*****
Part 15:

Still stunned by the news Devon sat at the edge of the bed clicking from one channel to another. Each channel was reporting on what was quickly known as Chico's Grande Massacre. Devon finally clicked off the set, and looked over at his lover and asked, "Vampires, right?"

"Yeah"

"Oz, you ok?"

"Yeah, sorry. That's where Faith was."

"Faith? Isn't she that other slayer?" Devon inquired. "You think they got her?"

For a minute Oz was too distracted to answer, "Oh ah, yeah Faith's the other slayer. No, I think she got away."

"You're going back aren't you?" Devon whispered, then tensed up waiting for the answer.

Oz didn't say anything just shrugged his shoulders and ran his fingers through the soft silky brown hair.

Oz looked over at his lover, friend and confidant for the past two years. After losing Willow, and losing control over his beast he lost direction of his life. Angel helped by pointing him the in right direction, but it was Devon that brought him back from the abyss. Devon who held his heart.

Oz reached over and grabbed Devon's hands softly caressing them trying to ease out the tension. "We're going back. Dev, look at me." He waited until Devon looked up, "Willow and I are over. According to Xander she's very happy with Tara, and even if she wasn't----it wouldn't matter. I made my choice. Dev, you are my heart."

Oz pulled Devon into an embrace, "Just that neither of you would have gone through all that. If I wasn't a self centered bastard and had committed to you back then.."

Oz cut him off with a long breath-stealing kiss, "Don't! That was then, look at me. I love you. Only you. Want only you."Oz reclaimed Devon's lips and started a slow exploration every inch of Devon's mouth, and relished every loving minute.

Oz continued to lick and nuzzle kisses down Devon's neck increasing the level of both of their desire as his hands joined in.

"God, Oz you keep doing that and we'll never leave." Devon gasped.

"Good! You understand then that it's always an `us', or a `we'. I'll never leave you, and I'll never let you leave me. If we get our stuff together we can make Sunnydale by morning."

"Should we call let them know we're coming?" Devon asked.

"Nah, got a feeling they'll be expecting us anyway."

Devon shrugged his shoulders, "Expecting you maybe."

"What do I have to do----without you there is no me. Don't dismiss, or trivialize my feelings. Dev, please!"

"Sorry, .no I am really. But we better start packing now if we want to make Sunnydale by morning." Devon turned and started to do just that and at the same time tried to put away any self-doubts.

An hour later

"I think that's it. I'll grab this bag---you want to double-check the bathroom? I already went." Devon grinned as he grabbed the box and headed out to the van.

Oz just shook his head smiling at his lover, since he could smell that Dev made use of the bathroom, and he didn't even need his enhanced senses to detect the fact.

After coming out of the bathroom, Oz glanced quickly around the room making sure they didn't leave anything behind. Having the same gig for the last two months they had gotten really comfortable and had even discussed moving to the area permanently.

As he walked out turning to lock the door he smelled Devon's fear coming off in waves. Without turning Oz started to change, but before he completed the change he was hauled several feet off the ground in one smooth motion and came face to face with a huge monster of a man. Oz couldn't concentrate to change completely as fear for Devon filled him with terror, and he didn't even register when it called him `pup'.

The man/monster was a vampire who held Oz tightly then started to do the strangest thing by pulling him close and taking in deep breaths. First it was just his neck then the huge hands held him tighter and maneuvered him by pulling up higher and sniffing his groin. Oz growled deeply in return until he realized that the iron grip lessened his hold on him.

The minion broke into Elliot's thoughts, "Sir, may I drain this one?"

Elliot looked back at his minion, and leaned down without breaking his hold on the pup. He took one deep breath to confirm his suspicious, the minion held the pup's lover at least he's not his mate.

Elliot groaned. Vampires weren't supposed to get migraines, but Elliot's skull was doing a fine imitation of one. He didn't want to believe the scent, but he knew the scent didn't lie. He was one of hers, one of her pack, and that means she lived after.."

"Sir?" The minion called out to him again.

"No, but get rid of him he's no use to use to us." Elliot stated flatly and slightly winced as the he watched the minion throw the pup's mate over a few cars. The pup growled and thrashed at his lover's treatment. Elliot held him tighter, but was very conscious of his strength and was careful to not hurt the pup.

Just as Elliot was contemplating what he was going to do his cell phone rang. "Yes, I understand. I'll be there as soon as possible."

Elliot hung up his cell then focused his attention back to the pup, and his father's minion. With the decision made he shifted his movements so he had better access to the minion.

"Does the Master." He never got to finish the sentence as Elliot twisted his head right off just before he burst into dust. Elliot then focused on the pup. With one arm under the pup's neck he squeezed until the pup lost consciousness. Elliot readjusted his hold and tried to cradle him in his arms using his other hand as he gently petted the pup.

"You smell so much like her." Elliot walked over to where the pup's lover lay in a crumpled heap, and gently laid the pup next to his lover. "I'm sorry pup, I didn't know." Elliot took one last look at the pup and his lover before disappearing into the night.

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

Oz wasn't sure how long he had been out, or even what had happened. Then it slammed him as he felt Devon's body. `DEVON!!' "Oh God, be alive.."

Oz eased up into a sitting position and started feeling for Devon's injuries. Oz smelled the blood long before he saw the dark substance trailing down Devon's face. Barely able to contain his beast Oz whimpered as he finally hear the faint heartbeat, `No, Dev you can leave me' without another thought Oz gave into the beast screaming inside his head as he slowly began to lick away the blood from his lovers neck. With the taste of blood on his tongue, his lover's blood, his mate, Oz gave into the change of his beast and sank his teeth into the side of Devon's neck. Ripping and tearing away layers of skin bringing a steady flow of blood to the beast's lips. The beast started lapping at the wound dropping secretions of saliva into the wound. When the wound was deeply covered in saliva, and his blood slowed; the beast started to lap his mates face covering it with more secretions of saliva. Oz's beast reached his lovers lips and prided them open dripping more of the thick secretions down his mate's throat. With his mate covered the beast nuzzled closer and listened to the faint heartbeat begin to increase in strength.

