Hello again! For once, I'm actually delivering as promised! This chapter's a continuation of the last one's flashback.

Enjoy!

(I own nothing)

I woke that morning with a feeling of foreboding. I wanted to lie in bed for an eternity. I felt as if I'd been trampled by a parade of carriages. I slowly sat up, wincing at my sore muscles. Had I been fighting in my sleep? It seemed like it. Groaning, I trudged to my mirror, surveying my looks. To my surprise, I looked better than I ever had. My skin held a glow, and my hair shone brightly. I reached out, trailing my fingers lightly along the mirror. Surely something was wrong. I felt as though I had died and returned but looked like a bride dreamed to be on her wedding day.

I turned from the mirror swiftly, unable to look at myself. Perhaps I had simply gotten an unusually long sleep.

Dismissing my confused thoughts, I put on a navy dress. Perhaps I had chosen such a dark color to reflect how I felt. My heart was still conflicted from my conversation with Angelus, after all. I still thought of him as the charming Irishman who had swept me off my feet and been my first kiss, but last night he had been terrifying. The intensity with which he spoke was startling, and I had hardly been able to comprehend how such a man could act in such a way.

Still reliving the night, I moved down the stairs, resolving to take a walk to clear my head. I ate a quick breakfast, avoiding the probing questions from William.

The moment I stepped into the sun, I felt a strange burst of energy. I wasn't quite sure if I should be uncomfortable, but I decided to welcome it. I allowed my feet to choose my path, walking randomly. Soon enough, I found myself in a field behind the town.

"Miss?" An unfamiliar man's voice sounded from behind me. I turned to find a man, most likely in his mid-forties, with sparse brown hair.

"Pardon?" I replied, rather confused.

The man stuttered for a moment before seeming to resolve himself. He cleared his throat and stepped forward. "Are you a Miss Evangeline Pratt?" He questioned. At my confused nod, he continued, "My name is Thomas Smith. Er… how do you do?"

Unsure what else to do, I found myself replying with a simple, "Alright. And yourself?"

He smiled nervously. "Well," He replied. He stood for a moment before clearing his throat once again. "Miss Pratt, I'm afraid I must talk to you about something rather important."

"Has something happened?" I questioned. Had something happened to William? Had my mother had an accident?

"In a way," Mr. Smith responded, seeming unsure of himself yet somehow business-like. "While you may find this slightly difficult to comprehend, you must believe what I'm about to tell you." Still fairly uncertain, I nodded hesitantly. "You are a slayer."

"I beg your pardon?" I asked, incredulous. I hadn't killed anyone! How dare this stranger accuse me of something like murder?

He seemed to realize his mistake. "Into every generation a slayer is born: one girl in all the world, a chosen one. She alone will wield the strength and skill to fight the vampires, demons, and the forces of darkness; to stop the spread of their evil and the swell of their number. She is the Slayer," He explained, seeming to sense that I didn't believe him.

"Vampires? Demons? I'm not sure who you are looking for sir, but it most certainly is not me," I protested, stepping away from him.

"Please!" He protested, desperately grabbing my arm, "You must believe me. You are the only one who can fight them."

I quickly pull my arm away, almost surprised that I'm able to. "I'm sorry, sir, but I simply must go."

Seeming to realize the futility of the situation, he quickly fumbled in his pocket, eventually pulling out a small card. "Please, should you ever change your mind," He pleaded, handing me the card, "Come to this address. It is of the utmost importance."

I hesitantly took the card before quickly walking away.

The following weeks had passed in a blur. To my initial distaste, I spent most of my days with Adam. As I began to learn more about him, I felt myself growing a sort of tolerance for him. I was in no way as attracted to him as I had been to Angelus, but I was less pessimistic about spending my life with him. We had been able to form a tentative friendship. As disappointed as I was about Angelus, I found myself less terrified to spend my life with him. I had shouldered my duties and settled into a sort of acceptance. I was willing to marry a man I didn't love in order to help my family.

I looked at the carriage outside of my door, before quickly turning away. I needed to clear my head and ride. I knew I would end up at the Langleys' house, but I might as well take the scenic route. Though it was late in the evening, I was fairly confident nothing would happen.

