Home Sweet Hellmouth


First of all, Joss is God!.  He owns them all!  (Except for Beth.) 
Beth persuades Spike to take a break from the Hellmouth.  Big mistake! 

"This is getting bloody boring!" he grumbled looking at Beth. She stood under the tree, her hair dripping and her clothes clinging 'in all the right places' he thought. They were both splattered with mud and waiting impatiently for the latest member of the 'undead' to claw her way to the surface through the newly filled grave. "She's taking her bloody time!..........Typical bleedin' woman!"

Beth scowled. "Stop whining!" she snapped. "You've done nothing but moan for the last week..........It's not my......" she stopped suddenly as a hand burst through the water-logged soil.

Spike jumped to his feet. "'Bout bloody time!" he growled as the fledgling burst to the surface. He grabbed her hair and plunged the stake into her chest. The new vampire screamed and exploded into dust. He backed up and kicked at the hole in the ground, losing his footing on the slippery ground. His legs skidded from under him and Beth burst out laughing as he landed flat on his backside in the puddle he had been aiming at earlier.

She extended her hand towards him to help him up. "Ha. bloody Ha!" he said sarcastically, taking her hand. He pulled her arm and she landed in a heap on top of him. "You pig!" she gasped as the thick ooze splashed over her. She swung her fist at him and he grabbed it, rolling her onto her back. He pinned her down and it was his turn to laugh.

"Not so funny now, is it?" he whispered, a gleam in his eye. She grabbed a handful of the mud and squelched it into his hair. "It is now!" she grinned. The mud began to dribble slowly down his face and his eyes began to glow yellow. Beth was laughing again and his game face fell into place. "You are so going to pay for that!" he grinned.

She sucked in a deep breath and flung her arms round his neck. "Promises, promises!" she chuckled and pulled him towards her, kissing him. He relaxed into her arms and kissed her back hard.

"Ahem!" a voice startled them and they both struggled to get to their feet, slipping and sliding as they did so.

"Oh...Slayer..........we....um..we got the bitch!" stammered Spike, pointing to the grave.

Buffy glared at them. They were both caked in mud from head to toe. "So what was that?" she snapped half-jokingly. "A celebration mud wrestle?......For God's sake, get a room!"

Beth blushed then took Spike's hand and frowned at him. "The face, luv." she whispered. Spike wiped the mud from his cheeks and realised he was still vamped out. "Oops, sorry." he mumbled, his human appearance emerging again.

Buffy smiled to herself. "Playtime's over, children." she muttered. "Lets go home!"

**************************************

Just after midday Beth rushed into the Magic Shop out of the torrential downpour. Giles looked up from the computer and smiled at her. "Well, at least you're not filthy!" he quipped as she shook the rain from her hair.

Beth scowled at him and took off her wet jacket. "Buffy's been telling tales......." she grunted then smiled back. "You said you've got good news for me."

Giles fumbled in his coat pocket and pulled out a slip of paper, handing it to her. "You could have telephoned........saved you getting soaked.......again!" She ignored his comment and read the address and directions he had given her. "This is great!" she gasped. "Just what we need......and it'll be nice and quiet!" She hugged her brother tightly. "When can we go?"

"As soon as you like. Marcus said he won't be using the place this summer....work commitments." he replied handing her a set of keys. Beth kissed him on the cheek and Anya watched them, puzzled. "What's going on?" she asked, curiosity gnawing at her.

Beth slipped the paper into her bag. "Spike and I are going on holiday!....But not a word! I haven't told him yet!" A customer came into the shop and Anya reluctantly returned to the counter, still wanting to know more.

Giles looked at his sister carefully. Apart from being dripping wet, she looked tired. Trying to keep up with both Worlds, her own being the daylight hours, and the other being her lover's. He knew compromises had been made on both sides with her wanting to share her vampire's natural attraction to the hours between dusk and dawn, and Spike not wanting her to give up the human normality of being able to enjoy the sunshine.

"It'll do you both good to get away for a while." he muttered. "Things are pretty quiet here at the moment. We can manage without you."

Beth gazed out of the window. The rain showed no sign of letting up and there was a distant rumble of thunder. It was hot too, and the air was thick with electricity.

"I think we'll go on Saturday. It'll give me time to get some supplies together." she whispered. Two days, then they would actually have time alone together. "No patrolling, no hellmouth, and best of all not a soul for miles around!" she finished. She glanced at her brother. "Sorry, Rupert. It's not that I don't like company, but......" He took off his glasses and stood up. "I know." he smiled. "Everybody needs a break.........even that blood-sucking boyfriend of yours! Maybe he'll come back in a better mood. I'm sick to death of his constant whining and moaning just lately! I much preferred it when he was merely irritating and sarcastic.........When I think about it, even when he was trying to kill us it was better!"

*************************************

She hurried home before the storm erupted. She dived through the door of the apartment just as the first flash of lightning lit up the sky. Spike as asleep on the sofa, the t.v. blaring away. She smiled and brushed her hand softly across his hair. He looked so peaceful and innocent when he slept and the soft smile on his lips made her wonder what he was dreaming.

'First things first!.........A change of clothes!' she thought. She turned off the t.v. and went into the bedroom to get changed.

She stripped to her underwear and rummaged through the wardrobe until she came across one of her favourites. She took it from the hanger and held the blue chintz dress up against her and looked in the mirror. The soft material draped against her and she swayed her hips gently to see the full skirt waft gracefully about her legs.

"You look beautiful from where I'm standing!" a voice whispered, making her jump. She spun round to find Spike standing right behind her. She glanced back at the mirror again and smiled. She still couldn't get used to the fact he had no reflection. She could see herself, see all of the room in the glass, but as always, the mirror lied when it told her she was alone.

She looked at him again, still holding the dress against herself. He ran his hand along the fabric and grinned. "I think the back view was much sexier......but I wouldn't recommend you walking down the street like it!" He put his arms around her waist as she let the dress fall to the floor. "Now I like that look a lot better!" he muttered, his eyes travelling down her semi-naked body.

Beth rested her arms around his shoulders. "I wish you'd make a bit more noise when you sneak up on a person!" she scowled. "You made me jump!"

"Thats the idea of sneaking, pet.....gets your adrenhillin goin'!" he grinned again, then leaned forward and kissed her neck. He heard her heart quicken and she leaned against him and moaned softly. He smirked smugly, as she slowly moved her head back as he ran his tongue down her jawline to her throat. How many times had they made love? So many, he had lost count. But still she reacted to him hungrily, wanting him as badly as he wanted her. He lifted his head and kissed her.

