"So what did you do to the whelp?" Spike asked Angel, entering the last warehouse. They had been searching all day for the vampire nest and it was almost time to meet Xander. They hadn't been able to talk since most of their time had been taken up with searching for clues and fighting the various demons and vampires they had encountered in the sewers.

"What did I do? What did you do?" The two vampires stopped, turning to glare at one another.

"Nothing!" Both of them said at the same time. Spike let out an unnecessary sigh as he threw his cigarette to the ground, stomping it out angrily.

"Let's face it. We don't have a bloody fucking clue what's wrong with Xander."

"From what I can tell, that vengeance demon, Hallie or whatever, must have said something to make him upset. She was the last one he spoke to last night before leaving David's house."

"And what exactly do you suppose she said that would make him mad at us? It's not like she knows either one of us." Spike rolled his eyes at Angel's ridiculous suggestion.

"How should I know? Maybe it was something having to do with vampires in general."

"I felt like there was something bothering Xander last night...well, besides the fact that he was out of his mind with worry. So, if he were upset with the two of us, why didn't he say anything earlier? He definitely wasn't distant like he was this morning after Red mentioned him leaving David's so soon." Spike smirked, remembering the night before. Xander had taken the initiative in bed for the first time in their relationship and even though the two vampires liked being the ones in control, it had been a nice change. A very, very nice change and one that both would welcome again.

"That's true. If pissing Xander off gets that kind of reaction, I'm tempted to do it more often." Angel shrugged. "Hell, I don't know what's wrong. When this situation is cleared up you can damn well bet I'm....going....to...find....out," Angel's words faltered, feeling the presence of other vampires in the warehouse. Spike could feel them too. They were right above them. The two vampires stepped apart right before two others fell to the floor. Spike grabbed one while Angel took the other. They threw them up against the warehouse door.

"Where are they?" Angel growled.

"They who?" Angel snapped the vampire's wrist, making him cry out in pain.

"Quit playing dumb. You know who I'm talking about. Where's the rest of the group?"

"How should I know?" Another snap as the other wrist was broken.

"The next snap you hear is going to be your neck if you don't fucking tell me Where. They. Are."

"Go ahead cause if I tell you Sid will kill me." Angel snapped the vampire's neck, turning him to dust. Spike grinned evily at the vampire he was holding.

"Your turn mate. Are you going to tell us what we want to know or join your friend?"

"Fine. I'll tell. I'll tell. Just promise you won't kill me." Spike nodded. "They went to that old abandoned warehouse two blocks away. There's a bunch of kids living there that's been messing with us. Sid's going to snatch the leader's sister and brother and turn them. He said it would break the kid."

"They're going through the sewers?" Spike guessed, his grip tightening as thoughts of Xander went through his head. There was one of those hundreds of things that could go wrong.

"No. Sid figured they'd be waiting for us so he's going to attack above ground. Got some heavy clothing, some masks and a van. He's going to smoke them out...said they wouldn't be expecting that. Can I go now?" Spike snapped the vampire's neck, dusting him too.

"Can go to hell." Spike was full of fear for his boy and rage at the thought of anything happening to him. He doubled up his fist, slamming it into the column, almost breaking it in half. Angel was feeling the same way, taking his aggression out on the wall. They both turned to face each other. "We need to get to Xander." Both vampires made a dash for the entrance, descending into the sewers in record time before speeding off through the tunnels. Neither one of them had noticed the vampire who was crouching fearfully in the corner of the room. ******************************

Xander was doing his best to fight off the vampires, to help Bobby, but there was nothing he could do. There was a vamp attached to each thigh, one to his right arm and another to his neck. And the pain. Oh, God it was painful. It hadn't been like that when Spike bit him in the hospital, Xander thought. But it had when Marcus had bitten him his inner voice added. Spike had been so gentle, trying to make it good for Xander because he loved him. Xander's eyes misted over, thinking about the way they had parted this morning. He had been angry and had left the vampires totally clueless. When would he learn to open his mouth and tell the people he loved what was bothering him? Too late now, Xander's inner voice spoke up again, making the boy angry. No...he wasn't going out now, not like this. He had things to settle with his lovers. With a renewed strength he didn't know he had, Xander started to struggle, urging Bobby to do the same. The other boy was too scared to listen, screaming Gunn's and Xander's name, begging them to help him, saying he didn't want to die like this.