I rode towards town, deciding to pick up some medicine, since I knew William had been having headaches. I dismounted and tied my horse to a branch. I entered the shop, fiddling with my purse as I walked.

"Hello, Miss Pratt," Mr. Thompson, the pharmacist, greeted, "Need anything special today?"

I nodded, turning to face him. "Yes, Will has been getting awful headaches recently. Do you think you have anything?"

He nodded, moving further into his store to search the shelves. "Just a moment, poppet."

I wandered idly towards a shelf and browsing its contents. I leaned forward to read a worn label, until I suddenly felt a hand on my shoulder. Startled, I turned to face whoever had tried to get my attention.

"Angelus?" I asked, my eyes scanning him. And there he was, in all of his dark glory. Had I really missed him this much?

His gaze swept over me, making me feel exposed. Eventually, they focused on my face before slowly traveling to my eyes. His lips curled into a smirk. "Hello, Evie," He greeted, some humor in his voice. "Fancy seeing you here."

I nodded, unable to fully respond. After all, what could I say? And if I could find a topic, could I even voice more than a strangled cry?

At my lack of response, he grinned, lifting a hand to my cheek. "Miss me?" He questioned playfully.

For that moment, all thoughts of my upcoming visit to Adam were wiped from my mind. All I wanted to think about was how Angelus was in front of me after two months of absence. "Only a bit," I lied.

He rolled his eyes before a dark look replaced his playful features. "So, when's the wedding?" He asked.

With his question, all thoughts of Adam came flooding back. I took a step away, making his hand fall to his side. I swallow with some difficulty. "In two weeks," I replied.

He raised an eyebrow. "That so? Tell me, do you love him yet?" He interrogated.

"No, but-"

"Then why are you marrying him, Evie?" He wondered, backing me against a wall. I try to answer, but he quickly leans to my ear. "We both know that's not who you want," He murmured, his voice becoming husky.

My breath hitched, and I placed my hands on his chest to push him away. Before I could even try, his hands were over mine, and his eyes bored into me.

"You're wrong," I managed, "I want this. I may not love him now, but perhaps in time-"

He let out a sardonic laugh. "Trust me, he's not the one for you," He stated with an air of finality.

"Then who is?" I shot back.

A spark entered his eyes, and he began to lean to kiss me. I may have let him, until-

"Sir, I ask that you step away from that young lady," Mr. Thompson interrupted, "Not only is she engaged, but this is a place of business. I refuse to have anything of that sort occur in these walls." I look at him, almost shocked. He'd always been so soft-spoken.

Angelus sneered before winking at me. "You know where to find me, darling," He told me as he walked out.

Mr. Thompson quickly handed me the medicine and led me to the door. Before he could push me out, I quickly dropped several coins into his hand.

"Thank you, sir," I told him. As I moved to my horse, I had to wonder if I was genuine.

I arrived at the Langley residence fairly late. I prepared an apology as I made my way to the front door. I raised my hand and knocked several times. Several minutes passed, and I still got no response. I knocked again, but nobody came. Worry began to creep into my mind as I slowly placed my hand on the handle. The door swung open easily, l stepped inside, looking around the silent house. I made my way to the living room, deciding they must be there.

As I rounded the corner, I froze before letting out a terrified scream.

Adam was there, in the living room, bloodied nearly beyond recognition. His throat had been torn open, as if by teeth. It looked as if he had been beaten, though, with deep cuts carved into his once handsome face. How could it be an animal with marks like that?

I stumbled back, utterly horrified. I felt bile rising in my throat at the sight, but I somehow forced it down. What monster could have caused this?

As I fled from the house, my mind goes to his throat. It looked as if teeth had ripped into it…

In my dazed state, I quickly took Mr. Smith's card from the saddlebag I had placed it in. Vampires, he had said? Could it all be true? I glanced down at the card again. I needed to know.

And with the thought still in my head, I jumped onto my horse and took off towards town.

I practically leapt off my horse and rushed to the door, quickly double checking that I was at the right house. I rushed to the door, knocking quickly. I glanced at the moon. Would he be awake?

