"What, wh." Xander couldn't help but stare at Anya as he tried to make one coherent thought.

"Save it Xander, and cover yourself," Cordelia spouted as she threw him a blanket turning away trying to avoid looking back at Fred, the source of her own embarrassing situation just moments ago.

Xander grabbed the blanket and wrapped himself, as he stood and then walked toward Anya. She held up her arm to ward Xander off. "No, don't Xander. Please, you're not mine anymore," Anya choked out before she left the room.

"An." Xander called out tripping over the blanket when he tried to go after her.

"Don't you dare call her back here. She wanted to watch you having sex, and it's so not going to happen, except behind closed doors with me very far away. You got that buster?" Cordelia didn't turn around so she didn't see the pain, or the despair that crossed Xander's face.

"She didn't want to watch you, or them have sex sugar, she only asked if they were. More of a case she wanted to avoid it. We've been waiting for you sleeping beauties to wake up for awhile now. Not the easiest thing in the world to do, waking up to see your fianc�e, or rather ex-fianc�e for all of 18 hours---in all his naked glory laying on top of another man." Lorne looked over to the young man, who stood staring where Anya once stood, with tear trailing down his face. "Sorry kid, she was humming, and I couldn't help but read her." Lorne moved closer to the younger man, and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, "If it helps any, even though she's in pain, she doesn't regret it. Knows it's the only chance for you to live."

Lorne had spoken the last part in a lower voice, but Cordelia still heard what he said and couldn't stop the guilt and shame that filled her as she turned and ran from the room.

Fred had watched the whole scene and even tried to give Cordelia some support by placing a hand on her shoulder, but the girl refused and ran from the room, ran from her. Though she felt extremely bad for Xander's pain she couldn't stop herself from reflecting on her own pain and Cordelia's rejection. Seeing that Xander was well cared for, Fred took one last look at where Cordelia went before taking off in the opposite direction and ran up the stairs.

Shaking his head, Lorne watched sadly as the girl left; then followed her leaving the boy alone with Angel and his mates.

An arm reached around Xander's chest and pulled him closer before turning the boy and hugging him in a tight embrace as his body shuddered and broke into sobs. The cool arms pulled him in even tighter offering as much comfort, as the boy was willing to take.

"Anya said you're awak--" Willow stopped in her tracks as she saw Xander crying in Angel's arms. "Xander, what happened? Are you ok?"

Xander looked up at Willow's voice and pulled away from the body holding him, "Wils I've lost her-I don't----" Willow almost flew into his arms to embrace him, and ignored the low growling coming from behind Xander. Looking up she saw it was Angel who was growling, and Angel who stood there in all his naked glory except for a malicious smirk. She forced herself to close her eyes and concentrate on Xander who needed her. "Xan, I'll do anything I can, promise, I'll search for some kind of reversal spell whatever it takes." Xander squeezed her closer forcing her to stop talking. "I know Wils, you'll do what you can, but I guess we better dust that pain-in-the-ass-Cain first." Xander whispered. Pulling away, he smiled and tucked her hair back behind her ears, "So how do things stand, and how quickly can I be dust busting his dead ass?" Willow smiled at his determination and was ready to focus ahead.

"Well I think the first thing is you guys getting dressed. The sleeping naked was a bit distracting, but the walking around naked is a major distraction." Xander blushed a deep red as he looked down at himself partially wrapped in a blanket then tried to turn as he felt a body press into his back.

Angel looked over to Willow, "I don't know Willow you seemed to like the view earlier." Laughing at her reaction he leaned down and licked Xander's bite mark and enjoyed the exquisite response as Xander involuntarily arched back. Another groan filled the air as Wesley who still sat on the floor moaned in response, as if Angel was licking and nibbling his mark. Angel smiled enjoying both of his mates' reactions, and knew things would be even better once Spike was awake; and why wasn't his childe awake? Before he could ponder this closer Xander wrenched himself free grasping for breath, and pulling the blanket tighter trying to hide his erection.

"Don't-just keep your hands and all other body parts off me." Xander looked up into Angel's face and saw the smirk and his slightly tinged yellow eyes. Xander stepped back further when he realized this wasn't Angel, but Angelus.

Angel knowing Xander had made the connection, allowed the smirk to develop into a really satisfied grin before informing the faced youngster "But you're mine now boy, all mine."

************
Spike's Dream
************

`Ohhhhhhhhh, no, no, no, no, no you can't be here, go back. Noooooooooooo.' The girl ranted on.

