Disclaimer: Everything BtVS and AtS is owned by Joss, ME, and all them over there. Everything Anita Blake is owned by Laurell K. Hamilton

Chapter 9

Spike expected her to run from him but he didn't receive that kind of reaction. Instead she looked down at the floor and remained silent. "Willow, say something," he said softly.

"Are...are you going to kill me? Is that why you brought me here?"

"Look at me." He watched as Willow shook her head no. He brought two fingers and rested them under her chin, tilting her face up. When her eyes met his, he saw a mixture of emotions. "I haven't killed anyone since I found out. That's not why I brought you here."

"Why did you bring me here?"

"Pet, I...we should leave. Let's get out of here."

"Tell me."

"Not here. Not to mention the fact that what I just told you...it needs to sink in first." Spike grabbed her by her hand and led her out of the club.

They had been walking for about five minutes in silence when Willow suddenly stopped and stood still. Seeing her actions, Spike also stopped. "Red? You ok?"

"A week? Your chip hasn't worked in a week?"

"That's right."

"And you knew for the whole week. You knew before I saw you in the cemetery that night."

"Look pet, I don't know what you're getting at."

Anger coursed through her body. "You...you...VAMPIRE!" She didn't even want to speak to him or she knew she would break down.

"What the fuck?" Spike mumbled. He walked faster to catch up to the redhead. "What the hell was that back there, Red?'

"Don't talk to me. I can't believe you." Seeing that she was on her front porch, she took out her keys and unlocked the door. Willow turned around once more to face him. "The games are over Spike. Goodbye."

"You mean goodnight, right?" he asked in a cautious voice.

"No. I mean goodbye," her voice cracked. She ran in her house and slammed the door, making her way as quickly to her bedroom as possible. She tore off her clothes and climbed into bed, letting her tears fall freely.

Spike found himself standing outside with a slammed door in his face. <What the bloody hell? That girl is mine. What the hell am I still doing outside?> He pushed open the door and heard her heartbeat coming from her bedroom. He shrugged out of his duster and boots and made his way up the stairs, taking two at a time. When he pushed open the door, he saw the girl that he wanted for a mate curled in a ball and crying. His undead heart went out to her. He walked over to the side of the bed and climbed in, wrapping his arms around her. As he pulled her closer, he heard her mumble. "What's that, luv?"

"I told you goodbye. Which means I don't want you here right now."

"Got that, luv. But see, it goes like this...I want to be with you right now, so instead of letting you push me away, I decided to push back. You wanna tell me what has you all riled?"

"YOU!" she yelled. "You...you don't want me," she added softly.

"What? How the hell did you come to that conclusion? Were you not there at the club? I know I was a little rough but..."

"It was just sex."

"No it wasn't," he growled. "I told you at the club you were mine."

"It was just something you said."

Spike was becoming frustrated quickly. "Why do you think that? Why do you think I don't want you? You're the only girl I want."

"Because you didn't!" she blurted out.

"I didn't what?"

"You're a vampire and when a vampire..."

"Shags?"

"Yeah, when you do that...I thought vampires bite out of sex or love or just because and you didn't because you don't want me and this whole thing between us is just I don't know and you didn't want to bite me and now you can." Willow took a deep breath and looked up into his eyes. "I'm shutting up now," she mumbled.

Spike was floored. <Am I hearing this right? The chit wants me to bite her?> "Red, do you want me to bite you?"

"Maybe," she whispered.

"I never did it because I thought it would scare you. I didn't want you to turn away from me."

"Why doesn't your demon want me?"

"Bloody hell," he groaned. "My demon wants nothing more than to claim you for his own. <I'll have to tell her about the mate thing some other day. Not sure if she would go for it.> My demon wants to mark you to let everybody know that you're taken." He grazed his fingers down the side of her face. "The man in me wants the same thing too, luv." Spike placed a small kiss on the side of her cheek. "In my eyes you're already mine and I was hoping you saw me as yours. Because I am...if you want me. Willow?"

