Angel stood there after Spike left for his bedroom. He was torn. He didn't know if he should try and break them apart anymore. It was clear that both of them were happier then he had ever seen either of them when they were teasing each other. They were a part of the same whole it seemed. How couldn't they be? He made them both. One by blood one by sex but they were both of him. He wanted them both happy and safe. Could they be together and safe?

"Hey, Angelface. I think its time for us to go."

Angel looked at Lorne then the room. The Scoobies and Cordy were almost done cleaning the room. At least that was one less thing that his son and his childe had to think about.

"Hey Lorne. Did you. you know?" Angel asked Lorne when he turned back to him.

"Sorry, sugarbuns. Didn't think it was the right time. You know with the kid banged up. But I can tell you one thing."

Angel nodded his head. "Ok?"

"Those two love each other more then anyone I have ever met. They are meant to be together."

Angel nodded his head again then turned from Lorne. "Hey, Cordy, Groo. Ready to go?"

Cordy walked over to Angel. "Ummmm Angel, actually I was thinking about going to Buffy's and getting up on everything I missed."

"And Groo will go with you?"

"Yeah. So I'll see you tomorrow, ok?"

"Looks like it's just you and me, Sugarbuns."

"Yeah, it does." Angel grabbed his leather coat that he took off when he started to help Spike in the kitchen. "Night, everyone. See you tomorrow." He turned and waved good bye then left the apartment.

Cordy gave Lorne a questioning look. Lorne just shrugged.

"It was nice meeting you all. We have to do this again sometime. Sorry about the broody Vampire. He's still in training school."

Lorne started out the door when he heard, "Night Lorne."

He turned to see the small blond slayer smiling at him. He knew that he was now accepted. "Night to you too doll face."

He walked out the door and jogged to Angel. "Ok, spill. It's not nice to walk out on your friends like that and I know you have better manners, so what's wrong, honeybuns?"

"They're in love? How can they be in love?" Angel turned to Lorne. "Xander doesn't even like vampire and now he is sleeping with one? There has to be something going on."

"Honeybuns, I told you the truth. They do love each other. Why does that bother you?"

"What if something happens? What if they hurt each other? What am I supposed to do? I want to protect both of them and if they hurt each other who am I supposed to protect?" Angel dropped his gaze to the floor.

"Look sugar, every couple fights, every couple hurts each other but that pain makes the happiness that much better. You can't live their lives. They are their own people and good ones from what I've seen."

"But Spike is a killer. He's killed thousands of people. He's a soulless vampire. And Xander. He hates vampires. What if he decides to leave Spike? It'll kill Spike. Spike's never been hurt so much. A lot of the time because of me. I don't want him to go through that again."

"And what's your plan? Ripping them apart. Na uh Angelface. That will hurt him more then you have ever hurt him before."

"But I don't want Xander to do it either." Angel's voice was somewhere between screaming and crying and his face had changed with his emotions. "Look I know you are protective papa bear but you have to let the cubs go. They have their own lives."

Angel nodded slightly. He didn't like the idea that he had no control. Not at all.

"If you don't get that, how about you trust me. Those two's love makes Groo and Cordy look like a candle against the sun. They are amazing. If you stood by when Cordy fell for Groo, why don't you show your son the same love?"

"But what about Spike?" Angel whined looking more like a two year old then a two hundred year old vampire.

"He'll be fine. He's got your son looking after him doesn't he?" Lorne rubbed Angel's arm. "So why don't the two of us get out of here? There has to be something better to do then brooding all night. Right?"

Angel smiled slightly. "Nope, that's all we do around here."

"Wow, that was almost a smile. Be careful. Some one might see."

Angel broke into a full smile.

"Now there's a beautiful picture." Lorne said.

Angel grabbed Lorne and pulled him close. "Thanks, Lorne. Don't know what I'd do without you."

Lorne was more then slightly shocked at the Angels' change in additude. "No problem big guy, but why the sudden change in your mood?"

Angel let go of Lorne and started to walk to the stairs. "Because I just figured out what I can do."

"Why do I have a bad feeling about this?"

*****
Part 20

It's begun. My dear heart will soon meet his fate. I have been watching him so closely yet I am scared that I will lose him. Yet him and his mate are well matched. There is bond like that I have not see in many centuries and he is no longer the child I took out of danger. His wisdom has surpassed his age. I just hope it's enough.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Justine was pushed against a wall with her arms stung up above her head. She had bruises all over her body and bloody was dripping from the many open wounds that she had. A hand grabbed her roughly forcing her to look into the eyes of her tormentor.

"Where did you put the child, Justine?" Holtz asked in a low voice. He had been asking her for hours but his anger kept growing.

"I told you before. I don't know." She spat at Holtz.

"Don't lie to me Justine." Holtz let go of her head and it sank down. She didn't have the energy to keep this up for much longer. She knew her time was limited.

"Did I not trust you with a simple job. Did I not tell you to stay her and watch the child?" Holtz paced in front of his former second in command. She had cost him everything.

"Look, I said I was sorry. I thought they could handle watching a baby." Justine said anger clear in her voice.

Holtz grabbed her hair and yanked her head up again. "Well, you thought wrong."

