*****

The man sighed as he read the old, worn piece of paper. The message was only one word but it was enough to cause the man to pale. The message said simply "Now." He was one of the few who knew that it meant the prophecy of the Two was about to begin. With this in mind the man quickly grabbed his hat and walked out the door, a piece of paper fluttering to the ground in his wake said the name of his destination Sunnydale.

In the headquarters of the Scooby gang, which was also Rupert Giles' house, two figures sat alone. Each one an outsider, looking at the group sitting around the table making plans for the forthcoming battle.

Xander looked at the two people who were supposed to be his best friends and asked himself just why he allowed himself to be treated like little more than dirt but even as he asked he knew the answer. It was because they were his friends and he couldn't desert them when they might need his help, besides he had to help fight the darkness even if it meant his death.

Spike, otherwise known as William the Bloody looked at the far away gaze in Xander's eyes and wondered why he was bothered by the fact that the whelp was being ignored by his supposed best friends. He was the Big Bad and here he was getting all protective and concerned about a mortal and the Slayers friend at that.

Before anyone could notice that the two of them where distracted there was a loud knocking on the door. It sounded like whoever was knocking was likely to kick the door done if they didn't answer soon. Realising this fact Giles moved to open the door adjusting his glasses.

The door opened to reveal a man dressed in black leather pants and a blood red shirt. The man appeared to be around 25 with a muscular build and blue eyes that looked like they had seen too much. Not waiting to be asked in the stranger walked into the living room and looked at the group of people talking quietly. Giles closed the door and looked at the man, waiting to see if the man had some reason for coming to them.

"My name is Blade Artis and I'm here to speak to you about a prophecy that is about to begin. The only reason why I'm here is to make sure that everything goes according to plan." The man said his voice similar to that of a teacher.

Once Blade was sure he had the attention of everyone he sat down and started his explanation. He knew that it was a little hard to believe but it was the truth.

"I work for of the Powers That Be. When I was 14 I was made a priest of the Oracles and now I work as one of the guides for the forces of good. A prophecy called the Prophecy of the Two is about to start. The reason why we haven't interfered is that it is forbidden. We can not interfere with the path once it has been started but I can say that the Prophecy will start in one night. The prophecy states that either a great evil will be born or a great good." Blade said, watching everyone absorb the information.

"Thanks for telling us but might I ask why you left it so late." Giles said wondering about the man's intentions.

"I haven't left it late. I only found out myself four hours ago and I came here as soon as possible. Now I will take my leave of you." Blade said before disappearing in a flash of blue sparks.

The only reaction to his disappearance by the Scooby Gang was Xander raising an eyebrow before looking for a way to escape. He knew that a prophecy was going to happen soon but he needed to get away before he went insane. He could feel the urge to escape in his soul. His mind cried that it was dangerous to be with the others. Not one to ignore his instincts Xander stood.

"I'm leaving now guys. I've got an early start at work and its after 2 am." Xander said as he opened the front door.

The others didn't even notice his leaving. The only one who looked up was Spike. It was clear that Spike knew he was lying from the look in his eyes but Xander wasn't bothered. After all what could fangless do to destroy his life even more.

Xander quickly wandered down the streets towards his home. He could feel someone was watching him but after looking discreatly he couldn't see anything. He doubled his pace and checked to make sure he had a stake. Turning the corner Xander found himself face to face with Angel-just what he needed right now.

"What do you want Angel? Let me guess some horrible demon is going after Buffy?" Xander said, not disguising his hatred for Angel.

Looking up Xander realised that Angel was looking at him different. He looked almost hungry, with a start he realised that it was Angelus he was looking at. His suspicions were confirmed as he watched the vampire smirk at him.

"Angelus. How did you get rid of that soul?" Xander said, at the same time wondering if Angelus would hate him for sending him to Hell.

Angelus didn't reply instead he took Xander's hand in his moving the pair towards Xander's basement. Feeling Angelus behind him, waiting impatiently Xander opened the door and walked inside. He soon found himself looking into Angelus' beautiful true face. He loved Angelus and was willing to spend as much time with him as possible, even if Angel would soon return.

"Bed. Now." Angelus growled as he ripped Xander's clothes from his body as Xander copied the act on him. Xander soon found himself lying on the bed, unable to think as Angelus entered him, all the time taunting him with his hands and lips. As his world exploded in a haze of colour Xander faintly felt Angelus biting into his neck as he came inside Xander.

"Its good to be home, Alex. Soul boy is gone for good. I just woke up a couple of hours ago and found out that I was free." Angelus said as he stroked the mortals' skin.

"I guess you know that I'm the one who sent you to Hell." Xander said, tears flowing from his eyes as he accepted that he would probably lose Angelus forever.

"Yes I know but I also know that it was to be expected after all you are loyal to a fault but that'll soon change. By tomorrow night you'll be loyal only to me and we'll be together forever." Angelus said as he considered his plans.

He had intended to turn Xander the night before he had freed Acathla but the Slayer had interfered with his plan. He could see that his Alex would make a wonderful vampire. He had a dark side that he had seen in few vampires due to the brutal treatment by his parents and the Scooby Gang. He also knew that Xander hadn't been involved with the demon Anya. Anya had agreed to pose as his girlfriend as a favour to the boy who she loved even though he didn't love her back. Angelus knew that the only one Xander loved was him, until a year ago the Scoobies would have come between them but no longer.

