Spoilers for everything up to, and including, School Hard and What's My Line?
Rating: NC-17
Warnings: M/M sex, violence, blood play and language
Summary: During 'School Hard' Angel offered Xander to Spike, and Spike accepted.
Notes: WIP/ If you love Angel, you won't like this. Canon up to a point, but then canon pissed me off so I chucked it out the window.

Black Velvet

by
D'Nalia

Part One

"Spike, my pretty one. My lovely boy. The stars are singing again."

"And what are they singing, Pet?"

"Daddy is coming with a pretty present for you. But, it's not really Daddy, is it? No. It's that nasty man that wears Daddy's face. It's a joke, a trick, a trap! But the prezzie, the prezzie is so pretty. You have to take it, keep it. But no hurting the pretty prezzie. No. No pain, no lovely games. You have to love it, woo it, seduce it and it will be yours; forever."

Spike cuddled his Dark Princess to his chest. "What is the prezzie, Pet?"

Druscilla smiled dreamily, "Black velvet and a little boy's smile. Pretty, pretty Xander."

"Now, why would I need a pretty Xander when I have you, Pet?"

Wide, dark eyes suddenly turned serious, and she clutched his black duster in her tiny fists, "The prezzie will save you, Spike. Save you and keep you warm. No turning him, not for a long time." Her grip slowly loosened as she drifted off to sleep, leaving Spike to wonder what was going on.

**********
"Xander, we need help. You have to go get Angel. There's an exit hidden behind the stacks that leads to a cellar. You can get out that way." Giles said.

Xander didn't like it, but he headed for the stacks anyway.

"Xander." Giles called, quietly. "Do be careful."

Xander grinned, "That's me, careful guy."

**********

Xander crouched in the dark doorway of the cellar. He listened carefully, not hearing any movement, he ducked out of his hiding place and ran. He cut across the school yard and headed for Angel's apartment as fast as he could go.

He knew they needed the vampires help, but he hated asking 'Deadboy' for anything. He didn't trust the souled vampire, there was something about him that made the hair on the back of his neck stand up. Ever since he'd been possessed by the spirit of the Hyena, he'd learned to trust his instincts. And his instincts were screaming at him to stay as far away from Angel as he could.

**********

Angel heard the pounding heartbeat before someone started pounding on the door. As he crossed the room, he could smell Harris. Angel sighed, he didn't want to deal with the annoying little mortal tonight. He opened the door to find Harris struggling for breath.

"Deadboy. School. Vampires. Spike. People trapped." Xander gasped.

Angel grabbed his coat and shut the door. "Come on, Harris, move it."

Xander made a face at the vampire's back, but did as he said.

**********

Xander stared at the body lying in the grass outside the school. He looked up at Angel and said, "So. You know a lot about this Spike guy, right? Have you got a plan?"

Angel smirked and grabbed him by the throat. "Good plan." Xander stuttered as Angel dragged him into the building.

**********

Xander was trying really hard to stay calm, but the fact that 'Deadboy' had him by the throat and was pulling him into a building full of vampires didn't do much for his state of mind. They came around a corner and saw Spike poking a pole into the ceiling tiles.

**********

Spike was happily searching for the Slayer when he smelled something wonderful, something good enough to eat. He looked down the hall and saw Angelus dragging a boy by the throat. His Dark Goddess had been right again. His prezzie was pretty. Now to fuck-up 'Angel's' plan.

"Angelus!" Spike cried joyfully.

Angel grinned and said, "Spike."

Spike made sure he didn't even glance at the boy, time for that later. "I'll be damned!" He propped his pole against the wall and pulled his Grand-Sire into a hug.

Angel stepped back and tightened his grip on Harris' neck, "Spike, I taught you better than this. Where are all your guards?"

Spike shook his head, "I'm surrounded by idiots. You know how minions are. What's new with you?"

Angel smiled, "Everything."

"Yeah? Come across this Slayer yet?"

Angel laughed, "Oh, yes. She thinks I'm a poor, tortured soul that needs to be protected. It keeps her off my back while I feed."

Spike smirked, "You ought to send Anne Rice a thank you card."

Xander turned his head as far as he could and glared at Angel, "I knew you were lying." Xander choked a little when the hand on his throat tightened. "Undead liar guy." Xander said, angrily.

Spike was more than a little impressed, his prezzie smelled more of anger than fear. He wanted to rip Angel's hand off of the boy's throat, but knew he had to wait for the right moment. His hands clenched tightly when Angel pulled the boy's head to one side and exposed his throat. The older vampire had no idea how close he was to becoming dust at that moment.

Angel smirked, "Want a bite before we take on the Slayer?"

"I haven't seen you in the killing fields for an age." Spike said, genially.

"I'm not much for company." Angel replied.

"No, you never were. So, why are you so scared of this Slayer?"

Both of Angel's brows flew up at that one. "Scared?" He asked with a warning growl in his voice.

Spike shrugged nonchalantly, "Yeah. Time was you would've taken her out in a heartbeat. Now look at you. I bet this, uh, tortured thing is an act, right? You're not...housebroken."

"I saw her kill the Master. Hey, you think you can take her alone? Be my guest. I'll just eat and run."

He stopped Angel with one hand, "Don't be silly! We're all friends. We'll take the Slayer together. Let's drink to it."

Spike kept one eye on Angel as he leaned down towards the boy's neck, he waited until he was close enough to feel the heat coming up from the smooth skin, then he struck. His fist hit dead center in Angel's face and the older vampire staggered back. Spike grabbed the boy and pulled him behind his back. "You think you can fool me? You were my Sire, man. My...my Yoda!"

"Things change, Spike."

"Not us, man! Not demons! You...you Uncle Tom!" Spike grabbed the pole he'd left leaning against the wall and called out to his minions. "Take him!"

Angel spun with an overly dramatic swirl of his coat and ran down the hall and out the open door. Spike snorted derisively, the bastard hadn't even tried to save the human he'd drug into this mess. Spike turned to look at his 'prezzie', he liked what he saw. "Well, you must be Xander. You can call me Spike. Let's get you out of here before this shit gets ugly."

"Huh? You...you're not going to kill me?" The boy stuttered.

"Kill you? Why the hell would I want to do that? It's not every day I get a present as pretty as you." Spike said, smiling.

Hearing a vampire in full game face calling him 'pretty' was too much for Xander to handle. He passed out cold.

Spike grabbed the boy and threw him over his shoulder. Time to head for home, and unwrap his 'prezzie'.

**********

Spike laid the boy on the bed, and pulled off his clothes before moving aside so Druscilla could look. "Oh, he's lovely, Spike." She tilted her head and gazed at him for a moment before turning back to Spike. "Why isn't he moving? Did you break him?"

Spike kissed the top of her head, "No, Pet. He fainted. Nasty Daddy didn't tell him that he was a prezzie for me."

"Ooohhh, that was bad of Daddy. Are you going to punish him?"

"He deserves it, doesn't he, Pet?"

Dru stroked her hand down the side of Xander's face, "Yes. Hurt him, Spike. The prezzie hates him." Dru turned wild eyes up to stare in Spike's blue ones. "Destroy his life. The prezzie is friends with the Slayer, nasty, bad Slayer. She'll be very angry when she finds out what Daddy did."

It started as a low chuckle, but soon turned into a loud, rolling laugh. "I bet she will, Pet. I bet she will."

**********

The mood in the library was tense as Angel explained to the Scooby gang what had happened to their friend.

"I'm sorry, Buffy. I told Xander to wait outside, but he followed me in and Spike had him before I could stop him." Angel said sadly.

"What the Hell was he thinking! He knows better than that!" Buffy grabbed a couple of stakes and her crossbow. "Come on. If we hurry, we can still save him."

Angel grabbed Buffy by the arm, "Buffy, Spike has hundreds of minions, we don't know where he's hiding and, I'm sorry, Buffy, but Spike wouldn't wait. Xander is already dead."

Willow burst into tears and Giles tried to comfort the weeping girl. "Angel." Giles said quietly, "Will...will he turn him?"

Angel nodded. "It's one of Spike's favorite tricks. He'll keep him for a day or so and then send him back." Angel took the Slayer into his arms, this couldn't have worked out better if he'd planned it this way. He got rid of Harris and the Slayer was looking to him for comfort after the 'loss' of her friend. "Buffy, you're going to have to be strong. If you see Xander, stake him before he can get close to you. Spike knows how much it would hurt you to destroy someone who used to be your friend. He's counting on that to give him an advantage."

Buffy gulped down tears, "I'll do what I have to do."

Angel kissed the top of her head, "Buffy, please. Let me take care of it. You shouldn't have to go through this. And, I don't believe Xander would have wanted you to have to do it."

Buffy nodded her head and burst into tears.

**********

Spike remained hidden in the stacks at the back of the library. He could hear every word the bastard said. Going to kill the boy to keep his secret, um? I bloody well don't think so. It'll be a cold day in Hell before you get near him. Spike vanished out the back of the library and headed back to the warehouse, he had plans to make.

*********

Xander opened his eyes and freaked. He didn't where he was, and the last thing he remembered was a blonde vampire telling him he was pretty.

He started to get out of the bed, but quickly realized that he was naked under the covers. He heard a sound coming from the corner and clutched the blankets tightly to his chest. He didn't recognize the woman coming towards him, but from the way she was dressed and the way she acted, he didn't think she was from the Welcome Wagon.

"Look, Miss Edith, the pretty prezzie is awake. What? Don't be silly, Miss Edith." The woman looked at him and smiled sweetly. "You aren't afraid of me, are you? Miss Edith says you are. You don't need to be afraid. We won't hurt you."

"You won't?"

"Oh, no. No hurting, no biting." The woman's face shifted into its vampire form and she playfully snapped her teeth at him.

Xander jumped back in the bed and the woman began to cry. "Sorry. Sorry. Didn't mean to scare the prezzie. Sorry. Sorry."