After waiting for a minute, I raised my hand to knock again. Just as I was lowering my hand, the door swung open. Mr. Smith looked rather startled to see me, taking a few moments to process my identity.

"Ms. Pratt?" He questioned, fairly disbelieving. I nodded, glancing around nervously. A look of pure relief spread across his face as he ushered me inside. "I truly cannot emphasize how pleased I am that you've come here. Are you…?"

I nodded again. "Yes. I'm afraid something has forced me to believe you, sir," I admitted. He gestured for me to continue. I swallowed. "My fiancé, he – he was murdered. I found him with his throat ripped out," I confessed. I was shocked that I had managed to get the words out. I hadn't expected it.

His face paled. "Dear Lord," He murmured, "And you-"

"If what you say is true, I must learn whatever it is you're teaching. I may not have loved him, but…"

He nodded, before moving towards a chest against the wall. I watch as he opens it, revealing several wooden stakes. I stare uneasily at them as he pulls some out, handing them to me. Then he quickly ushers me to a table, waiting for me to sit before doing so himself.

"Allow to fully explain," he offered. At my nod, he continued, "Into every generation a slayer is born: one girl in all the world, a chosen one. She alone will wield the strength and skill to fight the vampires, demons, and the forces of darkness; to stop the spread of their evil and the swell of their number. She is the Slayer."

After his words I raised an eyebrow. "Forgive me, sir, but haven't you already told me this?"

He glanced back at the stakes, flustered. "Ah. Yes, I suppose I have. Nonetheless, I feel I should elaborate. The myths of vampires, werewolves, demons even are all real. They exist, and vampires especially are quite troublesome."

A shiver shot down my spine. "What are their weaknesses? Surely they aren't invincible?" I questioned.

He nodded. "There are three ways to kill them. The first and most used is a wooden stake to the heart. Other methods are decapitation and fire," At my startled look, he continued, "In order to temporarily escape, I would suggest going to your home, as they cannot enter one without permission."

"Wait," I interjected, horror flooding my system, "If they need an invitation, then that means that Adam invited whoever it was that killed him in."

Mr. Smith nodded gravely, "I'm afraid so," He affirmed.

My mind was filled with anger as I realized that his killer had looked in him in the eye and gained enough trust to trick his way into my fiancé's home.

"Let's begin."

The two of us moved into the graveyard, forcing a shiver to run down my spine. I glanced around, somewhat beginning to doubt my choice. The wooden stake rested uncomfortably in my hand, an ever-present reminder that I could be jailed if my new mentor is truly the madman I initially viewed him to be. I let out a shaky sigh before moving down the pathway.

"Don't forget," Mr. Smith interjected, "straight to the heart. Don't hesitate."

I nodded before letting out a shaky breath. As I did, we began to hear slow footsteps. I turned, facing the man who was now approaching menacingly. I glanced at my teacher, checking if this was what I was meant to be attacking. He nodded encouragingly. I turned back to the man, preparing to attack.

"What do you think you'd doing with that stake, my dear?" He questioned, his eyebrow raising.

I glanced down at it, and by the time I looked up, his face had transformed. To my horror, his forehead had been creased unnaturally, and his eyes were now yellow. He grinned, revealing his sharp fangs. Something inside of me seemed to react before I could, and I practically leapt forward, aiming the stake for his chest. He dodged, letting out a short, harsh laugh. He dove towards me, attempting to grab me. I quickly twisted away from him, driving the wooden stake into his chest. To my astonishment, the man burst into a pile of dust.

I stumbled back, shocked at the experience. Despite my disbelief, I could feel a surge of power pulsing through my veins. "Mr. Smith – " I spluttered out, still reeling.

He placed a hand on my back, a relieved smile breaking onto his face. "Please," He interrupted, "Call me Thomas." At his words, I let out a light laugh.

"Thomas it is," I replied. I shook my head, my hands shaking from the rush of adrenaline. "That was-"

"What the hell is this?" A voice interjected.

I turned, only to face Will, who looked extremely disgruntled. My eyebrows raised in shock. "Will?" I questioned, "What are you doing here?"