Oz woke some time later with his head pressed over the heart of his mate, and breathed a sign of relief when he heard the steady beat of his heart. Oz's own heart beat to the excitement of hearing his mate. `His mate', Oz smiled at the thought, and the rightness of it settled in his heart.

**************
Wesley's Dream
**************

"Wes, hey man you gonna sleep the day away?"

"Gunn, what? What happened? Did the bond work? Where's Angel and the others?"

"Man you're still out of it. Hang on let me go get C."

Wes felt nothing but confusion as he watched as Gunn leave. Struggling to get up he reached over toward the nightstand searching for his glasses. Once they were in place he realized he was back in LA in one of the rooms at the hotel.

It was only a minute before Cordelia, Gunn, and Fred entered the room. Cordelia rushed to his side, "Wes, wow its great to see you up. Boy Angel's gonna be relieved when he see's you."

"Angel, where is he? Cordelia what happened? When did we return to LA? What about the bond---Cain?"

Gunn looked over to the girls, "See I tried to tell ya, he's still out of out it."

Fred grabbed Gunn's hand squeezing, "I'll get Angel." Gunn nodded then called after Fred, "And make sure they throw on some clothes especially the bleach blond." Turning back to Wes, "Yeh, the bond worked in more ways than one. And I'd love to wipe each memory from exist."

"Gunn, knock it off. You know they can't help it." Gunn glared at her, "Ok, maybe Spike could, but the others can't. Just like we can't at times." Gunn smiled at that, "Baby that I can live with just fine.

Wes listened and watched the exchange between his friends, but something was off, something that he couldn't put his finger on. The clambering at the door interrupted his thoughts as Angel, and Fred entered the room. Followed by Spike, Xander, and Buffy. Each was in a disarray state of undress. Cordelia moved so Angel could sit down.

"Wes, how do you feel?" Angel asked as he moved his hand over Wes's head trailing down to his cheek.

"A bit confused, but other than that fine. Angel I feel fine. Will you tell me what happened? The bond, Cain, when did we." Angel placed a finger on his lips and didn't let him finish, "Shh, Wes calm down, you've been out of it for a long time. Everything's fine. Cain's dust, the bond worked." Spike interrupted, "Not the way they intended mate, but it worked." Angel eyed his childe, "Wot, he's gonna find out soon enough, ain't he."

Angel hung his head, "What is it, what happened?" Wes inquired for a second time. Angel looked up into his eyes, but couldn't seem to find the words.

Spike signed, "Fine I'll tell the git. Red got it wrong; it wasn't supposed to be you that's why you didn't come out of it until now. It was is Buffy all along."

Wes tried to hold back the pain, the rejection as he looked down at his own hands. "No worries watcher, you're part of the bond---in a way. You're one of our pomme de sang's. Which is a good thing you're not bonded like we are with the ardeur, gives you more time for your own life, but if Buffy or Xan were hurt to where we couldn't feed----"

"Yes, yes of course, you'd be able to feed from me. I understand. Ah, Cain how?"

Xander called out one name, "Anya"

Wes looked up with more confusion waiting for Xander to explain. "When Anya found out Wil made a mistake, and realized it was Buffy I needed to bond to---well she got more than a bit pissed. She knew I always had a thing for our Buffster. Luckily, she took out her vengeance on Cain and his childer when she got her powers back."

"Now alls right with the world. Cain's history, Wesley's back." Buffy smiled at the man in the bed, "Ah, hi Wes. Sorry, but can we chat later. I'm feeling a." Buffy didn't continue, but started to run her fingers over Xan's back. Wes watched as Spike sandwiched the girl and started to grind her into Xan who moaned his consent.

"Hey, hey we talked about this, move back to your room." Gunn stammered, but quieted when Fred giggled and plastered herself to Gunn who hugged her in return.

"Actually I think we all should leave. Wes, you need to rest, we'll talk later, k?" Cordelia poked Xan to move his activities to their room. Without a word Xan turned picked up Buffy who straddled herself around his waist and carried her out as Spike followed hovering over both of them. Cordelia smiled as she walked over to Gunn and Fred. "And I think we should follow the same advice and head toward our room." Fred grinned and quickly nodded as she started pulling both of her lovers toward the exit.

Angel was the only one left in the room. "Go ahead, Angel I know you want to be with them."

Angel looked up, "Yeah I do, but I.we. Wes a pomme de sang requires attention. I'm sorry, but don't you feel a need?"

Once Angel said it Wes knew what he was talking about. The tightness, the low burning it was like his body was pulsating a private tune, a tune exclusively played for Angel. Wes didn't even realize how close he was to Angel, how even now he scooted closer arching his body, his need starting to overwhelm him.

Angel leaned in closer, "I'm sorry Wes that it has to be this way, but I think we can control it, bring it down to possibly once a month. In time, especially since I feed off of Buffy daily. You'll be able to live a normal life otherwise." Wes was only aware that Angel went into game-face as his body burned and ached for relief. Then it was there the relief as Angel's teeth sank into his mark and started drinking his essence.

Angel pulled away licking the wound clean as it closed. As Angel settled Wes back in the bed, "You need to rest now." Wes struggled to get out the one word that screamed in his mind, "Why?"

Angel knew what Wes was asking, and what he needed to know. Angel started soothing the covers as he got up before looking Wes into his eyes, "You didn't fight hard enough, not for them, Spike and Xander. And not for me. I'm sorry Wes. If you need anything just ring." Angel turned and walked away.