He hit her across the face. He then grabbed her head and putted it as far as he could. "You have cost me my life's work. My justice, Justine. And you will pay."

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Wesley sat hunched over a glass of scotch. He had betrayed his family. He had betrayed his friends. And he had taken a son away from his father. He was becoming what he had fought so hard against.

Angel had taken him in when he had nothing. He was rogue demon hunter with nowhere to be no one to care for. Angel took him in. Gave him employment. Gave him a place to be. Angel, who would found loyalty one of the most important virtuous, that who he betrayed. He was sure there was no way he would be trusted by him again. Not even..

But he had to try. He had to get Conner back. He had been wrong about prophecies before this. What's to say he wasn't this time?

Wes grabbed the Karma Maya, an ancient Hindu text on magic. It had many volumes on lost love ones and lost souls. He had originally gotten it to make sure Angel's soul stayed in place but if he remember correctly there was a spell about how to find a lost love or lost friend. He quickly flipped the page to the spell on lost loved ones. He quickly scanned it. It did not seem that difficult. He just needed something of Conner's. But where was he going to get one. He knew he could not get one from Angel. He was sure the vampire would ripe off his head. Soul or no soul. He deserved it.

Wes sighed. This was not helping him at all. He needed to focus. Where could he get something? He started to tap his finger to on the table then he remembered the toy that had of Conner's. He had accidentally stuck it into his pocket once and had forgotten to give it back. He raced to his jacket and found the little stuffed tiger in his pocket.

"I might have a chance." Wes took the little toy in his hand and walked back to the book. He needed some buttermilk, some milk and a few ingredients that he knew he could find at a local magic box. Wes smiled for the first time in many days.

"Conner, I'm going to bring you home." He smiled and quickly jotted down the rest of the ingredients then ran out the down.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Angel stood at the door of his son's apartment the next night. He knew what he had to do. It was so simple that he was amazed he hadn't thought of it before. Make sure they stayed together and happily at that. Well all he really wanted, them to be happy. He still didn't really like the together part but if they were happy together then he was going to make sure they stayed that way. It was also the only way he could keep his family together and be able to keep an eye on all of them.

Angel gently knocked on the door. He knew Spike would be able to hear him and he didn't want to wake up Xander especially since that could get him kicked out before he was in the door. So he just stood back and waited for the door to open. When it did a very tired and annoyed Spike stood in front of him.

"Peaches, what are you bloody doing here at this time of day?" Spike asked fairly surprised. He was sure that his Sire would not want a repeat of the night before and would stay far away from the apartment.

Angel smiled slightly. "Well first of all it's past sunset, so I'm safe to come out. Second I was just in the neighborhood and wanted to see if you needed any help. Um.can I come in, Will?"

Spike jumped back a little. "Sure, sorry about that."

Angel walked in with a smirk on his face. "Who finally taught you manners?"

"Always had them. Never found a reason to use them with you." Spike smiled at his Sire as he closed the door.

Angel snorted as he leaned against the couch. "You haven't changed. Still the brat that Dru found in the gutter."

"Oi, I was never a brat. Just didn't like you was all." Spike smirked.

"I'm wounded, Will. I really am." Angel smiled. "Come here." Angel opened his arms to his Childe.

Spike hesitated for a second before he walked to Angel and wrapped his self around the older vampire. He just needed a few second of being the one taken care of. The fear of loosing Xander was still fresh in his mind. He just wanted his Sire to take it away for a while.

Angel grabbed hold of his Childe and pulled him close. Spike looked horrible. He didn't look like he had slept all day. He was probably too worried about Xander to take care of him self. Angel smiled. Spike did know how to make someone feel love.

After a few minutes of just standing there Angel hit Spike in the back of the head.

Spike jerked his head up. "Ow. What was that for?" It didn't really hurt he just wanted to play around.

"For scaring the shit out of me when I found you and Xander were gone. I thought something had happened to you. And also for not taking care of your self. And anyway I barely touched you, you big baby." Angel squeezed Spike tightly then let go of him. He pushed the smaller vampire a little back so he could see Spike's face while he talked. "Seriously Spike you can't do this to yourself."

"You never cared before." Spike didn't want to be lectured. He already had too many things on his mind. He didn't want pleasing his Sire to be added to the ranks.

Angel rolled his eyes. "Yeah, that's why I've been keeping taps on you since I left town."

"You have?" Spike looked down at the floor. He didn't want to show Angel how much that meant to him.

Angel cupped Spike's face and made the blonde met his gaze. "Yes, I have. I didn't want anything to happen to you."

Spike pulled away. "But then chip. You never did anything. You knew and you didn't." Spike was confused, hurt, and mad at the same time.

Angel sighed. "What did you want me to do? Rush here and take care of you? We both know you are too proud for that. Anyway I knew you would survive. You always have, my little one." Angel grabbed Spike's shoulder and stopped the vampire from leaving. "You wouldn't have listen to me back then and aren't you happy that I didn't? You would have all of this if I did. You would have just been stuck with me."

Spike glanced at the bedroom door that was still mostly open. He could see Xander lying in bed dreaming away. "Yeah I guess I am. But you still could have done something."

"Alright next time you get a chip put in I'll send you a card." Angel said looking completely serious.