He didn't understand it, but he felt sorry for the pitifully weeping vampire. All his instincts were telling him to protect her. He wrapped the blankets around him and carefully climbed out of the bed. He sat on the floor next to her and put his hand on her arm. "It's okay. I'm not scared now."

Her face shifted back to its human form and she looked up at him with weeping brown eyes. "You're not?"

"No. I'm okay. I didn't mean to upset you."

The vampire smiled and held out her doll to him, "This is Miss Edith. She's my friend, she tells me things. Secret things."

Xander looked down at the doll and said in a very serious voice, "Hello, Miss Edith. It's a pleasure to meet you."

The vampire squealed and hugged him. "I'm Druscilla."

Xander couldn't help but grin, she reminded him of his five year old cousin, Sarah. "Hi, Druscilla, I'm Xander."

Druscilla giggled, "I knew that. The stars told me and I told Spike Daddy was bringing you and he had to save you."

"Daddy?" Xander asked.

Druscilla looked around to make sure she wouldn't be overheard, "Angelus." She whispered.

"Angel is your Sire?"

The vampire pouted, "No. Angel is not Daddy. Angelus was Daddy. The gypsy girl, he killed her and they cursed him. Then he was Angel, not Daddy."

Xander didn't know what to say, so he just nodded. Then he thought about what she'd said. "Wait a minute. The stars told you I was going to be there?"

Druscilla smiled, "The stars sing and I can hear them now. I couldn't before."

"Before what, Druscilla?"

"Before I met Daddy. I was happy then. Then Daddy wanted to make me his Childe. He killed my other family and then the people took me to the place with the sisters. Then Daddy and Grandmum came. They killed all the sisters and then Angelus became my Daddy and I could hear the stars singing." Druscilla suddenly burst into tears.

Xander pulled her into his lap and rocked her, whispering to her quietly. "It's okay, Druscilla. He can't hurt you anymore. It's okay now." It was probably one of the dumbest things he'd ever done, but the urge to protect her had become a 'need'. And now he had just one more reason to hate Angel.

**********

Spike made it back to the warehouse and went into his bedroom. The sight that met his eyes shocked him to the core. His prezzie was sitting on the floor cuddling a raggedly weeping Druscilla, promising her she was safe and that Daddy couldn't hurt her any more.

Spike crouched down next to Dru and brushed her hair out of her face. "Come on, Princess. Time for all good little vampires to be in bed." Druscilla giggled tiredly and held up her arms. Spike lifted her easily and she turned her head to look back at Xander.

"Good night, Xander."

The boy actually smiled at her, "Good night, Druscilla. Good night, Miss Edith."

Druscilla giggled and laid her head on Spike's chest.

**********

Spike tucked Druscilla into her bed and kissed her cheek. "Rest, Pet. Conserve your strength."

She nodded and closed her eyes. Before Spike could leave she said quietly, "I like him, Spike. He was nice to me."

Spike shut the door quietly and went to talk to his prezzie.

**********

Walked back into his bedroom and found Xander pacing back and forth, holding the edge of the blanket up so he didn't trip over it. For some reason, he didn't look at all silly.

Xander glared at him, "What the fuck did that bastard do to her?"

Spike was across the room and had the boy against the wall before he'd even realized that he was moving. "Watch how you talk to me, human, before I forget I'm not supposed to hurt you."

Xander glared at the blonde, his anger overriding his survival instincts. "Deadboy. Angel. Fucking Daddy! What did he do to her?"

Spike dropped the boy and went to sit on the edge of his bed. He lit a cigarette and said, "His usual. Her butchered her family, made her watch. Then he broke into the convent where they were trying to take care of her and killed all the nuns and turned her."

"Why didn't you stop him?" The boy asked angrily.

Spike shifted to his vampire form and threw the cigarette on the floor. "Fuck it. I don't need a 'prezzie'." He grabbed the boy and threw him on the bed. In less than a second, he was on him and preparing to rip his throat out. The boy fought him, but wrapped in the blankets the way he was, he didn't stand a chance.

Druscilla's scream stopped him just as he was sinking his fangs into the throbbing vein under his lips.

"Spike! No! You can't hurt Xander!"

Spike groaned and rested his head on the boy's shoulder for a moment before rolling off of the squirming body. He stared up at the ceiling and said quietly, "Sorry, Dru."

Druscilla stood next to the bed and frowned at the two men laying there. "Apologize." Spike started to protest, but she cut him off. "Both of you. Apologize or I'll tell Miss Edith that you were being bad."

Spike sighed, he loved his Dark Princess, but sometimes she could be a real pain in the ass. He looked at the boy and said, "Sorry, mate."

Xander grimaced. "Yeah, me too. I'm just a little pissed off right now."

Spike grinned, "You got stones, boy. It's not really a good idea to piss off a vampire."

Xander shrugged, "If you want to kill me, there's not a whole lot I can do about it."

Dru grinned, "He won't kill you, will you, Spike?"

Spike just knew he was being punished for something, "No, Pet. I won't kill him, or hurt him or turn him. I'll be very nice to my prezzie."

Druscilla giggled and spun around in a circle. "Now we can all be happy!"

Spike rolled out of bed and caught Dru in his arms, "Why don't you stay in here tonight, Pet? There's lots of room and that way you can make sure I take good care of my prezzie."

"No, Spike. I want to go back to my room. Miss Edith is waiting for me." Spike led her to the door and turned to look at Xander, "You stay right where you are. You won't like it if I have to come looking for you."

Xander gulped and nodded his head.

**********

Spike got Dru all tucked back in and kissed her cheek. She was so weak since the attack in Prague; he'd do the spell, then 'Daddy' was going to die.

**********

Spike came back into his room and shut the door. He sat back down on the bed and stared down at Xander.; "Thank you for that. For being kind to her." He said, looking like he'd just swallowed a frog.

"It's kinda hard to be mean to someone who can't defend herself."

Spike angrily jumped up from the bed and poked Xander in the chest, "She's a vampire. Of course she can defend herself."

"Yeah, right. She's a kid. A hurt, scared kid. If I looked at her funny she'd burst into tears."

"Boy, you are really pushing your luck."

"It's one of my gifts." Xander said tiredly. "Listen, I've had a really shitty day and I'm beat. Either kill me or let me go."

"Not doing either one, Pet. You're stuck here."

"What do you mean I'm stuck here?"

Spike unwrapped the blankets the boy had wound himself in and spread them out on the bed. Then he pulled off his boots and his clothes and crawled in next to his prezzie. For once, the boy didn't have anything to say. He laid stiffly on his side of the bed with his eyes tightly closed. A small whimper escaped when Spike hauled him in close.

Spike wrapped his arms around Xander and got comfortable. "It's like this, Pet. Angel told your friends that you followed him into the school and I grabbed you before he could save you. Then he told them that I was going to turn you to get to them and that he'd take care of you so they wouldn't have to deal with killing their friend."

"He did what?!"

Spike snickered, "He's covering his ass. But he will kill you, Pet, if he gets a chance. You have to stay here. You'll be safe here and you can keep Dru company. She gets lonely."

"Fucking great, God hates me." Xander voice dwindled off, the events of the day catching up with him. Even the fact he was in bed, naked, with a male vampire couldn't keep him awake any longer. The last thing Spike heard before he fell asleep was the boy's voice saying grumpily, "And my name is not Pet. It's Xander."

Part Two

Xander's eyes felt gritty and he couldn't move. He struggled for a moment, but the cold bands around his chest just tightened. He stopped and tried to think. The events of the previous night finally came floating to the surface of his memory.

School. Angel. Vampires. Spike. Pretty present. Druscilla. Spike, naked, in bed with him. Xander flailed, trying to get the cold, dead arms off of him. Spike grumbled, but didn't wake up. Xander finally grabbed a arm and peeled it away, but an equally cold leg draped itself over his hip.

Okay, stay calm. You haven't been asleep long, it's daytime. If you can get the undead octopus off, you can get out of here.

Xander rolled onto his back and Spike's bleached blonde head landed on his shoulder. He put one hand on the vampire's chest and slowly pushed. It took a long time, but he finally got free. After searching the room, he found his jeans and sneakers under the bed, but couldn't find his shirt. Grabbing Spike's red shirt off the back of the chair, he decided it was better than being half naked, Xander slipped the silk over his shoulders and snuck out of the room, closing the door quietly behind him.

Spike waited until he heard the door close to open his eyes. Reaching over the side of the bed, he snagged a cigarette and his lighter. Blowing smoke rings up at the ceiling, he smiled. "You'll be back, Pet. There's nowhere else for you to go."

**********

Xander managed to avoid Snyder and the teachers through years of practice. He ducked into the library and hid in Giles' office. Clutching his arms around himself, he huddled into the couch Giles kept in the room for naps and gradually fell asleep again.

**********

Giles finished emptying Xander's locker and carried the box to the library. He'd keep it safe until the boy's parents came to claim it. It had been a difficult task, telling them that their son was dead, especially since there wasn't a body to prove his claim. But, in all good conscience, he had to warn them. Newly arisen vampires most often went to their families for their first meal.

He opened the door to his office and sat the box on his desk before turning and getting the shock of his life.

Xander, sound asleep on his couch, the same way he'd done so many times before. Giles started to reach out to him, but stopped. Quietly opening his desk, he withdrew the stake he kept hidden there.

He sat the point against Xander's chest and said the boy's name. "Xander."

**********

Xander heard Giles' calling his name and opened his eyes. "Hey, G-Man. Fancy meeting you here, in your office." Xander brushed his hand down his chest and encountered the stake. Shocked, he looked into Giles' eyes. The librarian looked sad, but determined. Xander flushed with anger. "Giles. Sunlight. Sitting in sunlight." He roughly pushed the Watcher away from him and stood up. "I don't really think the stake in necessary."

Giles sat down in his chair and dropped his head into his hands. "I'm sorry, Xander. Of course you're not a vampire. I was just so shocked to see you sitting there. Angel told us...