`Need anything? NEED, I needed you. Wanted you! You don't need me, don't want me---What do I have? Where do I go? Stay here and watch you love them, need them, want them--------' As Angel's words started to echo in his mind Wes realized he created his own Hell by not fighting for Angel from the beginning.

`GOD!! I am in HELL!!!'

*****
Part 16:

Buffy struggled with herself, as one half needed her to open her eyes. Her other half, only wanted to sleep and enjoy the warmth and comfort that surrounded her. But different sounds were distracting the quiet around her, forcing her instincts to take over. Then an undercurrent of worry started to flood her system, it took her several minutes before she realized where it was coming from. Looking around, she found Willow and Tara with a new inner sense, confirming what she was feeling was coming from the two of them. Several minutes later, she realized and remembered how; by the connection. She glanced toward the source where the red haze still blanketed the four bodies in the center of the room, and knew that the bond Angel talked about was created and the changes had begun. Then she saw what she was really looking at.

Shaking her head and blinking her eyes again as she tried to dismiss what she was seeing; shocked by the sight before her as her mind screamed, `Naked, they're naked, oh my God.' Her heartbeat increased as she started taking in the arms and legs of the naked bodies sprawled just beyond the thin red haze, the naked male bodies. She couldn't help but take in every detail, and swallowed hard as the only comprehensible thought that entered her mind was yummy. Buffy started blushing from head to toe when she realized that it was Xander, and Spike's backsides that she was drooling over. Buffy continued to stare until a slight moan to her left brought her attention to a sandwich mix of Anya cuddled and folded in-between Giles, and the green guy, and breathed a sigh of relief, `At least they aren't naked!' Once again she was shaking her head as she stood trying to rid herself of the lustful thoughts and images that entered her mind. Forcing herself to turn away she focused on Tara and Willow.

Graham stood staring at the door, amazed that he was there. The compulsion had started shortly after dawn gnawing at him; making him stop everything but following the driving need to return to Sunnydale. Every step and moment Graham fought an inner battle with himself trying to make himself stop. Now he was here and knew that just beyond this door the compulsion would stop. Raising a hand he started to knock on the door.

Tara was the first to notice Buffy walking toward them as she nudged Willow to let her know. Turning Willow gasped, "You're up?"

"Yup, and ready to go, so could you both calm down the worry; it's a bit overwhelming. Ah, where's Dawn? She ok?" Buffy smiled as she felt the worry and tension decrease by over half. It was nice to know she had that affect on her friends.

"Oh, Dawnie's fine. Was upstairs, but I think." Willow tilted her head indicting Dawn was right around the corner. Buffy nodded that she understood, and without turning called out.

"Dawn you stay put until we find out who's here, and no arguing." Buffy turned room the door to her friends. "OK, I'll answer it and keep whoever it is outside, you do everything---anything to protect them."

Buffy made a quick glance back through the room and the people who were sprawled around and then smiled to herself at the use of the word `them'. Angel was right she could feel a stronger connection, a stronger sense of family, and the feelings were growing. She nodded once to Willow and Tara before she made a move toward the door. Buffy opened it and stepped out forcing the person knocking to step back.

It took her only a couple of seconds to realize who was standing there before she whispered, "Graham?" Confusion marked her face as she tried to make sense as to why Graham was here. Then it hit her, -----Riley.

Graham watched the play of emotions cross the young slayer to when she made the connection to Riley. She really did love Ri. At that moment for the first time Graham hated Riley's weakness for not seeing what was before him all along, and Buffy for not fighting harder to make Riley see it and feel her love. Graham looked down for a minute trying to regain his composure and focus on why he was really here. Not about answering the questions in Buffy's eyes about Riley, questions he didn't have the answers to.

Taking a deep breath Graham looked up and faced Buffy straight on. "Hi Buffy"

"Graham, did something.." She couldn't say the words not to mention the thought, but watched every movement Graham made.

Graham was happy she didn't ask directly it made it easier to skirt around the issue. "Thought maybe you could answer that for me. Shortly after dawn I've had this compulsive drive to come to Sunnydale that started to become extremely painful when I tried to ignore it."

"Oh" Buffy stepped back closer toward the door before she spoke, "Will can you hear me? Think you can check that mark thing and see whose mark to be sure?"

The door creaked open a crack and Graham saw a flash of red before the door was slammed shut again. "Purple" came the voice and, "You better double check on the vamp thing though."

"Good idea." Buffy called out and pulled out a silver cross and placed it on his forehead faster than he was able to register what she did. "All clear. Guess that makes you one of us. Spike, huh? So when did you and Spike get to be chummy?" Buffy opened the door and ushered Graham in pass the redhead and a blond who stood at her back.

Graham didn't say anything as he was trying to remember who Spike was then stopped dead in his tracks at the sight before him as two things happened at once as he fell to his knees. The realization that Hostile 17 lay unconscious and naked on the floor with some other men. Then emotions assaulted him as grief flooded his system, and he let out a blood-curling scream before he passed out.

"Wh.what the hell happened?" Willow spurted.

"I don't know, but I did feel it---did you?" Both girls nodded at Buffy's question. Then turned when they heard crying coming from the bottom stairs. Buffy raced over and grabbed Dawn who was slumped over crying hysterically.

"Dawn, Dawn, what is it honey? Please talk to me?" Buffy's worry and fear grew with every staggered breath Dawn made.

In between jagged breaths Dawn tried to answer, "Didn't you feel it? The pain, the grief; God Buffy he loved her so much. It hurts, it hurts so bad."Buffy cradled her baby sister trying to smooth the pain, and looked up pleadingly to the witches silently asking for guidance.