"Hardie fucking har har. You're killing me. Wait, you already did that." Spike said sneering at Angel as he walked to the kitchen. He was hungry. He hadn't eaten since last night and had stayed up most of the day making sure everything was ok for Xander. He was tired.

"Aww. Will, where's your sense of humor, lad?"

//Lad? Did Angel just call me lad? I haven't heard that in so long. Maybe he really is my Sire.//

"Don't know? Where did yours go?" Spike opened the fridge only to see it was empty. No bloody for him to eat. He growled.

Angel walked up behind Spike to see the problem. "What's wrong?"

"Out of blood and I'm hungry." Spike said.

"Well," Angel said, "You can take some of mine and go out to get more."

*****
Part 21:

Spike turned around his eyes wide with amazement. He never thought Angel would ever left him take his blood. It was too intimate, too sacred. He then pulled himself together and tried to calmly agree. "Sure, sounds like a plan."

Angel smirked. He knew what it meant to Spike. What it meant for the two of them to do this. It was renewing bonds. "Come on, William. This will be more comfortable on the couch." Angel took one of Spike's hands and gently steered to the couch.

Spike still did not believe this was happening. He was being pulled by his Sire like he had been when he was a fledgling to drink his blood this was too unreal.

Angel let go of Spike when the reached the front of the sofa. He started to unbutton his shirt so it wouldn't get any blood on it when he was stopped but two smaller pale hands.

"Please Sire, let me." Spike asked looking like a little boy who was about to open a Christmas present.

Angel let his hands drop and nodded his head.

Spike licked his lips slightly and moved his hands to his Sire's shirt. He had never been as scared or as trilled before when Angelus had let him take blood but this meant something more then before. It meant a second chance at a family that he missed, a Sire that he ached for.

After Spike had taken off his shirt, Angel quickly pulled off his undershirt and placed it on the sofa. He then sat down on the sofa motioning Spike to fallow him.

Spike walked towards Angel as if the older vampire had put a spell on him. He felt the need to near him. To be safe for a few minutes, away from all the happening of the day.

When Spike stood in front of him, Angel pulled on the younger vampire and caused him to straddle Angel's hips. He then kissed Spike chastely on the lips before moving the blonde's head to his neck.

Spike wrapped his left arm around Angel's neck and the right around his chest to pull his Sire closer to him. He then started to kiss and lick Angel's neck. He sucked gentle on where he wanted to bite but knew better then to bit without his Sire's permission.

Angel moaned as Spike worshiped his neck. He had missed the blood sharing between Sire and Childe and how could have forgot how good William made him feel during it.

Angel wrapped his arms around Spike's body and said, "Drink, Childe." As soon as the words left his lips, Angel felt Spike's fangs sink into his body. He couldn't spot from moaning again at the beauty of the act.

Spike started to drink the ambrosia that he had been denied for over a century. The sweetness and the power of his Sire's blood had been a distant memory that he had locked in a mind as something that he would never have again. And now he was drinking the divine liquid as if the last hundred years had never happened.

Angel started to feel the toll of letting his Childe drink from him and pushed the blonde away slowly. "Enough Childe. Leave some for me."

Spike smiled and started to lick the wound he created in his Sire. He felt the arms around him tighten and pull him closer to the large body. He stopped licking the opening and rested his head on his Sire's shoulder.

Angel started to stroke the blonde hair that was close to his fingers, surprised that it was still soft even after the abuse that Spike had put it through.

The two vampires stayed entwined like that until Angel felt a slight tremor run through Spike's body and some wetness on his shoulder.

"William, what's wrong?" Angel started to rub the vampire's back.

Spike tightened his hold on his Sire and whispered, "Xander."

Angel's whole body tensed. "What's wrong with him? Did something happen to him after we left? Is he going to be alright?"

Spike pulled away from Angel a little to look in the older vampire's eyes. "No, it just I could have lost him. He's so fragile and I'm useless." He pushed his face back into Angel neck.

Angel didn't know what to say. "William, you aren't useless. There is nothing you can do. He has to heal. He will be fine."

"But what about the person who did this to him?"

Angel tensed again. "What about him?"

"I can't go after him with this bloody chip. I can't after the bastard."

"Oh William, Xander doesn't need that though. He just needs you near showing him how much you love him. How much you want him to get better."

"But, Sire, shouldn't the bastard get what he deserves?"

Angel was stuck in between a rock and a hard spot. Should he tell the truth and lose his Childe or lie to him. "He'll get what he deserves in the end, William. We all do." Angel lightly kissed Spike's hair. "Now tell me why you are so tired."

Spike whimpered. "I can't sleep. I'm scared I'll close my eyes and he'll disappear. Sire, I let him get out of my sight for only a few minutes and he got hurt. What am I supposed to do?"

Angel pulled Spike so the vampire was no longer holding on his shoulder but straddling his lap. "Will, he's stronger then you give credit for. He's been going against things in the night ever since he was in a kid. He helped destroy the Master, he went against me when I was more or less mad, and he did get through his family."

Spike growled at the last statement then frowned looking down at his hands. "But he's only human. I'm going to lose him."

Angel sighed. He didn't want to think about his son's mortality any more then Spike did but he knew that he had to help his Childe. He needed him. Angel kissed forehead. "My poor William. Yes, he is just human so why don't you make every day his last, first and best. Make sure to cherish him. Love him like you will never be able to let go."