******************************************

"Three-two!" Beth squealed with delight as the black ball fell neatly into the corner pocket. Spike placed the pool cue none too lightly back in the rack. "Should've never taught her the bloody game!" he grumbled to himself.

Beth almost danced around him with glee. "A deal's a deal, pet." she mimicked his voice. "You said if I beat you best of five we could go!"

He swiped up his beer and scowled. "Yeah.......right! So we go and shack up in the middle of nowhere for a bloody week!" he moaned, then downed the bottle in one go. Beth put her arms around his waist and pouted. "Don't knock it 'til you try it!" she whispered.

When she had told him about taking a break he had been less than enthusiastic. Even though he could no longer pick and choose his 'happy meals', thanks to the Initiative and that damn chip, his instincts still made him want to be surrounded by an ample food supply. Being stuck in the woods, miles away from the nearest town, was the last place he wanted to be.

He looked into her eyes, noticing the dark rings round them, and how pale she was getting and he sighed. "Ok.....it might just be fun." he admitted. He sometimes forgot how fragile humans could be. She never broke step with him and he always assumed she never would. 'Just this once, Spike you pratt.' he told himself. 'Think of somebody else for a change!......She needs this!'

She hugged him and chuckled softly. He put the empty bottle back on the table and hugged her back. "Just as long as you get some sunbathin' in." he scolded her. "You're starting to look paler than one of my lot!" "Promise!" she smiled. "Come on, wanna dance?" She took his arm and dragged him towards the dance floor.

Friday was always a busy night at the Bronze and they had to crush in between the gyrating bodies already being swept along with the music. The live band had not arrived, something about an accident on the water-logged roads, so the disco had been set up for the night. Even above the sound of the loud music they could still hear the storm starting up again outside.

Spike was still scowling as Beth encouraged him to start moving to the music. "Bloody Reggae!" he cursed, but as she began to dance he was mesmerised by her and was soon lost in the beat as he followed suit.

Finally, the D.J, decided to slow things down and Beth put her arms round his waist and nestled close to him. He put his arms around her as she rested her head on his shoulder.

'I could spend my life in this sweet surrender. I could stay lost in the moment forever.' the music played.

Buffy sat in the corner with Willow and Tara. She scanned the room casually humming to the tune.

'Cause even when I dream of you, The sweetest dream will never do.'

She spotted the pair on the dance floor.

'Don't want to close my eyes, I don't want to fall asleep,'

The two were locked in a tight embrace. Beth lifted her head to her bleached blonde vampire and their lips met.

'I don't want to miss a thing!'

Buffy groaned. "Jeez.......they're at it again!"

The song finished and the D.J. put on a rock and roll medley. As the other dancers began to move in time with the faster beat, the lovers remained oblivious to them.

Beth was burning in his arms. She needed to take a breath soon, but she couldn't bring herself to break away. His tongue darted into her mouth and the familiar yearning began to grow in the pit of her stomach. She could feel him hard against her and would have let him take her there and then if he hadn't finally broken the kiss.

"Breathe, luv!" he laughed. "Lets go.......before we get thrown out!

The stranger sat and watched them leave. He had heard them talking about a trip earlier, and he smiled when he realised the bait had been taken. His quest would be so much easier now. He downed his drink and left.

***********************************

PART TWO.

Beth did a final check on the luggage crammed into Spike's Desoto. Satisfied they had everything, she slammed down the trunk lid then checked all the windows were blacked out.

She went back into the apartment and picked up the cooler. "Should be more than enough to last you the week, luv. The butcher gave me a real dirty look when I asked for so much blood in one go!" she chuckled. "Probably thinks I'm supplying a whole nest!"

Spike scowled and picked up his blanket. He threw it round his shoulders and opened the door. "I see the sun's bloody well shining!" he grumbled then mentally kicked himself. He forced himself to smile and gestured for her to lead the way as he threw the blanket over his head. It wouldn't be a very good start to the journey if he burst into flames, even though he had tried to think of a good reason why they shouldn't go.

He waited for Beth to throw the cooler onto the back seat and get in the car, then he rushed over and climbed into the drivers seat, slamming the door quickly before throwing the blanket off. He turned the key and the engine roared to life, along with the stereo. He put the car into gear and put his foot down, singing along with the music.

"Twenty, twenty, twenty four hours to go-o-oh!" He grinned as Beth joined in. "I wanna be sedated!" they chorused. "You should be!" he smirked at her. "You haven't stood still since I agreed to this bleedin' trip!"

******************************************

The sun was low on the horizon by the time they came to the wooded dirt track that led down towards the lake. It had been nearly half an hour since they had passed the last remnants of civilisation, a gas station and grocery store. They had filled up there and Beth was demolishing the sandwiches she had bought.

"God, these are disgusting!" she mumbled, her mouth half full. "If I wasn't so hungry......."

"Now you know how I feel!" Spike whispered. "You should try pigs blood!............How about you light me a fag?" She swallowed the last of the bread and took his cigarettes from the dash and lit one. She took a deep drag from it and passed it to him.

The sun slowly sank below the treeline as the car headlights picked up the silhouette of a log cabin nestled against the background of the dark water. As they pulled up the moon was rising, reflecting in the lake. Beth jumped out of the car and ran to the water's edge. She stretched her arms out wide and began to spin round. "Come on, Spike!.." she yelled. "This is so beautiful!"

Spike looked in the air and sucked in his cheeks. He stepped out of the car and, stubbing out his cigarette, sauntered towards her, taking in the scenery. "Trees, rocks......more trees!" he growled. An animal cry echoed out in the night and he pouted. "Not to mention the bloody wildlife!" He looked at her again and stopped.

"What are you doing?" he gasped. She was kicking off her shoes and was already half out of her clothes.

"Going for a swim!" she giggled, throwing off the last of her garments and wading into the inky black water. "Come on in......the water's..............bloody freezing!" she gasped as the cold brought out goose bumps all over her. He stood rooted to the spot for several seconds, watching as the moonlight caught the paleness of her skin, outlining her slim curves, and his mood softened. "What the hell......." he shrugged and peeling off his own clothes, he dived in after her.

His head broke the surface and he looked round. "Beth.........." he called. No answer. He kicked himself round in a circle looking for her, but apart from a slight breeze rippling the surface of the lake he couldn't see anything. Suddenly, he felt a tug on his legs and he was dragged under. His game face fell into place and he pulled free. He was about to kick out when she bobbed up in front of him and grabbed his arms. He smirked and pulled her to him. 'So you want to play.' he thought. He pressed his lips to hers and they rose slowly back to the surface.