It was Tara who took a rasped breath then muttered a few words, and they watched as Dawn's crying slowed down to a slight moaning, as she closed her eyes and fell into a deep sleep. Buffy picked her up and gently placed her on the couch before returning to Tara and Willow who had moved Graham into a more comfortable position, but was no more settled than Dawn was.

Silently they moved to the kitchen.

Buffy was the first to speak, "Ok what was that? I mean I did feel it---the pain, the loss. As bad if not worse than losing Mom, but I---we didn't come apart. Not like Dawn or Graham."

Willow looked at Tara and nodded in agreement tears still glistening in her eyes.

Quietly, Tara moved toward the doorway and looked over at the slumbering bodies, and took notice of those in a peaceful sleep and those in a higher state of grief as Graham and Dawn were, before she stated, "I think I might know."

"Well don't keep us in suspense, if there's a way to stop it I want to know. I don't want Dawn going through that again." Buffy announced.

"I don't think there's anything we can do until Angel and the others wake." Tara moved closer to Willow for support.

"You think it was Spike's grief for Drusilla." Willow quietly asked.

Tara nodded, "You said Graham was marked by Spike. Dawn's marked mainly by Spike, but look Lorne, Cordelia, Fred, Gunn, and Wes who are mainly marked by Angel and they're somewhat restful. But Anya, and Giles are both crying." The girls got up to take a look, and she was right. Those with Spike's mark seemed to have a more direct link with his grief.

Buffy took in the drastically different scene before her than the one she woke up to before she asked, "But why not us? I mean I do, but it not out of control not like what happened to Graham or Dawn."

"I think it's more because they are mainly marked by Spike. You've got several marks, but you're a slayer too so that might give you an edge to keep you focused. With Willow and I, I think our bond with each other is combating the feelings. It's like you said, I feel it too, but it's not overwhelming me."

Willow nodded, "Kind of like earlier the feelings and impulse was there, but we were able to control ourselves." Tara blushed her agreement and clasped Willows hand within her own.

Buffy looked from one to the other, "What happened earlier?"

"We better tell her, I don't think it will be the last time it happens. Besides when she woke up she felt our worry before we knew it was Graham." Tara squeezed Willow's hand before she continued, "You two can start without me. I'll make some coffee caramels. I think we have a long night ahead of us."

Willow blushed as she tried to find the right words to explain what they saw and experienced.

Buffy watched as Tara tried to hide her own blush as she efficiently moved around the kitchen then turned back to Willow who's blush deepened under Buffy's scrutiny. Between the two witches Buffy started to think back to when she first woke, and saw the others. Her mouth gaped as she started to form the visual in her head. "Are you saying that.that erotic scene I woke up towas more than just a visual."?

Willow signed with relief that she wouldn't have to actually find the words. "Ah yeah, definitely more than a visual. Though the visuals were quiet good too. I mean we woke up and everyone was.ah, well you know touchy feely in the make out way. And well we could like feel them, and ourselves. Of the good, but embarrassed way. Seeing Cordy, Giles, you.."

Buffy stammered, "ME! But, but.. oh god, Dawn."

"Oh Goddess no Buff, not Dawn. After Dawn woke up---you were," Willow started turning a deeper red, "you were by yourself---you know."

Tara placed a cup in front of each girl then scooted down by Willow. "We woke about the same time. I'm pretty sure the only thing Dawn saw was Xander and Spike. Her eyes were a bit glued on Xander's .amm, well his backside."

Buffy turned back toward the living room and noticed again Xander's backside, or as she described earlier his yummy backside. "Ahh, ok guys, but Xan's still like that how did you pry Dawn from such a lucsio.from the living room?"

Willow grinned, "We agree it is luscious, but the credit goes to Tara's fast thinking. She cast a spell as soon as she realized what we were seeing, and before Dawn got a chance to see everyone else."

Wearily Buffy asked, "A spell? What kind of spell?"

"Actually I thought it backfired since nothing changed. But what it did was block Dawn from seeing anything.well really erotic. Then when things were still charged erotically, and Dawn didn't make any comment other than complain why we covered up Xander in the haze. We asked her what she saw and the only thing that she thought was funny was Lorne holding Giles, and Anya tenderly. She didn't even take notice of you and she stared directly at you when we asked." Tara finished with a fresh blush as she herself remembered the way Buffy was trying to find some kind of relief.

Buffy noticed Tara's new blush and realized she was saved from embarrassing herself in front of Dawn, but that wasn't the case for both Willow and Tara, and immediately tried to put the embarrassing thought out of her mind.

"Ok what we got here is a hyper awareness of emotions, and the stronger the mark the more intensified the emotion is through the link." Both girls nodded at Buffy's summation. "And that includes with each other, right? Cause I felt the worry you both had. I think that's what kinda woke up, and again." Blushing again, "and again just now...not the worry though just intense embarrassment and need.. the need to take a shower five minutes ago. Ah, that about what you feel from me.." They both nodded an affirmative.

"So this is one of those changes Angel's was telling us. Damn.."

"What is it Buffy?" Willow asked worriedly.

"Well think about it, if its like this now it'll only get worse."

"Worse, why do you say that? Don't you think once Angel wakes that it'll get better? He'll have more control." Tara stated.

Buffy nodded, "Yeah, more control over the bad stuff. I think he'll be able to help us especially with Dawn and Graham, but the other."

Buffy saw that they didn't get what she was trying to say, and knew she had to be more blunt. "Think about it, Angel's a man, a vampire, one who's had very little sex in the last 100 years, Xander's a man barely out of his teens thatAnya called a Viking in the sack, and Wesley's as sexually repressed as I've ever seen who probably hasn't had any in a long time, and last of all there's Spike. Just looking at them now even without them awake even through all that grief, and I feel.well it's not just me, is it?" Buffy looked back at the witches who confirmed that it wasn't just her.

