Chapter Twenty-One: Whatever It Takes

 

I look out the window into the darkness of the early morning as I rub at the bite mark on my neck. It burns, but it usually does afterwards. I snort when it occurs to me that she bit me in the same spot Angel did. I’m willing to bet she did it on purpose, too.

 

I lean my forehead against the glass and groan as my amusement fades. The next little while is going to be a pain in the ass. I’m waiting for the others to join me in Giles’ office so we can talk everything over.

 

I’m not looking forward to it. There’s always someone who disagrees with the plan. Of course, it’s usually me when I’m not the one who came up with it. I roll my eyes.

 

Faith would be having a party if she heard me admit being such a control freak. I sigh and shake my head. They’re going to give me a hard time after the other day and I’m really not in the mood to have to argue this out.

 

A weak grin tugs at the corner of my mouth. No, what I’m in the mood for is silk sheets, hot, sweaty sex, and a very intense vampire-Slayer. I sigh for a completely different reason.

 

I’m glad I took the time to clean up before I sent one of the younger Slayers to round everyone up. But if my mind keeps up the vivid imagery, it’s going to be a moot point. I shift my stance, uncomfortably aware of the low pulse restarting in my groin.

 

Footsteps pull me from my introspection and I turn around. I lift my gaze to see Spike and Angel entering through the open doorway. I immediately recognize the moment they see the bite mark. Their reactions are freakishly similar, really.

 

Angel’s jaw muscles clench and his gaze jerks from my neck to my eyes. The anger is obvious and I’m not surprised to find hurt lurking beneath it. I just hope I never have to tell him that I’m glad it’s her mark and not his anymore. I may have fallen out of love with him, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t love him at all.

 

I’ve been upset with him since Spike spilled the beans about Faith, but I’ll eventually get past it. I was just angry ‘cause he didn’t tell me where she was. That he tried to kill her gets under my skin also. But, I’ve tried it too so I really don’t have room to talk.

 

Kind of depressed and too tired to dwell on it further, I let my eyes dart away from Angel’s. I glance at Spike, finding an angry, accusing look being directed at me. I just want to get this over with. I lift a questioning eyebrow, knowing he’ll take the bait.

 

“What the bloody Hell happened?” Spike sputtered.

 

“That’s a damn good question,” Angel adds.

 

Oh God, shoot me now. Before I can even attempt to answer them, Giles comes in. He looks from them to me and shakes his head as he crosses to his desk.

 

“What seems to be the problem at this disgustingly early hour of the morning?”

 

“That’s just what we’re trying to find out,” Spike growls.

 

I roll my eyes and rub my temples, feeling a headache starting to form. I bring my gaze to Giles, the least annoying person in the room at the moment.

 

“Let’s just wait until everyone else is here, ‘cause I don’t want to repeat myself.”

 

“All right,” Giles answers slowly. “You will be telling us why you’ve been bitten again, correct?”

 

No, no, and Hell no. Eh, I don’t suppose that’s the answer he’s looking for. No, I can’t tell him that and I certainly can’t say that it’s ‘cause I’m a kinky, jealous bitch.

 

The rest of our group file in and I let out a breath of relief. I’m off the hook for now. I wait until they’re settled in their customary positions around the office. Their eyes look at me expectantly and I briefly consider where to start. Then I lean back against the sill, and crossing my arms over my chest, I proceed to tell them the plan we discussed.

 

When I finish, my eyes drift over my friends curiously. I’m not too surprised when it’s Angel who speaks up first. While he may be over two hundred years old, he is still very much a male. Worse, he’s a male whose pride has somehow been slighted.

 

“How do we know she hasn’t turned on us? This plan could just be a setup.”

 

I open my mouth and then let it snap shut. I have to struggle to keep from giving him an answer that’s completely derogatory. What is it with me and egomaniacs?

 

Willow catches sight of my expression and scrambles to explain, “He—he does have a point, Buff. It was just the other day when you told us that she was losing control.”

 

They’re right, but it doesn’t make me feel any better. I search out and capture Giles’s gaze with mine. I give him a pleading look.

 

“She had that dream thing you were talking about, Giles. She described it to me.”

 

A slight smile forms on his lips and he leans forward in his desk chair. He nods encouragingly at me.

 

“Tell me what she said.”

 

I lick my lips nervously and try to recall exactly what she said. I knew letting myself get distracted by her general, all around hotness would be trouble. Yup, here goes trying.