She pushed him away, giggling again, and began to swim towards the bank. He howled and swam after her. She was still ankle deep in the water when he caught her, tackling her to the grassy shore. He clambered up her body and she shrieked in mock terror as his weight pressed her into the wet earth.

"I'm cold." she purred, throwing her arms around his neck. "Warm me up, baby." His yellow eyes flashed in the moonlight and he buried his face in her neck. She felt his sharp fangs graze gently against her flesh, then his lips carressing sensuously along her throat, and she moaned softly.

The water lapped around their legs, almost icy cold, but she no longer noticed it. She pulled his face up to hers and grinned. She felt his arousal pressing against her and her heart started racing. "I notice the cold hasn't affected you!" she whispered.

He ran his hands along her smooth wet body and she trembled. Her skin was hot to his touch and the moist soil oozed around her. "Mud wrestling............." he thought aloud. "I could get to like this!" He pressed his knee against her legs and she parted them, wrapping them around him, arching her hips towards him as he slowly entered her.

The stranger watched them through his night scope from the other side of the lake. "Make the most of it, lovebirds." he said to himself, as he saw the vampire sink his fangs into the woman's neck, her moans audible even across the vast expanse of water. "Tomorrow, you'll have other things to think about!"

********************************************

Beth curled up on the sofa and leaned back against him. He took another sip from the mug and put it down on the floor beside him. "So what do you miss the most?" he asked, placing his arm around her waist and breathing in the scent of her newly washed hair.

She thought for a moment and grinned. "Dunno.....oh.......fish and chips. And.....and the way nobody ever says 'have a nice day'!" she put on a broad southern accent and laughed. Spike smirked at her. "You won't need to put on the accent soon, you're starting to sound less Brit every day!" he teased. "I'll give you elocution lessons if you like.........."

"What?...........Theres nothing wrong with my accent!" she pouted. "Sweet English Rose, thats me!" She snuggled a little closer and finished her coffee. The silence around them was almost deafening.

They had lain at the lakeside for ages, just holding hands and picking out constellations in the clear night sky. 'Just like a normal couple.' she smiled to herself. When they had finally moved and unpacked the car, the mud was clinging almost like cement to their bodies and it took a great deal of scrubbing under the shower to remove it.

Spike sighed. "Ok..........you were right!" he admitted. "I think it was a good idea to come here.........I mean where else could we get butt-naked and go skinny dippin' an' all, without some little bastard tryin' to sneak up and kill us!"

"Told you so!" she said with satisfaction. "Now, what do you miss?"

"A good curry...........bloody yanks couldn't make a decent Vindaloo if they tried. Can't even brew a decent bloody pint!" he growled.

Beth yawned and rubbed her eyes. Spike scowled. "Come on...........bed! A good night's sleep for you madam. Might get rid of the suitcases under yer eyes!" She made no protest as he led her to the bedroom. No sooner had her head hit the pillow, she was sound asleep.

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PART THREE.

Beth sat on the porch, enjoying the afternoon sun. She had slept late into the day but once she had woken up, decided to take Spike's advice and try to get some colour back into her cheeks. She couldn't remember the last time she had found the time to just relax and soak up the rays. She picked at the meal she had made for herself and gazed out across the lake. She felt a pang of guilt that Spike couldn't enjoy the view, but she know from the start that things would never be simple once she had fallen for her sexy blonde vampire. 'Hell............' she thought. 'I'd rather spend my whole life in the dark than be without you!'

A rustling in the trees drew her attention and she began to feel a little uneasy. She scanned the woods and made her way back to the door. Suddenly something sharp grazed her arm. "Oww.....bloody mosquitos!" she cursed. A small scratch began to weep blood and she started to feel very unsteady. A tiny object lying on the floor caught her eye and she bent carefully to examine it. It looked like a metal toothpick, but had a bluish tinge to it's tip. She had seen something like this before.

"Shit!" she cursed, her head swimming. She barely managed to throw herself indoors and scream for Spike before her knees buckled and everything went black.

Spike was awake in seconds and leapt to his feet. He rushed out of the bedroom just in time to see her fall. As he moved towards her several figures appeared in the doorway. All were palid and glassy eyed and he lunged towards them as they entered the cabin. The drapes were drawn to give him some protection from the daylight but the open door was enough to prevent him getting to her, as the deadly sunlight streamed through the opening. His features changed in an instant and his eyes flashed yellow with rage. The intruders advanced on him, just far enough into the shadows for him to make his move.

He was confused. He glared into the lifeless eyes of his attackers and sniffed the air. They didn't smell entirely human, but they didn't smell supernatural either. In fact, they seemed to be a mixture of both. The chip reacted instantly to his thoughts, as he floored one with a left hook and kicked at another, knocking him back out onto the porch. A humming ache in his head was growing. One of them got close enough to make a grab for him and he gripped his throat intending to rip his larynx out. A sharp pain in the back of his skull sent tremors through his whole body. His eyes watering profusely he lifted his intended victim off his feet and flung him at two of the attackers.

"Beth!" he yelled as he saw her arm move. "Come to me, pet." A man appeared behind his foes, wielding what looked like a high powered rifle and squeezed the trigger. Before he could dodge, a thin metal sliver planted itself firmly in his neck and he fell to his knees. The attackers lifted him under the armpits and the shooter threw a tarpaulin over him and he felt himself being carried from the room. He could smell smoke and realised someone had set fire to the building.

"Leave the woman!" he heard the stranger shout, before he sunk into oblivion.

*******************************************

He had woken up hours ago to find himself strapped tightly down to a table with metal straps. His arms were trapped by his sides and someone with no fashion sense whatsoever had bundled him into a baggy overall. The right sleeve had been cut away to expose his flesh and there were several puncture marks.

He had given up yelling abuse at his captors some time ago as all he got for his troubles was silence. Even when the little man in the lab coat came in and kept taking blood from his arm, he got no response. At first a wave of panic had struck him that this might be the Initiative again, but at least they had talked; no, interrogated him.

Now he was worried. He knew they had torched the cabin, and before he passed out he had heard them say to leave Beth behind. He felt his anger rising and he wanted to tear them limb from limb. Tears stung his eyes and he blinked them back. No way was he going to show weakness in front of these wankers! 'Shouldn't have let you talk me into this trip, luv........' he sobbed inwardly. The first opportunity he had he would kill them all, then.............what would he do then?

'Suntan!' the thought jumped into his mind unbidden. 'Don't worry baby, I'm coming........'