"Let him go you bastards," Xander managed to grit out, freeing his left arm. He shoved one of the vampires away from his other arm and shit did that hurt. Pushing a vampire away from you when he had his fangs deeply rooted under your skin wasn't a bright idea. Bobby's screams had become quieter, his eyes glazing over. Xander tried to reach for him but the vampire caught his arm. Xander closed his eyes, knowing it was too late to save Bobby and not wanting to see him die. Another person he had come to like was being taken away. It was too late for both of them. No, he had to keep fighting...for Angel, Spike and his friends. Xander tried one last thing, feeling the dizziness from loss of blood.

"You kill me, Angel and Spike will annihilate you. You won't just die, you'll be tortured until you beg for death."

"Stop." The vampire who had impaled his fangs in Xander's left thigh suddenly sat up, taking a closer sniff of Xander. When the other vamps didn't back away he swatted them on the head. "I. Said. Stop." Xander couldn't hold back the sigh of relief as the others did as they were told.

"What the hell is wrong with you, Sid? I was enjoying my meal." The vampire who had been sucking at Xander's neck leaned in and whispered in his ear, "And such a tasty treat you are."

"Don't you smell it?" Xander squirmed as the other vampires started sniffing him, much the same way Sid had done earlier. He hated this, especially the vamp who was near his crotch. But if this would keep him alive......

"Power. This kid's been with a vamp, no two. Two old, powerful vampires." Gus checked Xander's neck, not finding any marks except the ones he had just made. "He's not claimed, though...must be a pet."

"I'm not a fucking pet and quit sniffing me. I'll tell you who I've been with. I'll repeat their names for you...Angel and Spike....better known as Angelus and William the Bloody. Ever heard of them?" Even under these conditions, Xander couldn't hold back the small smirk he gave them, seeing their eyes widen in fear at the sound of his lovers names. It reminded him of Willie's place, only this time the fear was magnified with the addition of Spike's name. Xander felt the van stop right before he was dragged outside. He noted the setting sun, silently praying that Angel and Spike would find him soon. Xander was carried into the warehouse and tossed into the corner.

"Put the kid over there," Sid motioned towards the other side of the building. "He should rise soon, right before his brother comes calling. Can't wait to see that reunion." Xander watched them carry Bobby's lifeless body away, tears welling in his eyes. Gunn was going to have to stake his own brother like Xander had .......

"You prick!" Xander couldn't stop the rage boiling inside him. Gone were the feelings of helplessness and terror as an overwhelming hatred for the vamps standing in front of him reached it's peak. Fuck them. Xander decided if he was going to die he would do it fighting. There would be no begging for his life, no terror filled pleas of mercy, not from him. He had bragged about being Angel's and Spike's lover, now it was time to make them proud of him...even in death. He raised his head, staring defiantly at his captors, anger in his brown eyes. Xander forced himself not to flinch when he saw Gus cross the floor, his hand raised. Xander's head snapped back from the force of the blow but he was proud of himself for not crying out, the only sound in the warehouse being the crack of flesh hitting flesh. Xander tasted the blood welling in the corner of his mouth, managing another smirk as the vampire yelled at him.

"I'm not some fledge you can play around with boy! Sid and I are over 70 years old. Just because you've been with two vamps doesn't mean I won't finish what we started. As a matter of fact, I'd love to. You taste so good." The vampire was in Xander's face and the boy almost laughed when he saw the look of indignation on the vampire's face when the blood-tinged spit landed on his face. Direct hit. *Go me.*

"How did that taste? Want another sample." Another direct hit, this time on the other side of the vampire's face. Gus stepped back, wiping the fluid off his face.

"Let me have this one, Sid. I've got plans for him. Big plans." Sid put his arm around Gus, his gaze traveling over Xander's body before coming to rest on his face.

"I bet you do. Gonna turn him or keep him warm?"

"Warm...at least for the first few times." Gus leered at Xander, the boy's stomach growing nauseous as he realized what the vampire was talking about.