`Dru is that you? Princess?' Spike opened his eyes and was pleased to be facing his mate, but frowned when he noticed her distress, and smelled her tears.

`Baby what's the matter, come tell me so I can fix it?' Spike asked, bewildered by her state.

Dru shook her head letting her hair fly in every direction.

Getting up, Spike made his way over to his Princess. `Luv, please talk to me. Let me fix whatever is bothering you.'

Dru looked up at her one time mate with streaks of blood tears marring her face, `you don't love me, I thought you loved me, I yelled at Miss Edith calling her a liar, but here you are. She was right---she's always right.' Spike watched confused as she started walking in a circle mumbling something about songs and cakes.

Spike padded his pockets searching for some needed fags. Finding none he took a few unneeded breaths as he tried to calm his nerves. Even after over a century of trying to understand his mate she still drove him to the brink, but one of the best ways in deciphering Drusilla speak was to find out what the bloody doll told her. `Calm down luv, now tell me what Miss Edith said?' Dru wasn't listening but still babbled about cakes and songs. `Bloody hell.' He grabbed her forcing her to stand still, `Dru, now try to focus luv, what did Miss Edith say?'

`She said you didn't go---hmmmmmmmm, I'll lose my girl now, she was all I had, I'm a bad girl, bad girl, bad girl. Just like mummy said. Said bad girls don't get their choices of cake. Lemon cake was mummy's favorite, but I liked pies. Must roll the dough cold, or you get flaky crust that crumbles away; blackberries big and juicy are messy to eat. Bad girl, bad girl go march to your corner."

Damn it, `Dru baby, come on luv, come back to me baby. Now why does she think it's bad that I'm here?'

`It is a bad thing. You don't love me anymore------Daddy and the kittens need you. I'm all alone now.'

`No luv, I'm here with you because I love you. We've mated luv, I can't leave you.'

`You were my sweet William, my Spike. Now you're nothing not even my mate-you threw me away just like you're throwing Daddy away. Poor Daddy will be so lost without you, and kittens will drown away in the pain. Why did you do this to me Spike, to my Angel?'

Spike desperately wanted to bring her attention back to him. As he stepped in closer to embrace his her, licking up to her ear, nibbling before he whispered `Drusilla, Dru listen to me I'm here with you, we are mat---'

Dru shoved him away, `NO! We are not! Open up, feel it in the connection.'

Right and that was also the answer to prove she was wrong; Spike concentrated on opening the link to his luv. Spike closed his eyes in shock and concentrated harder. He was unmindful of his tears as he searched for that inner connection to his dark princess, who stood only a couple of feet from him, but without success.

`We have no connection it's gone-I died Spike, you must go back. It's my only chance to save my childe. If you love me, go; go be with Daddy, with your kittens. Listen to me William, please go, you must wake up.' Dru started to back away, `Go, remember me with Daddy, Go luv----'

`Dru, no don't leave me-------Drusilla NO!!'

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

"Drusilla NO!!!!" The scream brought everyone's attention to the rapidly fading red haze where Spike sat up in game face searching the room. Then he came upon his Sire's face, and the reason he was here instead of with his mate in whatever hell she was banished to.

A sound that they'd later describe as like that of a wounded animal echoed throughout the room, as a slight naked blur attacked Angel viciously. An attack where Angel had only one split second to push his other mate out of the way, hoping it was enough to save him before he himself was brought down under the attack by his grief stricken childe.

Xander was slammed into the wall just missing being crushed between the two snarling Master vampires. Sliding to the floor Xander was barely aware of someone screaming his name as he just stared sightlessly at the two struggling bodies in front of him.

*************
Xander's POV
*************

Someone had called my name, but all I heard beyond the screaming was `.you're mine now boy, all mine.' It was the same thing he'd said before years ago, and I have no one to blame, but myself. I brought this on myself. `What the fuck is wrong with me? Don't answer that you already know the answer. Fucking idiot that I am, you're a true Harris, through and through.'

I don't know though maybe I'll be lucky and Spike will dust him after he kicks the shit out of him-then I won't have to deal. And he's doing a great job of it too from the sounds of it.

I still remember the first time he said those words to me. It was shortly after the whole botched love spell thing when it effected everyone including Drusilla.