He scanned his surroundings. They had brought him to a small house, and he was in the basement. A frosted glass window high up on the wall had been blacked out by a heavy drape. He closed his eyes as a wave of dizziness washed over him. His game face fell into place, and he was hungry. They had taken enough blood to kill a human being, and if he didn't feed soon he would be too weak to do anything other than lie there and simply fade away.

The sound of wood cracking startled him and the heavy drape fell from the rail as the window sprang open letting in the night air. A small shadowy figure dropped nimbly to the floor and approached him cautiously.

"You gonna lie there all night?" she whispered tensely, as she began to undo the restraints. "Beth!" he said a little too loudly. "I thought you.........." She dealt with the last clasp and put her finger to her lips urging him to be quiet.

Once free, he leapt to his feet, almost too quickly, and the dizziness swept over him again making him stagger drunkenly. She grabbed his arm to steady him and he hugged her, relief overwhelming him.

"Come on.........lets get out of here before they come back!" she whispered. As if on cue, the door opened. As the little lab coated man entered the room Beth dragged him in and shut the door quickly. She pulled a knife from her belt and held it to his throat. Spike attempted to help but he could barely stand. He managed to get to her and leaned his hand on the wall for support.

Beth pressed the knife blade against her captive's skin, nicking the surface. "You bastard!" she whispered. "They were just babies........." Spike looked at her in puzzlement. Her eyes were blazing with rage and her statement was stone cold. The man was sweating profusely and he licked the salt from his lips, obviously terrified.

"Babies?..........." Spike slurred, still fighting off the urge to simply collapse. "Beth, we need to leave!......What are you on about?" She cast him an angry glance then slammed her fist into the lab tech's stomach. "Kids......." she growled. "I found them!" She grabbed his head as he fell, twisting it hard until the crack of bone as she broke his neck allowed her to release him.

She kicked at the body as it hit the floor and Spike grabbed her arm. "Bloody hell!" he gasped in shock. Beth caught him as his legs began to buckle and he slipped to his knees.

"You need to feed!" she murmured, pointing to the lifeless body. He hesitated for a moment, clenching his fists in anger. "I don't need you to feed me!" he growled. "Please........Spike, you can't even go two steps in this condition..........you have to!"

He snarled at her and his game face appeared again. She was right. he gripped the dead man by the hair pulling the lolling head to one side, and sank his fangs into his jugular. The blood was already cooling and thickening but it would have to do. He felt his strength returning and he dropped the body to the floor again. He glanced at the body's canvas loafers and then to his own bare feet. He tutted with distaste as he whipped the loafers off the dead man and put them on. 'This is a new low even for me!' he thought. 'Stealin' a dead man's shoes!.....Oh, well!' he shrugged.

He wiped the blood from his lips, and they both clambered out of the window, ducking into the undergrowth as soon as they reached the outside. They crouched in the bushes to check if anyone had yet noticed the vampire's escape. Right on cue, shouting and yelling erupted from the building and the strange figures who had earlier attacked them piled out of the door.

Spike grabbed her hand and started running. "Gotta get under cover!" he insisted, dragging her along with him through the trees. She yanked him to the left and he changed his direction. "The car!" she gasped breathlessly. "This way!" They tore headlong through the rough woodland, ignoring the sharp twigs and tendrils lashing round them, scratching and bruising as they charged through them.

They reached the car in bearly enough time before their pursuers caught up with them. The keys were in the ignition and the engine roared to life. Spike put his foot down hard, plowing through the mob. As soon as he hit one, the chip activated. He yelled in agony and the car swerved violently. It took what little reasoning he had left to keep moving. His eyes were streaming and the lightning in his head threatened to completely overwhelm him. Beth grabbed the wheel and managed to steer them round the trees until the tyres met the dirt track with a heavy thud.

They had cleared their pursuers and Spike's head began to clear enough for him to take control. He drove for several miles before he finally pulled off the road into the undergrowth. He slammed the brakes on when he was sure they were obscured from the road by the trees.

As he turned off the ignition he rested his head on the steering wheel, grimacing in pain. He finally lifted his head again, his eyes gleaming yellow with rage. He leapt from the car and buried his fists into a tree trunk. "Fucking useless!" he yelled, punching the bark again and again. "What fucking use am I?" he cursed.

Beth stood behind him silently, letting him vent his anger and frustration, seeing his knuckles become raw and bloody.

"Can't fight......" his fist hit the tree again. "Can't feed.........bloody useless!" He stopped and broke off a thick branch. He held the sharp makeshift stake out at arms length, aiming it towards his chest. He pulled the lethal point violently towards him, but before it struck home he was knocked off his feet.

As his back struck the rocky ground he vamped out completely and lashed out at the body falling onto him. A cry of pain brought him back to his senses as his assailant landed heavily beside him. "Beth!............" he shouted, scrambling to his knees and lifting her. "I'm sorry.........baby, you ok?"

She groaned loudly and slapped him. Even in the moonlight he could see the bruise forming on her cheek. She went to slap him again and he caught her wrist before she could make contact. She pulled her arm roughly out of his grip and started pummelling his chest. He pulled her close to him, trapping her arms by her side and held on tight until she stopped struggling.

"You.......you stupid.....bastard!" she sobbed. "Don't you dare leave me!...........You selfish, self-centred.........bastard!"

The migraine stabbed through his brain and he blinked back the tears that were forming. "What good am I, pet?.....You should've let me do it!. I'm just a waste of bloody space!" he growled. "I'm a liability! I'm not even able to protect myself against a 'happy meal'!"

He relaxed his hold on her and she held him, burying her head into his chest.

*******************************************

They took refuge in the car as dawn approached.

"We have to go back." Beth whispered. "If we don't, he'll get what he wants then we're buggered!" She had barely gotten out of the burning building earlier. Fortunately the dart didn't hit her full on, just grazing the skin, otherwise a full doze of the tranquiliser would have ensured she would never have recovered in time. She vaguely remembered hearing a man's voice giving orders.

Their attackers had been so sure (or at the very least, didn't care) no-one would know what happened they didn't even bother to hide their tracks. She had managed to find the keys to Spike's Desoto and followed them to the little cottage.

She scouted round the building for some time, trying to find where they had put him. What she heard frightened her. The man who's voice she recognised from the cabin, and was probably the one who had shot them, was referred to as Hadney and he was ordering someone who looked like a doctor to extract more blood from the vampire.

A man lay on a guerney with a tube protruding from his wrist, blood flowing through it. There were leads and wires attached to his chest and head, and numberous monitors beeped and flashed round him.

"If I could use a spell, don't you think I would, you moron?" snapped Hadney. "The only other way is to go and get bitten..............and that's not an option! You can never trust a vampire's word!" He paced the room then stopped at the computer screen.