Spike looked his sire with tears in his eyes. "But I can't let go of him. What am I going to do?"

Angel pulled his Childe close to him. "I'll be there for you. I'll always be there for you."

Spike rested against Angel for a few minutes before pulling back. He leaned in and kissed Angel very lightly on the lips. "Thank you, Sire."

Angel smiled. "You're welcome, William." He lightly hit Spike's head. "Now, why don't you go get more blood?"

Spike glanced at the door. "But what about Xander?"

Angel smirked. "You think I can't take care of one human for a few minutes?"

Spike smiled. "Never said anything the likes of that. Just don't think Xander would like to wake up to your ugly mug." Spike scrambled off of Angel.

"Very funny. Just go get the blood." Angel stood up and started to get dressed again.

Spike looked at the door again.

Angel stepped forward and cupped Spike's face. "William, you love him and would take him as a mate if you could. Am I right?"

Spike nodded his head.

"Then he is part of my family and I won't let anything happen to my family ever again."

Spike smiled broadly. Angel had taken in his lover. Even if Spike couldn't defend him, as his Sire, Angel now had to defend him.

"Thank you, Sire." Spike said softly.

Angel smiled. "You've been saying that a lot lately. It might become a habit."

"Gods, I hope not." Spike slipped away from Angel and grabbed his duster and keys. "I'll be back in half an hour. Xander's medicine is on the nightstand. Make sure he takes it if he wakes up. He usually drops off right after that. He shouldn't wake up now anyway. But just incase."

Angel shook his head. William had always been a worrier. "I've got it, Childe. Go!"

Spike raised his hand in surrender. "Fine, fine. I'm gone." Spike opened the door and left.

Angel stood there looking at the door checking if his Childe would come back in saying that he had forgotten some detail but after a few minutes he realized that he was alone in the apartment with his son sleeping in the other room.

Angel walked slowly to the bedroom door and saw Xander sleeping peaceful in the middle of the bed. He had never seen him look like that before. Xander had always fought with him or yelled at him when they where a room together. The young man never seemed at ease when Angel was in the room. It had only gotten worse after Angelus had shown up completely mad. Angel could now see the semblance between Xander now and him as a babe.

They both had dark brown hair and soft looking skin. //He must have gotten that from Darla.// They had that same face structure that was between the soft curves that Darla had and the squarish face that he did. Angel looked at Xander's hand. He remember how tightly Conner had always grabbed his finger almost like he was trying to it off and now Xander had hands, much like his own, that he used to slay and do construction work with. Angel wanted the years that had been stolen from him to come back. He wanted to know what Xander was like as a child, or even as a teen. He had never paid that much attention to the younger man, only seeing him as a threat to his relationship with Buffy.

Angel was knocked out of his brooding session by a movement and a groan from the bed. Angel went back into the kitchen and got some water for the mortal like he had seen Spike do the night before.

Xander moaned as he got up. He hurt everywhere. It wasn't as bad as it had been before but it still was no fun for him. He just wanted to snuggle with his colder, a.k.a. Spike, and go back to sleep.

"Spike." Xander whined as he sat up. He sat back against the headboard of bed and closed his eyes. He then heard some movement next to the bed.

"Blondie, you left me" Xander pouted and opened his eyes. When he saw who it was. He shrieked and moved away from the vampire.

"Deadboy, why are you here again? And where's Spike? You didn't do anything to him did you? Because if you did I swear I will kill you." Xander kept moving to the other side of the bed until he fell of it. He quickly got on his feet and grabbed one of the many weapons that where hidden in the apartment. "Start talking."

"Look Xander calm down. I didn't come here to hurt you or Spike."

"Yeah, right. That's why he isn't here. SPIKE!!!!!" Xander yelled as loudly as he could.

"Spike went out to get some blood. He didn't have any and he told me to stay here and look after you until he came back. So calm down. I didn't do anything to him." Angel held his hand in front of him showing Xander that he was unarmed and not a threat.

"Sure, deadboy. That's what you want me to believe. So you coming here has nothing to do with what I said yesterday right?"

"Actually it does." Angel said calmly.

Xander backed away from the vampire until he was against the wall even though Angel had not stepped closer to him. "So what are you going to do. Kill me because I said something that you didn't like."

"Actually I wanted to welcome you to the family." Angel said with a small smile.

"Huh?" Xander said completely confused.

"I'll explain just sit down. Wil, will dust me if he knew you were out of bed. I promise I won't touch you." Angel motioned to the bed. "Just sit down."

Xander looked at the vampire warily then slowly moved to the bed. "Ok but I'm keeping the weapon."

"Of course." Angel said with amusement dancing in his eyes.

Xander sat leaning against the headboard for support but as far as he could from the vampire. "So start talking."

"You were right about me Xander. I was a horrible Sire. I hurt Spike whenever I could. I took the love he gave me and hurt him with it. That didn't and doesn't mean I don't love him. William was and is my favorite Childe but I couldn't show him the love I wanted to as Angelus before because of Darla. She would have told me to get rid of him if I had. She had already thought that Dru took to much time with me from her. When she saw William, she ordered me to kill him immediately. I begged to keep him. He was like an angel in the darkness for me. He was so innocent and so beautiful I couldn't leave him. She finally let me keep him but warned me that if I took to much time with him that she would kill him herself." Angel stopped for a few second remembering how mad Darla had been when young William first came into the house.