That remark she made of me being a real man cut Mr. Vampy Deadboy good because his stalking skills in and around my life started to take precedence. At first, I thought it was just my turn like Wills and her fish, and Buffy with the sketches. BUT I was way off. He started sending me sketches, not the nice serene sleeping-beauty sketches Buffy got, but portraits of my friends dead. Disfigured, and tortured especially of the innocent people like Joyce, Willow's and Cordy's parents, even Giles. With captions underneath saying things like `what happens to kittens who don't behave' Drusilla had called me a kitten, so I knew were the reference came from. I was the kitten, one of his pawns to one of his games, and I didn't know what to do. I wanted to go to Buffy, even threaten him that I wouldn't keep my mouth shut any longer. He basically just turned it around and said the candles and rose petals would be for me. I didn't know at the time but I found out shortly after when we found out about Miss Calendar.

Even seeing it I didn't want to believe it. Then I started to see and believe the reality and the pain Giles had to be going through all because I didn't say or warn anyone. I wanted Angelus' death. And die pussycat die was as good as any. I knew Buffy was my only hope in achieving that goal, but I also knew she was hung up in love with the killer otherwise he'd already be dust.

For once my teen jealousies worked in my favor. I didn't have to hide, or feel any guilt over my intense and growing hatred for Angelus. Now I had a valid reason to back me up, Miss Calendar's death. It was a good camouflage for the truth, if I ignored the fact that I could have done something to stop it.

Now he's back; the menace of my bane---Angelus. It was one thing to be thinking of Angel, but Angelus. I really didn't think he'd come back, not like this. Actually I just didn't think beyond saving Spike. I didn't think hard enough about Anya and what I'd lose, and the pain I'd cause her. I didn't think, and now I'm his.'

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

"What the hell is going on!" Buffy yelled as she entered the room with Gunn just behind her.

"Oh man, what they wake up on the wrong side of the floor or what?" Gunn asked to no one in particular.

"Buffy I'm glad you're here I don't know what to do, and I can't get to Xander. Angel shoved him aside when Spike attacked, but I think he might be hurt." Willow answered worriedly.

They turned as a harsh cry came nearer, and jumped back as one half of the naked blurs flew pass them crashing into the couch turning it over. That was followed by another naked blur as it leaped and attacked the couch.

No one noticed when Tara and Giles came in as they tried to see beyond the young men crowding around the living room entryway but who were too afraid to interfere with what was happening in the living room.

"Good Lord, why are they fighting? What happened?" Giles spotted Buffy across the room, and shouted across to her to be heard above the racket the two master vampires were making. Giles nudged his way closer looking at two men blocking his way "Do you mind, I need to get through?" Parker and Owen just stared back at the man before Giles physically pushed them aside.

"Tara?" Willow called.

Tara squeezed in beside Mr. Giles "I'm here honey. Are you ok?" Tara quickly called out, and waited as Willow nodded in answer to her question before she focused her attention back to the fighting vampires.

Buffy stared back over to Xander, then to Wesley. Wesley, who sat clutching his knees trying to tuck himself as small as he could; seemed to be in just as much of a dazed state as Xander was in-meaning neither of them were aware, or capable of protecting themselves from their so called mates. "I've got to stop them before they hurt someone, or themselves." Buffy was about to jump in between the two when Giles yelled. "Buffy NO! You mustn't get involved. This is between a Sire and his childe-if you come between them they will turn on you."

"Giles we can't let them stay like this they're tearing each other apart." Buffy cried out.

"No, no we can't." Giles muttered. Buffy saw rather than heard what Giles said. Then Willow started slapping her arm while she bounced. "Ooh, ooh, ooh. Maybe we can do a spell to freeze them, at least we can then check on Xander?"

"Ow, Willow have you been working out?" Gunn grinned at Buffy's question as she rubbed the arm in question then pushed her to the side as the two vampires rolled over towards them clenched in a deadly battle before they rolled, punched and fought their way back towards the middle of the room. Gunn quickly glanced over toward Wesley making sure he wasn't caught in the crossfire. And was amazed as he witnessed Wesley start to rock then begin a low hum that grew into a high piercing intensity yell until it was the only sound they could hear.

What further amazed everyone was that Angel and Spike immediately stopped fighting. Helping each other up, they stood and made their way over to Xander as he tried to reach Wes. Together they picked him up and held him for a moment then carried him over to Wes. Once they were within arms length of touch, Wesley stopped his yelling.

Angel helped Spike settle Xander down on Spike's lap on the floor as close to Wesley as he could. Angel sat down reached over and pulled Wesley into his own lap in one quick smooth motion. Xander reached over and started caressing Wes' face and chest then turned to each vampire to do the same trying to reassure himself each was fine before snuggling in closer in Spike's lap. Wes in turn had leaned into the caresses' then repeated the process himself to each of his mates.