The doctor twitched nervously. "We need more subjects. The computer needs more data if we're going to find the exact moment the vampire's blood will turn you!" Hadney balled his fists. "Not a problem! I can get as many as you need!" he muttered, and left the room.

Beth crouched low against the wall. She crawled along the ground hoping to find an easy way in. Suddenly her hand touched something soft and spongy beneath a bundle of plastic. She pulled the black sheeting away and almost cried out in shock at what she saw.

Bodies, three in all, were thrown in a heap, limbs tangled around each other; faces whiter than porcelain. She touched the face of the little girl who would be no more than twelve years old, and forced back the horrified gasp that threatened to escape her. A boy of about fifteen lay beneath her; both children fair haired and pretty. A woman, their mother judging by the striking resemblance they shared, stared up at her with dead eyes, her statement one of questioning and surprise. She recognised her as Marcus's wife. She had never seen the children before, but Gina, that was her name she remembered, had spoken of them at great lengh when she had met her at a dinner party Rupert had insisted on taking her to when she had first arrived in Sunnydale.

Beth was motionless for several minutes, her mood alternating between shock and grief, and finally into a strange calm. She turned away from them, cold resolve washing over her. First she would get Spike back, then she would make Hadney pay for this! 'Babies......' she thought; the only feeling she could now summon up being hate and a need to exact revenge on him.

***********************************

"A witchdoctor?.......You're saying he's used some kind of potion to make an army of zombies?" Spike questioned her after she told him what she had found out.

Beth stroked his arm gently as they huddled in the Desoto's back seat. The sun was up and she was relieved to find the car windows were still intact and blacked out enough to protect Spike from it's deadly rays.

"Thats why you're having trouble fighting them.......even though they're not human anymore. The soul can't get out and you can always sense that. The chip can detect that. It's using your thoughts against you because I don't think it really knows itself whether they should be protected or not!"

Spike growled. Damn the chip! Why couldn't they be straight-forward demons or even vampires, or anything he could actually hit, without nearly frying his brain and making him suffer the mind-numbing pain that lingered for hours afterwards.

"You think Ripper's mate was in on it?" he snarled. "Seems a bit bloody too coincidental for this guy to just happen to know where I was." Beth considered it for a moment. "Marcus must have thought his family would be released or he would never have set you up. He's known about us for some time, and he's offered the use of the cabin to Rupert and myself lots of times."

Spike scowled. "Is there anybody that DOESN'T know?" he grumbled.

Beth squeezed his hand. "Marcus used to be a Watcher.......he still keeps track of some of the more infamous characters. Which includes you, William!"

"Why does Hadney want to be turned?" he asked finally, then answered his own question. "He wants to be immortal!...........He wants to soddin' well 'live' forever! That's got to be it!" he exclaimed. Beth nodded. "He's obviously got some pretty powerful magic. Can you imagine how dangerous he'll be if he gets what he wants? We've got to stop him."

Spike put his arm around her shoulders and she nestled against him. "You can't do this alone luv. I'm bloody useless to you against them." he whispered bitterly. "I hate to say it, but we should just drive out of here as fast as we can." Beth sighed. "I can't do that. Not after what he's done. They were children, Spike. They didn't deserve that!" she stifled a sob and he held her tighter.

He would never really understand her. One minute she was as hard as nails, the next soft and vulnerable. She murdered the lab tech without remorse; as cold-bloodedly as he would have done. Now she was grieving for a couple of kids she didn't even know. She would kill Hadney for them, but she had never reproached him for his own murderous past. William the Bloody had done far worse things; killed old and young alike, before he had been effectively neutered by the Initiative.

She spoke again. "Maybe.......maybe you could fight them if you could convince yourself about the fact that they're not human.......or you realise you can't hurt them." Spike laughed. "Thats about as clear as mud!" he said sarcastically. "If I hit them, I'm hurtin' them! You're talking bloody rubbish!"

"No. Listen! Trust me, luv. Believe me. Zombies don't suddenly 'get over it'! They're the walking dead. Soul or no soul, there's got to be a way round it." she urged. "Think about it. Angel has a soul, but the chip didn't stop you from trying to kick his arse."

He leaned back against the seat. 'Good point.' he thought. 'Now if I could only figure out why.'

*****************************************

PART FOUR.

Giles was locking up the Magic Shop for the day when he received the call. Buffy and Anya were there at the time and saw him become increasingly agitated. As soon as he replaced the receiver and cursed.

"What is it?" Buffy asked. It was not often she heard her ex-Watcher swear, and then only when something extremely bad had happened. Giles pushed his glasses further onto the bridge of his nose and frowned. "That was the police. Marcus is dead.....Um.....murdered. And his family are missing!" He sat heavily in the chair.

Anya looked puzzled. "You mean the guy who let Beth use his place? Oh, does that mean they can stay there for longer?" Buffy gave her a murderous glance then turned to Giles. "When? Do they know who?" she gasped.

Giles stood up and grabbed his jacket. "They said at least a week ago. Apparently mine was the last number he called. That would have been when he confirmed he'd send me the keys for the cabin." He paused and checked his pockets for his car keys. "They said it looked like someone had held him for sometime.......Which begs the question, how could he have sent those keys?..........I'm worried about Beth." He strode towards the door and Buffy stopped him.

"You're going up there? I'll come with you. Just in case!"

*****************************************

Spike had driven the car closer to Hadney's lair. Fortunately they had managed to stay undetected so far, but they were under no illusions that it would stay that way. A small stream ran hearby and Beth took his flask from the glove box to fill it with water. She had not eaten since yesterday and her stomach was complaining loudly.

The sun was setting and was low enough to be obscured by the trees so Spike was able to leave the relative safety of the Desoto. He crouched motionless in the bushes watching as the rabbit grazed, with Beth close behind him. The animal suddenly sensed something was watching him and it's ears shot upright, listening. "Hello, Bugs." Spike whispered, his game face dropping into place. He grabbed the animal quickly and Beth snatched it from him before his chip could react, snapping it's neck. She handed it back and he sank his fangs into the animal and drank deeply.

Beth watched as he drained his prey, and smiled as he finished and wrinkled his nose in disgust. "I thought pigs tasted bad!" he complained, handing the lifeless body to her. His human face appeared again and he sighed. "You'll have to eat it raw, pet. Don't want any smoke signals."

She took the knife from her belt and carved into the body. She cut a sliver of flesh from it's thigh and hesitantly put it into her mouth. She felt the bile rising in her stomach but forced it back. "Think soushi!" Spike grinned at her. She snarled at him and forced herself to swallow the bloody meat. She managed a couple more slices before giving up in disgust.