"Sshh, just sleep Spike."

He nuzzled into her neck, inhaling her scent. "Do you want me for yours?" he asked softly.

"Yes," she whispered back.

Chapter 10

Spike woke up the next afternoon and smiled at Willow, who was still sleeping. He pulled off his clothes and snuggled in closer to her, feeling the heat radiating from her body. He drifted his fingers along the side of her face, feeling her skin under his touch. He waited until her eyes fluttered open and looked at him. "Mmm...that feels good."

Spike leaned into her neck. "Afternoon luv," he whispered. He let his hand drift down her body. "I want you." He nipped at her neck and could smell her arousal. "Want me, luv?"

She regarded his eyes seriously for a moment. "Always."

"Always? I could use that to my advantage." They were both lying on their sides, staring at each other. Spike picked up her leg and drifted in across his hips.

"I hope so," she smirked. As she saw him pause for a moment, she frowned a bit. "Spike?"

"There's a chance...a really good chance that I'll claim you and I just don't want you to regret it."

"I won't!"

"Right, then." Spike guided his cock to her slit and slid in slowly, letting her warmth surround him. While letting her adjust, he started to nibble on her ear. "What did I ever do to deserve you, luv?"

"No more talking, Spike."

"I can do that." He started to move slowly within her. Every time she would try to speed up their movements, he would only slow them down again. Letting them explore each other's body.

Willow wanted to do nothing more than to have him take her right there, but he insisted on going slow. His movements were driving her crazy. She wanted to explode. "Spike," she moaned.

As he heard his name, he started kissing her shoulder, licking away a drop of sweat. He wanted to express to her how important she was through his actions because he couldn't find the words.

"Spike," she pleaded.

He continued sliding in and out of her, while holding her close. "Sshh, luv. Let me into your mind, Willow. Into your heart." Spike started to pant. "No more bloody games. No more barriers. No more pushing me away. Tell me I'm yours."

Willow looked into his eyes. "Mine. And I'm yours."

"This is how it should be, Willow. Me and you." He pushed into her as far as he could go and stopped for a moment, only to pull out a little and push into he again. His actions became a bit more aggressive. He was claiming her body with his. And she was meeting his actions every step of the way.

"Spike," she moaned. "Goddess yes. Don't ever stop," she panted.

Spike knew she was on the edge and swept her hair off the side of her neck. He started to thrust quickly inside of her, bringing her hips to meet his. Suddenly he felt her insides start to flutter around his cock. "That's it baby," he whispered. "No holding back. You were made for me." As soon as he said the words, he felt her muscles tighten around his dick.

"Spike...goddess Spike...William!" she cried out as her orgasm hit her hard.

Hearing his real name on her lips was too much for Spike. As he came inside her, he morphed and bit into her neck. When his demon tasted her blood, he knew he would always crave it. He knew he would always crave her. Spike felt her hit her second orgasm and he bit down harder, leaving a permanent claiming mark. He continued to drink when he felt her hands on the back of his neck, holding him in place. Spike didn't want to take too much and cause her to black out, so he pulled away nuzzling her neck.

Willow couldn't believe how much she enjoyed feeling him biting her. Her whole body called out for him. As she felt him pull away, she whispered the words she had never meant to say out loud. "I love you," she whispered.

Chapter 11

As Spike heard her words, he froze. After studying her for a moment, he spoke up. "You love me?"

Willow's eyes flew open as she realized what she had said out loud. "I...I..."

"Do you love me?" he asked slowly.

Willow pushed him away and scrambled out of the bed. She slipped on a t-shirt and started to make her way out of the room. Spike wasn't gong to let her go that easily. He knew what he had heard and he wanted her to say it again. Spike jumped out of the bed and grabbed her wrist, pulling her to him. "Willow? Answer me."

Willow was scared. She never meant to say the words out loud to him. She was so afraid he wouldn't love her back. "Spike...I didn't mean...I didn't..." Suddenly, her hand flew to her neck. "Oh goddess, I let you claim me," she whispered.