"If you loved him so much why did you hurt him so much?" Xander asked for the first time seeing how much Spike meant to Angel.

"What could I do? Darla always said that I spoiled him, which was true. I had to punish him in order to stay on Darla's good side. I was too scared of what she would do if I did otherwise. But I never really tried to hurt him. There were times I had tears in my eyes while I marked his beautiful body. I couldn't believe what I had done. But William understood why I had to do it. After I was done hurting him, he would come into my arms and tell me that it wasn't my fault. That he knew I still loved him. That he would always love me." Angel had tears running down his face.

"I never knew how wonderful he was until I lost him. The curse.. The curse took me away from him. It made me feel unclean to touch him and him unclean for me to touch. I knew that I loved a monster and that that monster loved me too but I couldn't do anything to stop him. I couldn't tell him to stop eating. I wanted him to be strong and well. I wanted him to become a master vampire even when I had a soul. The push and pull was ripping me apart so I left. I left him so he could be stronger not be held down by some freak with a soul. After I left, the soul started to make me more and more disgusted with what I was with, what William was. So by the time we met again a few years ago, the disgust had turned to hate and William became a symbol of the wrongs I had done in the world."

"When I lost my soul, Angelus was jealous and insane. He hated being locked away in a little part of me. Chained in be a curse. He thought that by opening hell, he would have his revenge on the world after what it did to him."

"And Spike?" Xander whispered.

"And Spike was still that symbol of all demon life to Angelus. Angelus was furious that William had become so powerful with him. He was mad that Spike had moved on and seemed to have forgotten about him. I think that was what bothered him the most. To be forgotten about by the person he loved the most."

"And the torture?'

Angel snorted. "He thought Spike would come to him begging for blood willing to give him what ever he wanted in return. Little did he know that William was too proud to do that. He was so surprised that Spike went to the Slayer that he didn't know what to do."

"The Slayer?" Xander raised an eyebrow.

Angel took an unneeded breath. "Well, my soul and demon aren't exactly separate anymore."

Xander took the blanket that he laid on his legs up to his chin like a little child. "You mean you're Angelus?"

"Well, technically yes and no. We merged into one. He's more like the souled Angel and I'm more like him."

"So does that mean you can't loose your soul anymore?"

"Yeah." Angel smiled. "It does."

"Well, how do you know?" Xander let the blanket slide back down.

"I had a happy moment. The moment I first held my son. It was amazing. He was a miracle. He was so small and so beautiful."

Xander looked down at his blanket. "Yeah, I heard. I'm sorry about what happened." Angel was looking at him curiously. "The green guy told me."

Angel laughed. "Lorne. I don't know what I would do with out him."

Xander looked at Angel with shock. "You can laugh. I mean you laughed. I mean."

Angel laughed harder and motioned Xander to stop. "Xander, it's ok I understand. It's not the normal broody version that you are used to see me as. Don't worry. I'm not mad. Look there is a reason I came here though. I want to talk to you about William."

"What about Spike?" Xander said cautiously.

"You hurt him and I'll hurt you."

*****
Part 22:

"What!!!!!" Xander started to get off the bed.

"No, wait. Hear me out." Angel held his hand up in surrender trying to get Xander to calm down again.

"You just said you're going to hurt me and you want me to hear you out? Do you think I'm crazy?"

"Look, Xander. All I want to do is to take care of William. I want to make up for all the stuff I did to him. I'm not going to hurt you but you better not hurt him."

"Isn't that the pot calling the kettle black?!" Xander shouted back.

"I doesn't matter what it's called as long as he's happy and safe." Angel fumed.

Xander paused and really looked at the vampire. "You're telling the truth."

"Well, as Cordy would say, duh."

Xander sat back down on the bed. "So you love William?"

Angel sighed slightly. "Yes. I do."

Xander turned to Angel. "You aren't going to take him away from me, are you?"

Angel looked at the mortal as little saddened by the idea. "No. I can't and I won't. It would hurt William too much if I tried." Angel walked to the other side of the bed and stood in front of Xander. "Look, I took Dru away from him. I took his mortality away from him. I took the ring away from him all hoping that some how that would make him need me. You know what I figured out is that William doesn't need me. I need him. And I want him however I can get him. And if that is just as Childe, then so be it. He's my family. And now you are his and so you have become mine."

Xander sat there looking at the brunette vampire for a few minutes trying to understand what had just happened. "So what you're trying to say is welcome to that family?"

Angel rolled his eyes. "Didn't I say that before?"

Xander smiled at Angel. "Yeah, but I never really listen to you. Now that I'm like your son-in-law, I guess I'll have to listen to you more, Dad!!" Xander fell back on to the bed laughing.

Angel's non-beating heart was in his throat. Xander had called him dad. Sure it was a joke but it was the closest thing he could hope for from the younger man.

"Hardie har har. Very funny." Angel sneered at Xander.

"Hey, what's so funny?" said a voice from the door.

Angel looked up to see Spike standing in the doorway looked very confused and worried.