He stuttered for a moment before stating, "I find the atmosphere to be helpful for my poetry," He admitted, a blush coloring his cheeks for a moment, "But once again! What was that? Why did you try to kill that man, and what happened to him?"

"You know this man?" Thomas questioned, worry creasing his features.

I nodded, "Yes. He's my brother," I replied, trailing off. I turned to my mentor helplessly. How could I explain something like this to him? "Thomas, please. I don't know how to tell him," I pleaded.

Will looked between us, fear and suspicion covering his features. "Ivy?" He questioned helplessly.

Thomas slowly took off his glasses, retrieving a cloth from his pocket and cleaning them in silence. He put them back, letting out a resigned yet agonized sigh. Then he began to speak.

I woke in the morning with a pounding head. To my own shock, William had taken the news rather well. Though he was initially disbelieving, it was impossible for him to deny what he had seen himself. He rather unsuccessfully threatened Thomas, stating that if I was so much as scratched I would be banned from my new role.

I placed a hand on my forehead, slowly sitting up. I reached out, pulling some medicine from the bottle I had retrieved for William. I swung my legs out of bed, wincing at my sore muscles. I moved to the window and breathed in the fresh air. I sighed, my eyes tracing the hills surrounding the estate. I felt drained from the events of the previous day. I froze, the reality of Adam's death striking me. I had fled the scene without informing the authorities. My father had undoubtedly heard the news by now, and I would need to fake surprise. I was unsure that I could. How could I ever pretend that I had not seen the gruesome details with my own eyes? I felt traumatized, yet at the same time I felt more powerful for it. Had I not witnessed it, I would never have accepted my own power as a Slayer. There was no doubt in my mind that the event had changed me, so how would I be able to face the situation with my old eyes?

I quickly pulled on a dress and brushed my hair. I quietly moved down the stairs, trying to go unnoticed. I reached the parlor, only to find my father sitting in his chair, his head in his hands.

I glanced at the door, debating continuing to it. Then I turned back to my father, feeling sadness tugging at my heart.

"Father?" I questioned, moving towards him, "What's wrong?"

He looked up at me, despair overtaking his features. "Evangeline," He greeted, his voice shaking, "Sit down, my dear."

I could feel guilt choking me as I shakily sat down. "Father?" I tentatively asked, slowly pressing my hand to his.

"An extremely unfortunate event has occurred to your fiancé, Adam Langley, is…" He trailed off before clearing his throat and continuing," Adam Langley is dead."

I covered my mouth, forcing myself to act shocked. "Dear Lord," I murmured.

"Furthermore, as your engagement is no longer an option," He continued, "Our debts to the Langleys are no longer forgiven. If we can find no way to repay them or sway their decision, we are ruined."

I had no need to force a reaction at this. Tears pricked at my eyes, the weight of the situation truly weighing on me. Seeing my father so devastated hurt me to my core. I gently moved one of my hands to his arm, squeezing his shoulder. "Let me go to them. It is only proper, and his family has always loved me. Perhaps I could arrange an agreement," I pled, hoping for the opportunity, more to get air than anything.

My father met my eyes, a new hope in them. He let out a small smile. "Oh, my dear," He breathed, relief covering his expression, "Would you truly?"

I nodded, giving him a reassuring smile. "Of course," I replied, standing and moving to my coat, "I will leave this afternoon. Perhaps I could dine with them and offer my condolences." He offered a soft smile before nodding in agreement.

As I rode home following my visit to the Langley's, I found myself going into town. I knew I needed to return to my father soon and tell him that the Langley's had decided to forgive our debts, but I needed a moment to myself. I nearly went to Thomas's house, but I quickly decided that the visit would only confuse me further. I rode by the dancing hall, and the sight nearly knocked the breath out of me. During this entire ordeal, Angelus had finally slipped from my mind. I quickly stopped my horse, tying it to a nearby tree. I pressed my back to the wood, closing my eyes and taking a deep breath. I allowed the feeling to ground me, allowing my head to finally begin to clear.