Grimacing Buffy declared, "I'm thinking we should have asked Angel to clarify and define his meaning of a close family."

*****
Part 17:

Lindsey stuck to a shorter set playing only a few bluesy songs, and dropped the late show as the pain increased making it harder for him to concentrate. The lapdog was right, but it was more than an impulse. After the set Lindsey settled his account and told the owner he was moving on. It only took him a half hour before he was on the road heading toward Sunnydale.

************
Lindsey's POV
************

The weasel was right Angel wasn't in LA, if he was to believe the compulsions he was having. He didn't want to think about that, or Parker's words that Angel had marked him. Marked him for death that he could believe. Past encounters between him and Angel had always been volatile. Jealousy, blood, and Darla stood between them. Though if he was honest with himself and he always was then he'd have to admit that he did lust after Angel. Angel or Angelus he wasn't sure. Darla portrayed Angelus in a light that had more than peaked his interest. Especially when Darla started playing her games using his increasing fascination against him.

After 400 plus years Darla was an expert at twisting men and their emotions against themselves. Something she was becoming an expert on before she was ever turned. Her specialty was using sex, and not just sex; not the feel good sex to manipulate you into doing anything for her. That she did without a second thought. No, her specialty was digging deep within your subconscious and playing you against your own feelings. It didn't take Darla more than five minutes to realize that I had been intimate with a few men in the past and that I didn't even realized I was lusting after Angel.

She enjoyed opening that door, reeling me in, introducing me to Angelus' favorite bedroom games---in affect training me. By the time I realized what she was doing I was enthralled by Angelus' darker passions, and they had become mine. Along with that realization also came the realization that Angelus wasn't coming back. I was Darla's pathetic little pup trained to please Angelus. I wanted to hate her, but what could I hate. She had only opened up what was there to begin with. It was ironic that in the end Darla lost the ultimate power of control.

She molded me to please her childe, but it never was to please Angelus because she loved Angelus, no it was a tool; a step to control her wayward childe. When Drusilla turned her, made her into her childe Darla retained her memories, but not her power, or strength. Darla was at Drusilla's mercy. Which on one hand after meeting Drusilla wouldn't be so bad since she's a loony tune, and Darla would be able to manipulate her to a greater degree. But Drusilla was her Sire and if the wind told her something Drusilla tended to believe it and could forced Darla into complying.

It was at Holland's party when I finally believed the truth. After Angel left us locked in the cellar. Drusilla was all over Lilah kissing and licking her neck. My first thought was we were the next morsels in their feeding frenzy until Drusilla started licking my neck up to my ear and started whispering to me that the stars told her I wasn't one of her Daddy's kittens and would never be, but that we had our parts to play. I believe it was the only reason Lilah and I were spared. W&H, like Angel believed our being spared had to do with Darla's discretion, that she was in control, but it really was Drusilla and her stars. If it had been up to Darla we would have been no more no less than the others. Maybe a few more games, but the end results would have been the same.

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

Once again Lindsey fingered the envelope he was delivering to Angel with his left hand, and curbed the desire to read it. Somehow he knew this had to do with what Drusilla had told him about playing his part. He looked at his watch an hour and half and he'll be in Sunnydale. Maybe things will end this time, not that he really deserved it, but maybe it could be quick and painless, it would be a nice surprise.

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

The doors slammed opened as Te and her minions followed close behind her. Screeching she demanded explanations, "Where is he? He promised me the slayer. Why did he call us back?"

Her answers came as Stephan stepped in front of his sibling and backhanded her hard enough that she hit the wall behind her. Without a sideways glance Stephan addressed the minions. "Leave us now!"

Not a word was spoken as they rushed to the door leaving their Mistress to her brother. Stephan seeing Te's struggle to get up off the floor. "DON'T!"

Te stopped where she was all anger left the moment Stephan touched her, and she couldn't stop the whimpering from escaping her throat.

"Fath." She never got to finish as Stephan turned and grabbed her by the throat squeezing hard as he lifted her off the ground.

"At this moment you are not allowed to use that word---you who defied Father's orders. To play your own games!" Stephan hissed at her.

Te did the only thing left to her and lowered her eyes in submission.

"You have much to learn, and I don't have the patience to teach you." Stephan threw her away in disgust.

"Enough, dear brother. It is Father's job to punish her, not yours, or do you have it?" Amber questioned as she strolled into the room followed by Nicholas and his pup.

Stephan didn't answer just sneered in her direction.

"Elliot did father give Stephan power over Te's punishment?" The giant didn't move nor look up, but stated flatly, "I don't know. Father's in his special room, and hasn't come out."

This news didn't deter Amber from kneeling down and gently soothing Te's whimpering cries. "Looks like you and I dear sister will be handsomely punished for our disobedience." Turning she addressed the witches who sat watching the inner squabbling of the family, "When did father go to his room?"

Sarah straightened and addressed her Mistress, "Shortly after 4:30."

Amber glanced at the grandfather clock it was now 9:30. Standing she turned to her brother, "And you Stephan, did you accomplish your tasks?"

"Yes, you know I did." Stephan hissed back angry that she would think otherwise.

Amber ignored Stephan's temper as she addressed her other brothers, "Elliot, Nicholas?"

Elliot looked down, "The wolf lives, but his mate will probably die." Amber gasped at Elliot's news, "Wolf?"

Elliot nodded and couldn't look Amber in the eyes even as she moved closer and stood under his gaze.

Without turning she called out, "Nicholas?"

"I had the lawyer within my grasp, but there was interference."

"And what interference was that?" The boom of his Father's voice startled Nicholas and he couldn't help the quake of fear that began to tremble within his stomach as he tried to keep it out of his voice. "Wolfram & Harts people. A man by the name of Parker, Gavin Parker."