"Sorry, William. I broke Xander. I think you should look for a new mate. Preferable someone with a better sense of manners." He glared at the laughing mass on the bed.

Spike smiled and slipped into bed behind Xander and pulled the mortal to his chest. "But I like my nummy treat. He's tasty. I'm keeping him."

"Yeah and I want him to keep him." Xander turned and kissed his vampire.

Angel smiled and shook his head. "And here I thought I was supposed to be listened to as the head of the family."

"Nah, you just get ignored as always but you can bitch at us more." Spike smirked.

"But I already bitch at you and you never remember that either." Angel replied.

"Well maybe if you had your own life you wouldn't have to live through your children." Xander said.

Both vampire turned to Xander and looked at him as if he had added another head.

"What?!" Xander asked a little uncomfortable under the stares.

"Well, that was down right insightful pet."

Xander glared at Spike. "What I can't be insightful?"

Spike kissed Xander on the forehead. "Never said anything the likes of that but usually you keep all your good ideas in that pretty little head of yours. Don't really let them out."

"Good save there, Spike." Xander said. "Anyway, don't feel like dumbening myself for you two. Who can you tell? Giles, Buffy, Cordy? I think not. They won't believe you so my secret's save."

Angel laughed lightly. "Are you sure he didn't come broken, William?"

Spike laughed. "He did. But like him like this. Makes life more interesting."

"I can see that." Angel smiled at the couple. "So did you get the blood? I'm famished. Xander's starting to look good."

"Hey, resent that. I'm yummy. Ask Spike." Xander pouted.

"That he is." Spike said. "Especially when he's just about to come. He taste."

"Too much information." Angel quickly walked out the door.

Spike turned to Xander. "I think we scared the Poof."

Xander laughed. "I think we did too."

"So why was he in here anyway?" Spike laid down on the bed next to Xander and pulled the younger man so he could spoon with him.

"He wanted to welcome me to the family." Xander moved closer to his lover. Spike started to move his head up and down his lover's body. "So what did you say?"

"I called him dad." Xander started to laugh again but it quickly turned into a moan as Spike started to kiss his neck.

"So that's what you were giggling about?" Spike started to nibble on one of Xander's ear lobes.

"Uh huh." His brain was slowly shutting down.

"So why didn't you stake him when you saw him? Would have bet good money that you would." Spike said moving Xander onto his back so he could kiss the younger man's mouth.

"Wanted to.scared me. told me the truth.don't stop!!" Xander said as his lover's hand disappeared into his pants.

"What truth?" Spike was a little curious what his Sire had told his mate.

"That he loves you.wants you to be happy." Xander said. Xander groaned when Spike stopped moving.

"He told you that." Spike's voice was a little shaky. "How do you know he was telling the truth?"

Xander was more then a little mad that his lover stopped right when he was so close to loosing it but he knew that Spike needed to hear this. Xander pulled Spike's hand out of him pant and pushed the vampire on his back. He then kissed the vampire very softly, trying to show the vampire how much he meant to him. "Yeah he did. And I believe him. You want to know why?"

Spike nodded his head slightly.

"Because I've never seen him so scared of telling anyone anything. He meant it. He loves you. He misses you." Xander said.

Spike just laid there thinking about all that his mate had just said. His Sire wanted him. He wanted him with him. But that meant leaving Xander. He wouldn't do that.

Spike warped his arms around the brunette and kissed him possessively. "Mine!! Never leavin' you."

Xander smiled at his lover. "Silly Spike. He doesn't want you to leave me. He just wants you to be happy and he understands that I make you that way. He wants to you stay with me."

Spike's eyes widened with amazement. "He does?"

"Yeah, he does. So why don't we go out side and talk to dad?" Xander smiled.

"You know that's going to piss him off." Spike smiled back at his lover.

"Why do you think I do it?" Xander said and started to get out of bed.

"Hey! What do you think you are doing?" Spike said a little anger in his eyes.

"Aa, going to talk to Angel?" Xander said not knowing what his lover was mad about.

"Yeah but you're supposed stay in bed." Spike said.

"But Angel let me get out." Xander said with a slight pout.

"He did, did he?" Spike's eyes flashed gold. "Well, we'll just see about that." Spike stalked out of the room.

Xander sat on the bed with a huge smile on his face. //This going to be so much fun.// He then went to watch his lover yell at his Sire.

*****
Part 22:

Wesley had all the ingredients needed to find Conner. He hoped that he was not too late. He mixed all the portions that he so careful measured in to big pot that stood at the base of an idol of Vishnu. After he made sure the mixture was perfect he started chanting.

"Maha ver Vishnu,
Mara pocar suno.
Mara payri gaee
Moj co lotowo.
Mai tomari dasi ha
Mara mon mai tu
Mara dil mai tu.
Mara payri lotowo." (1)

There was a brilliant flash of light in the room. So bright that Wesley had to cover his eyes. When Wesley opened his eyes again, there stood a woman cover in what looked like gold armor.

"Manus, tum kyu Vishnu ko pocar kia?"(2) The woman said.

"Mai pop kia. Mai vo pop ko moth cheta. Mai ak bap ko baata ko alig keya. Mai vo baccha ko raxka jana." (3)Wesley replied with the best of his abilities.