Xander and Wesley were each held in on lap of a Master vampire in a way that could only be described as loving; each doing nothing more to the other than light caresses, and touches just reassuring themselves that the other was fine.

Buffy, Gunn, and Willow cautiously circled around the four to stand by the rapidly growing audience who stood just as amazed as they were. Without looking up from the scene, Buffy whispered, "Giles what the hell just happened?"

"I'm truly amazed. I believe Wesley just performed a AIEeeya, a ululation among vampire mates."

Buffy frowned at he explanation, "A what? Please, explain what a aiya thingy is, and a ulanation?"

"That's ululation, a call, is what Wesley just did. An AIEeeya is such a call to only mated vampires, when a mate is in danger. When Wesley called them they instinctively responded to their bonds, to each other. From this I'd gather the mating ritual was a success."

"Ahm, but I thought when we found them naked on top of each other in the circle meant the whole thing was a success?" Willow asked.

"No, the magic was a success, but mating is a delicate thing. Each of them has more than enough reasons for not wanting it to work, just enough to fight the instincts that came with a mating bond. For whatever reasons they each have accept it not only in their mind, but their subconscious, souls and demons have join together to protect one another. Wesley and Xander were in pain from their fighting-Wesley called them on it, and they each responded." Giles felt it before he looked up at what he suspected; their caresses were becoming more intimate. "I think we should adjourn to the kitchen, and give them a bit of privacy."

They looked over and several people started to blush as the four men started licking and kissing each other. None of them however were prepared for the jolt of sexual energy that raced through their bodies. For the first time they each experienced an intensity and power of the bond that united them all.

*****
Part 22:

"Ok, I'm not going to be patient or polite anymore, I want to know what the hell is going on. What the hell was that all about? And while we're on the subject, you still haven't explained to me why I'm here in the first place? Why I even felt compelled to come here? Why I can't leave? And most of all, what the hell does any of this have to do with me?" Scott glared, waiting for an explanation. At the same time he busily untucked his shirt, trying unsuccessfully to cover his arousal.

Parker nodded his agreement. "Can't say I disagree. You haven't given us much of an explanation, and any time I have thoughts of leaving..."

"It hurts," Graham stated, simply folding his arms across him effectively bracing himself from fighting his every instinct to fight, and possibly kill whom he considered dangerous hostiles in the living room.

"Yeah," Scott whispered in return.

Buffy looked to Giles, who nodded before he spoke. "Yes, well, it is all rather complicated."

Gunn made a noise annoyed that these college boys still didn't already get the gist after several hours, and witnessing everything from the living room in the last twenty minutes decided to bring it down a notch so they could understand. "Not so complicated G. It goes like this boys'. The two vamps in there are mated, with English and that other guy out there. The two who were fighting are vamps, and our champions. The only thing standing between us and a bad-ass vamp dude named Cain. Not to mention all his nasty army vamps who are coming to dust our champions." Gunn motioned his thumb toward the living-room, "And everyone that they marked. Meaning us. The witchy poo's cast a spell to bind us, 'all of us' they have marked together to give our big bads out there their extra strength. Making us sensitive to what they're feeling. In other words it's like going back to puberty, using shirt-tails and books." Gunn looked down at himself then pointedly looked over at Scott and his shirttail that was hanging out in a futile attempt to hide the evidence of his erection. A futile effort since every male present was trying to hide the same evidence.

Buffy smirked at Gunn's explanation. Her smile widened as she looked over to her watcher and noticed his annoyance as he replaced the already clean glasses back on his head.

Giles scolded, "Yes, an interesting interpretation of the situation. And please refrain from using nicknames. It's Rupert Giles, Giles if you must, and the guy's name is Xander."

"Ahmm, and might I add if you use 'witchy poo' again or any other form, I'll show you exactly what a 'witchy poo' really can do." Willow replied and enjoyed Gunn showing a slight glimmer of fear at her statement.

"Right got it; no nicknames. Anyone ever mention you Sunnyhell people might be a tad sensitive?" Gunn murmured under his breath.

"Sensitivity etiquette coming from the black cue ball?" Buffy smirked.

Gunn opened and closed his mouth at Buffy's remark, looked at the others who were fighting back laughing at him, then the quiet blond was smiling. Shaking his head he smiled and laughed back, "Point made, and taken."