"A lawyer kept you from taking our Mr. McDonald?" His Father inquired as he stood by the mantle.

"A lawyer with Carzan demons," Nicholas stated then lowered his voice to a light timber, "they held, and threatened Sasha."

"Carzan demons?" Cain asked again.

"Yes Father."

Cain's voice was just above a whisper and each childer knew that they stood within the eye of the storm that would shift at any moment.

"More players have entered the game. Each of you has disappointed me greatly. I have five childer, and only one was able to accomplish his goal. Te you've completely disregarded my instructions, and let not only the slayer get away, but informed the entire demon world of your presence along with every newscaster in the world." Cain took an unneeded breath trying to calm his anger as he continued, "Amber you had one job to kill one helpless mortal, but instead you also wanted to play, and brought public attention to your massacre, but one without the one body I wanted dead." Turning he faced Elliot, "And you, you are my enforcer, yet your challenge was one small wolf no larger than Te, and he lives. Nicholas, you chose that thing you created over my word---you had Mr. McDonald, but you let him free. And Stephan though your challenge went as planned, never strike what is mine without my permission."

They watched as their Father destroyed the heavy maple mantle-piece with one grip smashing it to pieces.

After several moments where he wiped his hands free of the debris Cain spoke, "We'll try this again. Now our main objective is to destroy Angelus and all those that are his. Ariel fetch Ms. Morgan and bring her here."

"Yes Master." Ariel answered quickly before running off to collect the lawyer. A few minutes later Ariel returned with several minions carrying the broken and barely alive Ms. Morgan.

Cain walked over to inspect what was left of the once strong and beautiful Lilah. Most of her hair was burned off leaving a charred buzzed cut. Blood was smudged and mixed with curled charred pieces of skin smeared over her nude body. Various shallow cuts were covered over her entire body that intertwined with various burned marks. More than several bones were broken forcing Lilah's deformed body into an awkward position. After Cain's careful examination he moved in close whispering soft coos trying to calm the former lawyer.

"Lilah, it seems you will be of some use to me after all." Turning he addressed the witches, "Is she sane?"

Sarah answered, "Relativity, sane Master. I believe her memories are intact and she should still have a voice to answer."

Cain looked up from Sarah's comment before he turned back to Lilah. "Lilah, do you still have a voice, do you want to live?" Cain watched for any response then leaned in close whispering in her ear. "Do you want to live to watch Linwood wither under Ariel or Sarah's administrations?"

Lilah turned and stared directly at Cain uttering one word passionately, "Want."

Cain smiled, enjoying Lilah's simple desire. "Nicholas since you hounded me above all others I shall grant your desire in having a childe. I think Lilah here will do well under such a Sire."

Cain waited for his childe's reaction, but he was disappointed when it was Te who spoke. "Father you can't be serious to make this---this thing more than a minion?"

Cain reached out and grabbed Te by her neck where she dangled in front of him. "And who are you to question me?"

"Father, please, please I'm sorry, I didn't mean any." Te never got to finish her sentence as Cain laid one finger over her lips, "Shhhh, Ariel take her and let the minions play with her."

Ariel couldn't hide her delight in having a chance to watch Te come down a few notches. "Any limits, Master?"

"No, only time. We will leave in forty-eight hours, so they have no more than thirty hours to play before we have work to do." Ariel nodded as she and the two minions that brought in Lilah carried the silent Lady Te from the room.

Cain turned back to the matter at hand and knew Te cost him any leverage he wanted with Nicholas and Sasha, but his point was well made.

For once Nicholas was grateful for Te's interference and impulsive nature it allowed him a few moments to compose his first reaction and to silently beg Sasha's forgiveness for what he knew he had to do; for which if it hadn't been for his own defiance against his father he wouldn't be in this predicament in the first place.

Cain watched as his childe was focused on the disfigured creature before him. "Nicholas, Miss Morgan doesn't have much time if she is to rise and feed. I will not baby-sit your childe, but I will want to make use of her in a timely matter." Cain waited for Nicholas' response.

Nicholas wasted no thought other than trying to proceed as quickly as possible. "Yes Father. I understand." As Nicholas moved to stand in front of Lilah ignoring the others in the room as he looked into her eyes and saw a mix of emotions within their depths. He cupped her face feeling for a smooth spot among ragged scars many of which were opened, and would soon become permanent once he marked his childe. Silently deciding on a spot behind her right ear between two ridged opened cuts Nicholas pulled his childe closer as he leaned down and started to lick at the cuts tasting his childe's blood for the first time. Nicholas didn't question his inner voice as he used his fingers to reopen other cuts along her face and took the time to savior his new childe's blood. Nicholas took at much time as he dared in his father's presence and used as much saliva covering Lilah's neck and face as he could in the off chance that it might diminish the harshest scars. As he finished cleansing Lilah's face with his saliva he sensed his father's impatience and called out for Sasha. "Sasha kneel behind Lilah as I make my childe so you may know your place."

Without looking up he felt Sasha move into position as he sank his fangs into his childe's neck pulling what little life she had left. Nicholas started using his natural vampire speed as he shed his shirt and cut a gash on his chest, and guided Lilah's lips to the flowing blood. As he felt warm lips encircled the cut at his left nipple Nicholas closed his eye as he felt the slow suction start to take place, and whispered, "Drink my childe."

A soft involuntary moan reached his ears as Nicholas tried not to react to Sasha's pain, but couldn't help opening his eyes only to discover that the others had left leaving his father hovering closer smiling his approval.

Lilah's suction slowed with each heartbeat until she slumped forward dead in her Sire's arm. Nicholas swung the dead creature, his childe, into his arms tenderly cradling her in an almost defiant way against his father.

Cain chuckled at the instinctive move of a Sire protecting his newly created childe. "Just remember whose childe you are! Now go rest with your childe, and take that thing with you before I dust him."