She gulped down some water from the flask, trying to wash away the horrible taste. Spike moved closer to her and wiped the trickle of blood from the corner of her mouth and licked his finger. "Waste not, want not." he smirked. "We'd better get moving!"

***************************************

"Get down!" he whispered urgently. "Someone's coming!" Beth couldn't hear anything, but knew the vampire's senses were many times sharper than her own. They ducked into the bushes as three of Hadney's zombies lumbered through the trees.

Spike moved quickly and grabbed two of them round the neck and smashed their heads together, stunning them. He hook kicked the third as Beth ran to join him. She threw the axe to him (thank goodness Spike always kept weapons in the trunk!) and wielded a machete herself. "Beheading!" she ordered. "It's the only way!" She swung the blade down towards one of the stunned zombies and Spike brought the axe swiftly across the neck of another. As the head bounced from the body he swung again, finishing off the third.

"That was fun!" he smirked as Beth stood looking at him, her chin almost hitting the ground. "How.....how did you....." she gasped in surprise. He cleaned the axe head off on the grass and continued to smirk. "Took your advice, pet.....I figured out that if my brain thinks undead and not soul, it might work!" She took in a deep breath. "So...thats how you could fight with Angel. You knew he wasn't human, so the chip didn't react!"

"That's right..........if I'm convinced then this bloody thing" he rubbed the base of his skull. "....lets me get my 'jollies'!"

Beth grinned and wiped her blade clean. "Never thought of you as the thinking type before. It's usually kick, punch, brag, act irrationally, then ask questions later!" He grabbed her round the waist and kissed her. "You think I'm irrational?" he cocked one eyebrow. "You're the one shagging a vampire!"

She put her arms round his neck and grinned again. "Well, I never said I was sane! Now lets get you some more 'jollies'." she joked and headed into the undergrowth. He looked in the air. "Bloody woman! Always bloody well bossing me about!" he smiled and followed after her.

They struggled through the thick undergrowth until they came to the house. There were guards posted every few yards and several zombies were being despatched, along with some human commanders.

"Looks like I get most of the action.....at last!" Spike growled. "You just get the gunslingers.....and watch your back!" Beth nodded gravely and they dropped to their bellies using elbows and knees to edge towards the building.

They reached the back wall and waited for the sentry to pass them. As soon as he was far enough away, they climbed in through the unlocked window. The room, a study, was empty and they moved silently towards the door. Spike slowly opened it to a crack and peered through, sniffing the air. "Smells clear." he whispered and they entered the hall.

They edged along the wall, Spike's vampire senses tingling as he felt someone approaching the corner. He didn't need to warn Beth; she could read his body language as his muscles tensed and his eyes glowed yellow. The footsteps became audible to her and she pressed her back against the wall.

As the guard turned the corner Spike blocked his way and planted a fist firmly under his chin, knocking the wind out of him. As he fell, Beth axe kicked him in the head to ensure he was completely unconscious. Spike reeled back clutching his head as the searing pain shot through his skull, and he cursed as he sank to his knees.

Beth pulled him back to his feet and then dragged the unconscious guard back towards the empty study. Spike forced himself to regain some composure and pushed her out of the way, hoisting the body over his shoulder and carrying it into the room.

Beth ran her hand along the back of his head. "You ok?" she whispered. He flicked her hand away angrily. "Course I'm bloody not!" he spat. "And I don't want you fucking well nurse-maiding me, either!"

"Fine!........." she growled back, her eyes flashing with rage. "Screw you, 'I don't need anybody - I'm the big bad'- bloody pratt! Next time you fall on your arse don't expect me to pick you up!......Now lets get moving!"

His head throbbed unmercifully and now he had put her back up. 'Damn.' he thought and scowled, knowing she would probably have a lot more to say about the subject when they got home. 'If we get home!' he corrected himself.

This time they made the journey down the corridor without interruption. Spike paused at one of the doors. "Blood!" he whispered. "I can smell it....lets try in here." They crept cautiously into the room and Beth let out a sharp breath. The monitors were switched off and the only thing still functioning was the computer, humming away at the far wall. "This is where I saw Hadney." she muttered.

Spike scanned the room and spotted a white coated figure slumped behind the empty guerney. He stooped to examine the body. "We're too late!" he grunted, holding the dead man's head up by the hair. "He's done it!" He bared the doctor's neck to reveal two jagged puncture marks still weeping blood. Spike's eyes began to yellow at the sight of the red liquid and he began to vamp out.

Beth touched his shoulder and he dropped the body to the floor and sprang to his feet. "Means I get to take him then!" he grinned. "Lets find the wanker."

A voice behind them rang out mockingly. "I think you've already found me, lovebirds." They faced Hadney and watched as his features twisted and changed. His fangs distended and he began to laugh. He eyed Spike dismissively and motioned his zombies into the room. "I'm sure you'll try and take me, but it looks like numbers are on my side!"

Spike and Beth looked at their adversaries, at least a dozen, and the room was too cluttered and small for them to manoeuvre easily. Spike lunged at her, grabbing her round the waist, and flung the two of them headlong through the window.

They landed heavily in the flower bed, glass showering them as they fell. They leapt to their feet only to find themselves surrounded. Zombies and several guards circled them.

"Oh, shit!" cursed Spike as they raised their weapons and fell into a fighting stance.

**************************************

Giles and Buffy sped along the dirt track, the little sports car churning up the mud and dust as it bounced over every bump and pothole along the way.

They screeched to a halt outside the still smouldering shell of Marcus's cabin and leapt from the car, running. Buffy reached the ruins first and carefully picked her way through the blackened rubble. Giles circled the perimeter. "Beth......Spike..." he yelled several times, but only the crickets and a solitary owl answered him.

He forced back the panic growing inside him and tried to think rationally. Buffy came up behind him. "She's not in there.......Don't know about Spike though. The fire could have dusted him!"

Giles looked at the tyre tracks running along the edge of the lake and the numerous footprints indented into the muddy shore. He looked again at the remains of the cabin. "Where's the car?.........Their car's gone!" he muttered.

Buffy nodded. "We'll follow those tracks. Don't worry Giles! Don't jump to conclusions just yet. You know those two are always in some trouble or other, and they always come out on top!" 'Good speech, Buffy.'she told herself as they headed back to the car. 'Now if only I can convince myself!'