 

“She said she was chained in a cave with Slayer proof chains. Then she said something about there being these tunnels. Two of her came out of them and one of them was a vampire and the other was a Slayer. They fought and she was suffering through whatever they did to each other.

 

“I guess the pain overwhelmed her ‘cause she said the next thing she knew was they were all over each other and saying she had to accept what she is.”

 

Oh yeah, I clearly remember that last part. I was confused at first when she said it, but it didn’t last long. Then my mind had a field day supplying all sorts of triple X images, every one of them starring me, Faith, and her double.

 

Giles makes that weird humming sound he does when he’s thinking and nods. “Yes that sounds about right. Was there anything else?”

 

I bite my lower lip in contemplation and then I nod. “Yeah, she said she was still hurt when she woke up.” I look down at the floor. “She also said she feels more in control than she ever has before.”

 

“I see,” He says in an approving tone as he looks down at a notebook open on his desk.

 

I hesitate and then I ask softly, “Giles?”

 

He looks up at me again. “Yes?”

 

“I don’t know if it has anything to do with it, but her eyes were kind of weird.”

 

His brows furrow and he asks, “How so?”

 

“They were completely black and they kinda glowed.”

 

I’m startled by the sudden, blindingly brilliant smile he gives me. He chuckles.

 

“That’s wonderful! It means the Slayer is in full control. Your eyes were like that when we did the spell to defeat Adam.”

 

Now that I think about it, I do remember Will talking about that. My eyes widen. Before I can ask anything, another voice interrupts me.

 

“That means she’s like, super Slayer right now doesn’t it?”

 

Xander really does have a way of phrasing things sometimes, you know? And he just took the question right out of my mouth.

 

“Essentially, yes,” Giles replies.

 

That definitely explains the take-charge attitude she was displaying. I shake my head and clear my throat.

 

“What does that mean for us exactly?”

 

“For me, it means that right now I’d follow her into any fight, vamp or not,” Kennedy pipes up.

 

I’m inclined to agree with her, but I was committed to it all ready. I have reservations, but they really don’t have anything to do with being afraid of her. Being afraid for her and the other Slayers is another matter all together, though.

 

“You can’t be serious,” Spike interrupts.

 

“We are,” I answer resolutely.

 

“You’re going to just send these girls into this, knowing that you’re delivering them into the hands of someone who might just be their worst enemy?”

 

“Hey!”

 

Kennedy starts to stand up and I wave her off. I give Spike a look that explains exactly what I really want to say. The words I give are just the nicer ones.

 

“No,” I answer, letting steel seep into my voice. “I’m sending them into this, knowing that I’m delivering them into the hands of one of our own.”

 

And I really do believe it now, I realize with a faint snort. How much did it take to finally convince me of that? I shake my head and blow out a breath.

 

No, I realized it when she was in my face telling me how it feels to take a life. What she feels then isn’t too much different than what I’m feeling right now at the prospect of bringing Joaquin’s army to its’ knees. It just scares me, ‘cause she isn’t the only one who has issues with accepting who they are.

 

I turn my back on Spike and Angel and walk towards the door. I pause in the doorway and turn to look at them again. I wait until I’m sure I have everyone’s attention.

 

“I told Faith to do whatever it takes to get this done,” I start. “And that’s exactly what she did. Now I’m going to put my money where my mouth is and make sure someone’s got her back.”

 

I pause as I glance around, making sure to catch everyone’s gaze at least once. Then I continue, “I’m going to get the girls ready, with or without you. I just hope my friends trust me enough to know I wouldn’t drag them into this if I didn’t think we could do it.”

 

I glance around again, gaining a wink from Will and a smirk from Ken. God, she reminds me too much of Faith sometimes. I shake my head and turn to leave the room.

 

There are preparations to be made and I need to get away from that room. I won’t be responsible for what I’ll do if any of them decide to question me any further.

 

 

Chapter Twenty-Two: Caught Red-Handed

 

(Faith’s POV)

 

I’m lyin’ on my pile of blankets starin’ at the ceilin’ as last night plays over and over in my head. I should be thinkin’ ‘bout the battle that’s goin down in less than two hours, but I can’t get B outta my head. I caught that flash of jealousy in her eyes when she realized exactly why I wanted to leave. I keep havin’ to remind myself that it doesn’t mean anything, that she doesn’t know everything that’s happened.

 

I’ve been tellin’ myself that the only reason she let me drink from her last night was to protect anyone else from me. It ain’t doin’ me any good. Every time I try, my mind calls up the memory of her firm body rubbin’ against me and the scent of her arousal.