Xander laughed bitterly, "Oh yes, the great Angel. He told you I was a vamp and you believed him. Even after you see me in direct sunlight, you still believed him. Spike was here last night, you know. He told me what Angel said." Xander pulled the collar of the shirt away from his neck and showed Giles the bruises left by the vampire's hand. "I didn't follow him into the school, Giles. He wrapped his hand around my throat and dragged me in. Then he offered me to Spike for a FUCKING SNACK!! When Spike figured out it wasn't Angelus standing there, he belted Deadboy in the face. Dear, sweet, kind Angel ran. He ran, Giles. He ran and left me with the vampires."

"But...how...." Giles stammered.

"How did I escape? Spike. He grabbed me and drug me out of there. I'm getting really sick of vampires dragging me around, Giles. He took me home with him and I met Druscilla. Do you know about Druscilla, Giles? Of course you do. You have all those books about vampires, the Watcher's Chronicles. The same books that said Angel was nothing but a lazy, lying, thieving drunk when he was human. And do you know what he did to Druscilla? He tortured her and drove her insane, and then he turned her."

Xander dropped back into the cushions, "Druscilla told Spike he had to save me and he wasn't allowed to hurt me. I snuck out after they all fell asleep." Xander rubbed his hands over his aching eyes. "What I don't understand is why any of you would think Angel would turn into a good guy just because the gypsies gave his soul back. His lying, thieving, conniving soul."

Xander closed his eyes and let his head fall back, "I'm really tired, Giles. I'm going to go home and get some sleep. I'll deal later."

"Yes, well, there's a small problem with that." Giles said hesitantly.

Xander groaned, "Now what?"

"Well, since we believed you had been turned into a vampire, we had the responsibility to inform your parents that you were, uh, deceased."

Xander opened his eyes and glared at the librarian. "We had to, Xander. Newly turned vampires often go to their homes and feed on their families first."

"That's just ducky, Giles. Now what am I supposed to do?"

Giles tugged his suit jacket back into place, "We'll simply inform your parents that it was a mistake. I'm sure they'll be shocked but pleased to have you home safe and sound."

Xander started laughing, and then found he couldn't stop. "Giles, my loving family has probably already called the insurance guy by now and claimed my life insurance." Xander squinted at the clock over Giles' desk. "In a couple of hours you can go by and check out the party. I'm sure it'll be a good one."

"Xander, honestly, I realize you're upset, but there is no reason to be acting in this fashion." Giles said indignantly.

Xander saw red, he'd always had a temper, but since the hyena incident he'd discovered just how good it felt to let his anger loose. "Giles, in the last twenty-four hours I've been kidnapped by a vampire, offered to another vampire, who thinks I'm pretty by the way. I just found out that I don't have a home anymore, not that it was much of one to begin with. And my friends didn't even try to save me from the monsters. And the only people who've been nice to me have been the fucking monsters!" Xander shrugged, "Well, only Druscilla actually. Spike is kinda obnoxious, but he's a Hell of a lot better than Angel."

Giles rose from his seat and patted Xander on the shoulder, "Rest here for now, Xander. We'll fix this. Just try to stay calm."

**********

Xander dozed lightly, too wound up to actually sleep. He heard Buffy's voice and listened to what his friends were saying. He didn't like what he heard.

"Giles, they probably did something to him. I mean, he's under a spell or something. And you know he's never liked Angel. This could be the trap Angel was telling us about."

"Buffy, I don't think..."

"No, Giles. I refuse to believe Angel did that. Xander is lying for some reason. Listen, I'll go talk to Angel, you guys keep Xander here and try to find a spell to undo whatever it was they did to him."

Xander heard the doors to the library close and then Willow spoke up. "Giles. Can I see him?"

"Perhaps Buffy is right, Willow. He may very well be dangerous. It's best that we let him sleep and try to come up with a solution to this. It will be all right, Willow. We'll have the old Xander back in no time. You'll see."

"I still want to see him, Giles. Xander has been my best friend since we were five, he'd never hurt me." Willow said confidently.

Giles sighed, "Willow, we don't know for sure that the person in my office is Xander. It could be a demon in disguise as our friend. In fact, that's the most likely case. Look under shape shifters, maybe there will be a spell in there to force it to reveal its true form."

**********

Xander had heard enough. He moved the box off the desk and found it was full of his things. They'd already cleaned out his locker for him. He grabbed the things he wanted to keep and climbed up onto the desk and pushed the window open. He threw his things through first before making his escape. It took some wiggling, but he finally made it outside. He slumped against the building, there was only one place left for him to go. At least Druscilla would be happy to see him. He gathered his things and started the long walk back to the warehouse, his mind set on one thing...it didn't matter what it took, Angel was going to die. This time forever.

**********

It was still early when Xander made it back to the warehouse. He slipped inside and was grateful to see that the vampires were still sleeping. He finally gave in and went back to Spike's room; at least he wouldn't eat him as soon as he woke up, probably.

Xander sat in the chair next to the bed and leaned down to untie his shoes.

"Did you have a nice walk, Pet?"

Xander's head jerked up and found Spike grinning at him. "You knew?"

Pale shoulders shrugged casually. "Heard you leave, didn't I? I told you, Pet." Spike raised one hand when he saw the snarl on the boy's face. "Sorry. Xander. This is the only place you're safe for the moment."

Xander groaned and buried his head in his hands.

"So...I'm guessing you went to your friends. What happened?" Spike already had a good idea, but he wanted to hear it from the boy. He'd had a long time to think while his prezzie was out. Making the boy feel safe was the first step to making Xander his. And his alone.

Xander's voice was muffled, but Spike could hear him clearly. "First Giles tried to stake me, despite the fact I was sitting in sunlight. We talked. My friends were nice enough to tell my parents that I was dead. I told him about Angel, but he didn't really believe me. Buffy and Willow came in, I could hear them through the door. They think I'm under a spell, or possessed or something. Buffy went to tell Angel I was back while Willow and Giles started looking for a spell to fix me."

Spike shot up in bed, "Bloody Hell. Don't they know how dangerous that is? Most of those spells will kill a normal human."

Xander raised his head and shrugged. "Guess they would have believed me then."

"Fuck. Sorry, Pe...Xander. If I'd known they were going to be that daft I'd never have let you go."

"Why did you? Let me go that is." Xander asked curiously.

"Simple. I knew you needed to know for yourself what was going on. You don't have any reason to trust me; yet."

Xander stared at the vampire in the bed for a moment before saying casually. "You do realize that I'm going to kill Angel, don't you?"

Spike smirked, "Not just yet. I have plans for him. Then he all yours. I'll even hold him still for you." Spike heard the boy's stomach growl. "Get comfy, Pet. I'll go get you something to eat."

Xander was too tired to make an issue about the 'Pet' thing, but he wasn't so tired that he could ignore the fact that Spike was walking around the room naked.

Spike saw him staring and grinned, "What? I look good naked." The vampire strolled out the door, leaving stunned silence behind him.

**********

Spike wasn't gone long, the vampire soon returned carrying several cartons of what appeared to be Chinese food. He handed one to Xander, along with a pair of chop sticks, before setting the rest on the floor next to the bed. Spike got back under the covers and grabbed his own carton and was soon stuffing his face with sweet and sour shrimp.

Xander wasn't very good with chop sticks, so he used the patented Xander shovel method. Holding the carton up to his face, he used the sticks to just shove food into his mouth. He'd finished most of the beef and broccoli before he paused for breath. The vampire was still eating his shrimp and Xander just had to know. "Um, I thought vampires didn't eat real food."

Spike snorted. "Most don't, doesn't mean we can't. I like food. Not as much as blood of course, but I do like it. Besides, it's not like I have to worry about my weight, is it?"

Xander actually laughed, "Guess not. What else have you got in there?" He asked, pointing to the cartons on the floor.

"All kinds of stuff. Just grab one."

Xander opened the first carton he got his hands on and found dumplings. He loved Chinese dumplings. He happily shoved the first one into his mouth and groaned in delight.

"Oi!!! Save some of those for me! I like 'em too."

**********

Druscilla smiled from the doorway, just watching the fight over the food. Daddy's prezzie would be good for Spike. Xander would take care of Spike when she couldn't anymore. The ailing vampire went back to her room to speak with Miss Edith.

**********

Xander finally relented and let Spike have half of the dumplings. He snickered when Spike sank his fangs into one of them, draining the juices out before eating it. He grabbed the next carton and smiled when he found Moo Shoo chicken. Waving his chop sticks at the vampire he said, "Next time, get two orders."

Spike grinned around the dumpling impaled on his fangs, his prezzie was already thinking about a next time.

**********

Xander groaned and dropped the empty carton on the floor with the rest of the trash. Between the two of them, they'd eaten everything.

Spike was lying back on the pillows, smoking a cigarette. "Might as well get a nap in, Pet. We'll be moving after dark."

Xander made his way to the other side of the bed and collapsed on top of the blankets, still wearing his clothes. "Why are we moving?"

"Peaches will be looking for us after dark. I don't really fancy getting staked, Pet."

"Oh. Okay." Xander said, already half asleep. "And don't call me Pet."

Spike waited until he was sure the boy was asleep before peeling him out of his clothes. He tucked the boy under the blankets with him and curled up against his back. There was something to be said for sleeping with a warm person.

**********

Druscilla brushed the tears off her cheeks. She knew she was going to die soon, but she didn't want to. She would miss her precious boy and his prezzie. Tucking Miss Edith under her chin she whispered, "Promise you'll never leave me, Miss Edith. I don't want to be alone."

Only Druscilla could hear the doll's reply. "Are you sure, Miss Edith?" Druscilla giggled, "Of course you are. Xander is a nice boy, isn't he? We'll have to do something special for him."

Druscilla's eyes grew wide. "Really? Oh, that would be lovely, then we could all be together forever."

**********

Giles paced impatiently. Buffy still wasn't back yet. He'd sent Willow home; the poor girl was so upset that she would be in danger in the coming battle. And it would be a battle, he was sure of that.