"Tell me." Spike took a deep breath. "Do you love me?"

Willow looked away. "No. No, I don't love you." Spike let go of her wrist and watched her run out the door.

He turned around and grabbed his jeans, pulling them on quickly. <She said it. I heard it. And now what? She wants to take it back? Like hell.> He rushed out the door in search of the redhead. The second he turned the corner he saw her sitting on the couch with the scent of salt in the air. She was crying. He walked over to her and kneeled in front of her. "Baby?" he whispered.

Willow looked down at him. "I'm so sorry. This must be awful for you."

"What must be awful?"

"You claimed a human. You...you claimed me. We were just doing the sex thing and then this happens. If there's a way, ya know, to unclaim me; I understand."

Spike growled at her statement. "You can't undo a claim. And I wouldn't want to. You're mine." He grazed his fingers over his mark. "Mine," he said softly.

"Spike..."

"Willow, I love you. I don't know how or when and I wasn't planning for this but I do. And I know you love me. I heard you say it."

"I didn't want you to know," she whispered.

"Why?" he asked as he brushed away her tears.

"I want you so much and if you had found out...I was scared you'd turn away from me. That you wouldn't want me anymore."

"When you push me away luv, it kills a part of me. I love you. I need you to understand that." He cupped her face with his hands.

"Spike, what does the bite mean?"

"What do you mean? It means your mine."

"I thought I was already yours. I don't understand."

"Demons will be able to sense that you're taken. They won't touch you...and if they do, I'll destroy them. No one touches what belongs to me. No one."

"And...um...how long will I belong to you for?"

"Always. And one day if you accept...well I want you for..."

"For what?"

"My mate." When he saw her _expression he continued. "You don't have to, I mean..."

Hearing the word mate brought a smile to her face. She placed her hands on his chest and pushed him to the floor as she pressed her lips against his. They both ended up on the ground. When Willow was almost out of breath, she pulled away. "I love you, Spike." And there were the words he had been waiting to hear.

Their moment was interrupted by the phone. "Don't pick it up, luv."

"Spike, I have to. Someone might be hurt."

Spike rolled his eyes and let her up, knowing he wouldn't win this argument. As he listened to half of the conversation, he knew it included him and patrol. As Willow hung up the phone, she turned to Spike. "If I see you, I'm supposed to tell you to patrol."

"What if you don't see me?"

"Spike!"

"Ok ok, I'm going. Do I get a reward for doing the Slayer's job?"

"Maybe. If you hurry back," she whispered. "Want me to go with you?"

"No, I'll be fine. Be ready when I get back. With less clothes."

"Funny," she told him but knew she would be waiting in anticipation.

"I'll be back soon." With that, he kissed her quickly and made his way out the door. Spike had been walking around for about twenty minutes, staking innocent fledglings and unsuspecting demons when he felt a strange chill. Quickly turning around, he saw him. Angel. "Angel," he growled.

"William."

"You're not allowed to use that name anymore. What are you doing here, anyways?"

"Just came to deliver a book to Rupert." He took a step closer to Spike. When he smelled the scent, he lunged at him. "What have you done?" he growled at Spike.

Spike pushed him away. "Get your bloody hands off of me."

"You smell of sex and blood and...Willow."

"So I do, mate. None of your business really."

"I'm your elder. I'll make it my business. What are you playing at?"

"I quit playing awhile back. If you were around more, you might've actually known that."

"Stay away from her William. I can still pull right of sire. Stay away from her!"

"Like hell I will."

"This isn't a threat boy. It's an order. Stay. Away. From. Her." Angel turned around and walked away in the direction of the mansion.

Spike started to wrap his hands into fists, growling all the way to Willow's house. He opened the door and slammed it behind him. When he saw Willow, he started to calm down a bit.

"Spike? I didn't expect to see you so soon. Are you alright? What happened?"

"Poof is in town."

"Giles mentioned it but said he already left. Something about a book."