"Oh, hell no. I belong to Angel and Spike." Gus threaded his fingers through Xander's hair, pulling his neck to the side.

"No claim marks. You don't belong to anyone, boy. Not yet, anyway."

"They'll fucking destroy you." Xander warned through gritted teeth, silently damning his 'demon magnet' status.

"I think you're bluffing. They're vampires, they know the rules. You're nothing more than a pet...a vampire whore. If this Angel and Spike loved you they would have marked you, made you off-limits for the rest of us, but they didn't. Now you can be my own little vampire whore." Gus leaned forward, holding Xander's head still with the hand that was now twisted in the boy's hair. He licked at the blood that was trickling from the boy's mouth, his body pressing against Xander's until they were flush with each other. Xander tried to move but he was trapped between the wall and the vampire. He shuddered with disgust when Gus reached up with his other hand and tore his shirt, revealing his bare chest. Gus took in the sight of the tanned chest, the handsome face flushed with anger and the blood still welling at the side of those pink lips and whispered, "Your taste is making me horny." His mouth was on Xander's before the boy had a chance to do anything. Xander tried to protest but ended up with the vampire's tongue shoved inside his mouth. He did the first thing he could think of...he bit down hard on Gus' tongue. The vampire pulled away but instead of slapping Xander like the boy thought he would, Gus smiled at him.

"Yeah, you like that don't you? A human who's got a thing for vampires and knows how to please them. Such a good whore." Gus thrust his erection against Xander's body which was not responding but instead was trying to get away from him. "What ya doing? Playing hard to get? We both know you want it. I've seen humans like you...love being bitten and taken by a vamp." Gus bent his head, laving at Xander's left nipple and without another word, he sank his fangs into the flesh above it. Xander gasped in pain, his eyes searching the crowd of vampires that was watching this...this...Xander's mind couldn't form the word. Maybe he would have been better off dead. Xander stared at the other vampires, hoping they would intervene after he used his threat.

"You better not let him do this. If he does, Angel and Spike will kill all of you."

"Yeah, right." Sid snorted, turning from the sight of Gus biting Xander's chest. Maybe Gus would feel like sharing with the others later. The kid could keep them entertained and out of trouble until their visitor arrived. Sid was about to walk away when another vampire came running up to him.

"He speaks the truth. I saw them, Sid. They were here earlier. They dusted Robby and Alan. I'm telling you, Sid, they're badasses." He nervously glanced over at Gus and Xander before continuing, "You've got to stop Gus. Shit, they're gonna be mad as hell as it is now. We'll all be lucky to get out of this with all our parts attached."

"Freddie, calm down." Sid put a hand on the shivering vampire's shoulder. "I've got it under control. Yeah, the kid's been with them but I don't think they care ----"

"Oh, they'll care. Sid, while you were gone these two vampires came into the warehouse. I hid as quickly as I could...I'm not too proud to tell you that. I knew they were powerful. They wanted to know where you guys were and when Robby refused to tell them the dark headed one took his head clean off...one handed! Then the blonde one said he would let Alan go if he told him, so Alan ratted you out. He told them exactly where you were and what you were doing. The blonde vamp dusted him the same way. I could smell the rage and fear coming off them. I think that's why they didn't notice me. They were too worried about getting to some guy named Xander. Is that him?"

Sid remembered the boy in the van screaming Xander's name and nodded. "Yeah, but I still think you're wrong."

"No, you're wrong." The group of vampires stopped, waiting to see how this would play out. No one dared to defy Sid around here.

"What did you say?"

"I said you're wrong. Those two care about the boy, and not as a pet. I don't know why they haven't claimed him yet, but they're definitely in love with him. The blonde one smashed that beam with one punch, the dark headed one put that hole in the wall same way. You've gotta make Gus stop. They'll be back, I know they will and when they see what's been done to the boy....."

Sid turned and walked back to the two who were still pressed against the wall. "Gus, Stop!" Gus reluctantly raised his head.

"What is it now? You told me I could have him."

"I'm changing my mind. Freddie saw those two, says they'll kill for the boy. I'm not willing to die again just so you can have a good time."