 

Nope, my mind just keeps screamin’ that B wants me. My body’s screamin’ it too. My libido’s gonna be the death of me.

 

It took everything I had to let her walk out that door last night. Not just ‘cause I wanna fuck her ‘til she’s walkin’ funny either. I just wanna hold her close for a while; no sex, no feedin’ involved — just us. Not somethin’ I ever thought I’d hear myself say, y’know?

 

I hated tellin’ her ‘bout Joaquin, but she just wouldn’t leave it. Then I wanted her to drop it, so I said that other stuff. Afterwards, I wanted so fuckin’ bad to tell her it didn’t even hold a candle to just kissin’ her. But we needed to get the ball rollin’ so I couldn’t.

 

I wish this was over with all ready, but at the same time, I don’t. She ain’t gonna want me when I tell her ‘bout that pig bastard, and I can’t be with her unless she knows everything. I smirk. When did I get so fuckin’ noble?

 

I shake my head and sigh. I don’t know what I’m gonna do when this is finished with. I doubt I’ll be satisfied with goin’ back to Georgia. This little adventure’s shown me just how much I’ve been missin’ life as a Slayer.

 

It ain’t just the violence that draws me to this life, either. Though, that is a fuckin’ wicked good reason. I miss knowin’ that my actions have saved someone’s life. But if I really think about it, Slayin’ is just another way to hold someone’s life in my hands.

 

Somethin’ is startin’ to become disturbingly clear, though. What the vamp was sayin’ ‘bout me just bein’ part of the soul and needin’ to get hold of myself? I think she meant that part of my soul’s in purgatory and that unless I get it back, I’m gonna lose control again.

 

Fear tightens my chest at that thought and I close my eyes as I swallow hard. So I know what I gotta do. I gotta get my soul back. But how can I?

 

The front door slams open and I jerk, startled. I go to flip to my feet and hear the hammers of at least four guns cock back. Dionne shoves through the crowd of vamps standin’ in my livin’ room and raises his gun, aimin’ pointblank at my forehead.

 

“Take your guns from your holsters and drop ‘em,” He growls and then adds, “Slowly.”

 

I do as he says and then look at him curiously. I decide to take a chance. I doubt Joaquin wants anyone but him to dust me so I think I’m safe for now.

 

“What’s up, man? I ain’t did shit.”

 

“Fuck if I know. Joaquin just said to bring you in. Put your hands behind your head.”

 

Slowly, I do so. What the fuck is this all about? I know there wasn’t anyone tailin’ me last night. I checked on the way there and on the way back.

 

He gestures another vamp over. “Frisk her.” He glances back at me. “Don’t try anything funny, got me?”

 

The vamp steps forward to pat me down and I grind my teeth together to keep from sayin’ anything. I don’t wanna chance pissin’ Dionne off. He seems like the kinda guy who wouldn’t think anything of endin’ me and tellin’ his boss I tried to get away.

 

The vamp’s hands spend a little too much time at my tits and I look at him. I harden my expression, lettin’ it speak for me. He jerks his gaze away from mine and quickly finishes the search, comin’ up empty handed. I wasn’t expectin’ company, so I didn’t bother to pack anything other than my guns.

 

The vamp pulls my hands down to the small of my back and slaps a pair of handcuffs on me. He finally steps back over to the others and Dionne holsters his gun, gesturin’ for the rest to do the same. He walks up and grabs the cuffs, jerkin’ me to my feet.

 

I move with the motion, climbin’ to my feet as he pulls to keep any strain off my shoulders. I don’t wanna give him the satisfaction of givin’ me a dislocated shoulder. He motions the other vamps out and gives me a shove forward to get me movin’ too.

 

Outside, he motions two vamps to either side of me and then moves ahead to walk with the rest of his unit. I glance over my guards to get a good idea of what I’m dealin’ with here just in case I gotta haul ass. Both are in fairly good shape, but they ain’t any real threat. I’d be more worried about the modified guns they’re carryin’ than anything else.

 

I turn my attention to the others and assess ‘em as best I can. Strong, confident, well-armed, I’m sure I can deal with ‘em fine. The biggest threat is Dionne. That big son of a bitch could probably break me if I let him get his hands on me.

 

I shudder. Kinda reminds me of Dane. But he ain’t Dane, and I ain’t just a Slayer anymore. That reminder calms me down and I turn my attention to my next task.

 

Rollin’ my shoulders and pretendin’ to stretch, I tense my arms and tug at the handcuffs. The metal gives slightly and I smirk as all the tension I was feelin’ fades. Thank God for stupid ass sons of bitches like these.