"He didn't leave. I ran into him. He smelled you on me."

"What aren't you telling me?"

"YOU'RE MINE!"

"Spike?"

Chapter 12

Spike kicked off his shoes and slumped against the couch. Willow could feel the tension surrounding his body. "So I guess that's it," she whispered.

Spike closed his eyes for a moment and then opened them. "Come sit with me, Willow." Spike could see her body start to shake. He pulled her onto his lap so that she was straddling him. He saw her tears and started to comfort her. "Sshh, luv. He can keep us apart. He can take you away from me." He wiped away a stray tear falling down her face. "Do you care for me, Red?"

"What?"

"You said you loved me. Do you really?"

"Of course I do. You just seem so eager to give me up."

"Not eager, baby."

"Please don't do this. He's not even your sire. He weaves in and out of your life as he pleases...and you just listen to him?"

"He'll tell the Slayer."

"I don't care. Do you love me?"

"Of course I..." That was all the motivation Willow needed. She placed her lips against his and started a slow kiss until he took control. When she pulled away, she could feel his lips brush against her ear. "Need you, baby," he whispered.

"Will you let me do something?"

"I'll let you do anything your little heart desires." Spike leaned back into the couch and raised her shirt over her head.

She did the same with his shirt and then grazed the side of his face with the back of her hand. Willow started biting her lower lip. "Will you let me drink from you?"

Spike was surprised. That was not what he was expecting. "You sure? Do you know what that means?"

"It means...well that I agree to be your mate."

"And you want that?"

"I do," she said softly.

He pulled her body closer to his and held her for a moment. "You're my everything. My life. Mine."

Willow backed away a bit and stood up. She started to walk away from him.

Spike turned his head. "Where are you going, luv?"

She smirked at him. "Come and find out." As she disappeared down the hall, he got up from the couch and found her in her bedroom. She had stripped out of her panties and was waiting for him on top of the red silk sheets. She saw him watching her. "You gonna join me or just stand there?"

Spike didn't need the invitation twice. As he made his way to the bed, he stripped out of his jeans and joined her on the bed. "Willow..."

"No words. We've already said all there is to say. I just...I need to feel your hands on me."

Spike started sliding his hands up her body, smiling when she started squirming under his touch. He bent down and captured one of her nipples between his lips as his teeth bit gently down. Hearing a moan escape her lips, he lifted his head up and really looked at the woman that would become his mate.

Spike crushed his lips to hers, tasting her as if it was the first time. He knew she was ready. The scent was thick in the room. He grabbed his cock with one hand as he positioned himself between her legs. Slowly he slid in, until he was fully embedded inside of her. When he felt her start to kiss his neck, he started to move slowly inside of her. His slow movements didn't last. He wanted her hard and rough. To claim what was rightfully his and to be claimed by her. The thought of someone feeding from him thrilled him and enticed his demon. He had never let anyone feed from him before, except for his sire.

As he started to thrust into her more forcefully, he found her meeting each movement. Even as rough as he wanted it, she seemed to meet it with an equal fevor. The passionate love was there. It was rough and needing. They were claiming each other with their bodies.

Willow lifted her legs a bit, allowing him to go even deeper inside of her. She felt him fucking her but it didn't seem to be enough. She knew he could feel it too. "I'm yours, Spike. Yours," she whispered.

Spike slammed into her hard, feeling her skin tear. He could smell the blood and was afraid he had hurt her too much. She was only human after all. As he slammed into her again, he saw her head roll back as she arched her back.

"Spike," she moaned.

<Mine!> Spike grabbed her hips and started fucking her fast and hard. He could feel the desire running through both of them. He needed her just as she needed him.

Willow was going crazy. She knew she was bleeding but she didn't care. Feeling him possessing her body was not a high she wanted to come down from. "So close," she whimpered.

Spike slowed down his actions for a moment. The rough sex becoming something of passion once again. He brought his finger up to his neck and dug deep into his skin until he could smell blood. He leaned down and offered his neck to her. "Drink, baby."