Scott shook his head wanting to understand what was happening and what he did to get involved in everything, "Ok, let me get this straight, one of those vampires in there marked me?" Scott asked.

"Angel." Willow offered.

Nodding Scott continued, "Right, so why? I don't ever remember meeting him."

Owen looked up and asked, "I did though. He's the guy you were talking to before we went out?"

Buffy nodded, "Yeah, we were kinda fighting having a thing before we really had a thing. I guess he was kinda jealous when I tried to date regular guys even when we weren't together."

"He's the guy you fell for before we got together?" Buffy just nodded again at Parker's question.

"He was jealous? You mean he marked us to kill us? Just because we dated you?" Scott asked appalled.

"I think so." Buffy answered.

"But we just dated once--that's it." Owen asked

Buffy winced, "You don't need to remind me."

Cordelia signed as she started to get annoyed with the whole stroll down Buffy lane. "This is all very riveting, but need I remind you we have four guys getting all groiny in the living room while we're hiding here in the kitchen?" Cordelia spoke up.

"Yeah G." with one look at Giles; Gunn corrected himself, "Sorry, Giles. So is this connection thing gonna tone down or what? Cause I gotta tell you it really is worse then when I was thirteen. Know what I mean?"

"He's got a point, Giles. When I woke up Willow and Tara were worried. That's why I woke up in the first place; I felt the intensity of their fear. Later I felt other things, from them, all of us." Buffy stopped and took a breath and couldn't stop the blush as she looked back at Giles, "And it didn't matter from who. It hasn't stopped only increased. Is there a way we can stop it, or control it better--its kinda getting like it was when Amy and Xander did that love spell, and that's not a performance I want to repeat."

Giles removed his clean glasses to clean, knowing he didn't want to see their faces when he couldn't control his own blush, but he forced himself to speak, "Willow?"

"I...No time we got company." Willow turned, and looked at Buffy who nodded as they led the way, "Stay here," they announced together walking back into the living room.

"Who is it this time?" Buffy asked.

"I don't know, I mean I do know her. I kinda recognize her, but I don't know her name, or where I recognize her from." Willow answered then turned ignoring the moaning from the guys who were still groping each other, "Ready?"

"Yeah, let's get this over with." Buffy opened the door with stake in hand ready to fight, but wasn't prepared with who she faced, "Anne?"

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

"They're beautiful together, don't you think?" Nicholas nibbled on Sasha's neck pulling him closer as he watched his newly awaken childe play with the boy. Sasha lay cradled in his arms while he stroked his Master Nicholas' cock in a much slower time than his childe Lilah's quicker pace of feeding from her boy and pomme de sang.

Earlier they had waited and watched as Lilah rose; her demon surged to the fore as soon as she heard the pulsing beat of her food. When she attacked the boy with the bloodlust strumming in her veins, Nicholas had to force her to stop; pulling her back and enforcing his rights as her Sire. He enjoyed his childe's whimpers and pleas as he held her in place. Letting her know that the boy was not to be drained, that he was her only food source today, tomorrow, and from now on, and she had to learn to treasure what she had.

Nicholas continued to watch as Lilah got dangerously close to ignoring his words of warning. Reaching over, he grabbed Lilah by the neck effectively pulling her off her boy with his blood still dripping from her mouth.

"What did I tell you childe?" Nicholas quietly asked his childe. Sasha, now kneeling between his Master's legs returned to his task of caressing and mouthing his Master's still hard cock. This was of no concern to him unless his Master wished it to be so.

Lilah looked into her Sire's eyes then closed them bowing her head in submission, "I'm sorry, Sire."

Nicholas tilted her head up and drew her closer licking the excess blood from her lips, "I understand childe, but he is yours. And you must care for him as the gift he is. Do you understand?" Lilah nodded and looked over at the young man who was still riding from the high she brought him. Without thinking she dragged her nails over one raised nipple watching the red welts swell from the pressure, as her gift moaned his pleasure. As much as she enjoyed the game of enticing her boy, she couldn't stop the nagging question foremost in her mind until she could withhold the question no longer and asked her Sire, "Sire, why? Why is he my only food source? I don't understand."

Nicholas signed knowing he couldn't allow Lilah the indulgence in the life of a normal fledgling childe, allowing instincts to follow the bloodlust, to encourage and nurture the young demon within. No, not with Father out to punish, or destroy him; Nicholas wasn't sure which, but he knew he couldn't lose Sasha, Lilah, or the boy. They meant too much to him, and he was afraid that was Father's plan. To destroy him by destroying everyone he cared about, punishment for his disobedience in creating Sasha in the first place. Shoving his misplaced weakness of love and caring for Sasha into his face. No, the only thing it did was make him more defensive and protective over his circle, his new family.