Xander soon fell asleep using Angelus as his pillow, holding Angelus' hand tightly as if afraid that he would wake up to find himself alone. The sound of Xander's heart beat soon soothed Angelus to asleep. The pair slept with their bodies entwined so that it was hard to see where one ended and the other began.

The next morning Xander awoke to find himself being held tightly by Angelus and wasn't surprised to hear the vampire growl as he tried to move. Deciding that work wasn't all that important Xander quickly gave up his efforts to move and turned his mind to more pleasant thoughts. Xander's mind drifted as he wondered just how much he could do to his lover before the other would wake up.

Xander quickly turned in Angelus' arms, taking small bites of the vampires' neck. He knew how much it excited the immortal and wondered just how long it would before Angelus moved. Grinning wickedly Xander slowly moved his mouth down to Angelus' chest, sucking on the cool nipples. He ran his fingers down the vampires' cool back, drawing blood, exciting the vampire even more.

"Angelus, love why don't you join in the fun it's a lot more fun with someone else." Xander asked before arching off the bed as Angelus gripped his hard cock in his hands.

*****
Part 2:

Angelus moved his cold hand up and down Xander's erect cock with agonising slowness. Each stroke of his hand drew Xander further away from reality, until all that existed was the feelings rushing his body.

Wanting the two of them to come together Xander used all his willpower to push his impending orgasm down, but even as he did so Xander knew he couldn't last long. Removing Angelus hand from his cock, Xander moved with a sensual grace so that he was lying on top of the vampire. His mouth was lined up with Angelus' cock, Xander quickly took the vampire's large manhood in his mouth, moving his head up and down, just grazing the surface with his teeth. As he was doing this Angelus picking up on Xander's desire took the mortals cock into his mouth, expertly moving his mouth up and down the hard shaft. The smell of Xander's arousal only bringing the vampire closer to orgasm. Angelus could feel his impending orgasm and moved his mouth faster wanting the pair to come together.

A growl of "Alex" echoed in the small basement as Angelus came, Xander taking every last drop of the vampire's cum.

"I Love you `Lus!" Xander shouting as he came in the vampire's mouth. Angelus simply swallowed the mortal's cum before gently lifting Xander so that the mortal was lying on top of him. Angelus stroked Xander's hair as the mortal lay panting for air.

As the mortal went to sleep, clutching Angelus the vampire smiled in satisfaction. In less than 24 hours Angelus' plan would be complete, he would be rid of the pesky slayer and his family would be united. The most important aspect of the plan to Angelus was that he would finally be able to spend eternity with his Alex. His Alex would make a glorious vampire, one truly worthy of being his mate. Angelus remembered the night he'd first spoken to Xander�..

Flashback

Angelus had watched his prey for nights now and no one had figured him out. The Slayer still believed herself to be his goal, leaving the boy unguarded. Even while he had been locked inside Soulboy's mind Angelus had recognised the beauty inside Xander Harris and claimed him as his mate.

Tonight he would truly claim his mate, Angelus thought as he stealthy moving towards the lone figure walking home from the Bronze. Even as he watched Angelus couldn't help but feel rage at the Slayer for leaving Xander to walk home alone, especially knowing that Angelus was loose.

Angelus followed the boy, wanting to ensure they were free from the crowds before he claimed his mate. A growl formed in Angelus' throat as he noticed a young minion moving towards his mate. The minion walked in front of Xander, apparently not caring about the Master Vampire following the mortal.

"Oh great, more vamps. Maybe I should just put a sign on my neck saying vampire bait." Xander muttered under his breath as the young, obviously hungry vamp blocked his path.

Angelus reacted instinctively as the minion took a step towards Xander. In a flash Angelus was holding the minion's neck. With a savage bit to the ear and neck helet the minion go. As the minion backed away from him, Angelus snarled and uttered two words, "He's Mine." He knew that he had to let the minion go so that everyone would know that Xander was his. No one would touch Xander and live.

The minion ran away living one surprised mortal and one angry, aroused vampire.

"I'm Yours?" Xander questioned, surprising Angelus, who hadn't thought that the mortal heard him.

"Yes, you're mine, Alex-completely." Angelus replied moving forward, directing Xander into an abandoned alley.

"It's nice to know just who's been following me around." Xander stated, not fazed by Angelus', claim.

"I won't deny that I'm attracted to you, Angelus but I'm not going to have sex with you until I know you better. Come to my house tomorrow at 9pm." Xander had said, surprising Angelus who wasn't used to people saying no to him. That night was the start of their relationship. A relationship they had consummated just two days before Angelus was caged once again.

End Flashback

*****
Part 3:

Xander woke with a jerk, realising that he was alone in the bed. He quickly moved his eyes around the small basement, tears flowing from his eyes when he realised that he was alone. Had something happened to Angelus? Xander asked himself, quickly jumping out of bed and pulling some clothes on. If Angelus went outside, Buffy would fight him. As much as Xander believed that Angelus could defeat the slayer he wasn't sure if his love could handle the whole of the Scooby Gang.