Willow looked at his neck and knew this was right. She belonged with him. She belonged to him. Her lips covered the wound and started to suck. She felt Spike inside her, but only slowly moving.

"Cor Willow," he moaned. "Don't ever stop."

Hearing his words, she placed her hands on the back of his head and neck, holding him to her. As she pulled away, she found Spike's lips on her, tasting his blood in her mouth. As he felt her tongue return to his neck and lick at the wound, he let out a low growl and pushed himself inside her as far as he could. He thrust inside her a couple more times until he felt her insides fluttering around his cock. When he heard her scream his name, he growled hers and morphed. Biting into her neck, he felt both of their bodies find release in each other. He held her close as he felt her milking his release inside of her. As they both calmed down, he pulled out of her and laid on his back, pulling her to him.

Willow was still trying to catch her breath but was content when she felt him pull her close. She wrapped her arm around his waist as she felt him kiss her forehead. She lifted her head and found him staring down at her. "Don't let him come between us," she whispered to Spike about Angel.

He pushed her hair back. "Never. You're mine. My mate. My lover. Mine forever." They both drifted to sleep, wrapped up in each other.

Chapter 13

The following evening�

Spike watched Willow drift through the house getting ready. They were headed to the Magic Box. He knew she had been thinking and he was concerned. �Ready luv?� he asked softly.

�Yeah. All set.� They both walked out the door and into the darkness. They continued the walk in silence. It wasn't until they had almost reached the Magic Box, that he heard her speak up. �Do you love me?�

Spike stopped in mid step and turned to her. �Do I love you? What the bloody hell have we been doing?�

�It's just��

Spike grabbed her arm and pulled her into a nearby alley. �What's this all about?�

�Nothing.�

Spike pushed her against the wall. �Tell me, � he growled.

�It's just that everyone is gonna be there. Buffy will be there.�

�The poof too.�

�What?�

�Angel. I can still feel him. My bet is that he'll be at the Magic Box.�

�O-kay. Angel will be there and Buffy.� She looked into his eyes. �I know you love me but do you love love me?�

Spike took a step closer to her, letting his body brush against hers. He leaned down to whisper in her ear. �Through eternity.� He then leaned back waiting for her reaction. He could still see hesitation in her eyes. Spike brought her hand to his neck, letting her fingers brush against the wound. �I'm yours, Red. Need some reassurance, do you?�

�It would be nice,� she whispered.

Spike slid into his demon visage and leaned back down to her neck. �Tell me, baby.�

�I love you,� she whispered. When she felt the fangs graze against her skin, she continued. �I want you always.�

That was all Spike needed to hear. He bit into her neck, getting lost in the taste of his mate's blood. Spike pulled away before he could take too much. �Mine,� he growled.

�Yours,� she sighed.

�Lets get this damn thing over with.�

�Eager aren't you?�

�I want to have you under me, screaming my name. Can't exactly do that at the shop, now can I?� Before they even realized they were at the front door, it suddenly opened and a pair of strong arms pulled Spike in.

�You bastard,� Angel growled. He shoved Spike against the wall hard. �How dare you. I told you to stay the hell away from her.�

�Get your bloody hands off of me Angelus,� he growled. Spike shoved him as hard as he could and smirked when Angel started to stumble backwards.

Willow rushed through the door and saw that Angel and Spike both wore their demon visage. She made her way to Spike. �Are you alright? Spike?�

Spike let his features melt away and curled an arm around her waist. He pulled her close to him, his demon contented from her closeness. �Fine, luv.� He wrapped both arms around her waist and stood behind her as he nuzzled her neck. He looked up at Angel, Spike's eyes blazing golden.

�William,� he growled.

�She's mine. Sod off!�

�Boy, I told you to stay away.�

�Who the hell told you to do that Angel?� Willow questioned.