"But---"

"No buts. You two, take the kid and lock him in the office. We'll keep him there until the show begins. If those vamps turn up, we'll use him as leverage to get away." The two vampires did as they were told, pulling Gus away from Xander before taking the weakened boy to the office. "And Gus. A word of advice. You go anywhere near the kid, do anything to compromise us and I'll kill you myself. If those two vamps don't show up or don't want him, he's yours."

"This sucks," Gus grumbled, stalking further into the warehouse. He was hoping for one good night with the warm human who tasted so damn sweet. Well, he would make sure he got his play time. If the others wouldn't kill those vamps, he would. Gus knew they were powerful, but he was powerful too. Hell, he had learned a lot in his 70 years. *************************************

Spike and Angel reached the kid's hideout in record time. There was a short, dark-haired youth standing guard. Angel quickly grabbed him around the throat, pulling him back where they could talk to him without the barrier between them. "Invite us, in."

"You...Can...Come...In...Both...Of...You." The boy managed to get out. Angel and Spike stepped into the basement, Angel leading the boy by the collar. He threw him into the room as they entered. Alana and George looked up at the boy.

"I suck, okay?"

"Where is everyone? Where is Xander?" Spike asked, approaching the two of them. Alana started to cry again, George taking her into his arms and comforting her as he continued to stare at the two vampires. "I asked you a question, mate. Where. Is. He?"

"You don't want to be here." George told them.

"Oh, I think this is exactly where we need to be if we want to find our boy. Now for the last time, and before I get completely brassed off-----"

"Spike, try to stay calm. These kids aren't the problem." Angel turned to the girl. "You're Alana?

"How'd you know?"

"Xander told me about you. Said you were a nice girl. If that's true, you'll help us find Xander and the others before---"

"It's too late. Too late for Xander and too late for Bobby." The girl appeared to be in shock.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Spike growled.

"Those vampires...they were here earlier. They threw something down here, there was smoke everywhere. We ran outside and there they were. Vampires aren't supposed to be able to go out in the daylight."

"They can if they shield themselves from direct sunlight." Angel explained. "So what happened?"

"They grabbed my brother, Bobby. Tried to take me but Xander stopped them. Told me to get Gunn. By the time Gunn made it outside the vampires were driving off....they took Xander and Bobby. Gunn and the others have gone to rescue them but it's too late." Spike put his hands on the girl's shoulders, gently shaking her.

"It's never too late." Spike had to believe that because if he didn't that would mean Xander was....no, he wouldn't think that.

"What? You think they took Xander and Bobby to play a game of basketball? They're killers." Alana's voice was full of pain and anger. Before Spike could answer her, his cell phone rang. He pulled it out of his duster pocket, impatiently answering it.

"What!"

"Spike, it's Doyle. Listen, I have bad news. I just had a vision of Xander. He's in a dark room, he's cold and in pain."

"Where?" Spike snapped, knowing what the answer would be.

"That old abandoned blue jean factory down on 3rd Street. Oz, Wesley and I are getting ready to leave now."

"Great. Stay outside though. Don't go in. We're headed back there now....Angel and I are going to destroy every fucking vampire in the place."

"And what exactly are we supposed to do?"

"Wait for us to come out. If any vamps should happen to escape, be prepared to take them out. I don't want to see any of them get away. And...Xander's probably hurt...we'll need a ride home."

"Spike, there is no probably. Xander is hurting...I could feel it." Doyle's voice was trembling.

"He was still alive though, right?"

"Yeah...weak, cold and hurt but alive. Can you get to him in time?"

"Oh, you better believe we will." Spike thought about the man's words for a moment before adding, "Doyle, make sure you bring some food and plenty of juice. From what you're feeling, it sounds like they've taken some blood. Xander's going to need...."

"We're on it."

"See you out back of the factory around fifteen minutes or less?"

"You got it." Spike shoved his phone back into his duster, turning to Angel. "They're gonna...."

"I heard." Angel's voice mirrored the emotions Spike was feeling. "You two stay here and watch your backs." The two vampires turned to leave but was stopped by Alana's voice.

"Let me go with you. I want to help." Angel shook his head.

"Gunn's already got one member of his family down there, he doesn't need to have to worry about you too."

"Just promise me you'll bring Bobby back safe."