*****
Part 18:

"Come on stay with me Mouse, we're almost there." Faith's continuous chatter helped her as much as she hoped it helped her silent friend. Faith realized that Mouse was still in shock after witnessing Dally's death, and knew it wasn't going to get any better any time soon not until she had a real chance to deal with her pain. They were less than an hour from Sunnydale if they had been in any kind of motor vehicle rather than on foot as they were struggling.

Shortly after their escape Faith had been luckily enough to ditch the second police car without losing their lives, but she knew they had to abandon the truck. Between avoiding state police, and the underground of demons and vampires alike they steadily made there way toward Sunnydale. Whatever was going on she knew without a doubt that her dream was no dream, but a vision, one that involved both B and Angelus.

"Looks like you're finally going to meet my B. Though I suggest you call her Buffy. She's not too fond of B. But she's pretty cool though. Having family, friends, and a better watcher certainly all helped. Not that I'm complaining. You know how I feel about B.

Plus B lucked out in spades when it came to Mom's. Her name was Joyce, and she defiantly deserved the title of `Greatest Mom'. Way better than I ever got to know through the state system. Though I guess Buffy's Dad turned into a shitter later on, but she always had Joyce. Well until.. I understand it was quick---a brain tumor.

Remember six months back when I was having those nightmares. When I woke up crying.. a couple of times I could kinda feel B's grief, I knew. I knew before Wes told me, but later it was more me. Me losing what I never had, me hating B for what she had, me feeling guilty for hating B when I really love her. Then me hating what and who I had in my life.. I really would've been fucked up big time if you and Dal hadn't been there for me. Yah, yah well enough of the self-pity parade.

Ok, now where was I, oh yeah the rest of the scoobies. Let's see first there's Red, actually Willow, but Red fits her best, and not just for her hair. Skinny; geeky, little thing thats got one hell of a temper and major balls to stand up to me. And that's to me back in the day when I was the bad-ass evil shit-kicking slayer. Red, she's always good for a surprise or two. First she was with this musician werewolf. And I kid you not on that-got real hairy a couple days a month. Though he didn't seem to any cravings for salt like some people I know."

Faith made a quick glance at Mouse for any reaction. She frowned at what was becoming the usual response to her squeezing Mouse's hand-nothing. Pulling her friend along Faith continued her babble.

"Next thing I know she's with a baby face blonde chick. And one who can see right through you. Course you've got nothing to worry about, nothing to hide, `sides I think you and Tara would get along---you both got that heart of gold, quiet as a mouse thing going on. Get it Mouse---mouse? Ok, originality and funny lose their translation after a few hours of walking the countryside. K, let's see I've talked about B, you know how I feel about her. Red, Tara, and Oz-Red's werewolf. Ah, that leaves Xander.

Now Xander was a honey in more ways than one. First, you've got to picture these baby browns that could melt chocolate, curly mop of dark chocolate hair, nice solid body, and you've got one huggable teddy bear by the name of Xander Harris. Unfortunately for Xander I was still in the stage of tearing up cuddly teddies. Well not that Xander and I had anything real going on, but there could have been if I wasn't so fucked up. Then again Harris was pretty fucked up too. I guess that's why all we did was fuck, or rather I fucked him. And yeah that's literally and figuratively. I was in the feel it, want it, take it mood and did just that. Not that he complained. In fact, he was in the habit of doing anything else but complain. I realized that when I saw the bruises that night. Bruises that don't come from your standard slayage. That, and the look in his eyes. I didn't realize then, but he was like a reflection of myself, and it was something we both recognized. Though he acknowledged the shared history, and he wanted to give comfort for some shared fuck ups. I wanted only to destroy the reflection, the recognition.

Every time I saw him the more I hated what he represented. Of course, I wasn't looking at that at the time, of what he represented, or thinking about the whole reflection of myself thing. Nope just wanted a fuck. Later, I just wanted to kill him. Would have too-just wanted him to stop looking at me with those eyes---with that acceptance, with forgiveness.

Luckily Angel stopped me. It's bad enough that I've killed and I do remember them everyday, but if I'd killed Harris. It would have killed me---I would have killed me. In a way it's what I wanted, what Xander understood. What Xander forgave before I even did it. How fucked is that?

Still don't know how Angel got there or how he got in uninvited. It's one of those many mysteries Sunnydale's filled with."

The slight downward slope of the body next to her brought her back to the here and now. Faith quickly pulled Mouse closer to her, "Come on baby, stay with me. We can rest in the morning but I can't chance resting with vamps after us. Just keep one foot in front of the other, and I'll do the rest. Ok, I guess enough of the babble how about a song? Ah, let's see.shit can't think of a single one where I know the lyrics."

Then against the quiet of the night Faith heard and recognized Mouse's humming of the song that only mere hours ago started as a celebration of love from her friends as a birthday celebration. Clasping their hands tighter Faith followed along humming the B52's song `Love Shack' as they made their way closer to Sunnydale.

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

Later with a caffeine high of two cafe caramels each Buffy, Tara, and Willow scrambled to the door as Willow's newly revised security warning went off.

"Wil can you tell who it is?" Buffy asked as she mentally braced herself for attack mode.

Willow closed her eyes reaching out with her inner eye, and gasped at the picture she saw. "Willow who is it?" Buffy waited as she held her breath in anticipation.

"Ah, Buffy it's.. It's your ex's." Willow watched as she reached the wrong conclusion. "No Buffy not Riley."

"Ok, not Riley then what ex?"

"Ex's ScottOwenandParker." Willow rushed out.

"Eeeks.. why? I mean---are they marked?"

"Gold, except Parker he's got purple and gold."