A noise coming from upstairs caught Xander's attention, making the partially dressed boy slowly move towards the door, hoping that it was Angelus. Xander opened the door and ran upstairs to find Angelus tying up his parents. The sight of his beloved, caused all thoughts of their audience to leave Xander's mind as he caught Angelus' mouth in a kiss.

The kiss was soft, gentle but at the same time rough and dangerous. Xander moved his tongue over Angelus' fangs, making the vampire shudder from the feeling and from the taste of Xander's blood."I thought that you'd left," Xander replied to Angelus' searching look. The simple statement was enough to explain his reaction.

"Don't worry, Alex. I'm just moving your parents out of the way until later. I won't leave you. Now once we've put them in the basement I'll embrace you." Angelus said, his voice full of promise and passion.

He wanted to make the pair pay for the pain they had inflicted on his love. He wanted to get revenge on Xander's father especially after all the rapes the boy had endured. He would teach them what happened when someone dared to touch what was his. Earlier Angelus had been able to tell from the scars of Xander's ass that the rapes had continued. He was sure that Xander would be more than eager to help torture his parents as soon as he was turned. Angelus picked up Xander's father and carried the body into the basement, Xander followed a few minutes behind carrying his unconscious mother. The prone bodies were dropped on the floor with a thud but neither Xander nor Angelus cared.

Xander walked over to the unmade bed and lay down with his head on the pillow. He was looking forward to spending eternity with his love and getting revenge on the Scobbies was quite appealing. Xander smiled as he felt Angelus moving onto the bed behind him, instinctively he bared his neck, shivers running down his spine as he felt Angelus' fangs enter his neck.

Angelus was intoxicated with the taste of Xander blood, each drop called out to him. With a great exercise of control, more than he thought he had Angelus managed to quickly drain his beloved, eager for his love to awake to his knew life. He moved his mouth from Xander's neck to bite his wrist, moving it towards Xande's mouth. Xander needed no urging and hungrily drank the blood, knowing that it was the way he could spend forever with Angelus.

As Angelus' blood started to circulate in his veins Xander was reminded of the kisses they had shared. Just like the kisses the blood was strong, powerful and met a deep urge inside him, making him want more. The blood was sweet but bitter, and tingled on his tongue. Xander swallowed as much as possible before the darkness overcame him.

Angelus pulled his wrist away and moved so that he could hold Xander in his arms until he awoke to life as a vampire. He just knew that his Alex would make a wonderful vampire, one that would strike fear into the hearts on humans and demons alike. His beloved had a wonderfully dark sense of humour, a cunning mind and a flair for planning. Angelus wondered just how soon Xander would wake up, although he knew that it wasn't permanent, the sight of Xander's lifeless body filled him with anger and pain.

*****
Part 4:

The tug in the back of his mind signalled that his mate was almost ready to be reborn as a true creature of the night. Angelus quickly walked over to his beloved's terrified parents and woke them up. The scent of fear rolling off them was intoxicating but he clamped down on the desire to drain them, wanting the pair to be his gift to Xander.

"Sire..I love you." Xander purred as he walked over to Angelus, radiating sexuality.

Xander gripped his Sire's mouth in a tight kiss, changing into his true face, delighting in the feeling of Angelus' tongue running over his fangs. The two vampires shivered in desire as their fangs touched.

"I need you, please Angelus." Xander managed to moan, through the purring of desire and contentment.

Angelus replied by running his hands over the young vampire's body, causing shiver's to run down both their spines. He quickly focused on Xander's cock, taking the leaking shaft into his mouth, expertly running his tongue down the vein. It was too much for Xander who was in a sea of lust. He was going to cum but he needed something more, sensing this Angelus bared his neck. As Xander came with a growl, he thrust his fangs into Angelus' neck. The blood was powerful, dangerous, and addictive, making Xander orgasm harder than ever before.

As soon as he could breathe, Xander looked over at his terrified parents. The scent of fear and their heartbeats called to Xander, increasing his hunger. He looked at them, wondering just what would be a fitting punishment for the two people who had hurt him and betrayed him. His mother he would let die relatively quick. His father would have to suffer for the years of rapes and beatings he had given Xander.

Moving faster than the mortals could see, Xander moved behind his mother, grasping the women's neck in his hands. The need for the blood pulsating his fingers was too strong to deny. Xander changed into game face, his eyes turning gold as he bit into the woman's neck. Xander stopped drinking the blood to look at Angelus. The elder vampire was looking at them through golden eyes, in a mix of bloodlust and desire.

"Sire, come drink with me." Xander whispered seductively as he looked Angelus in the eyes.

Smiling the older vampire dropped his fangs into the other side of the woman's neck. Minutes later the vampires had completely drained the woman who fell to the floor dead. The bloodlust was sated for the moment leaving only desire coursing through their veins.

Xander dropped to his knees and looking Angelus in the eyes, took the vampire's hard cock into his mouth. The sight of Xander's bloodstained lips around him made Angelus growl in desire. Xander bobbed up and down on the shaft, stopping to place a kiss on the tip as his sire was about to come, Xander took the cock into his mouth completely. Angelus shot a stream of cum down his beloved's throat, biting into Xander's neck as he came, making the younger vampire as his mate.

*****
Part 5:

With a groan Angelus fell to the floor, purring contentedly when he felt Xander lie down next to him. The younger vampire moved so that Angelus' head was resting on his chest.