Nicholas' fingers entwined in Sasha's hair, caressing his love as he continued to worship him with his mouth. "Listen to me childe and do as I tell you without fail, or make no mistake you will be dust. Father, my father and Master, is using you to get to me. You are too young, your demon weak and the bloodlust strong. Lilah, you are my childe now, but I would not have turned you by choice. I was forced." Nicholas felt his childe stiffen in his arms at his words. "Hear me, I was forced, but I have embraced you childe, and that was my choice, my desire. You are strong Lilah, of heart and mind, to survive father, his witches, and their drones. I chose to embrace you and gift you a pomme de sang based on your survival and intelligence. You are my family now, my childe in blood as well as in name. I have honored you as a childe embraced what my love Sasha does not. Don't disappoint me in that gift."

Pulling her closer he started to lap at her neck over his mark, as Sasha held him tightly opening his throat to take his entire length of his Master deeply in his throat. Nicholas felt Sasha draw him even closer still, and then he felt the vibrations against his cock buried deep inside his love, as Sasha began to hum. He knew he wouldn't last much longer and viciously started to fuck his mouth as Sasha urged him on with the desire to suck his very essence out of him. Nicholas shoved himself deeply down Sasha's throat one last time, holding Sasha in place just as he came. He pulled Lilah closer sinking his teeth into his childe drinking her sweetness just as his love accepted and drank his come.

Sasha lovingly licked and cleaned the softened cock of his Master, never leaving his position until his Master pulled him up and attacked his mouth. Sasha tasted the lingering bits of Lilah's blood mingled with the flavor of his Master from his own mouth. Sasha moaned and attacked Nicholas' mouth with renewed fervor as he felt Nicholas' hand on his cock pumping hard, and encouraging him to fuck his hand. It didn't take long as Nicholas removed his mouth and whispered, "Come for me." Just as his Master's teeth sank into his neck, Sasha jerked and spasmed hard as he came in his Master's hand.

Nicholas slowly licked clean his bite before moving his hand closer to lick his love's spunk from his fingers. He could smell his childe's arousal as well as the boy's, who laid there hard and wanting as the boy enjoyed their display before him, but even through all the thick arousal he could tell the boy hungered for more than the ardeur.

Once he licked clean his hand, devouring with relish every drop of his Sasha, as he waited for his love to calm down enough so he could address him. The boy involuntary addressed them all, as his body growled out in hunger. Nicholas broke out in laughter. Sasha joined him in his laughter as he spoke, "Sire, I think the boy is hungry." Lilah moved closer to her boy and pressing her head to his stomach, licking his stomach while listening to the unique sounds of her boy she started to purr in contentment.

"Yes, I think you are right. Go take the boy to feed, and then have him cleaned, but return quickly and bring two meals with you." Nicholas pressed one last kiss to his love as he moved his childe away from the boy, and chuckled at the sound of their whimpers from being dragged away from each other. He watched Sasha dress as he slowly petted Lilah, who snuggled closer enjoying the closeness of her Sire, but never took her eyes from her boy. Nicholas smiled and was warmed by their attachment to each other so soon.

Sasha looked up, "Sire shall I dress the boy? His clothes are in threads." Without any thought he answered, "No, he has our smell. I want everyone to know, that he is embraced, and our pomme de sang. He will stay naked in the compound until we have to move. But no one is to touch him." Sasha nodded taking the boy in hand and moved toward the door, "And Sasha get him a leash." Nicholas smiled when the boy's scent of arousal reached him before the obvious evidence of the boy's cock filled with desire at his words of possession and ownership as Sasha pulled the boy from the room.

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

Sasha smiled as he watched various minions stare at the boy with lust as he pulled him toward the elevator that would take them to the human stables. As the doors shut he closed his hand around the boy's cock slightly, caressing enjoying the sight before him as he looked up into the boy's face. "This is a lovely sight. If you can stay hard until we return you shall be rewarded." With one final squeeze Sasha let him go enjoying his whimper of pleasure.

No sooner had the doors opened and they stepped out they came face to face with Ariel, one of Master Cain's witches. Sasha watched as her eyes widened when she saw the boy's marks and realizing what they meant. He was disappointed when she didn't stay so he could taunt his Master's one up-men-ship over his father, but she rushed past him into the elevator, and the doors closed before he could do anything. Shaking his head, he turned to his task before him and moved toward the stables, "Come you must eat."