Part Three

Buffy peeked up at Xander through her eyelashes. "Hi, Xander." She said slyly.

"Hey, Buff. What's going on?"

Buffy stepped closer until her body was almost touching him, "Xander. I want you. I have to have you. Now." Buffy pushed him against the lockers and had his pants around his ankles before he could blink. She smirked when she saw his silk boxers and ripped them off. She had her tiny hand around his cock before he could say a word.

Xander felt his knees start to give and threw his hands out to brace himself before he fell. Buffy's hand started stroking faster and faster. Xander groaned and his hips starting rocking in time to her movements.

He gasped when Buffy spun him around to face the lockers. She snuggled against his back and began jerking him off again, her other hand was clasped tightly to his hip as she slid her slick cock between his thighs. He felt a wave of heat race up his spine as the drooling head nudged against the back of his swelling balls.

Xander screamed, thrashing wildly. He pulled away from the cold body against his back and fell off the bed. His shocked eyes stared up at Spike's smirking face.

"Oi, pet. Things were just getting interesting, why'd you leave?

"You...you...you pervert! Keep your hands to yourself! I'm not like that!" Xander squeaked.

Spike looked down at Xander's lap then back at his face. "You might not be like that, pet, but he is." Spike said calmly, pointing at the erection brushing against Xander's belly.

Xander screamed and pulled the pillow off the bed and held it in his lap. "What happened to my clothes? I was wearing clothes when I went to sleep!"

Spike grabbed his cigarettes off the table next to the bed and lit one. Inhaling deeply, he let the smoke curl up from his lips as he spoke. "You looked bloody uncomfortable, pet. Dru says I have to take good care of you, I couldn't very well let you suffer now could I?"

"Where are my clothes?" Xander asked desperately.

Spike pointed over his shoulder. Xander raised up onto his knees, clutching the pillow in front of his groin. He saw his jeans laying on the chair on the other side of the bed. "Could you hand them to me please?"

"Sorry, Pet, busy."

Xander looked at Spike and gasped. He averted his eyes, but the vision of Spike slowly and casually stroking his cock was forever burned into his brain. Xander staggered to his feet, still clutching his pillow and side-stepped around the bed, trying not to look at Spike.

He finally made it to his jeans and jumped into them as fast as he could. Once his modesty had been restored he headed for the door and safety.

Spike's growling voice stopped him from escaping. "Don't go out there, Pet. The others aren't as nice as I am. You'd be drained before I could get to you."

Xander didn't care if they were all standing outside the door sharpening their fangs, he couldn't stay in here for another second. He whipped the door open and ran into the main room, panic totally overwhelming any common sense he possessed. Xander slammed into the back of a very large vampire and bounced off, landing on the floor. The vampire turned and smirked down at the boy, "Well, well, well...what do we have here? Did somebody call for takeout?" The vampire grabbed Xander by the hair and hauled him to his feet.

"Malcolm, you better put him down, that's Spike's new pet."

Malcolm sniffed Xander's neck and grinned, "He's not marked, so he's fair game."

Spike stalked into the room and snarled at Malcolm. "You can either put him down and die quickly, or..."

Malcolm spun Xander around until his back was against Malcolm's chest, letting his fangs rest a lightly against Xander's throat he said, "He doesn't carry your scent and I don't see any marks, Spike. That means he's lunch for anyone strong enough to take him."

Xander never saw Spike move, but suddenly found himself sitting on the floor staring at two vampires doing their best to tear each other to pieces. Xander scrambled back until his back was against the wall, never taking his eyes off the two combatants.

Spike and the other vampire growled, bit, clawed and kicked so fast they were almost a blur. Blood sprayed across the floor, but there was no way to tell which vampire the blood came from. It was that blood that brought a sudden end to the battle. Malcolm stepped in the puddle and slipped, flailing his arms trying to stay on his feet. Spike took advantage of that tiny mishap and shoved his hand through Malcolm's throat. He squeezed and pulled, Xander had a split second to see Malcolm's severed head bounce on the floor before it turned to dust along with his body.

Spike stood panting in the center of the room, large gashes covered his bare chest and back, the blood dripping down to the waist band of his black jeans. He shook his head and closed his eyes for a moment, when he opened them again, his face had shifted back to its human form. "You lot start packing. Philip? Where the Hell are you?"

"Here." A very thin, dirty vampire stepped out of the shadows.

"What did you find?" Spike asked.

"I found a good place, Spike. Trust me, no one will ever find you, and if they do...there's no way they can get to you."

"Good, you'll be coming with Dru and me." Spike pulled a crumpled pack of cigarettes out of his pocket and lit one before walking over to where Xander sat huddled against the wall. He looked down at his prezzie and said, "Get on your feet. Now."

Xander slowly made his way to his feet, his face pale and shocky. Spike put his hand on Xander's shoulder and pushed him towards Dru's room. "Move, and keep your mouth shut, you've caused enough trouble for one day."

Xander sat on the chair next to Druscilla's bed and stared at his feet while the two vampires talked on the other side of the room. He finally looked up when he heard the door close and found Dru standing beside him. "We have to pack now, Xander. Spike says we're leaving soon."

Xander nodded his head and slowly got out of the chair, Dru hugged him and kissed his cheek, "Don't worry, Xander, my Spike won't hurt you, but he will have to mark you to keep you safe."

"Mark me?" Xander stuttered.

Dru nodded and hugged Miss Edith, "Yes. Then you'll be his, forever and ever. And you'll be safe, no one will be able to hurt you then."

Xander tried to get her to explain about marking, but she just giggled, and that really worried him. "How in the Hell do I get myself into these things?"

**********

Philip turned down a narrow road about three miles outside of town. Thick trees crowded the road and branches scraped the top of the car. Xander had a serious case of the creeps, but Dru was ecstatic.

"Oh, it's lovely. It's all dark and gloomy." Dru smiled happily and held Miss Edith up to the windows so she could see.

The road opened up into a circular drive in front of a huge, broken down barn where a weak, watery light spilled out from the open doors. Xander jumped out of the car as soon as it stopped and headed for the imagined safety of the light.

He eased through the doors and found himself staring at old, dry hay, broken down stalls, cobwebs and weird pieces of metal that he couldn't even begin to identify.

Dru clung to the back of Spike's duster and buried her face in his chest, whimpering in fear. "I don't like this place, Spike."

Spike ran his hand through her hair, trying to quiet her, as his yellow eyes glared at Philip, "This isn't really what I had in mind, mate."

Philip swallowed hard and back away, "This isn't it, Spike, I mean it is but..."

The vampire ran into the back stall, the others hot on his heels. He pulled a bale of hay out of the way and revealed a heavy steel door set in the floor. He grinned up at Spike, "This is it. Check it out, this is so cool."

Xander had to grin, the first real expression that had crossed his face since he'd watched Spike destroy Malcolm. The skinny vampire sounded like any of the guys Xander went to school with. Philip swung open the door and quickly scrambled down the concrete stairs. Spike, Dru and Xander followed him down, amazed at how clean and bright the walls and floors were compared to the room above.

Philip stopped in front of a steel door that more than vaguely resembled a bank vault and pressed a series of buttons on an electronic keypad set in the wall next to the door, chattering non-stop.

"This place belonged to some millionaire dude, he died a week ago, it was in all the papers. The dude was convinced that the world was going to Hell and had this place built. It's a bomb shelter, my granddad helped build it and told me about it when I was a kid." The heavy door swung open and they stepped into a very small room. Philip turned a key set in the wall and the room moved, causing Druscilla to scream in fright. "I'm sorry, it's an elevator, the shelter is deep, really deep, they built it into the bed rock. There's an emergency slide, that's how I got down here the first time, but I wouldn't use it unless it is an emergency." Philip said shuddering.

The elevator quickly came to a stop and the doors opened into a large room. File cabinets took up most of the room while a large electronics panel took up one whole wall. "This is the control room. That panel over there controls all of the sensors, utilities, backups and the lockdown sequence. Right now everything is coming from the city, electricity, water and phone lines. There's backup generators, a well and a satellite communications setup in case the city utilities go down. We've got computers, internet access and a huge library. All these files deal with maintaining the shelter."

Philip led the way into the main part of the shelter, the huge room was set up like a living room. There was a fireplace, couches and several chairs. Philip opened a cabinet and showed them a massive entertainment center. "There's one of those little satellite dishes hidden in the hayloft, we've got DVD, VHS, disks and tapes. They're in the library with the books." Philip said, pointing to a set of double doors on the far side of the room.

Philip kept chattering, pointing out various things, Xander followed the tour quietly, not really wanting to do anything to get Spike's attention. Philip stopped in front of a steel door and fidgeted nervously. "Um, I wasn't sure...I mean..."

Spike grinned at the vampire, "You're doing good mate, don't stop now."

"Well, since your...friend...is here, I checked to make sure that the kitchen was stocked with some food and found this." Philip opened the door and led the way into a huge, completely modern kitchen. Philip pointed to a series of doors on the far wall. "Those are the walk in freezers. There's enough food here to last for about five years or so. And there's a pantry too. I think everything is still good. I checked the records and this place was re-stocked just a couple of months ago."

Spike nodded, "Thanks, mate. Wouldn't want Pet to starve, would I?" Dru giggled again and Xander hung his head. "This place got bedrooms, Philip?"

"Oh yeah. Ten of them, all of them have big beds and their own bathrooms. There are three other bathrooms scattered throughout the complex. This place is totally cool." Philip said.

Spike checked out the rest of the shelter, besides the bedrooms they found a gym, a sauna and even a hot tub. Spike smirked, "I like this place, you sure no one knows about it?"

"Oh yeah, I'm sure. It isn't even mentioned in the old man's will or on any of his property tax forms. I hacked into his lawyers files and checked." Philip said proudly.

Spike slapped him on the shoulder, "I'm impressed. Knew you had a brain. Why don't you go get something to eat, but stay out of the Slayer's way, I've got another job for you later."