Angelus looked up at the feeling of someone approaching. He knew that it was Spike and there were a few things he needed to say to his errant son. Not least was the fact that Spike hadn't protected his beloved from the beatings and rapes.

Spike was watching the pair with a smirk on his face he had known about the boy all along. Now that his sire was back they could finally deal with Slutty and the other do-gooders. He knew that Angelus would be all to eager to get his revenge especially when Spike gave him the details on how they had treated Xander since his sire had gone to Hell.

"Hello, William. Why don't you come in? I need to discuss this thing's punishment with you." Angelus said as he kicked Xander's father in the head, the hatred for the mortal clear in his voice.

"Good to see you two are back together. Nice to see you're part of the family again, Xan." Spike said with a leer at the young vampire.

"Don't get any ideas Spike. He is Mine." Angelus said, his tone making it clear that he would not share.

"Good to see you too, brother. Now what are we going to do about him?" Xander said as he absently stroked Angelus' head from his position on the floor.

"Leave that to me, Alex. He'll pay for touching you. Spike, nail him to the wall, we need some room to work. Alex can you get a couple of knives? It's time to teach him what happens when he touches something that belongs to me." Angelus stated already planning the punishment.

Angelus threw water on Xander's unconscious father, wanting the mortal to be awake so that Angelus could hear his screams of pain. With a smile he took in the look of fear in the man's eyes at the sight of the three vampire's in their game face.

"You remember me don't you. I'm the one who's coming to make you pay for hurting my mate. No one touches something that belongs to me. My name is Angelus and this is my childe Spike." Angelus whispered into the terrified man while running a knife down the man's back, just making small cuts.

"First I'm going to cut you all over, until you beg for me to stop. Then I'm going to beat you up and then I might let Spike have you, I haven't decided yet. Then I'm going to let Alex play with you, I know he's got a couple of things that he wants to do before we kill you." Angelus said, knowing that the knowledge of what was going to happen would be almost as bad as the act itself.

Angelus grabbed hold of Xander and kissed him roughly, delighting in the feel of his mate's fangs running over his tongue. The kiss tasted of blood, arousal, desire, need, anger and love. Breaking away Angelus offered his neck to the Xander, knowing that the younger vampire wanted to mark Angelus just as Angelus had marked him. This mark would be different then the one the younger vampire had given him when they had sex. Angelus groaned as he felt Xander's fangs descend into his neck, drinking his blood.

Moving away from Angelus, Xander watched as his mate picked up one of the knives waiting on the floor. A smile graced his face as Angelus made small cuts into the mortal's skin, not enough to kill but the pain would make him wish he had been killed. Finally someone was making his father suffer, Xander thought to himself.

Angelus looked over at Xander, delighting in the smile and bloodlust on his mate's face. Putting down the knife, Angelus started beating the nearly unconscious mortal, focusing on the chest. There was a loud crack as the man's ribs broke, making it harder for him to breathe.

"Spike, my boy. Do you want to play with him?" Angelus asked as he stepped away to admire his work. Xander's father was a mass of bruises, blood pouring out of his body from the many tiny cuts.

"Nah, it looks like he's not going to last much longer so Xander best have his fun before he dies." Spike replied, knowing how much his brother was looking forward to making the mortal suffer.

"Alex, he's all yours." Angelus stated as he moved to sit on the bed.

Xander looked around before going into the bathroom for the toilet plunger. Time to see how his father liked to be violated. With a snarl, he removed his father from his position on the wall, letting the mortal fall on the floor.

Smirking Xander thrust the plunger into his father's ass, his grin widening at the screams of agony. The screams soon turned to begs for mercy, hadn't his father figured out that he wouldn't get mercy. Taking the knife in one hand, Xander turned his father over and plunged the knife in his father's heart.

"Very good, Alex. We'll have to get out of here, we can go to the mansion for now." Angelus said as he walked over and took Xander's hand.

The three vampires walked out of the house, leaving behind the corpses of Xander's parents.

*****
Part 6:

The group walked through the dark streets of Sunnydale ignoring the stares from the other creatures of the night who looked on in a mix of fear and awe. Angelus had returned and blood was going to run but he had learned through the mistakes earlier that summer. The first problem would be to remove the witch, that way no one could put a soul on them, he was never going back to that prison.

"So how are we going to get the chip out of Spike's head?" Xander asked curious, knowing that his mate would have come up with a plan.

"Dru's waiting back at the mansion, apparently the stars have told her how to get it out. She's looking forward to see having her family together." Angelus replied noticing the way Spike's eyes flashed golden at her name.

"Is that Chaos Demon with her?" Spike asked unsure as to whether or not he wanted the answer.

"If he is we can always kill him." Xander said as he remembered the way Spike had missed his Dark Princess.

All conversation stopped as they arrived at the mansion, Angelus walked in first followed by Xander and lastly Spike. The scene was surprisingly domestic, if you ignored the hanging bodies. Druscilla was sitting at a large wooden table playing with what appeared to be a bird. On seeing them she stood and slowly walked over.

"Is this my new Daddy? The stars have told me such lovely tales about you, you are going to make the Slayer weak. You will make the blood run." Druscilla said in the lilting voice of the insane. She was dressed in a long black and red dress that glided along the floor as she walked. Looking up at Xander she smiled and moved towards Spike.