"We'll do what we can." Spike and Angel didn't bother to tell the girl that Doyle hadn't mentioned the other boy. It was dark now so the two vampires took the steps, racing out into the night and heading back to the warehouse. As they neared the factory, both of them slowed down.

"So how are we going to play this? Attack and annihilate..."

"Can't. They have Xander and if they haven't....they're probably holding him as a hostage. We have to be calm, bide our time, lull the vampires into a false sense of security and then fucking kill every last one of them." Spike didn't argue with Angel, knowing there was more Angelus in him right now than Angel. "Just follow my lead, okay?" Spike nodded, knowing it was going to be hard to keep himself from going crazy in there...but he had to do this for Xander. **********************************

Xander lay on the floor in the tiny room he had been thrown into. He was weak from the blood loss and so fucking cold. He tried to wrap his torn shirt around him, trying to stave off the shivers that were coursing through his body. Xander knew the shivers weren't just from the cold but from emotion as well. Tears fell down his cheeks as he thought about Bobby's death, the assault on himself and his need to see Angel and Spike. Xander didn't know how he would react when he saw them, he only knew he needed them.

Xander had had time to think about what the vampires had said. The only reason he was alive was because they had known he was with two vampires. But when they had reached the warehouse that vampire Sid had given him to Gus. Said it would be alright to do whatever they wanted to him since Spike and Angel hadn't claimed him. They had to have known what would happen if Xander was ever captured by vampires. Should have known that the other vampires wouldn't think of him as Angel and Spike's boyfriend, a man they loved, but instead as a vampire whore. Those two words kept running through his mind, making him angrier at his lovers. But Xander knew some of the anger was directed at himself. Why hadn't he asked them about it? Why hadn't he brought it up this morning when they wanted to talk? Damn, he was so fucking confused, his emotions were on overload and he wanted Angel and Spike, despite his anger.

"Please, please, please Angel and Spike, find me. I need you. I need you so badly it hurts." Xander whispered. He heard the snick of the lock, sitting up slowly and wiping the tears from his eyes as Gus stalked into the room.

"Showtime, whore. Come on now. Wouldn't want to miss it would you." Xander sat on the floor, staring up at the vampire with hatred.

"Go to hell." Gus snatched him up by the collar, putting his arm around Xander's waist, pinning Xander's arms to his side.

"Now is that any way to talk to your master?"

"You're not my fucking master. You'll never by my master."

"We'll see. Right now, we gotta go. I don't want you to miss seeing the floor show." He pulled Xander into the corner of the main room where the other vampires had gathered, pushing through them until they had a good view of the room in front of them. Xander saw Gunn creeping into the warehouse. He opened his mouth to warn him but Gus' hand was over his mouth within seconds. "Oh, no, no my little whore, don't ruin it. The fun is just beginning." Gus whispered into his ear, one arm around his waist, the other one around his neck. Xander was wondering where the rest of Gunn's crew were when he heard humming. Bobby came out from behind a wall and Gunn's face lit up with relief.

"Bobby?"

"Hey, big brother. What took you so long?"

"Oh, God, you're not...." Gunn's voice trailed off once he crossed the distance and stood in front of his brother. They stared at each other for a moment, a pained _expression appearing on Gunn's face. "Dead. Nooo." Gunn shook his head as he started to cry.

"Shhh. Don't be sad. I'm not." Bobby half whispered to Gunn, putting his hand up to stop Gunn from crying.

"They killed you."

"Do I look dead to you? I am stronger, better and faster than ever. Wanna see?" Bobby laughed, shoving Gunn across the warehouse floor. Xander attempted to get free but was stopped by Gus' fangs entering his neck. As more blood was pulled from his body, Xander became weaker, hardly able to stand up.

"Don't make me drain you." Gus whispered. "Watch the fun and quit giving me a hard time or you're dead."

"You're on the right track, just on the wrong team. All that rage and hatred we got. We get to keep that." Bobby approached Gunn who was standing up, stake in hand. He walked around his brother, continuing to talk. "Except on this side there's no guilt, no grief. Just the hunt and the kill. And the fun. Come on, how often did we go out in the daylight anyway?"

"Bobby, I can't do this."

"You were made for this. Oh, and all that misery and moping gone, I promise."