Philip nodded and headed back towards the control room, "Uh, Spike? Is it okay if I stay here? I mean, come back here and stay after I eat?"

Spike actually looked surprised, "Oi, mate, of course. Expected you to stay here. Now get going."

Philip grinned and disappeared. Spike turned to Druscilla, "Princess? Want to pick out a room?"

Dru shook her head, "Not sleepy. I want to play and Miss Edith wants to look at the books."

"Okay Dru. Make sure you stay inside, hear?"

Dru giggled and kissed Spike's cheek, "My Spike, my pretty Spike. Always worrying about me. I'll be good, promise." Dru danced out of the room, leaving Xander alone with Spike.

Spike grabbed Xander by the arm and pulled him towards the bedroom at the end of the hall. He closed the door behind them and locked it before shoving Xander over to the bed. "We're going to have us a little talk, Pet."

Xander jumped a little and said, "Spike, I'm sorry about..."

"Shut your hole, boy. I'm going to talk and you're going to listen." Spike got right in Xander's face and said, "When I tell you to do something, you do it. If I'd been a second later I wouldn't have been able to save you. Not without taking on every vamp in the place." Spike sighed and shoved his hands through his short blonde hair, he stared at Xander silently for a moment before saying, "Take off your clothes."

Xander's face turned white and he started to shake. He fumbled, trying to unbutton the shirt Spike had loaned him to wear. Spike knocked his hands aside and stripped Xander naked in a matter of seconds. Xander scrambled under the blankets on the bed, looking at everything except Spike. It seemed like only a second before the lights went out and Spike slid into bed next to him. Xander felt Spike's cool, naked skin brush against his and started to hyperventilate.

Spike pulled the shaking boy into his arms, and rubbed his back. "Ssshhh, it's all right, I'm not going to hurt you. We're just going to get some more sleep. Ssshhh, relax."

Xander continued to shake, "Dru said you're going to mark me." He whispered into the pale white skin beneath his cheek.

Spike's hand stilled on his back, "I am. But not right now."

"Can I talk you out of it?" Xander asked shakily.

"No." The vampire said shortly.

Xander took a deep breath, "Can we just get it over with?"

Spike heard the fear in his pet's voice and felt his demon try to take over. He clamped down on the urge to just drain the boy, and finally felt the demon subside. "We can, if that's what you really want." He managed to say steadily.

Xander laughed weakly, "What I want is to go home and forget the last two days."

"Sorry, Pet. I let you leave and you came back of your own free will. Then I had to kill to protect you. Not that I minded killing that bastard, never did like him, but now you're mine and I'm not letting you go."

"What are you going to do?" Xander asked quietly.

"I'm going to put my mark on you so everyone will know you're mine. Anyone messes with you, they deal with me, that includes the Slayer and your friends." Spike said matter of factly.

"Mark? What, like a tattoo?" Xander asked.

Spike smiled into the darkness, "Something like that, Pet." The vampire rolled them until he had Xander flat on his back and was nestled between the boy's thighs. With one quick motion, he slashed open his own tongue on his fangs and slid it between Xander's lips.

Xander tried to pull back, but Spike held onto his face with both hands, forcing him to stay still. The blood pooling in his mouth was making it hard to breath and he had to swallow. Once he had, he wondered why he'd ever tried to fight it. A tingling warmth spread through his body and he started sucking avidly on Spike's tongue, trying to get more.

Spike finally pulled away from Xander's voracious mouth, the boy rising up, trying to follow him. "Steady on, pet, relax, we've got all night." Spike pulled his duster off the bed post and rummaged around in the pockets until he found what he was looking for. Setting the small glass bottle on the night stand, he left the bed and headed into the bathroom.

Xander leaned up on his elbows, "Spike? What're you doing?"

Spike left the bathroom light on and came back to bed. "Had to get something,." Spike set a small jar on the night stand next to the faintly glowing bottle. Xander couldn't read the label, but the shape of the jar was enough to identify the object.

Xander started to panic again, guessing what Spike wanted the Vaseline for. Spike immediately heard the increased heartbeat and ran his hands through Xander's hair, petting him like he would a cat. "Ssshhh, it's okay, pet, I'm not going to hurt you." Spike opened the already healed cut on his tongue and kissed Xander again. Xander quickly forgot what he was worried about and returned the kiss with enthusiasm.

Spike broke away so Xander could breathe and started kissing and nipping his way down Xander's chest. Every slight flash of pain made Xander's already leaking cock twitch. "Aaahhh, fuck, Spike. What the Hell are you doing to me?"

Spike chuckled against Xander's stomach and Xander jerked. "It's the blood, Pet. Nice isn't it? Works like an aphrodisiac on some humans, and you're one of the lucky ones." Spike flicked his tongue over Xander's belly button and the boy arched off the bed.

Xander gasped and groaned as Spike kept tickling him, "What...what about the unlucky ones?"

Spike sat up and looked at Xander quizzically, "Unlucky ones? What are you going on about, Pet?"

Xander grabbed Spike by the hair and pushed his head back down, "The ones the blood doesn't work on, the unlucky ones." Xander giggled when Spike latched onto the soft patch on skin just inside his hip bone.

"thumgtumgck."

"What? Spike?"

Spike sat up again and glared down at Xander, "Pet, it'd be nice if you could just lay there and groan, maybe even wiggled about a little, but would you stop with all the bloody questions? The unlucky ones get sick, really sick. Like praying for death sick. Right. Now that's over with, can I get back to what I was doing?"

Xander gaped at the vampire and then hit him on the shoulder, hard. "Oi! What was that for?"

"I could have gotten sick? Are you nuts?"

Spike nipped the end of one of his fingers and stuck it in Xander's mouth. Xander immediately starting sucking on the digit, letting out happy moans. Spike grinned and latched onto the tendon on Xander's inner thigh. Xander spread his legs wide and arched up into Spike's mouth. Spike let his fangs drop down and slowly sank them into the large vein in Xander's leg. Xander let out a muffled scream and started chewing on Spike's finger, but he obviously wasn't in any pain.

Spike didn't take much, little more than a mouthful, he just wanted a taste, and he wanted to see how his pet would react. He was more than pleased. He slowly moved back up to Xander's heaving chest and pierced a pert nipple with his fangs then sucked on it strongly. Xander went nuts, moaning around Spike's finger and thrusting his hips up into Spike's belly.

Spike reached out and snagged the Vaseline off the night stand and popped the top off with his teeth. Quickly shoving two fingers into the slimy goop, he dropped the jar on the floor and flipped Xander over onto his stomach, pulling Xander's pacifier loose with a loud 'pop'. Xander grumbled loudly until Spike managed to get one slick finger into buried knuckle deep in Xander's tight little hole. Xander wrapped both arms around his pillow and pushed his butt into the air. Spike grinned, "Little slut aren't you, Pet?"

Spike slid the second finger in along side the first with little trouble. Xander was so hot for it his muscles loosened easily. And when Spike's joined fingers found the little nub buried deep in the boy's body the vampire was glad they were buried so far under ground. That screech would have brought the Slayer and half the damned town running.

Spike sliced open two of his fingers and stuck them back in Xander's mouth at the same time he pushed his cock into Xander's body. Xander tensed up for a minute, struggling against the pain, but there was a dark current of pleasure under the pain and Xander gave in to it eagerly.

Spike pulled his fingers free from Xander's mouth and laced their hands together, slowly and steadily working his cock in and out of the boy's body. Xander's breath grew short and started to hitch in his throat the more excited he became. The smell of sex and blood filled the air, and Spike felt his face shift into its demon form. The vampire wrapped their joined arms around Xander's chest, using the extra leverage to increase the speed and strength of his thrusts when he smelt the boy's arousal reaching its peak.

In the instant before Xander completely lost control, Spike buried his fangs up to the gum line in the heavy muscle where Xander's neck met his shoulder. Xander screamed hoarsely and came so hard he passed out. Spike pull the limp body up into his lap, his cock still buried deep inside. Moving carefully, he picked up the small glass bottle and removed the stopper. The acrid smell of bitter herbs assaulted his sensitive nose, but he ignored it. Spike withdrew his fangs from Xander's warm skin and poured the contents of the bottle over the open wounds. There was a hiss and for a second the marks glowed brightly, Spike inspected his work with a grin, the mark was a perfect impression of his fangs. Any vampire or demon seeing the mark would know that Xander was taken, and the boy had drank enough of his blood to change his scent. Only a fool or someone with a death wish would try to touch Xander without his permission.

Spike put the bottle back on the table and eased Xander back down onto the bed. Nibbling on the soft skin at the nape of the boy's neck, he waited for his pet to wake up so they could finish what they started.

**********

Angel burst through the door of the warehouse, stake in hand. He tumbled with his momentum and sprang to his feet, ready to fight, but the room was empty. There was trash and various items scattered around the floor, signs that the vampires had obviously left in a hurry. Angel searched the warehouse, looking for any sign of Harris, but only a faint scent lingered in the stale air. Angel trashed what little remained before setting the structure on fire. He watched the blaze, trying to figure out where his problem Childe had taken the mortal annoyance Harris.

Part Four

Xander groaned and tried to stretch, but the cool body laying on his back limited his movement. A warm voice chuckled in his ear, "Finally woke up, Pet? Good." Spike purred, shifting forward, making Xander gasp.

Spike chuckled, "Like that, do you? So do I."

Xander's head was spinning, and his whole body hurt, but at the same time, he felt good. Especially when the vampire pinning him down started moving faster. Xander whimpered, "Spike."

Xander felt a draft on his bare back when Spike pulled away, "Steady, Pet."

Xander groaned again when Spike pulled out, but the vampire didn't give him time to complain. He quickly flipped Xander onto his back and lunged back inside that warm body, making sure he hit the boy's prostrate.

Xander tried to laugh and moan at the same time. "Fuck, Spike, do that again."