Spike knew the fire was dancing in her eyes. He placed a small kiss on his recent bite. �She's loyal to me. And she loves me, she does.�

�Willow, it's for the best��

Willow took a step away from Spike and stepped towards Angel. �Let me tell YOU what the best thing for me is. It's Spike. I'm not sure why that's so hard for you to believe.�

�He's a monster.�

�Yeah, well he's mine!�

�Willow��

�If you try to keep him away from me, I will stake you. And I won't think twice about it. Don't test me, Angel.� Willow took a step back into Spike's arms once again when the door opened. Willow and Spike both looked at the person that entered. Buffy.

�Hey, guys. What's going on? I thought you left, Angel.� Buffy saw one of Spike's arms around Willow's waist. �What's going on here?�

�How do you mean, Slayer?� he smirked.

�You wanna get your hands off of Willow?�

�No. Not really,� Spike told her.

�What's�going�on?� Buffy seethed.

�It's like this Slayer. Red here is one hell of a shag.�

�You son of a bitch. What, fucking me wasn't good enough? Now you've moved on to my best friend?�

Angel couldn't believe his ears. Buffy and Spike. He turned his head to Buffy. �You slept with him? You slept with Spike?�

�Only because I missed you. He's part of your family.�

�That's twisted,� Angel told her. He started looking around at everyone. �What is wrong with everybody in this room?�

�Angel,� Buffy reached out towards him.

�Don't touch me,� he snarled. Angel went and stood at the back of the room.

<If I can't have Angel, I'll have Spike instead.> Buffy sauntered over to Willow and Spike.

Willow had been watching her. She had seen this act a million times. The way she flirts. And she had never seen anyone turn her down before. <I could lose him.>

Spike saw the look in Buffy's eyes and knew exactly where her thoughts were headed and he didn't care. He didn't want her. When he felt Willow trying to pull away from him, he tightened his arms and gave her a loving look.

�Spike,� Buffy said sweetly. �I know what you want. What you need.�

�Do you now?�

�You need someone with real power. With real strength. And I could give it to you. It could be like before.� She reached out to touch his face and smiled when Spike let go of Willow. Willow took a step back, feeling the tears start to fall.

As Buffy's hand almost reached his face, he grabbed her wrist and snarled at her.

�I know you like it rough. I can make you feel so good, Spike.�

Spike bent her wrist back until he heard bones crack. He then pushed her to the ground, letting her fall on her ass. �Stay the hell away from me and from Willow. Next time you try something like that, I'll snap your neck. You disgust me, Slayer.� He turned around and saw Willow with tears running down her face. Spike pulled her into his arms. �Baby?�

�I�I thought��

�You thought what?�

�That you'd take her back,� she said softly.

�Hush now. I told you I'm yours. I took you for my mate, Red. I don't want her. I want you.� He kissed away her tears.

�What the hell does she have that I don't? I'm the Slayer!�

Spike turned around to face Buffy. �She has everything including my heart.�

Angel decided to step forward. �You said your mate.�

�That I did.�

�You claimed her?�

�And she claimed me in return.�

Angel looked at Willow. �He'll turn you, you know?�

�I know. One day.�

�Don't worry, luv. You've got years before that happens.�

�Yeah?�

�Yeah. At least four or five.�

�Willow�William�I hope to see you both the future.� He then turned around and walked out the door.

�That was his version of a blessing, pet.� He heard Willow giggle and he smiled.

�I'm giving you one last chance Willow,� Buffy told her. �You pick me, your best friend or him.�

Willow leaned against Spike. �I pick him.�

�Let's get out of here,� he whispered. Willow nodded and allowed him to pull her outside. �Now what, Red?�

�We leave.�

�Leave the Hellmouth?�

�Can we?�

�Bloody hell, yes. Where do you want to go?�

�I don't know. Just kinda thought we'd get in the car and see where we end up.�

Spike circled his arms around her. �I love you. I'll always want you.�

�And I'll always need you,� she told him.

�Forever?� he asked.

Willow gave him a smirk and decided to use his own words. �For eternity.�

THE END

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