"I was never gonna let anything happen to you. I was supposed to protect you. You were my brother."

"I still am." Gunn sadly shook his head. "Then why don't you kill me? Why. Don't. You." Bobby spread his arms wide, testing Gunn. When his brother made no attempt to stake him he grinned. "You can't. Cause you got the guilt. And I got the greatest guilt cure ever. I can free you. We can be together. You, me and when we get to her, Alana. Our family can stay together forever." Gunn still didn't answer, so Bobby closed the space, hands tucked in his pockets. "Remember when we were kids in that shelter on Plummer Street, huh?" Gunn nodded. "Second floor was all rotted out. You used to dare kids to cross. And of course you were the best at it cause you were the...you're the bravest. I wanted to be like you sooo bad, and even though Alana told me not to I went up and the floor gave out." Bobby laughed at the memory before becoming serious. "I would have broken my neck but you were watching me the whole time. You were standing right below and you caught me. Ever since I can remember you've been looking out for me and Alana, but you don't have to look out for me anymore cause I'm good and it's time for me to look out for you now."

"How?" Gunn asked, stunned by the statement.

"Look at you. You running and hiding, cold and hungry. You call that living? You are the one who's falling now. Let me catch you. Don't you want to stop falling?" Gunn nodded his head. "I'm going to fix it." Bobby sighed, his vamp face falling into place. "Oh, say good-bye to everything you ever knew." He leaned towards Gunn, taking the man's neck in his hand, his fangs going for the throat.

"Good-bye," Gunn whispered, plunging the stake into his brother's heart. Bobby backed away, a startled _expression on his face and Xander was reminded of Jesse's face staring at him in much the same way. As Bobby's dust settled, Xander saw Angel and Spike standing in the doorway of the warehouse. There was fear, worry and compassion on their faces.

"Looks like lover boys showed up after all. Too bad for them." Gus whispered.

"Too bad for you." Xander managed to say.

"You need to get out of here Gunn." Angel told him. Just then, the back warehouse doors opened, James and the others rushing inside while Gunn dropped his stake.

"Dude, what are you waiting on? Let's dust them." James started for the two vampires but Gunn put an arm on his shoulder.

"Yo, don't. They're here looking for Xander." He turned to face Angel and Spike. "I haven't seen him."

"Get your crew and get out of here now. We'll find Xander." Spike was ready to kill something. Gus' grip tightened on Xander as Sid approached, taking one of the boy's arms.

"Told you we'd need him for insurance."

"I'm not leaving until we find him. He saved Alana's life, I'd like to help save his...if I can." Gunn faced his crew. "You guys are leaving."

"I don't think so." Sid loudly announced to the room, pulling Xander and Gus forward so Gunn, Angel and Spike could see them. Gus' arms were still around the boy and he tightened his grip when he saw the bloodlust on the two vampire's faces. Maybe he and Sid had been too quick to assume that this boy didn't mean anything to those vamps cause right now they were looking awfully pissed. The rest of the vampires surrounded the kids, ready to fight. One of them walked up to Gunn.

"He was so sweet, your brother. So smooth going down, if you know what I mean. You wanted a war, well Sid and the rest of us declared it. This is it. How do you like it so far?"

Angel and Spike had been looking at Xander and the two vampires who were holding him. Their demons were howling for justice...this was their boy those vampires were holding...one of them much too closely. Spike noticed the open shirt, the marks on Xander's neck and above each nipple and rage coursed through his body. He started to move towards them, Angel's arm coming out to pull him back.

"No. We can't reach him Xander in time if they decide to snap his neck." Angel whispered, only loud enough for Spike to hear. "Let me handle this and I promise you, they will pay." *Oh, yes, Angelus was definitely in control now.*

"Here's the deal," Angel's voice was calm, but his demon was raging. "You can go....."

"What?!" The vampire turned away from Gunn, giving Angel a suprised _expression.

"If you go now and we never see any of you again, you get to live." Angel and Spike strode further into the room, glaring at all the vampires, two in particular. The idiot vampire who had been talking began to laugh as he walked towards them. "Are you high?" He asked, putting his finger to his head. Angel ignored him.

"L.A.'s our territory. You'll want to stay out of it the rest of your eternal lives."