"Yes this is Alexander but you can't play with him, Dru." Angelus said his voice cold.

"I know he's yours but I can play with my Spike. Spike the stars have told me how to get that metal out of your head then we can hunt." Druscilla said as she moved to sit at the table once more.

The vampires all sat down and started to confirm all the details. The main problem was that they needed Tara to remove the chip but it would be difficult to get her before the Scooby Gang retaliated.

"Spike, you can go to the meeting and keep and eye on them. We'll get Tara on her way back to the college. The only problem is Willow." Angelus said as he considered his plan.

"Willow won't be at the meeting tomorrow, she's supposed to be tutoring someone so we can get her all alone." Xander said.

*****
Part 7:

From the shadows, Xander watched as Tara walked towards Giles' house, presumably on her way to the Scobby meeting. As if sensing eyes on her, Tara looked around before quickening her pace.

"Hi Tara." Xander said as he moved under the streetlight, while unseen by mortal eyes, Angelus moved behind her.

"Hi Xander, is something wrong?" Tara asked her voice concerned.

"Everything is great but I need your help, Spike's been injured. He's been hurt really bad." Xander said, appealing to the young witch's compassionate nature.

"Okay, I'll come with you. What about the others?" Tara said as she walked over to him.

"Anya's gone to get them but we need to get to Spike." Xander said, smirking when she followed him.

As they walked towards the mansion, Xander could smell the fear pouring from Tara, she was obviously scared but hadn't figured out yet that he was a vampire. But that would all change. Xander turned quickly as Angelus grabbed the terrified Tara by the neck, squeezing just enough to make her unconscious.

"Great job, love." Angelus said as he walked over to Xander, pulling the younger vampire into a bruising kiss.

"What can I say, I learnt from the best." Xander replied as he picked up Tara's unconscious body and walked towards the mansion that was their home for now.

"What's happened to you Angel? What have you done to Xander?" Tara asked, the tremble in her voice audible.

"Don't ever call me Angel." Angelus snarled as he slapped her in anger, licking his lips at the blood that fell from his mouth.

"He's shown me what its like to be loved." Xander replied as he walked into the room, escorted by Druscilla who smiled at the terrified girl.

"Xander, listen to me. He's lying to you, go to Willow and get help." Tara urged, not realising that Xander was a vampire.

"Why would I go to Willow? All she's ever done is hurt me. Don't worry, we won't hurt you, much. We need you to help us with something." Xander said as he leaned back against Angelus.

"What do you need my help with?" Tara replied, at the same time wondering how she could escape.

"We know that you've found the spell to remove Spike's chip and we want you to perform the spell, that's all." Angelus said, as he placed ran his fingers up Xander's arms.

"If I do the spell, will you leave without hurting anyone?" Tara asked, knowing that they would get her to perform the spell one way or another.

"Yes." Xander answered, only just containing his laughter at her statement.

*********

"So I take it she's going to do the spell?" Spike asked as he walked into the room.

"Yes but only if you leave without hurting anyone." Tara said from the middle of the room where she was crushing some herbs.

"Lets get this finished with." Angelus said, wanting to get his childe back to normal and finish their plan.

With a nod, Spike walked over to the middle of the large pentagram standing still. The vampires watched as Tara murmured the spell under her breath, while placing the herbs into the small pot in front of her. There was a flash of blue light then it was over, sitting in the palm of Tara's hand was a small chip.

"Time to see if its worked." Spike said, seconds before biting into Tara's neck, draining her quickly.

"You promised..Xander." Tara managed to gasp out before she fell to the floor.

"Newsflash, I'm a demon. You should have figured out that you can't trust us." Xander said with a smirk as Tara fell to the floor dead.

"Now that you're back to normal, Will we can take on the Slayer. I don't want to kill her, I want her to suffer for the rest of her life." Angelus said ignoring the body on the floor.

"What about the others?" Spike asked, wondering just what the plan was.

"We will kill the witch, the soldier and the watcher. The last thing we need is for anyone to get all guilty and try to give us a soul." Angelus said, as he walked over to the body.

"We'll dump her on the watcher's doorstep but first, we need to let them know who's after them." Xander said as he took a knife from his pocket, carving a brief message on Tara's back. That read, 'It's only just begun..Watch your backs..lost something, Slayer?'

Xander picked up the body, wanting to place it on the watcher's doorstep himself, not trusting one of the minions to do the job properly. Xander looked at the picture in front of him, Tara's body was propped up against the doorframe making it seem as if she was asleep.

*****
Part 8:

At 3 a.m., Giles opened the door, hearing the sound of the doorbell and gasped in shock. He looked down at Tara's body and looking around bent down to examine her. The marks on her neck confirmed his suspicions, a part of his mind noticed that her top was ripped at the back, making the message clear.

Picking up the phone, he called the police saying that he had found a body, at the same time hoping that the police didn't blame him for Tara's death. Giles was still staring at the body when the police arrived, along with the coroner. After a brief questioning the police removed the body, promising to investigate the death but Giles knew better. The Sunnydale police would dismiss Tara's death as a result of an animal attack, the Hellmouth once again working its magic.

Giles reached for the phone and dialled Willow's number at the same time wondering what he was going to tell her. His thoughts were interrupted as he heard Willow's voice on the other end.

