Ulterior Motives

Disclaimer: Still don't own Joss Whedon's characters….. too bad cuz then Spike would have been with Buffy since School Hard :P

BPOV

I saw him cock his head to the side, his sly movements forward ceasing all together. I couldn't really understand his sudden contemplation and I didn't really want to know. All I needed at that moment was to get away from him. I knew he wouldn't even hesitate to bury his fangs deep into my neck.

And he wouldn't have to try very hard to get it. He was no fledging and I was trapped in this alleyway with him. I felt hopelessness seep through me. I didn't have a prayer fighting him off and trying to run past him was not an option in an alley so narrow. I was out of options and long ago out of friends.

I suddenly realized that he was moving towards me again. This time, though, it was slightly less predatory than before. But that was of little comfort when I recognized the calculating edge to his features. My attention again focused on him, I flinched a second before he leapt, pinning me with his body to the wall I had tried to disappear into moments ago.

I attempted to push at him, do anything to get him off me but he quickly caught my wrists and pushed them into the wall. Not too hard, I noted, but then he knew he didn't have to.

His eyes were wide as they stared into my face. His face broke into a grin and triumph oozed from his every pore. "My my kitten, what have we here."

His triumph and realization shouted into my mind and I scrunched my nose up in distaste. His grin widened as if I had confirmed it. However, his eyes got thoughtful after a moment and I felt my eyes widen as he stepped even closer to me.

I felt panic go through me stronger than ever as his thoughts penetrated my mind. It was softer then before though, whispering into my mind. "Can you hear me love? For your sake I hope you can. Before we go any further, my name's Spike. If you can't hear me love, I'm going to drain you dry, but don't worry it'll be quick. If you can though, pet, I'll give you a chance to live. Choose."

I couldn't stop the fear shining again through my eyes so I lowered them, unwilling to give the bastard, Spike, the satisfaction of knowing that his probing words scared me. It was always different hearing the words in someone's head and having them said to you. I could feel the truth or deception behind every word. And in this case there was no need for deceit.

His mind rumbled with dissatisfaction as threatening as if he had grabbed me. In a jumble, his thoughts hammered against me, unordered and unorganized about what he was thinking of saying next. All in flashes barely audible even to my experienced ears. Before he could even decide what to say next, the collaborative threat convinced me that nothing good would come from ignoring him.

Looking back into his eyes, I knew that agreeing to make some sort of deal with him would only end very badly for me. However, my only other option was to choose death. I couldn't make myself forfeit my life even on the likelihood that I would be eventually begging for the quick death he offered now.

I jumped when I felt the vampire's cool lips on my neck. Before I could even utter a syllable I felt his blunt teeth nip at my exposed jugular. The right. He liked the right. In an innately defensive action I leaned in that direction to minimize his access.

To my surprise, he didn't grow angry but instead smirked at the action and immediately sealed his lips over my pulsing, overly exposed artery. I froze and I could have sworn it was going to end then. Foolishly, I wasn't listening to his thoughts in this haze of panic. I didn't hear anything except the roaring in my ears until he spoke out loud. "Decide."

With his lips not moving from their spot as he spoke, I knew that I wouldn't live seconds if I refused him. Swallowing, feeling his lips move as I did, I nodded before speaking hoarsely, "what do you want Spike".

The man looked so bloody pleased with himself as he pulled away slightly, teamed with his self-praising thoughts, that I couldn't help myself from snapping. "God, you would think you won the damn lottery instead of just me."

I expected his anger to flare in those dancing blue eyes at the comment, was sorta hoping for it just to see that I had got to him; to have a small, if hollow victory. He just smiled again. But I could feel the annoyance hidden under the surface, knew that my comment didn't leave him completely unfazed. I was ruining his accomplishment with my snittyness. Well point for me then.

I rolled my eyes at his attempt to hide the fact that I had aggravated him. "You realize I can hear you. Smiling pleasantly doesn't exactly fool anyone who can really read into it." It was my turn to smirk now. I wasn't as scared as I was just a second ago. Still scared shitless, but in least now I knew he wanted something from me.

The smile dropped from his eyes, making him look more dangerous than ever, and an unwanted gleam appeared in his eyes. He grabbed my arm roughly and I did my best not to cry out at the unexpected violence. He dragged me away from the wall of the alley.

Looking down at me icily, he asked, "Do not attract any attention love. If I even think you're gonna make a run for it I'll conk you on the head and lug you away myself." Grinning unpleasantly again he added, "But I might not be gentle."

Knowing that if I made any sort of trouble I'd wake up with at the least a whole load of bruises, I nodded, trying to compose some sort of pretence of calm. It was times like these that I was grateful no-one could eaves drop into my mind. Despite my promise, I desperately tried to think of any way that I could get away from him before he had the time to thump me on the head and ruin my shot at freedom.

Suddenly I heard his exasperated sigh and I realized I had allowed myself to drift off while thinking of my escape attempt. And he knew it. A moment before he planned to knock me unconscious anyway, I heard his intention, my eyes widening. It was times like this I hated my gift. Knowing things and having no chance to stop it.

Trying to hold back the sorrow at that thought, I raised my hands defensively and said softly, "Please don't. I won't do anything." I hated being hit. I could feel the vampire's eyes boring through me but I didn't look up. His uncertain thoughts were enough let me know his internal debate. It would cause unwanted attention if I was unconscious but he didn't want to risk me getting away.

SPOV

The small blonde in front of me raised her hands as if to defend herself from an attack. Which, of course, she was, I realized stupidly. She knew I couldn't be bothered trying to keep her in check on the way to the crypt.

But I could almost see the resolve drain out of her. I thought that she wouldn't run now but I wasn't the mindreader here; I wasn't sure. If I did knock her out, I might get trouble from some 'concerned citizens'. But if I didn't I would have more trouble trying to stop her if she ran for it. Not that she'd make it.

Her reaction to the thought of being knocked out also gave me pause. Something had flashed on her face at the thought of it. I felt a quick flash of pity for the delicate woman. Quickly, I angrily pushed the unwanted emotion aside. No need for her to know that. I didn't even really feel it for the girl.

With another quick look at her, where she was intently studying the floor, I grabbed her arm again without another thought. Dragging her out of the alley into the dark night, I asked gruffly, "What's your name anyway, pet?"

After a quick, surprised pause, she replied softly, "Buffy."