"Which won't be long," Spike muttered under his breath.

"These kids, our town, off limits from now on."

"Who the hell are you? Do you know who you're talking to here fool?" The vampire asked, getting into Angel's personal space.

"The name's Angelus." His hand came up quickly, staking the vampire in the heart before anyone could react. "And I wasn't actually talking to you." Gunn and the other kids watched as Spike and Angel walked towards the two vampires holding their boy. They only needed a few more feet to be within striking range. Keeping their calm facade, they continued to approach until Gus' hand found it's way to Xander's throat.

"Come any further and I'll snap the kid's neck." Both of them stopped, pissed that they were so close yet so far.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you, mate." Spike tried to keep his voice as calm as Angel's. "He's the only thing standing between you and death."

"You must be Spike...or William the Bloody. Which one is it?" Sid asked.

"Take your pick. Doesn't matter, really. Either way you address me, the threat still holds."

"Threat is all it is." Gus smirked. "We've got the upper hand. Doesn't matter how powerful you are, you'll never be able to get to me in time to save this kid." Gus pulled Xander's head back, licking at the wound on his neck. "Don't make me have to kill him...would be a shame to let such a tasty treat go to waste." Spike never took his eyes off the vampire in front of him, his eyes glowing amber as he changed into game face. He felt the presence of a vampire closing in behind him. The stake plunged into the vampire's heart before he could get near Spike. Gus was beginning to be afraid and well he should be.

"Let's quit tap dancing around shall we? I tell you what. You let those kids leave, give us back our boy and we'll fight the lot of you."

"All of us against the two of you?" Sid asked. Spike nodded. "You've got a deal." Angel motioned at the kids to leave and after Gunn nodded, they ran from the warehouse. When they were gone, Angel turned his attention on Gunn.

"That goes for you as well."

"Told you I'm not leaving." Gunn's tone was firm and there was a stubborn set to his jaw that reminded him of Xander. Angel set his attention on Xander and the two vamps in front of them. "Give us our boy." Sid tried to hand Xander over but Gus wouldn't let him.

"He's not really 'your boy' now is he? No marks on him except for the ones we made. I especially enjoyed making these." Gus' hand traveled up Xander's chest, rubbing across the mark above his left nipple. Spike heard Xander's weak protest and the vampire snapped. Before Gus could blink, Spike pulled the boy away from him, taking the vampire's knees out in one swift kick. Gus fell to the floor writhing in pain while Angel did the same to Sid.

"Stay right where you are. Oh, that's right...can't walk with broken kneecaps can you?" Spike turned to face the others, grateful to Gunn for helping Xander to the side of the room. "Alright, who's first? Step up and let's see who has the biggest wrinklies." Instead of stepping forward, the vampires tried to retreat.

"Not gonna happen. All of you will pay for what's happened to Gunn's brother and Xander."

"But...But...You said if we let the kids go, we could have a truce." Freddie was practically begging.

"That was a lie...a smokescreen until we could get to Xander. Now that he's out of the way, it's time for your deaths." Angel stated.

"I helped him. Sid gave the boy to Gus and he was going to....uh...claim him but I stopped it. Don't I get any consideration for doing that much?" Angel and Spike exchanged a glance before Angel walked over to the vampire, putting his hand on his shoulder with a smile. Freddie started to relax, thinking he had gotten himself out of trouble, when the stake plunged into his heart.

"Yeah, you get to die quickly." Angel saw four vampires run for the back exit but they were dusted almost immediately by Oz, Doyle and Wesley who had joined the party. "There's no escaping your fate so why don't you step up and fight with honor instead of running and hiding like the pathetic vampires you really are. You never know. One of you could get lucky." With those words the fight was started. It lasted no more than five minutes. Spike and Angel were like steamrollers, plowing through the vampires ripping heads off, tearing hearts out and staking them. Gunn watched the two vampires, mouth open, eyes wide with awe and wonder at the way they fought. Each of them seemed to know exactly where the other one was without looking and they moved as one with a grace and speed he had never seen before. It was like a dance....a very bloody, ruthless dance.