"Hi, this is Willow." Willow said sounding half asleep.

"This is Giles can you come to my house as soon as possible, bring Buffy with you." Giles replied his voice worried.

"We'll be there as soon as possible." Willow said as she put the phone down

As he waited for the two girls to arrive, he wondered just how he was going to break the news to Willow, knowing she would be devastated at the loss of her girlfriend. The two witches had so obviously loved each other, he briefly wondered if Willow would be able to cope with Tara's death.

The sound of the doorbell called Giles from his thoughts; with a deep breath he walked over to the door and opened it.

"Hi Giles, what's wrong?" Buffy asked as she saw the expression on her Watcher's face.

"Come inside, I need to talk to you." Giles said ushering the two girls into his home.

Once the two girls had sat down, Giles took a seat on the couch close to Willow and took her hand, causing Willow to look at him in a mix of worry and shock.

"Willow, I have some bad news. An hour ago, I found Tara's body on my doorstep. She had been drained by a vampire. I'm sorry." Giles said his voice low and sympathetic.

"She's dead, Tara's dead." Willow chanted to herself as she stared at the body, ignoring Buffy who was holding her in a tight hug.

"There is a message on her back for you, Buffy. I'm afraid that whoever killed her probably did so to get to you. The message says, it's only just begun..Watch your backs..lost something, Slayer? Do any of you know what this could mean" Giles said, knowing that he probably wouldn't get answer everyone was in too much shock.

"We'll talk about it tomorrow. Willow needs some rest." Buffy said as she escorted Willow towards the spare room, tucking the young witch in and taking the seat opposite the bed. She knew that Willow needed someone close to help keep the nightmares at bay.

*****
Part 9:

Willow awoke to the feeling of arms around her, holding her close, opening one eye she found herself staring straight at Buffy. It was then that she realised that it hadn't all been a terrible nightmare, Tara was really dead. Never again would see Tara's shy smile or look into her lover's eyes.

With a groan, Willow moved from the bed, knowing that she couldn't spend all of her time grieving, if she didn't help Buffy it was possible that someone else would be killed. Willow was determined to stop that from happening, she never wanted to put someone through the pain she was feeling.

"Willow, how are you?" Buffy asked worried by the fact that Willow was acting as if nothing had happened. Buffy felt her friend was denying the fact that Tara was dead. But the Slayer could understand only too well, the urge to deny the loss of a loved one.

"I'll be alright. Can we go and see Giles?" Willow replied her voice quivering, she knew that the Watcher would be worried about her after the horrific events of the previous night.

The two girls walked out into the lounge were Giles was waiting, Willow felt that Giles looked a lot older than he did the night before. It was then that she realised that Tara's death was not only affecting her but also her friends.

"Would you like me to get you something to eat?" Giles asked Willow, uncomfortable with the situation and knowing that there was nothing he could do to take away her pain.

"That's alright, Giles. Can you tell me anything about what happened to Tara?" Willow asked her voice wavering as she said Tara's name.

"It looks like she was killed somewhere else and then placed outside. Do you know why someone would kill her?" Giles asked as he absently cleaned his glasses.

"Everyone likes-I mean liked Tara. What does the message mean?" Willow replied as she sat down, Buffy moving to sit right next to her.

"Apart from the fact that someone else will be killed I've no idea. Buffy check on Riley and Dawn that way we can make sure that they haven't been taken." Giles said as he reached for a book.

Buffy quickly walked to the phone and started dialling, relief flooding her body when Dawn's cheerful voice greeted her.

"Hi, Dawn. Are you alright?" Buffy asked wanting to make sure her sister was safe.

"I'm fine-why?" Dawn answered confused.

"I'm just making sure. I'll call Riley and have him pick you up in half an hour." Buffy said, knowing that she couldn't tell her sister about what had happened to Tara over the phone.

"Okay but what about Xander, I mean he's off work today and I'm sure he'll want to know what's happening." Dawn said, not wanting to miss out on spending time with Xander.

"You and Riley can pick him up." Buffy said knowing about the little crush Dawn had on her friend.

"I've got to figure out what to wear, bye." Dawn said excitedly as she put down the phone.

Buffy sighed as her sister hung up, wondering just how she was going to break the news. She quickly dialled Riley's number, praying that her boyfriend was safe at home.

"Riley, are you okay?" Buffy blurted out as soon as the phone was picked up.

"I'm fine, what's happened?" Riley asked concerned, hoping that nothing had happened to his girlfriend or her family.

"Tara was killed last night. Can you pick up Dawn in half an hour and bring her to Giles' place?" Buffy said as she watched Willow out of the corner of her eye.

"Sure, anything else?" Riley replied as he quickly pulled on his jeans.

"Oh yeah, can you pick up Xander, if its not too much bother." Buffy said, remembering how eager Dawn had been to see Xander.

"Sure, I'll see you soon." Riley said as he put down the phone.

Buffy stared at the phone and wondered why Riley was acting so strange, almost as if he didn't care about her. Buffy quickly shoved Riley to the back of her mind as she saw Willow who was staring vacantly into space.

********

Thirty five minutes after Riley had finished speaking to his girlfriend he arrived at Xander's but there was something wrong. There was a feeling of unease about the place, whispering to Dawn to stay there Riley stealthly walked inside.