Buffy's eyes grew as big as saucers, `gold' turning she eyed her ex love under the bodies of his new mates. "Gold, Angel marked them. Why? Did he want them?"

Both Tara and Willow knew she was coming to the wrong conclusion. "Buffy I don't think he wanted them like that, or rather I don't think so." Tara blurted out.

"Then why did he mark then?" Buffy demanded.

"I think you might be missing the point here Buffy." Willow couldn't help smirking at Buffy when the answer was smacked right in front of her.

"And what point would that be?" Buffy's defenses went up and her eyes narrowed as she could feel Willow's annoyance at her.

***********
Gunn's POV
***********

Gunn blinked his eyes trying to block out the static, like the background noise of the women, and concentrate on his current problem.

`Dang girl you're not making this any easier-either one of you. Now Charles, think! Yeah, I'm thinking about the two gorgeous women draped over your ass, and the little man standing tall ready for attention. No damn it, we're in danger-though the way those girls are yakking it's not the most immediate danger. I just need to get rid of this hard on. OK, man really think, think of the danger---think about Angel over there.'

He glanced at the center room where a thin haze still surrounded the men, but it didn't hide the fact that they were sprawled naked on top of each other. Now naked men, especially a naked boss should be sending my little man running, but Gunn found opposite was true as he pulsed even harder.

`Aw man, come on I know for a fact we're not gay---Guess I'm not gonna have as much of a problem on the tolerance stance, but one we're not going to discuss, got it little man. Alright fine I'm just going to lay here thinking about nothing till you go away cause there's no way in hell are you showing your charms to those ladies.'

Gunn felt more than heard a sound to his left, and came eye to eye with Giles, the other watcher. Gunn couldn't hide his grin as the man struggled to adjust his glasses without jarring Lorne, or the girl, nor could he hide that he was in the same physical predicament as Gunn.

`Now that's nice to know that I'm not the only one with a problem.'

Gunn continued to stare watching the small silent drama being played out as the watcher realized how he was held and caressed by Lorne and the girl, Anya?

`Damn I wish I had a camera this is the best blackmail material I've had in years.

Definitely gonna have fun teasing Mr. Green on this one. Then again it'll be a short tease feast if I don't get myself outta here I'll be the one giving that watcher something to watch, and with one placed word to Queen C. Fuck, she will have shit-fit, and that's one person I don't want to be on the receiving end.'

Without further thought he pushed Cordy to the side as he inched his way toward freedom and away from Cordelia and Freddie's bodies. As he stood he pulled his shirt down as far as it would go trying in vain to cover himself. He watched, and couldn't help smiling as Cordy and Fred curled up around each other. Shaking his head he moved over to help the watcher.

`Yup, I've got some really good blackmail material here.'

***********

"Now are you going to tell me what this is all about?" Olivia stood with her arms crossed waiting for an explanation.

Ethan signed, "I already told you ducks, Ripper is in danger, and he's going to need our help."

"That's just it, how do you know that? And secondly why should I believe you? I know you Ethan, know enough not to trust you." She glared.

"Ripper told you about me then. No matter, but then you know how close we really were?"

"That was ancient history."

"History, yes, but we're still connected. Always have been always will."

Exasperated Olivia demanded, "Ethan.Just explain yourself."

"Very well. I cast a spell on Ripper years ago, one that let's me know when he's in harms way as in death is here to collect you harms way. There are different degrees of the spell, only twice before has it become this intent. The first time I only made it to Sunnydale after the fact. The second time I almost lost Ripper. When I was there last I changed the spell to be intensified earlier to give me a chance to reach him. Between the intensity of the spell, and an inside man at the watchers council, Ripper's going to need our help."

Olivia slowly nodded her head, "Ok, but that doesn't explain why you need me? It's not like I know anything about magic to help him."

"As you said before `Trust' Ripper doesn't trust me, but he does trust you."

"You're using me to get to Rupert."

"If you're going to look at it that way---Yes. Just enough to get him to listen to me; he's in danger, real danger this time."

Olivia didn't know what to make of Ethan, or of his reasons going to the states, but she did believe that Ethan believed Rupert was in real danger.

"Fine, but you'll do your talking with the slayer there. I won't have you endangering Rupert, or his family."

"Fear not milady. Now would you mind if I took the aisle seat, a 10 hour flight time always makes me a bit jumpy."

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

Tara eyed both girls knowing they were feeding off each other's caffeine high. Then blurted out, "He marked them to kill them. Because they were doing what he wanted to do. Just being with you."

Buffy looked at Tara then looked down ashamed of her own thoughts. Willow's hand reached out, and caressed her cheek, "I'm sorry I didn't really mean to antagonize you. I know it's got to be hard for you with all this new stuff with Angel."

Buffy took her hand and squeezed it, "No I'm sorry. We're over, have been-it's just weird with all the ex's. Don't worry I get a handle on it. Now back to ex's, guess I'll go out and do a vamp test then we can let them in."

Buffy started for the door then stopped and turned. "You said Parker had purple? Think what happened to Graham will happen to him?"

Willow eyed her for a second since the question came out more as joyous anticipation rather than concern. Grinning Willow replied, "Don't know guess we'll have to wait and see." Matching her grin Buffy slipped outside, and faced three of her though briefly ex-boyfriends. None seem very surprised to see her as she stood there nervously trying to decide what to say next.

"Ah, hi guys." Each mumbled a greeting, but still too stunned to say anything more. Signing she palmed her cross and quickly shook each ones hand.

"They're clean." Buffy yelled and started for the door. "Well might as well come in unless you want to hang outside all night."

Opening the door she was greeted with sight of Giles and Gunn talking with Willow and Tara. Turning back to her ex's who were all still just standing, staring at her, and with a tone that bordered on exasperation, "Better come on in and join the party before everyone else wakes up."

*****