"Accha.(4)" She closed her hand and opened it again. In her hand lay a necklace with a stone black in a pendent attached to it. "Ya putter vo baccha ko pas langa."(5) She took the necklace and placed it around Wesley. "Kub ya putter lal hojaya, tub vo os buccha honga."(6)

Wesley touched the pendent then turned to the women and bowed.

The women smiled and left in the same brilliant light that she came in. After she left, Wesley looked the pendant again then got up to pack. He had the sudden urge to go to Sunnydale.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

"Take her down." Holtz told the men around him.

He had tortured her for hours until she finally broke. She started to scream and whine so Holtz did the only thing he could. He slit her throat. He turned and looked in distain at the remains of his group. They weren't fit to go after a fledgling much less Angelus. And now that the baby had been lost he had no means of a true revenge anymore.

"Sir?" said a voice behind him.

Holtz turned to see one of the men he had told to watch the British man who betrayed Angelus standing in front of him.

"Yes? What news do you have?"

The young man was no more then twenty-two but was strong and had deep loyalty to the cause. It was one of the reasons Holtz that told him to watch the Brit.

"The man is moving. He seems to be going somewhere."

"Has he contacted Angelus?" Holtz asked curiously.

"No but there was a bright light in his room before he left. He might have contacted the Vampire that way."

"Why are you not following him then?"

"I put the other on his tail and came to tell you before joining them. They have been told to call me with any new information."

Holtz smiled at the young man. "Good job." Maybe this boy would be a better second in command then his last.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

"PEACHES!!!!!!" Spike screamed.

Angel looked up from the newspaper he had found and saw a very angry Spike coming at him. "William, what's wrong?" He stood up trying to keep a safe distance between him and his child.

"I'll tell you what's wrong. You let Nummy out of bed. The doctor said he had to stay in bed."

"It wasn't my fault. I was there when he woke up and he shot out the other side of the bed. He was out of bed for a minute at the most. You can't blame me because he has good survival instincts." Angel said.

"You got him back into bed after that?"

"Yes. And."

"And I stayed there until he threatened me." Said Xander from the doorway.

Angel glared at the man as his Childe glared at him.

Spike morphed into his game face. "You threatened my mate?"

Angel was getting tried of the childish game. Sure it was fun for a few minutes but he was getting fed up with it now.

"Childe, sit."

Spike's demon reacted immediately. He sat down before he could even think about what he was doing because that voice wasn't the voice of Angel. That was his Sire.

"Listen." Angel said poignantly at Spike then glared at Xander. "Both of you."

Xander grimaced then sat down next to his lover.

"I am the Sire. I don't care that Xander isn't a vampire but he is your mate and he should act like one. This joking around is fine for children but you should be more grown up then that. One of you could get hurt and I don't want that to happen. Yes, I did threaten Xander but that was only to prove my loyalties, which are to my family. If he hurts you Spike, there is no way I will not take vengeance against him and any party related to him. You are my Childe, William and I will start acting as a Sire should."

Spike looked at Angel like a lost child. "But you can't hurt Xander."

Angel sighed. "And I won't as long as he doesn't hurt you. Otherwise he has my full protection. No one would touch you as William's mate but as you are backed be me as well no would even dare think of it. I might have gotten a soul but the demon world still has seen my bad side quite a bit especially lately. Do you understand?"

Xander nodded his head slightly finally understand the complete meaning of being a vampire's mate was. "Wow. I never knew."

"Knew what love?" Spike asked. He didn't like the sound of his lover's voice.

"That a mate was that important to you guys. I thought it was just someone a vampire liked." Xander said softly.

"No, Xander. A mate is a very sacred thing. Most vampires don't even take one. They can't find anyone worth giving that much love and attention to." Angel said. "I was surprised that William had taken you as such."

Xander looked up at Angel. "But how do you know that Spike wants me as a mate?"

Angel smiled. "Because I know William. He loves you and I know he doesn't want to lose you, ever."

"What do you mean by that?" Xander said more then a little scared.

Spike looked at his lover very hesitantly. "Well, pet, let just say no one has ever seen a mate die of old age."

"Huh?" Xander replied.

Angel decided to take pity on the young man and said, "Most mates are turned."

"You mean that he's. that I. that we." Xander passed out.

1. Great and powerful Vishnu
Listen to my cry.
My love has gone
Return him to me
I am your servant
In my mind there is you.
In my heart there is you.
Return my love to me.
2. Mortal man, why do you call on Vishnu?
3. I sinned. I want to right the sin. I took a father away from his son. I
want to save the boy.
4. Good.
5. This stone will take you to the boy.
6. When the stone turns red, you will know that you have found the boy.

*****
Part 24:

Wesley speed down the highway to Sunnydale. For a town that he never wanted to see again, he was very eager to go back. He knew it was because of the spell so he did not question it. He just wanted to make sure that Conner was well. He had to.

Wes checked his rear view mirror. The same two cars were following him. He knew it was not Wolfermen and Hart. They had better techniques and also had better things to do then follow him around. He was scared it was Holtz's little gang that was fallowing him. He knew they had been watching him but hoped that they did not care enough to actually keep watch for this long. Wesley was nearing the exit to Sunnydale and he had to make a decision. Did he just fly by knowing that he might have let Conner slip away from him again or did he go to the place that was calling him and retrieve the child and worry about Holtz later?