Inside was eerily quiet but Riley walked forward and stopped in shock, on the floor lay a man, he guessed was Xander's father. The man had nails in his hand and a knife was sticking out of his chest. From the blood trail it was clear that the man had tried to move. Riley quickly walked past the body, intending on checking for any hostiles but he stopped when he spied a toilet plunger sticking out of the man's ass.

A gasp caused him to look up, he quickly turned to the doorway where a horrified and scared Dawn was staring at the bodies in shock. Riley quickly walked over to were Xander's mother lay two matching bite marks on her neck confirming his suspicions of a vampire attack. He was sure that he had missed something but he knew that he had to get Dawn to Buffy before something happened.

********

"What's happened?" Buffy asked as soon as she saw the expression on her sister's face, Dawn looked like she was going to pass out.

"I'll tell you inside." Riley said as he gently pushed Dawn into the house, closing the door behind him.

"We're inside what happen to my sister?" Buffy asked, angry she had thought that Riley would be able to protect her sister but obviously she was wrong.

"We got to Xander's house and there was something wrong, I went in alone and found his parents dead. There was no sign of Xander but it was vampires killed his mom. His father was tortured, it looked like he was nailed to the wall, cut open and then someone stuck a toilet plunger up his ass. Dawn followed me and saw them but I think she was more worried about Xander." Riley said, once Dawn was out of hearing range.

"Are you sure Xander wasn't there?" Giles asked, as he walked into the hall, having overheard the conversation.

"Yeah, and there's no sign of forced entry. The vamps must have been let in so Xander must have known them." Riley stated, he actually liked Xander, there was something about the other man that he was attracted to despite all the time he spent with Buffy.

"Xander knows not to let people into his home, what if he's next?" Buffy asked, knowing that she couldn't handle the pain if another of her friends was killed.

********

Meanwhile Xander-or Alexander as he was known now was busy planning the next stage of the plan to ruin the Slayer. The obvious next target was Riley, Buffy relied on the soldier for support. Buffy would be watching Willow so the witch would have to wait, and he didn't really want to kill Dawn, the girl had been his friend and he could honestly say he liked her. No his friends would be safe-the only people he was going to hurt was the ones who had pretended to be his friends only ignore the years of abuse he had endured.

The plan was simple but effective, he was going to call Riley and beg for help insisting that Angel had taken him hostage. Riley would be more than willing to kill Angel and wouldn't involve Buffy because of the supposed feelings the Slayer still harboured for her ex. If need be there was always the crush card, he remembered the way Riley had watched him and had enough experience to know when someone wanted him. His home life had taught him that and given him a thirst for vengeance.

He also had to consider the person he was now to the world Xander Harris had become Alexander the childe and mate of Angelus but to his vampire family he was Xander and to Angelus he would always be Alex. He matched his mate in terms of bloodlust and destruction, Xander always had the abilities to be cruel, cunning and ruthless he had just suppressed them mainly in the effort to be accepted and loved.

"Alex why are in here planning when we could be doing a lot more enjoyable and messy things with our time?" Angelus asked as he moved behind the younger vampire, thrusting his groin against his love's ass.

"Just making sure everything's perfect. When should I make the call?" Alex asked as he leaned into Angelus' embrace, purring when his lover started placing small bites on his exposed shoulders.

"Give it a while maybe in a couple of days, give them time to worry then we'll strike. Leave the plan, I want you fucking me as soon as possible." Angelus said, pausing to consider Xander's question.

"That sounds a lot more appealing." Xander whispered, taking Angelus' hand. The couple walked in silence to their bedroom, each one fighting to control themselves until they were safe from prying eyes.

*****
Part 10:

Giles stared at the books in front of him, desperately searching for some clue as to the identity of the latest demon to target the Slayer. As if that wouldn't be enough, there was also the little problem of a great evil that had possibly emerged in Sunnydale, the group had patrolled frantically on the night of Tara's death but the own had been eerily quiet. The disappearance of Xander bothered him, Giles was sure that was missing something important.

He wasn't sure how to help his young charges; Willow had spent the two days since Tara's death staring into space. Occasionally the young witch would look around as if searching for something or someone. He and Buffy had agreed not to tell the young witch about Xander's disappearance in case it made her worse.

Dawn was alternately crying and angry, the young girl seemed to be taking Xander's disappearance and probable death worse than the rest of them. Riley was an enigma, he hadn't paid any real attention to Buffy and had been almost maniacal in his patrols of Sunnydale, insisting that Xander was waiting to be rescued.

Giles suddenly sat up, remembering a case from the old Watcher Diaries. If he was right, Xander had precious little time. Grabbing a book from the top shelf, Giles quickly turned the pages stopping at the section about Angelus' past. He read the passage and reached for the phone, automatically dialling his Slayer's number.

"Buffy, it's Giles. I think I know what's happening. Get everyone here, as fast as possible. Be careful." Giles said as Buffy's cheerful voice greeted him.

"We'll be there in fifteen." Buffy replied quickly before putting the phone down.

*******

Meanwhile Riley Finn was jarred awake by the sound of the phone ringing. He picked it up quickly, knowing that Buffy might need him.

