I sigh and wonder how I'm ever going to separate them for the night.  I can't risk the ritual by allowing them to sleep in the same room.  I may be old and not with the current times but I'm not stupid.  Even now surround by all of us, the hot need that runs through them both doesn't dissipate.  If I allow them to be alone together they'll be naked and writhing in sixty seconds. 

 

"Why don't we all sit down?"  I pull chairs in from the office until everyone is sitting but me.  I don't sit well.  Now pacing, pacing I'm an expert at.  I look towards Giles and his eyes are glued to Spike and Xander.

 

I can't help but smile.  Spike has settled himself on the couch and pulled Xander across his lap so the two can share kisses.  Long, slow, haze inducing kisses.  Suddenly I realize why Giles is staring. 

 

They're beautiful together and incredibly arousing.  I watch as Xander's tongue sweeps across Spike's lips before plunging inside.  Xander pulls back just a few inches until the tip of his tongue is sweeping along Spike's concealed fangs.  God, does he know how erotic that is. 

 

Suddenly Spike stiffens.  I realize a second too late that he's caught my scent of arousal.  His eyes blaze across the distance at me, the warning clear.  I nod my head and he relaxes.  He'll get no fight from me; the boy is clearly his. 

 

I tear my eyes from them only to have my gaze drawn by Wesley.  I can't keep the hunger from my eyes as they travel over his body.  What I wouldn't give to have him sprawled across me in the very same manner.  With guilt ridden features I once again focus on Giles. 

 

"Giles, I assume that you, Willow and Buffy have agreed to the claiming ritual." 

 

I hear a soft gasp as Wesley suddenly understands what is going to take place here tomorrow night.  I shift my eyes to him once again.  I indicate with a nod of my head for him to meet me in my office. 

 

"Keep them clothed while I talk with Wesley."  Giles nods his head in

understanding as I walk toward my office.

 

Once inside I shut the door.

 

"Angel, are you sure this is wise.  Bonding a human to a Master Vampire is risky to say the least, but to one who is so...volatile.  And...and how is Spike going to complete the ritual when he can't bite."

 

"The chip in his head is based upon intent.  The intent to hurt or kill is what triggers the electric pulses.  There will be no intent to hurt or kill in the ritual.  You're familiar with the ritual?"

 

I watch the blush steal across his checks as he nods. 

 

"Then you know that at the moment Spike drinks from him, will be the exact same second as Xander is..."

 

My voice trails off as my mind flashes the image of Wesley and myself in the same intimate position.  Sinking into that tight body at the same time as my fangs sink into his neck.  Seeing his body and face tighten as orgasm rolls through him.  Feeling his teeth scrape against my neck as...

 

"Angel.  Angel, are you alright."

 

My eyes refocus and I clear my throat as I shift positions trying to conceal the raging erection I have suddenly acquired. 

 

"Yeah, Wes.  I'm fine.  So, you see there won't be any pain involved only pleasure."

 

"Angel, I know this must be difficult for you.  Seeing Sp--William taking another as his.  If you should ever need to talk, I hope that you know that I am your friend and you can confide in me without any worry of disapproval."

 

"Thanks Wes.  I just may take you up on that tomorrow after-"

 

My words are cut off by Will's voice from the other room.

 

"Oi, you bloody ponce, what do you think you're doing." 

 

I look at Wesley and roll my eyes.

 

"We have to keep them apart tonight.  It's not going to be easy.  We'll have to sleep in shifts.  I hate to ask you this, but..."

 

"Think nothing of it.  Just let me know which shift you would like me to take."

 

He smiles at me and it's all I can do to reach past him and open the door instead of pinning him against it.

 

I walks back in just as Giles succeeds in ripping Xander from Will's lap.

 

"Angel, tell him to give him back."  His eyes plead with me.

 

"Spike you know why they're here right?  You know that you have to wait."

 

"Yes, I know.  Do you think I would muck up the process, knowing what's at stake?"

 

I look to Xander and realize that William isn't the one who will be giving us trouble tonight.  He's struggling against Giles frantically trying to get back to Spike.  Buffy soon joins the fight in keeping Xander still.  Xander's mind has shut down on all levels save for the one knows his mate is near.  His eyes are unfocused as his gaze falls on Spike.  Small needy whimpers come from the back of his throat between pants of breath.  I realize he passed aroused several exits back and he's moved on to uncontrollable.  Pheromones are pouring out of him at such a rate that I expect the entire vampire population to suddenly burst through the door.  I realize something will have to be done tonight or he'll never make it to tomorrow. 

 

"Buffy, can you hold him alone, I need to speak with Giles."

 

"I got him.  Horny boy isn't going anywhere." 

 

I walk with Giles to where Spike is sitting and keep my voice just above a whisper.

 

"He won't make it through the night if we don't do something.  He has to have sleep and rest and he won't get it in the state he's in."

 

"Angel, you're fully aware that we can't allow them to...to be together within twenty four hours of the ritual." 

 

Giles developed a sudden interest in the door over my shoulder as he spoke.  You'd think that having been a watcher for more than half his life he'd be a little less squeamish. 

 

"There are things that Spike can do that won't have any effects on the outcome of the ritual.  The problem is one of us will have to be there."

 

Will, turns his head sharply to look at me. 

 

"You don't trust me." 

 

"It's not that I don't trust you.  But you and I both know how close you were before you left.  Look at him, could you really tell him no when he looks like that."

 

"No."

 

That one word, spoken so softly and reverently just serves to convince me further that we are doing the right thing by allowing them to mate properly.

 

"Giles, I don't think I can be there twice."  I swallow convulsively refusing to meet Will's eyes.

 

"Yes, well I don't think it would be proper for me to see Xander in that light any more than absolutely necessary.  What do you suggest?"

 

"There's only one person here who is completely neutral."

 

My eyes seek Wesley.  I hate to ask him to do something, that by all rights is my responsibility, but I know that he'll understand.  Hadn't he completely shocked me with his response only minutes ago.  Spike and Giles eyes follow mine. Wesley must have felt us all looking at him.  I motion for him to join us.  I swallow tightly dreading the question I have to ask.

 

"Wes, take a look at Xander."

 

His head swivels to do as I ask and then swings back to meet my eyes.

 

"Oh, dear."

 

"I need to ask you for a favor.  He needs...relief.  There are two options for Spike, but they'll need supervision.  Giles and I can't do it."

 

I leave the question hanging in the air.  I watch him look from Xander to Will.  He nods briefly at me.  I nod to Buffy for her to let Xander go.  Once Xander is free he's immediately embraced by Will.  Will, Wesley and Xander move quickly to Will's room.

 

Buffy is the first to speak.

 

"What the hell are you doing?  You said they couldn't."

 

"Have a seat and I'll explain everything to all of you."

 

I briefly go over Xander's condition along with the plans for tomorrow.  Willow, Buffy, and Cordelia will visit the magic shop around the corner, while Giles, Wesley and I prepare the room.  Tomorrow night just after sunset William and Xander will be properly mated and I will once again be completely alone even though I'll be surrounded by friends.

 

 

Chapter 4

 

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