were a bit unconscious, I thought I'd bring you here to have you checked out by our medical staff." When silence only greeted that statement she continued. "I feel kinda responsible for you getting hurt, so I just wanted to make sure you're all right. I also have a First-Aid kit in my apartment if you'd rather go that route?"
"I don't suppose taking me to my townhouse ever occurred to you?
"Is that what you would do if a friend of yours became injured, perhaps with a concussion – you just drop them off somewhere and leave? You know just because we don't… talk about, well, almost anything, doesn't mean I don't have some affection for you. So just let me take care of you tonight and you can go home first thing in the morning. Right after tea and crumpets," she finished with a smirk.
Bela looked into Dawn's eyes, trying to discern if there was some kind of hidden agenda, but as usual she saw nothing but… innocence and kindness. It was at that moment that some kind of…weird, hot, feeling began to grow in her chest, making her pulse throb, and horrifically, her eyes sting. Quickly looking away to gather her rather weakened defenses, Bela wondered if Whistler did somethingto her.
She also acknowledged that pulling away from Dawn's body was almost… painful, like stripping tape off her skin. The urge to return to that warmth, bath in Dawn's scent, curl around her shapely, yet, very toned body, was great. The urge to let someone else… take care of her for the first time in either of her lives was strong, and she had NO idea where these cravings came from.
The Winchesters would scoff, laugh, and then try to kill her for taking advantage of Dawn, even though it was very mutual. Bobby wouldn't even ask questions, he'd simply fill her ass with buckshot. When a warm hand slid onto her thigh near her own hand, she tensed. She clenched her jaw, only to hiss as the pain registered from her the earlier damage done to it by the Vamp.
"What's wrong? Are you-,"
Without her even realizing it, her hand curled around Dawn's, slightly clenching it as she rode out the pain. "Yeah, I'm ok, tensed my jaw a little too hard. Not a bright idea considering it fiercely hurts."
Dawn shifted her body towards Bela's lifting a hand to cup the injured part of Bela's jaw. "Well we're here. Just let me do the talking and then I'll get you to my room. You can even take a shower or bath if you're feeling up to it. It might smooth some of those aches you've accumulated tonight."
When the car stopped, Dawn shifted back to get out but was brought up short, when Bela slightly jerked her hand tipping Dawn's body back towards her, and more importantly Dawn's lips closer to Bela's. "Since I have sneaking suspicion that I'm about to be introduced to some people very important to you, this will have to hold me over."
And with that she gingerly tilted her head down, bringing her lips firmly onto Dawn's, her tongue gently pressed against Dawn's lips seeking entry. With a helpless whimper, Dawn's lips parted allowing Bela to sweep her tongue inside, swirling around the tip of Dawn's tongue, before mapping out the inside of her mouth, then pulling back with a another yet brief kiss, and then sitting back. Bela's eyes lidded from awakening arousal, lips wet and slightly swollen, smirked at the impact she had on Dawn.
A throat clearing reminded them that they were not alone in the vehicle. "Ah, we're here and it looks like your sister is waiting for you," Jodi finished the sentence by pointing towards Buffy who was approaching the car with a scowl on her face.
Releasing a mighty sigh, Dawn could only shake her head at the coming confrontation. "Big sister I take it?" inquired Bela.
Buffy jerked the car open, stopping in surprise at the bruised and battered, yet attractive guest. "Oh, yes, Dawn did mention she was bringing someone home." She briefly glared at Dawn before continuing. "Please come this way, one of our staff will get you settled and Dawn you can head up to the conference room." Buffy turned around to motion to one of the Junior-Slayers standing by before returning her attention to Bela and Dawn.
But before the Slayer could move towards Bela, Dawn tugged Bela close in a possessive gesture, while the other hand motioned for everyone to stop. "Buffy I believe I expressed my wish to escort Bela to my room and that I'd catch up to you later for a prelim chat and then follow-up with something more formal in the morning." Narrowing her gaze she continued on before Buffy interrupted. "Now, I think I've earned the right to a few friends, Buffy, don't you think?"
Scowling even more, Buffy just glared at her sister. "Fine. but you come see me within the hour and not a moment sooner." She paused with a brief glance at Bela's Italian-hand-made Prada boots. "Besides I wanna know where she got those awesome boots."
Holding out a hand, her gaze softening, more welcoming, Buffy figured introductions were in order; Besides Dawn rarely introduced her to friends, so it made Buffy even more curious as to who this woman was. Usually the two people she'd met that were either Dawn's friends or something… more, were so nervous and intimidated when she met them, that she couldn't resist wickedly reacting in response by scaring them a little more (like that time she took out one of her favorite knives and started cleaning her nails with it).
Even more curious was the fact that the woman didn't seem the least bit intimidated or phased by the situation or Buffy, she was too busy looking amused, most likely at Buffy's expense. She already had Andrew on the alert to run a background check just in case. "Hi, my name's Buffy and if you haven't already gathered, I'm Dawn's sister."
Bela feeling woozy but refused to show any vulnerability around Buffy or the other strangers, Bela carefully leaned against the car in attempt to steady herself. She clasped Buffy's hand in greeting. "I'm Dawn's… friend, Bela Talbot."
Buffy struggled to not glower at the way Bela said friend, a quick glance at Dawn only to see her glaring in Buffy's direction made her stifle her desire to question what kind of friends they were to each other. "Well Bela, let's get you inside and have you looked over, before Dawn gets you settled for the night."
Buffy turned head towards one of the Junior-Slayers behind her and making a gesture for something, one of their security key-cards was given to Buffy, before she returned her attention to Dawn and Bela. "Here's her guest- security clearance card. Welcome to the New Council."