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

'No, this can't be happening!' Ariel mentally screamed as she made her way toward her and Sarah's room. Throwing open the door, she witnessed Sarah teaching the art of delicately skinning a human alive, then healing the area to restart again before a few minion under their care. Without slowing, Ariel addressed the class, "Leave us, now." Seeing the furry of their Mistress, they scattered racing for the door.

Sarah slowly turned to face her mate and knew something very seriously was wrong. Without further thought, she snapped the neck of the human on the table, as she simultaneously cast a spell so they were effectively sealed from everyone. Once the seal was in place she watched as Ariel paced the floor, her eyes erratically searching for an answer. Sarah calmly went to sit on the couch, and waited until Ariel sat at her feet resting her head on her lap. Sarah undid the tie to Ariel's hair, and started to rake her fingers through the long ebony hair trying to calm her mate. "What is it? What has happened?"

"I missed him, I didn't see him, didn't see his mark, and he was here. Master will not forgive this." Ariel started to shake, and cry uncontrollably; the emotions of fear and despair rolling off her in waves. Through her crying and hiccups she started repeating over and over the same thing, "I didn't know. I didn't mean it, please forgive me, I didn't know."

Where Ariel was an emotional mess usually with happiness over the manic pain they inflicted on others. Sarah on the other hand was stoic, almost without emotion, she was Ariel's perfect match the flip side of the coin. Her yin to yang within the darkness they shared.

Knowing it'd take too much time to calm Ariel down, she spoke a few words, casting a spell to see inside of Ariel's mind, and to see what could possibly have happened. She watched through her eyes as the elevators doors opened and saw Sasha, Nicholas' pet with a meal. Upon closer inspection she realized he wasn't just any meal. Nicholas marked him; embraced, and marked him as a pomme de sang. She considered Nicholas' actions and how their Master would possibly react, but she still didn't see why this upset Ariel so. Digging deeper into her mate's mind she tried to find the answer.

Then it was there the human's name, it echoed in her mate's mind, Riley Finn. Sarah didn't need to go any further she knew that name. The only one they had tried to find without success. She pulled away from her mate's mind, and felt herself shudder knowing Ariel was right their Master would not let them live after this mistake.

No, she knew who Riley Finn was, the slayer's ex-lover. The one who had slipped through their fingers, but to find him within their Master's pack, and that he was already embraced as a pomme de sang to his own rogue childe. Closing her eyes, she reached out with her mind to answer her remaining question.

Three floors above her she saw Nicholas on his bed with his new childe curled around him. For a moment she stared at the young Master knowing she was about to break the ultimate law within any clan, but with one thought of Ariel she acted without regret and swiftly entered Nicholas' mind to seek the information she needed.

Minutes later Sarah was back, consciously stroking her mate who had calmed enough, and was silent with only tears tracks the only evidence to her state of mind. "Ariel it is done. We must go forward. His childe has the knowledge, but she's newly awakened, and riding the bloodlust-it will buy us time. No one else knows who Riley Finn really is. He was too heavily marked as a Thrall. No one will know before we can get away. I cast a spell, but we will have to go to Sunnydale. We will have to play our role for Master. Until then you must forget." Sarah leaned over her mate and gently caressed her tear stained face. With each smooth motion she spoke the words that would make Ariel forget as her mate slipped into a deep sleep.

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

The flight had been long, but luckily it was a straight direct from Heathrow into Los Angeles with only an hour's delay before the next flight into Sunnydale. Ethan's fear and anxiety soared when he saw the news broadcast of the recent massacres, and the prison break in Chico. He had never met the girl, but he knew she was a slayer. Was even surprised he didn't have to convince Olivia of that fact. He suspected watching the news of massacred bodies drained of blood more than did the trick. In three hours, they should be there; three more hours before he was face-to-face with Ripper.

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

Lindsey gripped his fingers tightly on the steering wheel as he watched Anne get out of her car and ring the bell. He felt like he was only minutes away from his death. Once he handed the envelope to Angel, if he even lived that long, that'd be the end. And he was tired. Tired of the running, of the hiding, of having no life. This was not what he dreamed his life would be like; not what he had worked, fought and struggled through law school for.