 

***

 

The walk over was uneventful. My guards just ignored me and I gladly returned the favor. It ain’t like they could tell me anything useful anyway. If Dionne doesn’t know why Joaquin sent for me, I doubt these fuckers do.

 

We enter the warehouse and I bite back a chuckle. There are vamps and demons crowdin’ the first floor, and some are even leanin’ against the railin’ on the second. There’s a general air of primal excitement jarrin’ my senses.

 

A low buzz of conversation rises as a few catch sight of me. I see some pointin’ at me and the leers on their faces make the hair at the nape of my neck stand on end. Silence suddenly falls and then the crowd parts to let us through.

 

I look across the room through the now open space in front of me and lock eyes with a pair of angry, almost black ones. Joaquin’s sittin’ at the head of the table, Aiden standin’ to one side and an open space on the other. His expression clouds for a brief second and then goes blank.

 

“Ah, Ms. Lehane, so glad you could join us,” He drawls.

 

I chuckle slightly. I’d all ready figured he’d discovered who I am. I just wanna know how.

 

“Y’know, most vamps don’t like it when I’m ‘round,” I say conversationally. “Glad to see not everyone feels that way.”

 

His lips twitch and he smiles humorlessly. “I’m sure.”

 

Without lookin’ away, he gestures to my escort. “Take your places, gentlemen.”

 

They all spread out, Dionne movin’ to the open space on Joaquin’s left. I lift a curious eyebrow as I’m left standin’ alone.

 

He shrugs. “I figured you would rather remain standing for this as well, yes?”

 

“Whatever.”

 

I saunter over, lettin’ a relaxed smile spread across my lips. My gaze catches Aiden’s for a brief sec and he jerks in surprise. I wink and then drag my eyes back to Joaquin’s as I continue ‘round the table. I don’t stop ‘til I’m standin’ just a few feet in front of Aiden.

 

I lean my hip against the table and run my fingertips over the grain of the table behind my back. Joaquin’s eyes follow the movement and then lift back to mine. He shakes his head.

 

“Are you not even the least bit worried?”

 

I shrug. “What would be the point? I ain’t got a clue what ya problem is, yet. I mean, is it ‘cause I ran out on ya the other night?”

 

His face darkens and he snarls, “Don’t toy with me, bitch!”

 

I smirk. “Aight, is it Irish/Italians from Southie? Maybe it’s ex cons ya got issues with?”

 

“You are really trying my patience, Slayer!”

 

I snap my fingers. “Ah, that’s it!” I laugh and shake my head. “Knew I forgot to tell ya somethin’.”

 

He stands and stalks over to me. He grabs the front of my tank top and jerks me forward, pullin’ me face to face with him.

 

“Keep talking and I will make your change real, Slayer!”

 

I grimace as some of his spit flies out and hits my face. I wipe my cheek against my shoulder and look at him. I try not to say it, really I do, but it just comes out anyway.

 

“Say it, don’t spray it, stubby!”

 

He releases me only to grab me by the throat and then he tosses me backwards. I land on my back on the table and look up to see him lunge at me. I bring my booted feet up and kick at his chest, sendin’ him flyin’. He slams into the cages and slides to the floor.

 

I don’t wait for him to get up. I flip to my feet on the table and roll my shoulders. I let the motion flow all the way to my wrists and bring my arms up, snappin’ the chain between the handcuffs. I look up to see Joaquin runnin’ towards me, game face on.

 

I let my face shift to the familiar angles and ridges in response. My body shifts over my center of balance and my fists hang ready at my sides. I snarl when Aiden reaches out to intercept him.

 

Joaquin rounds on him and growls, “What?”

 

I watch curiously, wonderin’ what’s up. That fucker’s grated on my senses since I first met him and he’s actin’ weird. I raise an eyebrow as Aiden looks up at me.

 

“What magic are you using to keep up that appearance so convincingly that I cannot even sense it?”

 

I laugh in disbelief. I wasn’t really payin’ attention earlier when Joaquin made his comment, but now I’m gettin’ it. They think I ain’t a real vamp.

 

I trail my tongue over my fangs and flip down, landin’ in front of ‘em. I smirk at Aiden.

 

“Ain’t any magic involved,” I drawl.

 

A clock on the back wall of the room catches my attention and I snicker when I realize I’m right on time. My eyes drift back to Aiden and I close the distance between us. I gaze at him for a sec, lettin’ my amusement show. Just as he starts to speak, I move.