"Told you they were good." The voice was weak but Gunn heard him. He turned his head to see Xander watching Spike and Angel, pride and a hint of something else on his face. Angel and Spike were now standing over the two vampires that were left lying on the floor writhing in pain. Their eyes went from them to Xander, an unspoken question in amber eyes. "I'm okay. Do what you need to do and make it as painful as possible."

"So you thought you could get away with putting your hands on our boy?" Spike glared at Gus who cringed in fear. Angel and Spike reached down, each one taking a hand. Several snapping sounds were heard as they broke each of the vampire's fingers.

"And you thought we'd overlook the fact that you drank his blood?" Gus started to answer, only screams coming from his mouth as the two vampires tore his fangs out of his mouth.

"You must have one huge set of balls on you, mate." Spike turned Gus, stomping his foot down into the vampire's groin. Gus shot up in pain, grabbing his bloodied crotch while his screaming continued. Angel reached out, tangling his fingers in the vampire's hair. He pulled hard, forcing the vampire to look at him.

"You should never have even looked at him." Angel's fingers were in the vampire's eye sockets, ripping his eyes out before anyone knew what was happening. He threw Gus back onto the ground, turning to Sid with an evil smile on his face. "Your turn."

"No, please don't. Don't...no...don't." Screams filled the air as Angel and Spike repeated what they had done to Gus. When they were done, Spike took Gus' legs while Angel took Sid, both of them pulling their victims towards the front of the warehouse.

"Please...kill me now. Just end it." Gus begged.

"Don't think so. You caused Xander to suffer, now you'll do the same. Don't worry...the sun should fry you in about 12 hours."

"No! I can't stand this pain for that long." Gus argued. Spike put his hands on the vampire's neck, leaning down to grit out his words through his fangs.

"Should have thought about that earlier. Have a nice trip to hell." Spike stood, giving Gus one more kick to the head before racing back to Xander, Angel at his heels.

"Xander, luv, you okay?" Spike's voice was full of concern. Xander was staring at the two vampires in the far corner of the room, listening to their screams of agony interspersed with pleas for death.

"So you're just going to leave them there to suffer like that?" Spike nodded. "Good. Can we go home now?"

"Yes, baby we'll get you out of here." Angel leaned down, gently picking Xander up off the ground. Xander rested his head against Angel's broad shoulder, his hand tightly clenching the vampire's coat. Angel gave him a tender kiss on the forehead, his gaze falling on Gunn.

"Are you going to be alright?" Gunn nodded, still trying to figure the two vampires out. One moment they were vicious killing machines, the next they were tender and caring.

"If you or your sister need anything let us know. We're in the book under Angel Investigations."

"I think I have a card." Doyle pulled one out, handing it the man. He took it, his eyes meeting Angel's.

"Look, I'm glad for what you did, okay? But I don't need no guardian angels and I don't need no talking to. It's not gonna change the way things are down here, man. They're gonna keep on coming and we are gonna keep on fighting."

"I know." Angel's voice was quiet, regarding the man with sympathetic eyes. Gunn seemed stunned by the simple answer.

"That's it? You ain't gonna talk at me? Be all daddy figure?"

"What am I going to tell you that you haven't already learned?" Gunn started to cry.

"I killed him." Xander raised his head at those words.

"No, you didn't."

"Near enough. Bobby was the reason man. Him and Alana. God, what am I going to tell Alana?"

"Tell her you tried. Tell her you love her and remind her that you still have each other. It's a small comfort I know, but it's comfort nevertheless." Spike told him.

"How come you two do it? How come you're out here fighting against your kind when you could be out killing?"

"Same reason you do. For our family. For the people we love." Spike smiled fondly at Wesley, Oz and Doyle while brushing Xander's hair back from his forehead. He placed a kiss on the boy's cheek.

"What else can we do?" Angel added. "Look, we'll be around."

"I don't...we don't need no help." Gunn protested.

"We might." Angel turned and walked away, Spike and his friends following. Gunn watched them leave, a puzzled expression on his face. He had never met two vampires who seemed to love like these two, especially humans. He sighed, gathering up his crew and returning to his truck. He had a sister to see thanks to Xander. It was at that moment that he realized he hadn't even thanked the boy for saving Alana's life. Gunn decided he would do it later, never questioning their paths would cross again.


Chapter Thirty-Eight

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