They followed the trail around the lake and finally saw lights in the distance. As they drove closer the sounds of a fight met their ears.Giles brought the car to a halt and flipped open the glove box. He pulled out a pair of binoculars and peered through them. "I can just make out Spike's car in the bu.........Jesus Christ!" he cursed, tossing the binoculars to Buffy and putting his foot down, skidding headlong towards the frey.

Buffy focused the glasses and saw a multitude of bodies surrounding Beth and Spike. The pair were not faring very well. As she watched, Spike was thrown through the air as Beth was tackled to the floor. They were getting closer now so she threw the glasses onto the back seat, still straining to see what was happening.

*******************************************

Spike leapt to his feet and spun round, swinging the axe wildly. The blade struck two of them, decapitating them neatly, but he was still surrounded by several others. What the zombies lacked in fighting skills they made up for in numbers. Each time he was struck by one of them it felt like he was being hit by a coal hammer, and they had a grip like a vice. He found that out when he had been lifted bodily into the air and flung halfway up the driveway! He was determined not to imitate a basketball again any time soon!

Beth managed to tuck her knees up and kicked out at the guard before he could plunge his knife into her. She flung him off and grabbed her machete, scrambling to her feet before he could recover. She swung the blade at him and buried it deep into his chest. She back kicked one of the zombies as he attempted to tackle her from behind and punched another in the face.

"Spike!" she shouted. "Behind you!" One of the guards was charging at him armed with a stake. Spike dodged the lethal point just in time and side kicked him in the face. The chip reacted violently and he was sent reeling backwards as the agonising pain shot through him, scrambling his motor functions along with everything else. The guard got to his feet and lunged at him and Spike could do nothing but wait for the fatal strike.

Suddenly his attacker was sent reeling sideways. Through watering eyes he just about managed to make out a small blonde woman kicking and punching at the group of zombies descending on them. "Slayer!" he gasped. "Never thought I'd be glad to see you!" He managed to get to his feet and retrieved the axe.

He leapt back into the battle; punching, kicking and swinging the weapon with pinpoint accuracy.

"What the hell are they?" yelled Buffy as she repeatedly knocked zombies down only for them to get straight back up again. Giles ran towards her, carrying weapons. He threw her a sword. "You have to decapitate them!" he shouted.

Spike saw Beth outnumbered but holding her own so far. Giles raised his own sword and saw Spike's worried glance. Without a second thought, Spike rushed off to help her.

"Duck!" he yelled and sliced the axe through the air as she dropped down, beheading the zombie who was coming up behind her. She blew him a kiss as she bounced back up, and they fought side by side.

********************************************

Hadney watched the melee with glee until he saw the Slayer arrive on the scene. He had finally got his immortality and he wasn't going to risk it now by facing her! He crept out of the house and climbed into his car.

Beth saw him speed away and glanced quickly at Spike, then to Buffy and her brother. There were only a handful of zombies now and she knew Buffy and Rupert would be able to finish them off. "He's getting away!" she cursed, running towards her brother's car. Spike made one final swing of the axe then ran after her. They piled into the little sports car and floored it, following after the vampire witchdoctor.

Beth caught up with Hadney's vehicle and drove even faster until the bumper of Giles' car smashed into the back of it. Hadney's car weaved and slipped on the muddy track and she smashed into him again.

Spike held on to the dashboard, making a mental note not to let her touch his beloved Desoto again! He rummaged in Giles' glove box and retrieved a couple of stakes. 'At least the wanker always comes prepared for anything.' he thought.

A third collision caused Hadney to lose control and the car skidded down the bank into the lake. He clambered out through the window and headed for the shore. Spike and Beth were out of the car in seconds, racing down the muddy slope just in time to see him disappear into the trees. The pair ran after him.

"Which way?" Beth whispered breathlessly. Spike shrugged. "Not sure.......we'll have to split up." She nodded in agreement and raised the stake he had given her before heading into the thick undergrowth.

Spike stood in silence for a moment, listening. His game face fell into place as he heard movement just ahead. He could hear Beth off to his left so this must be Hadney. "Come out, come out, wherever you are!" he whispered, moving stealthily forward.

There, behind the bush! He could hear the rustling. He leapt forward, stake held high, ready to tackle the other vampire. "Bugger it!" he cursed. The 'vampire' turned out to be a small deer who fled into the trees upon seeing the bleached blonde vampire wielding the 'pointy stick'!

Hadney watched unmoving as the pair split up. He edged his way silently back towards the lake. His own car was obviously a write-off, but the sports car parked above the bank would do nicely. He reached the shore when he heard a voice behind him.

"Going somewhere? My brother will kill me if I don't take his car back!" He turned to face Beth who was already running at him, stake held high, ready to tackle him. He side stepped the deadly point, but she caught him with an elbow strike to his chin. She faced off against him and yelled. "Spike! He's at the lake!"

The vampire grinned at her, his fangs gleaming in the moonlight. "What chance do you think you've got against me, sweetie?" he drawled. He lunged forward almost faster than she could see, swiping the stake from her hand. She thrust her fingers at his eyes and brought her foot up sharply between his legs. He growled in pain but managed to grab her ankle before she could bring her leg back. He pulled and she fell backwards into the thick mud.

Spike broke through the trees just as Hadney gripped her by the throat and pulled her back to her feet. He lifted her off the ground as she kicked and struggled, her eyes beginning to glaze over with the lack of oxygen. Hadney curled back his lips and prepared to bite her.

She was sent flying backwards into the mud again as Spike flung himself at the other vampire knocking him sideways into the water. The two vampires squared up to each other, yellow eyes blazing and hissing loudly.

"You're goin' bye-byes, you wanker!" hissed Spike as he planted a fist in Hadney's chest. "First rule of being a vampire......" he began, executing a turning kick which Hadney dodged. "You don't fuck with another one's territory!" Hadney launched a flying side kick knocking Spike into the mud. He jumped nimbly back to his feet.

"She's got my mark on her...." Spike continued, drop kicking his adversary and planting a reverse turning kick into his kidneys as Hadney reeled backwards. "That means...........you keep your fangs to your bloody self!"

The vampires were waist deep in the lake now and Hadney lunged at Spike, putting him into a head lock. Spike threw himself forward into the water dragging Hadney with him.

Beth crawled to the water's edge trying to see what was happening beneath the dark surface. The water churned and bubbled above the two vampires and a thick ooze spread upwards. Blood! Then things went calm.

She scrambled to her feet, slipping and sliding on the muddy ground. She retrieved her stake and prepared to dive in, when a body bobbed to the surface. It seemed an age before her eyes could adjust properly to the darkness and she couldn't tell who it was. Suddenly she saw blonde hair rising out of the water and gasped with relief as Spike waded out, dragging Hadney's unconscious body to the bank. He hauled the beaten vampire onto the side and Beth threw him her stake.