Spike slid his hands under Xander's knees, easing the boy's legs up onto his shoulders, before thrusting in, deeper than before. "My pleasure, Pet." Then proceeded to drive Xander out of his mind.

*****

Xander cracked open one eye, looking around blurrily. "Spike?"

Xander heard the bathroom door open and felt a faint wave of heat from the steam escaping the room. "Here, Pet. How you feeling?"

Xander tried to move and whimpered, "Ouch."

Spike chuckled softly, "Thought that might be the case. Here, got something that'll make you feel better." Spike helped Xander sit up and handed him a couple of pills, along with an open can of soda.

Xander looked at the pills, "What are they?"

"Demerol. Two of those and you won't feel a thing."

Xander popped the pills into his mouth and chugged the soda. "Thanks."

Spike sat on the edge of the bed, leaning down to nuzzle Xander's neck. The vampire was impressed when the boy didn't pull away, instead actually moving a little closer. "It'll be dark soon, Pet, want to go into town with me?"

Xander shook his head, "Sleepy." Xander laid back on the pillows and looked up at Spike with drooping eyes. "Hungry. Get me something to eat?"

Spike chuckled, "Bet you are. Anything in particular?"

Xander buried his head back in his pillow, "Don't care. Just no mushrooms. I hate those things. Fungus. Yech."

Spike pulled the blankets up around Xander's shoulder, kissing him gently before turning off the light and going into the bathroom to dress.

*****

Phillip practically drown himself in the shower, reveling in the abundance of hot water and soap. He'd been dirty for so long, Malcom hadn't really been too concerned with hygiene. He was actually happy when Spike killed his sire, at least now he could take a shower without being beaten for it. Finally forcing himself to leave the shower, he dug through the closet, remembering seeing some clothes in there when he'd scoped the shelter out earlier.

The pants were a little big, but the shirts were okay. Maybe Spike would cut him loose long enough to pick up some new things. That is if the Master Vampire could stand leaving his pet alone long enough to get out of bed. From all the moaning and groaning he'd heard last night, not to mention the screams, they'd worn each other out. Even vampires needed time to recoup.

Phillip wandered into the living room, smiling at Druscilla. "Hello, ma'am."

Druscilla giggled, "Hello. No one has ever called me ma'am before, I like it. Are you going out?"

Phillip shrugged, "I don't know yet. I need to talk to Spike first."

"About what, mate?"

Phillip turned and nodded his head, "Hello, Spike. I was wondering if I could go into town. I need some new clothes and stuff."

Spike grinned at him, "Hungry too, I bet. You can go with me and Dru."

Druscilla shook her head, "I want to stay here, Spike. I'm tired."

Spike frowned and knelt at her feet, "You need to eat, Dru. You won't get strong if you starve yourself."

Dru shook her head, "I'm not hungry, Spike. Maybe tomorrow. Where's the prezzie?"

Spike smiled, a smile she hadn't seen in years, "He's asleep."

Dru ran her hand down Spike's cheek, "He's special, isn't he?"

Spike nodded and Dru giggled, "I knew he was. The stars told me. He's the only one, the others all went away. He's all alone, but he has you now."

Spike held both of Dru's hands, "What others, Dru?"

She swayed, listening to music only she could hear, "His pack, his mates, the spell made them leave, but not him. He stayed, but he doesn't know what he is."

Spike tilted his head, "What is he, Dru?"

Dru giggled, an insane sound that made the hair on Spike's neck stand up. "What the Hell was that?"

"Hyena." Phillip said, "At least, that's what it sounded like."

Dru nodded her hair, "Yes. The laughing ones. Possessed. So were the others. But the bad man made them go away. But Xander stayed, he was too strong. He needed it too much. Always alone and lonely, wanting to belong." Dru's eyes lost their otherworldly gleam, "His family is mean, Spike. So mean. But he scared them. They yelled and his eyes glowed. We're his family now, Spike. You and me and Phillip. We'll keep him safe and he'll save us."

Dru's eyes glazed over again and she started humming. Spike got up from the floor, knowing he wouldn't be able to reach her now. He was tempted to go back to their room and talk to Xander about this. But while his Princess might be insane, her visions were always right. "Come on, Phillip. Let's get going. I don't want to leave them alone too long."

*****

Xander woke up again, faintly annoyed when he realized he was alone. He staggered into the bathroom and relieved the pressure on his bladder, happy that the pain pills were still working.

Xander stared into the mirror while he washed his hands, fascinated by the mark on his neck. The mark was still a little sore, but not as painful as it looked. Twelve perfect teeth marks, not at all like in the movies where two tiny little holes were the only sign that a vampire had bitten a person. Xander snorted in bemusement, "I won't be covering that up with a bandaid."

"Covering what?"

Xander had heard Druscilla come into the room, he wasn't really sure how he knew which vampire was heading his way, but he did, so when she spoke, he wasn't surprised. "This mark on my neck."

Dru ran one chilly finger over the marks, "Why would you want to cover them? They're Spike's marks. Now everyone will know that you are part of our family. It's important that everyone knows. Now you'll be safe."

Xander finally turned away from the mirror, it was too creepy to have a conversation with a person who didn't have a reflection. "Safe from what, Dru?"

The vampiress giggled, "From everything and everyone. Spike will kill anyone who touches you." Dru tilted her head to one side and smiled, appearing quite sane for the moment, "Actually, Spike will kill anyone who even looks at you funny. He's a little off that way." She said in a whisper, as if telling some great secret. "Now, tell me why." She demanded.

Xander had obviously lost track of the conversation, "Why what?"

"Why do you want to cover them up? Spike's marks?"

Xander shook his head, "I don't, I was just saying...it's hard to explain, Dru. See in the movies, vampires only leave two tiny little holes, nothing like this." Xander said as he ran his hand over the mark.

Druscilla frowned, "How do they feed? You wouldn't get much blood from that."

Xander shrugged, "I have no idea, but I do have a plan. Let's go check out those DVD's Phillip showed us. Maybe there's some vampire movies in there that we can watch."

Dru bounced and clapped her hands, "I'll get Miss Edith, we'll have a party!"

*****

Spike stepped over the body of the shop keeper, heading into the back of the store, looking for presents for his pet. Phillip was already ransacking piles of clothes, throwing his choices into the large bag at his feet. Spike shook his head, he wasn't sure who had trained Phillip, but the boy was good. Clean, neat, no fuss, no muss. A lot of young vampires tried to act tough and taunt their victims before they fed, half the time their food managed to get away. Phillip didn't bother. He just grabbed them, drained them and snapped their necks in one swift move. The two he'd taken tonight hadn't even had time to scream.

Spike was all for playing with his food, but now was not the time to attract the attention of the Slayer or that bastard Angelus. Not with Dru being so helpless, and now he had his pet, Xander to worry about. Spike had never marked a human before, he found it vaguely disturbing, these feelings of comfort and concern he had whenever he thought about the boy.

Spike shrugged, he didn't understand it, but he wasn't going to fight it either. Not when even the memories of the way Xander had cuddled against him in his sleep made him feel...warm...was the only he could describe it.

Spike found the electronics section and called Phillip over. The young vampire's eyes grew wide, "Can we get one of those?"

Spike grinned, "Of course, mate. I'm thinking maybe Xander would like one, what do you think?"

Phillip nodded, his eyes still focused on the display. "Oh yeah. He'll love it." Phillip smashed the glass doors and started grabbing games, "This one, and this one. Definitely this one. It's a blast. You have to kill everything before it kills you."

Spike read the title off the box, "Resident Evil 2...good one, huh?"

Phillip looked up and grinned, his eyes gold, "It's one of the best. Ooohhh, Diablo 1 and 2, gotta have these."

Spike looked at the ever increasing pile at their feet, "Good thing we brought the car."

*****

It seemed to take forever to unload the car. Once they'd started shopping, they didn't stop until the car literally couldn't carry any more. Phillip had even gone so far as to strip several dolls in the toy section. When Spike had asked what he was doing, Phillip had hung his head and muttered, "Miss Edith."

Phillip showed Spike the freight elevator and they piled all their loot inside, riding down with it. The doors opened into the main pantry off the kitchen. As they stepped out, Spike heard Dru squeal. He ran for the sound and practically tore the doors off the hinges to the living room. The sight that met his eyes was one he'd never seen before.

His Dark Princess and his Pet were sitting on the floor, both of them wrapped in blankets, sharing a bowl of popcorn and drinking something from large mugs. They both stared up at him with wide eyes then burst into laughter. "Spike! You scared us!" Dru screeched happily, jumping up from the floor. She grabbed Spike's arm and pulled him over to the little nest they had made from the cushions off the sofa. "Sit down. You have to watch with us."

Dru pointed to the screen and Spike saw a Hollywood version of a vampire menacing a silicone enhanced bimbo. "See? He only has two fangs! Just two! Xander says they're like needles and they suck the blood through their fangs! Isn't that silly?"

Phillip staggered into the room and dropped a load on the bare sofa, "Oh, good movie. Have they met Van Helsing's great-granddaughter yet?"

Xander nodded, "Yeah, she just took out that Chinese vamp with the chopstick."

"Damn, I like that part. Got any more popcorn?"

Xander nodded and pointed to an extra cushion, "Cop a squat." He said as he handed over the bowl, "Innocent Blood is next."

"Ooohhh, Anna. What a babe."

Xander turned to grin at him, "Oh yeah. She could bite me any time."

Phillip snickered and Xander suddenly remembered who he was sitting next to. "Uh, that was a joke, Spike, really."

Spike pouted at him, "Right. Just for that, no prezzies for you."

Dru grabbed Spike's arm, "Prezzies?"

Spike started laughing when he realized that Xander was looking at him with the same expression Dru had on her face. Spike sighed, "I suppose..."

Dru jumped up and pulled Xander with her to the pile on the couch. Both of them chattering happily. Spike shook his head and picked up Dru's mug, frowning when he recognized the smell of Xander's blood mixed in the chocolate. He looked up into Xander's dark eyes. Spike lifted the mug in salute and drained it. Xander grinned and ripped open the box holding one of the video game units, feeling truly happy for the first time in a long time.