"Farm Boy, I've got someone here, you seem to have lost." Angelus said his voice full of dark humour.

"Angel, is that you? What are you doing calling me?" Riley asked moodily, he didn't like his girlfriend's ex, and Angel didn't like him. So why was the souled vampire calling him?

"Guess again, Farm Boy. Angel's gone for good, my name is Angelus." Angelus said, laughing slightly at the sudden deep breathing on the other end of the phone. Grinning widely he continued, "As I said, there's someone here your group seems to have lost. You know, Xander's really quite beautiful. I wonder if he'll look so beautiful after I. play with him? Do you think he'll look so enchanting when I enter him?"

"Don't even think about hurting Xander!" Riley spat out not likely the malice in the vampire's voice. Reason returned and he asked, "How do I know you've got him?"

Angelus grinned at his mate as he said, "True. I'll let you talk to him for a couple of minutes. Then I'm going to have some fun with him. Do you think he'll still be beautiful after I've drained him?"

"Ri.. Riley is that you? You've got to help me, please!" Xander said into the phone, his voice shaking from having to fight to stop from laughing. Luckily, Riley thought Xander's voice was simply shaky with fear.

"Yeah, its Riley. I'll help you. He hasn't hurt you, has he?" Riley asked straightening his posture.

"No. Not yet but he keeps looking at me like he's wondering what I taste like. You're going to come and get me, right?" Xander said schooling his voice so that he sounded afraid, yet hopeful.

Buffy knocked on the door, getting no answer she walked inside and stopped. Riley was awake and busy talking on the phone. Unnoticed she listen to the conversation, her expression changing to one of worry as she understood what was happening.

"I'll come and get you. Don't worry, I won't let him hurt you." Riley said, stopping when he heard Angelus' growls echoing and Xander shouting for the vampire to stop.

Angelus sneered, "I hope you had a nice little talk. You can get the White Knight, tonight at 10pm in the Park. If I see any sign that you've brought others, Xander's going to pay for it. Got me Farm Boy?"

"I understand. If you've hurt him, I'm going to kill you, Angelus." Riley swore, wondering how he was going to keep this from Buffy.

"I'd like to see you try, Farm Boy." Angelus purred seconds before the call ended.

"Got something to tell me?" Buffy asked as she watched her boyfriend shy from her gaze.

"I heard the call. I know it was Angelus, just who has he got to make you so worried?" Buffy asked as she absently watched Riley stare at the wall.

"Doesn't matter, Giles called. He needs us over there as soon as possible." Buffy said as she walked out, expecting Riley to follow. After a few seconds he did, his mind re-playing the conversation.

*******

"Now that you are here, I'm afraid I know what happened to Xander. The profile perfectly matches Angelus; furthermore Cordelia and Wesley are dead. I called the office and was informed by a Mr Gunn that vampires attacked the pair and Angel has completely disappeared. My research suggests that Angelus only acts this way when something he owns or loves is hurt. I think he's getting revenge for the way we treated Spike, Xander never liked Angelus or Angel so he's the perfect target." Giles said as everyone looked at him expectantly.

"Angelus phoned Riley earlier today, I overheard Riley say his name as he ended the call." Buffy said, ignoring the glare from Riley.

Riley stared at his girlfriend in disbelief; he couldn't believe what she was doing. Granted, it was probably a trap but if Angelus found out someone else knew about the call, Xander would be killed or worse.

"What did he say?" Giles asked, hopeful that he could find out just what Angelus was after this time.

"I don't know what you're talking about." Riley said, staring at the wall. He wasn't going to risk Xander's life because he had disobeyed instructions.

Within a couple of seconds, Riley found himself held up against the wall by Giles. As he looked into the older man's eyes, he couldn't see any sign of the mild mannered man he had come to know. It was then that he realised he was looking at Ripper, and that this side of Giles would happily kill him.

"If you don't tell me what he said, I'm going to hurt you. It could help us find Xander." Giles said, smiling faintly when Riley's eyes widened at the mention of Xander.

"So that's why you want say anything! If you tell us we can get Xander back safely." Giles said as he let the other man go. Riley fell to the floor but soon picked himself up and was sitting next to Buffy.

"He said that he thought Xander was beautiful and asked if I thought Xander would still be beautiful if he played with him. From what he said, I think he's planning on sexually assaulting Xander. I spoke to Xander and he said that Angelus keeps watching him, like he wants to taste him. He sounded afraid and then I heard growling, and Xander was shouting at Angelus to stop." Riley said, his voice low. Thing the fact that he had broken his vow and had told the others, now Xander would be killed for sure.

"I assume that he told you when to meet him to get Xander back?" Giles asked, already knowing the answer, Angelus loved playing with the Slayer and consequently them.

"Yeah, the park at 10.00. He said I have to go alone or he'll kill Xander." Riley said, hoping he could convince everyone to let him go alone. It was safer that way, he wondered if Xander would start to like him once he rescued the younger man from Angelus' grip.

Giles just looked at the ex-soldier already knowing the man's intentions but he couldn't let Riley just walk into a trap. If Riley died it would probably totally unhinge the Slayer and the last thing anyone needed was an insane Slayer. No, he and Buddy would have to be there in case. He was positive that together the three could take out Angelus, and it was unlikely the older vampire would have any other vampires apart from minions.

*****