Hadney opened his eyes just in time to see Spike plunge the stake into his heart. "Immortality isn't all it's cracked up to be, mate!" he smirked as Hadney exploded into dust.

Beth stood at his side and he put his arm around her waist. "You ok, pet?" he whispered, his human visage back. She nodded and leaned her head against him. "Oww!" he yelped. She moved quickly and saw the deep gouge in his shoulder. "Bloody prick bit me!" He dropped to his knees in the mud and Beth knelt beside him and started fussing over the wound. He did nothing to stop her as she ripped what was left of the only sleeve on his overall, and dabbed away the blood.

"Thought you didn't need me to nurse-maid you?" she joked. He merely scowled at her and pulled her to the ground.

They didn't hear the Desoto pull up behind Giles' sports car. Buffy and Giles leapt out and ran down the slope towards them. At first they thought the pair were in trouble, then Buffy stopped in her tracks. The two were lying deep in the mud kissing and cuddling.

"Not again!" they heard Buffy shout in exasperation. They jumped to their feet as Giles joined her. The pair looked more than a little worse for wear, both being coated inthe thick black ooze, clothing tattered. Buffy raised an eyebrow at the decidedly unflattering baggy overall Spike was wearing, or at least what was left of it. Both sleeves were gone and the front was torn down to his navel, revealing his firm smooth chest and washboard stomach. 'Not bad at all!' she thought to herself.

"Whats the matter Slayer?.....Like what you see?" he smirked, noticing her staring at his body. Buffy blushed and averted her eyes. "You two are definitely sick....Whats the attraction with mud?"

Beth hugged Spike and laughed. "Don't knock it 'til you try it!" they chorused, then kissed again.

Giles looked thunderstruck. "What did you do to my car?" he demanded.

****************************************

PART FIVE.

The two cars pulled up outside the apartment and Spike leapt out, doing everything but kiss the ground. "Home sweet bloody home!" he yelled. "Hello Hellmouth...........we're back!"

Beth looked in the air. "I suppose I'm going to get the lecture now!" she mumbled to her brother and Buffy. Giles scowled at her. "Which one?" he growled. "The one about 'you've wrecked my bloody car' or........"

Spike interrupted. "Hold on a soddin' minute, Ripper!....My turn first!" He put his hands on Beth's shoulders and stuck his tongue out at her. "Na-na-nana-na!" he mocked. "Told you so!............I didn't bloody want to go there in the first place!"

She swiped his hands away playfully and pouted at him. "Sod off!" she growled. "Rupert, I'll get your bloody car fixed.................and Buffy," she hugged her friend quickly. "Thanks."

She turned back to her vampire and punched him half-heartedly. "I hate it when you think you're right.........but don't think I haven't got one or two things to have a go at you about!" Spike gripped her by the elbows and half-closed his eyes, gyrating his hips suggestively. "I love it when you talk dirty!" he purred and kissed her.

"Eh-um!" coughed Buffy. "Can't you two wait until you get inside? I mean, this is disgusting!" she joked.

Spike broke the kiss and pulled Beth towards the apartment steps while she fumbled for the keys. She looked over her shoulder and smiled apologetically at Buffy and Giles. "Been a long night, guys........" she said as she opened the apartment door. Spike ushered her in. "We'll talk about it tomorrow." Beth managed to yell before the door was shut in their faces.

Giles looked at Buffy in despair. "Come on, I'll drive you home."

******************************************

Beth pushed him against the door and ran her hands along his chest, pressing her body to him. "Flirt with Buffy again..." she growled and nipped at his shoulder. "I'll make you suffer!" She ran her tongue down along his breast bone to his navel, making him moan softly.

"Oh, yes please!" he groaned pulling her back up to eye level. He squeezed her breasts through the torn and mud covered material of her shirt as she ran her hand down to his groin. "Go on, baby.........make me suffer!" he purred as she slid the overall from his shoulders and down over his hips.

She pushed him harder against the door and knelt down, taking his already painfully hard erection between her thumb and forefinger, caressing it slowly from hilt to tip. She kissed along it's length then slowly engulfed him into her mouth, sucking and teasing with her tongue. He began to gyrate his hips in time with him and moaned loudly. "Oh, yes.........I'm sufferin'!" he croaked, his face contorting as he vamped out.

She lifted her head and slowly kissed her way back up his body, feeling his stomach muscles quiver and tense as her lips made contact. He pulled her to her feet and tore the already tattered shirt from her and fondled her breasts, rubbing the tip of his thumb along her nipples. She fumbled with the zip on her shorts and he brushed her hand away, tugging them down over her buttocks and she kicked off her shoes to enable her to step out of the muddy garment.

He rubbed his hand between her legs, winding his fingers through the soft down and caressing the inside of her thighs.

"Another thing!" she gasped, bearly able to think straight as he slid two fingers into her, sending a wave of pleasure shooting through the pit of her stomach. "You....you try to.......ahh.......stake yourself again..........." she sucked in a deep breath and moaned. "I'll.........I'll.........." He put her hand on the back of her head and pulled her face towards his, kissing her roughly. His fangs grazed her lip and he tasted the minute droplet of blood that formed.

He gripped her hips and spun her round, now pinning her against the door. She lifted her right leg and hooked it round his thigh as he pressed hard against her. He cupped his hands under her buttocks and lifted her up and she snaked both legs around his hips.

"The only one I'm thinkin' of staking right now......." he purred in her ear. "Is you!" He arched his hips forward and slid inside her, swiftly, as far as he could, and she cried out with pleasure.

"God.....yes!" she groaned. "Suffer some more, Spikey....." He pulled away almost completely then plunged back into her. She placed the flat of her hands against the wooden door and thrust her hips against him, feeling him fill her completely.

He hoisted her up a little more and began to move slowly in and out, his yellowed eyes staring intently into hers, revelling in the look of complete and utter surrender she was giving him. She began to moan louder, and with one violent thrust she exploded round him, clawing at his back and crying like a wild animal.

He thrust again and howled as he spilt into her, chorusing her cries as his legs turned to jelly and they sank slowly to the floor.

She lay on top of him, still feeling him hard inside her and she kissed his chest. "And let that be a lesson to you!" she smirked. He ran his hands along the small of her back and laughed softly.

"I'm a bit of a slow learner, pet." he whispered, rolling her onto her back. "Maybe you could go through that again!"

The End.

Please let me know what you think.

boliver74@cableinet.co.uk