Lindsey watched as the door opened and after a few minutes Anne went inside. Slowly, Lindsey reached for the envelope at his side and opened his door and then grabbed his only friend and comfort over the years, his guitar. Placing his hat on his head he mentally shut down stopping all thoughts of Angel, his life, and allowed the energy that had pulled him here to begin with to take over. To help him with the last two hundred yards, and every step forward.

It was a roaring sound behind him that made him turn as he watched a van speed past him screeching to a halt as it rear-ended Anne's car to stop in front the townhouse. A young man franticly got out of the van running to the side door opening it as he gently pulled and cradled another man in his arms. Even from where Lindsey stood he could tell the man was smaller than him, but he easily lifted him.

The next thing Lindsey knew, he found himself running ahead and started banging on the door. Just as Lindsey looked back the smaller man gracefully climbed the stairs with what should have been a heavy and awkward burden. Lindsey now recognized his face from one of his reports, as a former scoobie, as Faith had called them. Before him stood Daniel Osborne, a musician, and former lover of the redhead witch, and fellow scoobie Willow. Oz was also werewolf, which now explained his strength, and Lindsey didn't need to be told that the man he held in his arms meant the world to him.

Lindsey didn't see the door swing open, only heard a wail as someone screamed, 'Ozzzzzz' just as someone else grabbed him in a chokehold and pulled him up off his feet as his hat fell to the ground. Others pushed pass them as the man holding him whispered in his ear, "Well, well what do who we have here? Now I know no one called for a lawyer."

Lindsey noticed the black arm, and recognized the voice as Gunn, and was grateful that it wasn't Angel. With some difficulty he managed to swallow, trying to focus and not overreact, but it wasn't easy. Angel and his associates were the only ones to ever get under his skin. It didn't help that Darla's lessons only reinforced those feelings. Something was placed over his forehead, "Damn I was hoping to dust your ass." Gunn hissed back then carried him inside never releasing his grip.

Inside was pandemonium, as the apartment he was dragged into seemed to be filled wall to wall with people-- everyone on top of each other they all seemed to be talking at once. Oz gently laid his burden down on the couch. Never leaving his side, Oz started to slobber creating secretions, and began covering the wounds with his salvia. Someone made a distinctive sound of, 'Yuk,' which Lindsey whole heartily agreed with, and they all stared fascinated as the man-wolf started to whimper over the unconscious man. The talking stopped as the whimpering increased, and they silently moved as one circling the room itself giving the pair some room.

Then another cry filled the room. This was coming from just outside of his vision from the way Gunn was holding him. Lindsey was able to suppress his surprise as he saw three naked men crawling toward the couch, and was even more shocked when he recognized them.

One was tall and lean even as he crawled on the floor. Then he saw it was Wesley, Angel's demon hunter, who was the one man who had lusted just as long and as strongly after Angel as he did. Lindsey watched and couldn't believe the transformation before him as this graceful man made his way closer to the couch. Gone was the stiff, clumsiness Wolfram & Hart had recorded of Angel's sidekick, but was replaced by this elegant man before him. Crawling at his side, Lindsey recognized Spike, also known as William the bloody, one fourth of the Scourge of Europe, and Angelus' childe. Following them was Xander, another scoobie, and according to their reports the most vulnerable with no special powers, and was noted as a weak link to the slayer. But this man he witnessed crawling was nothing like the boy in his reports. This boy was a man who was crawling with the same dangerous predatory stance as a large cat; all sleek, graceful, and dangerous like a game cat, a panther. He was unconsciously using every muscle group flexing as he made his way to the couch, and toward Oz.

At first Oz growled, and started to change showing his ragged dogteeth as they approached; he was ready to protect the man on the couch. The dark haired man ignored it reaching up and pulling Oz's face close to his neck allowing him to attack if he wanted. But all that followed was a stronger wail, and then Oz changed back to the man he was before breaking down crying in Xander's arms.

Xander held the man and although Lindsey didn't actually hear the word leave Xander's mouth he knew he said, 'Pack' as he cradled the smaller man. At the same time, Lindsey felt Gunn's grip loosen, and was about to thank the man, but was pulled in the opposite direction as he came face-to-face with Angel.

Lindsey gulped as he stared at the naked man before him. The object of his lust, and dark love Darla had trained, and cultivated within him. Angel pulled him closer as Lindsey watched him swiftly change into game face. Lindsey couldn't stop his fear as it rolled off of him, nor could he stop the desire that burned throughout his being. Angel tilted his head and smirked, as he smelled the truth. It was then Lindsey knew without doubt this man... vampire before him wasn't Angel, but his truest darkest desire Angelus.

*****