Part Five

Spike woke up alone. Not something he appreciated. So he slipped into his jeans and went looking for his bed warmer. He found him soon enough.

Xander, Dru and Philip were huddled in front of the TV, playing one of the many games he and Philip had stolen. From what Spike could see, it looked like one of the Doom games. Xander loved that one. And so did Dru. She'd sit with him for hours, cheering when he killed something, usually in an incredibly brutal way, and hissing when he got hurt. And the game had a side benefit, as long as Xander would play, Dru would eat.

They couldn't get Dru to feed on her own any more. Spike would have to make a kill and bring the blood to her. But he didn't mind, there wasn't anything he wouldn't do for his Dark Goddess. Up to and including killing his Grand-Sire. Actually, he had every intention of killing 'Daddy', one way or the other.

Xander knew the instant Spike came into the room, he always did. He finished the level he was on and passed the controller over to Philip. The young vampire immediately picked up where Xander had left off. Dru merely kissed Xander on the cheek and cheered Philip on. Spike decided then and there that he was going to have to do something nice for Philip. Not only had Philip found them this truly wonderful hideout, but he was just as protective of Dru as Spike himself was.

Xander crossed the room on bare feet. He hated wearing shoes, especially on the opulent carpet that covered the floors of their shelter. The boy moved right into Spike's personal space and wrapped his warm body around Spike's half naked one. Xander leaned up for the kiss he'd come to expect, a kiss Spike was more than willing to give.

Xander hummed under his breath and cuddled closer, "Miss me?"

Spike growled and pushed his hands into Xander's back pockets. "I got cold." He whined.

Xander chuckled, "Well, we can't have that. Let's go back to bed and see if I can't warm you up."

And he did, in more ways than one. Spike watched with obvious enjoyment as Xander casually stripped off his clothes and wrapped his wonderfully nude body around Spike once again. Nipping and sucking on Spike's throat, Xander easily unfastened Spike's jeans and pushed them down over his hips.

Spike kicked them off and pushed Xander onto the bed. Xander landed with a bounce and a laugh. Spike was becoming addicted to the sound of Xander's laughter, it made his skin tingle when Xander laughed like that. Spike crawled onto the bed and Xander wrapped his long legs around Spike's waist and pulled him closer. Spike, needless to say, went willingly.

Xander grinned up at his lover, "Well, well, well. What should we do? Got any ideas?"

Spike leaned down and nipped Xander's throat, smiling when his pet hummed happily. "I think I should fuck you stupid."

Xander wiggled under the cool body pinning him to the bed, "Sounds like a plan."

Spike reached out for the lube on the nightstand, but Xander grabbed his arm. "Don't need it."

Spike arched his brow, making Xander laugh again. "Really, pet? Why is that?"

Xander's face flushed, but he didn't look away. "I, uh, used it already."

Spike slid one hand down Xander's leg, making his way unerringly towards Xander's ass, smirking when he felt the familiar slickness gracing Xander's skin. "Uuuummmm, pet," Spike purred as he pushed two fingers into the prepared orifice. "I do like it when you're waiting for me."

Xander squirmed, already starting to pant heavily, "Spiiikkkeee. Come on already."

The vampire just laughed wickedly. Then he pulled on of Xander's legs up onto his shoulder and slammed his cock inside Xander's very warm body. They'd done this often enough in the last few weeks that he didn't really have to worry about hurting his prezzie.

Xander's eyes rolled back in his head, his mouth opening on a low groan. The two men moved together easily. Each one striving to drive the other over the edge first. It was a race neither would mind losing. All too soon, Spike felt the familiar burn racing up his spine. Each time with Xander got better and better. Thrusting faster, trying to get deeper, Spike knew that Xander was right along with him. The boy's body was covered with a faint sheen of sweat and his breath was coming in gasps.

Spike bit his own tongue, then thrust it into Xander's mouth. Xander nursed at the wounded appendage happily then screeched into Spike's mouth as he came. Spike could only hang on for the ride. And such a ride it was. Silky hot skin rhythmically caressed his shaft and Xander's heartbeat thundered in his ears. Xander opened sex dazed eyes and Spike was lost. He shuddered as his orgasm ripped through him so hard it almost hurt.

Spike braced himself on one trembling arm, the other raised to brush Xander's hair off his sweaty face. "Pet? You all right?"

Xander forced open the eyes he'd just closed and smiled sleepily up at Spike. "I'm fine. I'm better than fine. I'm great."

Spike nuzzled Xander's cheek and murmured, "Go to sleep, pet. I'll be here."

His pretty prezzie was out in seconds. Spike carefully withdrew his mostly limp cock from Xander's body and reached for his smokes. Lighting one, he took a deep drag, enjoying the burn in his lungs. Reaching out, he covered Xander with the sheet, not wanting him to get cold. As he sat there, absently running his hand through Xander's hair, he wondered if he'd been imagining things. For a second, just a second, instead of the familiar dark brown, Xander's eyes had been a bright, malevolent green.

*****

Spike lit another cigarette, the last in the pack. He'd sat next to Xander all day long, thinking. That flash of green explained a lot. Dru had told him about the possession by the hyena spirit. She'd also told him that the spirit was still in Xander. It was buried, and buried deep, but still there. Now it looked like the spirit was starting to come up to the surface.

And that explained Xander's reactions during the last few weeks. At first, he'd been scared to death and had acted accordingly. But once they'd set up house in this bomb shelter, Xander had started to change.

The boy had accepted his position as Spike's pet easily. Too easily. Spike had been waiting for tears, emotional outbursts, embarrassment and escape attempts. None of that had occurred. Since the first time Xander had drunk some of his blood, the boy had been not only willing, but eager, to have Spike in his bed.

Their relationship had grown to the point that Xander initiated sex as often as he did. The boy was very protective of Dru and treated Philip like a brother. Or a pack member. Xander had never once mentioned his friends or his family. It was like they didn't exist for him. And the few times Spike had tried to take Xander into town with him, Xander had become agitated, saying it wasn't safe.

Spike hadn't thought much of it at the time. But now? Now it all made sense. Xander was reacting like a pack animal would. The bomb shelter was his den. Dru and Philip were younger members of his pack and had to be protected. And he, he was Xander's mate. As for Xander's friends, they had broken pack law by abandoning one of their own. That meant they were fair game and no longer any of Xander's concern.

Unless, of course, they were dumb enough to threaten any of Xander's new pack. Then they would die. Spike had no doubt about that. Crushing out his cigarette, Spike crawled in next to Xander, smiling when his lover cuddled close. Spike closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep. He'd always loved animals.

*****

Spike growled at the transcriber, "Read it again."

Dalton stammered out a few words and Spike looked them up. "Debase. The beef. Canoe." Spike punched Dalton in the face, rapidly losing his temper.

Xander crossed the room and wrapped his arms around Spike's chest. "Stay calm. He'll get it." Then he glared at Dalton, "Won't you?"

Dalton buried his nose back in his books, trying to avoid the human's gaze. For some reason, the boy scared him. Badly.

Dru, playing with her Tarot cards, giggled. "He needs the key, my Spike. The key will unlock the cure."

"The key? Is the cure a code then?"

Dru nodded and held up a card that showed a masoleum. "It's here."

Spike looked at Philip then nodded at Dalton, "Take him with you."

Philip grinned and hauled Dalton out of his chair, grabbing the blindfold off the table. "Time to play Blind Man's Bluff again, Dalton."

Dru stopped them at the door. "Take others with you. The Slayer is playing naughty games again."

Philip nodded, "I'll be careful."

As they left, Spike started to growl, "That bitch is always mucking things up for me. I think it's time we did something about that. Something permanent. I think it's time to call out the big guns."

"Big guns? Who's that?" Xander asked curiously, not the least bit concerned about the Slayer's well-being.

"The Order of Taraka, Xander. Demon bounty hunters. Nasty blokes. They'll keep coming and coming until the job is done."

Dru smiled prettily and clapped her hands, "They're such fun! Pain and death and blood."

Xander grew very, very quiet and Spike looked at him in concern. "You all right, pet?"

Xander nodded absently then a blinding smile covered his face. "Would you mind a suggestion?"

Spike smirked at him, "You know the Slayer better than I do, Xander. What are you thinking?"

Xander started giggling, "Mind fuck."

Spike looked at Dru, and she started to laugh. "Xander wants to play games."

Xander was laughing so hard by now that he was wheezing. "Yep." Wiping the tears from his eyes, he choked out, "Don't call the bounty hunters. Just make Buffy think you did. She'll go nuts trying to find them. And while she's busy trying to fight something that doesn't exist, she won't have time to mess with us."

Spike gaped at Xander, then pulled him into a hard embrace. "I love you, pet. I really do."

Xander just smiled happily and kissed Spike gently. "I know," he whispered, while his eyes flashed green.

Part Six

Phillip grinned while watching Dru and Spike waltz around the room. The retrieval of the code key had gone off without a hitch for the most part. The Slayer had shown up, but Phillip had been ready for her.

His teenage years in his parents' home had given Phillip lots of practice in the art of misdirection. His father, while not exactly a bad man, had been more than a little strict where his son was concerned. Not unexpected for born again man of the cloth. But Xander, Xander was the true master of mind fucks.

So, instead of finding a mad search for a code key, the Slayer stumbled upon a drunken party. It was easy to convince a bunch of idiot college students to party in the cemetery. All he had to say was "kegger". The volunteers just lined up. He'd have to remember that in the future.

So, drunken college kids, add a few vampires and voila, a free for all. He and Dalton had walked right out of the crypt with the key while the Slayer was busy trying to sort the living from the dead.