Wesley took the exit and prayed that he could find some why of getting away from Holtz's henchmen somehow after he found Conner.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Xander slowly came out of the darkness that his head seemed to be swimming in. He heard two voices talking near him in hushed voices and decided to listen to them instead of moving. Especially since he felt so tired. "I can't believe you didn't tell him, Will." Angel said.

"I know, I know." Spike shook his head. "But I was scared he'd run." He looked at Angel then to Xander. "Might still."

Angel sighed and grabbed this Childe by his shoulders. "Listen to me, Will. As much as I didn't want to admit it, he does love you. He wants to take care of you. As much as I don't want to say it, I think he is good for you."

He pushed his hand through the younger vampire's hair.

"Why don't you like him, Sire?" the blond said softly.

Angel snorted. "It's not about me liking him. I do actually. And that's the problem. What am I going to do if he hurts you or you hurt him? I'm stuck in the middle. What am I supposed to do? I mean human," Angel pointed to Xander "soul. Sire and favorite Childe. I would be as Xander might say screwed."

"I'm your favorite?" Spike was shocked.

Angel cuffed Spike's head. "Why else would I have been so hard on you?"

Spike smiled at his Sire then looked at his lover. "I guess I should have told him, huh?"

Angel rolled his eyes. "Didn't I just say that?"

"You did? Wasn't listening." Spike smiled completely innocently but lacked the sincerity in his eyes.

Angel let go of Spike and gave him a look. "Spike that stopped working on my after the first time you used it."

"So you still didn't do anything. Must have thought I was too sexy to hurt." Spike said with a leer.

"No, I think the word that came to mind was cute." Angel smiled.

Spike growled. "I am not cute."

"Are too." Angel chuckled.

"Are not."

"Are too."

"Are not."

"Are too."

"Ok guys this is too juvenile for even me." Xander said.

The vampires turned to the bed with an 'I have no idea what you are talking about' face on.

"So pet how you feeling?" Spike said as he moved closer to Xander.

"Fine." Xander smiled at his lover.

"Yes, you are." Spike leered.

"Guys, still in the room." Angel said.

Spike turned to Angel with a mischievous grin. "Always thought you liked a good floor show."

"You're on a bed." Angel smirked.

"Yeah but we can still give you a show."

"Mmm, maybe later." Angel said as he walked back out of the room.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Wesley pulled up in front of an apartment building he had never seen before. It wasn't the big but it looked like it was a pretty nice complex. He stepped out of his car and locked it. He stared for a few more minutes before he started to walk to the building. He moved to the entrance and it just seemed to open in front of him. When he looked for his helper all he found was air. He shook his head and headed towards the stairs.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

"You think Angel really likes me?" Xander asked Spike as he turned towards Xander again.

"Of course, pet. What's not to like? You've got a great body," Spike's hand started stroke Xander's chest, "a great personality, a very tasty skin," Spike started to lick Xander's neck, "Did I mention a great body?"

Xander moaned. "You might have." He moved his head to give Spike more room to work with. He then remembered what happened before he passed out and hit his vampire.

"Oi! What was that for?" Spike said as he jerked away from his lover.

"You're trying to change the subject." Xander sat up and leaned against the headrest.

"Didn't know we had a subject." Hoping Xander would have some pity on him.

"Mates. What are they?" Xander said and folded his arms to show how serious he was.

Spike sighed. "Mates are mates love. Vampires take one mate in their lives. Usually they are other vamps. Makes sense seems equal and all."

"What about human mates?" Xander questioned.

"Well, they're rare and special. Usually humans are just food. Most vamps don't care enough to get to know them. Before the chip I was the same way. Anyway human mates are well taken care of. and well let's just say that we vamps don't like to loose things we care about."

Xander looked at his lover with a little fear. "So you mean you're going to turn me?"

Spike frowned. He didn't know what hurt worse that Xander didn't trust him or that he had to think about loosing his lover. "No, love. I would never hurt you. I couldn't bare it but I can tell you this much. I don't think I'll last that long after you're gone."

"Spike!" Xander pulled the vampire close to him. "I'm not going anywhere. Not for a long time. I love you remember?"

"But how can you know? I could have lost you to that car, I could have lost you to that demon that was after you, I could still loose you." Spike's eyes were filling with tears.

"But I didn't and you won't. You and I both know it takes more then some demon to get to me. If I couldn't then I would have been lost long ago. So don't worry. We'll just a day at a time."

Spike pulled close to his lover. "I wish I could get those pricks that gave me the chip. I would turn you. I'm sorry but I would. Can't bare to loose you pet."

"I know, I know." Spike seemed to relax against Xander. Xander felt Spike fall asleep against him. "I almost wish you could." Xander whispered into the blonde hair. "I almost wish you could."

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Angel knew it wasn't right but he listened to every word that the pair said. It wasn't that hard, especially with his hearing and the thinness of the wall but he couldn't hear what Xander said at the end. It was too muffled.

Angel nearly jumped when he heard a knock on the door. He shouted out, "I'll get it." And walked to it.

He plastered a smile on his face until he saw who was at the other side. "Wesley."

*****