How had so much happened to my family and I in such a short period of time? If I had believed Thomas earlier, would I have been able to prevent Adam's death? I was horrified by the tragic death, but I found myself asking a more disturbing question. Was I truly sad that he was gone? Without him, I was free to marry and court whomever I wished. I was no longer bound against my will to a man who I did not love. As I pondered the question, I felt a pit open in my stomach, the guilt of such questions weighing on me.

"Evie?" A voice interrupted my thoughts.

My eyes snapped open, meeting the man's dark gaze. "Angelus?" I questioned, inwardly cursing myself for sounding so excited. How had I not considered that he would be here? After all, I had only not encountered him here once.

He raised an eyebrow, moving closer to me. "Now what's a pretty girl like you doing in a place like this?" He questioned, placing his hand under my chin, "Especially one in your situation."

I grimaced, pulling away slightly. Something about him felt off, but I couldn't tell what. I could merely feel a pit beginning to open up in my stomach.

He dropped the hand. "Come now, darling. What's wrong?"

I knew I should be careful, but the words left my lips before I could consider them. "Adam is dead."

Angelus' eyes began to trace my features, almost as if he was gaging my reaction. "Dead? Meaning that you," He began, taking a strand of my hair in his hand, "are free to do as you choose."

"Don't say things like that," I chided, but I could hardly bring myself to mean it.

He let out a dry laugh. "Am I supposed to be sorry that the man keeping you from me is gone?" He asked, anger flashing on his face for a moment, "No, my love, I can't do that."

My breath caught in my throat at his words. "Angelus-"

"Evie," He stopped me, "Stop thinking so hard."

He began to lean in, clearly hoping for a kiss. I pulled back for a moment, my eyes meeting his. Something felt off, but I could hardly deny how badly I had missed him. My eyes briefly glance at his lips before returning to his own gaze. Within a moment, I had placed a hand in his hair and pulled him to me. He grinned into the kiss, passionately responding to my action. His hands gripped my waist, pulling my body tightly against his. The feeling of his lips against my own was so familiar, the sensations natural. I could hardly believe I had managed to resist him during my engagement.

His lips moved from my own, kissing along my jawline. As his lips reached my neck, however, a flash of fear ran through me. Images of the night in the graveyard went through me. Angelus couldn't be a vampire, but still…

"Angelus," I breathed, pulling away from his slightly, "Angelus, wait," I protested. He let out a slight groan before resting his forehead on mine, his dark gaze capturing mine. At his raised brow, I continued, "Not here, not now. After everything that's happened… I can't do this now," I told him.

His expression was unreadable. In the silent moments that passed, I could feel his hot breath mixing with my own. His eyes searched mine for a moment before he sighed. "Whatever you say, Evie," He told me, moving away from me. I immediately missed the feeling. "But I won't go so long without seeing you again."

I hastily nodded. "Meet me tomorrow. We can meet at my house if you'd like," I replied.

He grinned in response before moving back to me, placing his hands on either side of my face. "And what, meet your parents? Get their approval before courting you?" He laughed, glancing towards my lips, "I think it's a bit late for that." I let out a small laugh at that, causing the smile on his face to grow. "Alright, my little dancing partner. I'll see you tomorrow," He agreed. He surveyed me for a moment before beginning to walk away. I stared after him, Adam completely forgotten. He paused, moving back to me. "Oh, and before your father tries anything else," He spoke, pressing a chaste kiss to my lips, "You're mine, darling," He stated. His gaze met mine again, and I nodded quickly. He then pressed a final kiss to my lips before sauntering away.

So there you go! I hope you guys like these two chapters, I've been working really hard on them. Again, I'm so sorry for my really long hiatus.

Let me know what you guys think! Did you like the whole story with Adam? How did you like actually seeing some affection between Angelus and Ivy for once? Comment to let me know!

Also, as a side note - these chapters have kind of been a test run. After this season is done, I was thinking of just making a story of the flashbacks, since I have a lot of fun writing those. Thoughts?

Once again, I'll try to update as soon as possible. I'm not sure when that will be, since I'm currently taking 5 APs, am one of the leads in the school play, and trying to handle senior year. But hey, I should at least hear back from my number one college in around two weeks! Wish me luck! Still, I'll do my best to find time to continue writing, this time actually following the show.

See you guys soon!