And once Dalton had the key, transcribing the ancient text had been a no-brainer. Even for Dalton. For a supposedly smart guy, he could be pretty stupid. Phillip really doubted that Dalton would survive without someone to take care of him. The idiot couldn't even hunt on his own. Oh well, he'd figured out the cure for Dru, Dalton wasn't really needed anymore. If he got dusted? No loss.

*****

Giles jumped when the door to the shop slammed open. "Good Lord, Buffy! What happened?"

The Slayer clumped down the stairs, her gait unsteady due to the missing heel on her left boot. Her clothes were torn, covered with blood, mud and other unknown fluids. Even her hair was a disaster. A large clump was missing from one side and the rest looked like small animals had nested in it.

The Slayer collapsed into a chair and pulled the remnant of her left boot off so she could rub her aching foot. "Oh, not much, Giles. Some vamps decided to have a party in a crypt. Nothing unusual. Well, not much anyway."

Giles handed Buffy a bottle of aspirin and a glass of water. "Not much?"

Buffy pulled a wad of white material from her jacket and exchanged it for the pain relievers and water. "The vamps were having a kegger with a bunch of frat boys and cheerleaders." Buffy pointed at the rather battered cloth, "That was hanging in the crypt."

Giles opened the material and read the words painted on it.

Part Seven

Actually getting Angel where they needed him turned out to be a lot easier than anyone had ever expected. All thanks to the new Slayer on the block. That, in itself, was disturbing, but Spike didn't let it slow down his plans. His Dark Princess needed healed and that's all that mattered.

Looking down at the plonker that had ruled, and ruined, his life for so long, Spike was hard put not to laugh. The mighty Angelus, laid out on the floor, all wrapped up in lovely chains. It was a dream come true, like his birthday and Christmas all at once.

Spike had dreamed of this moment for over a hundred years, but unfortunately, his dreams would have to stay in the land of Nod. He needed Angelus in one piece for the spell. The weaker the elder vampire was, the less he'd have to give to Drusilla. Spike shrugged, it wasn't like the wanker was going to live, such as it were. The spell would effectively take care of that little problem. Hopefully in an incredibly slow and painful fashion.

With a wicked smirk, Spike drew his foot back and said, "ass, meet foot," and let loose. While fun, kicking an unconscious arsehole wasn't nearly as much fun as kicking him when he was awake.

Spike lit a cigarette and casually strolled out of the room, he'd find something, or someone, to do until Angelus woke up. Then he'd just kick him again.

*****

Giles felt an almost overpowering need for alcohol. Lots of it. Buffy and the new Slayer, Kendra, just would not shut up. It was 'Angel' this and 'vampire' that. Christ, it was almost enough to make him wish he were still Ripper. Then he'd have found something much more interesting to do with those annoying mouths.

But that was neither here, nor there. Ripper was long gone, and good riddance to bad rubbish, as his father would say.

Giles groaned and thumped his head down on the table. The blathering had turned into a cat fight. Kendra really shouldn't have said anything about Buffy's hair, but be that as it may, there were other, more important, things they should be worrying about. Such as..."perhaps the two of you should return to Willie's and secure Angel's release? Before the sun comes up?" Giles had to admit, it was actually rather gratifying to see Buffy move so quickly.

*****

Spike gave up on sleep. His cuddly little bedwarmer wasn't being very cuddly tonight. Instead of wrapping his overly warm body around Spike's chilly one, Xander lay stiff on his own side of the bed. "What's wrong, Xander?"

Xander shook his head, burying it deeper into his pillow. "I'm not sure, but I've got a serious case of the heebie jeebies."

Spike had lived with Drusilla for too long to ignore a case of the creeps. "All right, Pet, let's break it down then. When did it start?"

Xander felt a surge of affection for the vampire, it wasn't often that someone actually listened to him. "Right before you and Phillip got back from town. Did anything weird happen?"

Spike chuckled and reached for his cigarettes. "Could say that, Pet. Picked up a special package from Willie. Nasty bit of work by the name of Angelus. Seems there's a new Slayer in town, so now there's two of the bitches to worry about."

Xander sat straight up in bed, "you brought Angel here?!"

"Yeah, Pet, what of it? The new Slayer kicked his ass and locked him in Willie's store room. Lovely eastern exposure. Willie gave me a call and we picked him up."

"Shit! I knew something was wrong," Xander growled out while struggling into his jeans. "Come on, Spike. We have to get him out of here, or we're all screwed."

"Why?"

Xander smirked, "simple, Buffy won't give up until she finds her wittle pooky bear."

Spike grinned at the derision in his prezzie's voice, "don't worry, Pet, there's no way the Slayer can find us here. We're safe as houses."

Xander shook his head and threw Spike's jeans at his head, "can we say 'Willow', Spike? As in witch who knows lots of locator spells? Buffy had Wills tag Angel ages ago. She'll be able to find him without breaking a sweat."

"Oh fuck me runnin'," Spike snarled as he shoved his feet into his jeans.

Xander stopped at the door and turned to look at Spike with one raised brow, "do you want a head start?"

*****

Buffy's hands were clenched into tight little fists as she fought the urge to kill someone. Anyone. Kendra..., Willie..., at this point, it didn't really matter. Willie had, after a few threats and just a little pain, confessed.

"What do you mean Spike has him?"

Willie nervously wrung his sweaty hands, "well... I mean... I didn't think... the sun was coming up!"

"Where did they go," Kendra queried.

"The sewers, they went into the sewers," Willie blurted out, hoping the Slayers would take a hint and leave.

Kendra headed for the backroom, but Buffy stopped her. "I've got a better idea. Come on, we have to find Willow, she can find him a lot faster. And then, Spike is so going to die."

*****

Spike and Xander stood over Angel's limp form, both men contemplating some kind of mischief. Spike's voice was more than a little disgruntled as he asked, "you sure about this, Pet?"

"Oh yeah. Deadboy's got a tracker tag on him somewhere. Buffy and Willow giggled about it for days." Xander grimaced, "it was so gross listening to them giggle. Angel is so cute! And manly!" Xander declared in a credible falsetto. "Made me want to hurl."

Spike half growled, "we can't let him go, we need him to heal Dru, but I can't say that I want the Slayers knocking down the front door either."

"Can you do the spell now? Maybe get if finished before they get a chance to get a lock on him? Then he'd be dust and the tracker wouldn't work."

"Have to wait for another day and it has to be done in a certain place, won't work here."

"Well, shit. I guess we could drive him around until its time, but it'd be a bitch staying ahead of two Slayers. Which, might I add, is so completely unfair. If I'd known Buffy was going to turn into such a little bitch, I never would have saved her ass after the Master drown her."

Spike shook his head sadly, "oh, Pet, gonna have to punish you for that." Spike's nostrils flared at the sudden release of phermones into the air.

Looking at Xander, the vampire smiled as he took in the dilated eyes and slightly flushed features. "Would you like that, Xander? For me to punish you?"

Xander let loose a quiet moan and reached for his vampire, but Spike stepped out of reach, moving to stand behind his favorite human. Nuzzling the back of Xander's neck, Spike murmured, "you would, wouldn't you? What should I do to you, hmmm? Tie you down and beat that tight little ass of yours until it blushes rosy for me? The heat would feel so good when I fucked you."

Xander's breathing increased and his eyes started to glaze over.

Running a finger down Xander's bare spine, Spike continued the erotic word play, "or maybe, I should..."

"Oh Hell, I'm going to be sick. But I can't really say I'm surprised, Harris. I knew you were a nancy boy the first time I saw you. You probably love being fucked like a woman."

Xander just grinned down at the chained vampire. "Jealous, Deadboy? At least I'm getting some, unlike some other people I could mention."

Angel snarled, his features shifting as he tugged futilely at the chains binding him.

Xander started giggling as he watched Angel squirming like a worm on a hook. "Spike, I have an idea."

"Well, let's hear it, Pet."

"'Kay. We cut Angel's tag off, give it to Dalto and tell him to run all over the county."

Spike was impressed, that much was evident in the tone of his voice. "Cut it off, Pet? I did't know you had it in you to be so cruel."

Xander just snickered, "cut the tag off, Spike. Willow told Buffy that the spell would leave a small mark, kinda like a birthmark, somewhere on the person tagged. We just have to find it, cut it off and we should be good to go."

Angel listened to the entire conversation in horrified fascination. "Tag? What tag? And you'll not be cutting anything off me, boyo."

Xander and Spike naturally ignored everything Angel had to say.

"Why Dalton?" Spike wanted to know. "Wouldn't Phillip be better? We can trust him to do it right."

Xander frowned and shook his head, "too risky for Phillip. He's good, but he'd still be one vampire against two Slayers. Besides, Dalton's finished and now he's nothing more than a liability. He knows too much."

"Exactly, Pet. The Slayers catch him and he'll spill the beans right off."

"Not if he doesn't know anything what he's carrying. And he doesn't know how to get here. He was blindfolded when you brought him in."

Spike wrapped one cool hand around Xander's neck and brought him in for a quick kiss. "All this and brains too. Good on you, Pet. Now, all we have to do is find the tag."

What followed would entertain Xander for years to come. Angel didn't appreciate being stripped by two 'poofers', as he put it. Frequently and at the top of his lungs. Even wrapped in chains, the elder vampire put up one hell of a fight. Spike finally resorted to just cutting Angel's clothes off. As Xander straddled Angel's naked thighs, trying to hold the vampire still, they finally found the mark.

In a fit of generosity, Spike gave Xander the knife and allowed him the privlege of cutting the tag off as Angel shrieked at the top of his lungs. Of course, Spike pouring holy water on the gaping wound to cauterize it might have had something to do with it.

As Phillip drove off with a blindfolded Dalton, with orders to leave Dalton with the car on the edge of town, Xander and Spike started laughing. "Well, Buffy always did say Angel's ass was hers. Guess she was right."

*****

Willow finished the spell and grinned when the tag worked just like it was supposed to. "Got him. Huh, that's weird."

"What? What's weird?" Buffy wanted to know, sounding more than a little hysterical.

"Well, it looks like he's right outside the door."