 

In one sudden violent motion, I grab his shirt and jerk him to me. I shove my fist into his chest—skin, muscle and bone givin’ way. My fingertips close ‘round his heart and our eyes lock. Horror widens his eyes and I pull my hand back, tearin’ his heart out.

 

His body reels and then falls backwards. I open bloodied fingers and let his wetly glistenin’ heart drop to the floor. I step on it and turn to face Joaquin, lettin’ the heel of my boot grind it into the cement. Aiden’s body bursts into ashes as it hits the floor.

 

That’s one less problem we gotta worry ‘bout. He was the unknown in this sitch. I don’t know what he might’ve been able to do, but now it ain’t gonna be an issue.

 

An explosion shatters the silence of the warehouse just as Joaquin lunges for me. I laugh and meet his attack just as those around us react to the sudden arrivals. Slayers are pourin’ through the now wide, jagged openings where the front and back doors once were with the weak, grayish early mornin’ sunlight chasin’ after ‘em.

 

I go through the motions of the fight, duckin’ and throwin’ punches and kicks. A familiar primal energy surges through me, urgin’ me to give myself up to it. I hesitate, givin’ him an openin’. An uppercut rocks my head back and I roll with it, liftin’ my head back up to face him and I lick at the blood poolin’ in the corner of my mouth.

 

Our eyes lock and I let myself go. One last thought goes through my head ‘fore all I know is the drivin’, feral ecstasy of battle. I didn’t even have to challenge the motherfucker.

 

 

Chapter Twenty-Three: Unrestrained

 

(Buffy’s POV)

 

I give Will a nod, giving her the go ahead. We all know the parts we play, so we don’t need words. I watch as she mutters under her breath in Latin for a long space of time and then she lifts her head and a light shines from her as several shouts rend the air. I look back towards the warehouse in time to see the guards going up in flames.

 

I check to see that the coast is clear and then I step out from the shadows of the other warehouses. I glance over the sixty-three girls that follow me and give them a smile. The predatory glints that sparkle in each and every set of eyes there tell me we all feel the same need. I don’t see any reason to delay anyone’s gratification.

 

I jerk my head at Will and seconds later the fence gate goes flying. I nod at Ken, she returns it, and then she walks away. Half our force splits off to go with her to back of the warehouse and await the signal. Another gesture from me and a group breaks off to spread out the length of the gate entrance. Ken all ready knows to set up guards at the back when she gets there.

 

I lead them towards the warehouse and Will mumbles another spell. A loud explosion makes my ears ring and debris flies overhead. The spell left a gaping, jagged hole in the building where the doorway used to be.

 

I share another look with Will, telling her to give Ken the word. She nods in reply and now it’s time for the second phase of Faith’s plan.

 

Those of us on the frontlines of our advancing groups have to clear the way for the rest as we enter the warehouse. We’re staking vampires left and right just so we can all get inside. The air grows thick with heat and dust and breathing is nearly impossible.

 

I feel someone come up on my left and I take a glance to see Wes fighting shoulder-to-shoulder with me. I grin at the concentrated look on his face and jerk my attention back to the fight just in time to duck a right-cross from a vampire. I return the punch with one of my own, stake him, and then move through his drifting ashes to the next one.

 

I wasn’t surprised that my friends came through for me. They usually do. Unfortunately, we realized that there was no way Angel and Spike could help this time. Daylight isn’t exactly their best friend. I think they were angrier about that than Faith’s bite mark.

 

I dust another fashion disaster and I’m abruptly given a clear view straight to the center of the warehouse. What I see makes my heart slam against my ribcage. Faith is facing off against Joaquin.

 

The really scary part? I’ve never seen her move this fast before. She’s a blur amid the scrambling vampires and demons surrounding us. Every movement is full of an unrestrained violence ten times more intense than usual for her.

 

Suddenly, she looks up and our gazes lock for a brief second. From where I’m standing, the fierce joy glowing in her black eyes is obvious. She gives me a grin and winks at me. Then she’s moving again and my view is blocked as more of the enemy move in front of me. I reluctantly return to the fight, trying to resist the urge to go to her side.

 

I flip over a vampire’s head and kick him in the back before I land. I turn to see him scrambling to get up and I reach down and grab his arm, forcing him wide open as I move in for the kill. I go on to the next, feeling the familiar wild energy pumping through my veins.

 

Faith was never alone in finding enjoyment in what we do. I just never wanted to own up to it ‘cause I was too busy whining about wanting a normal life. Admitting I enjoy it would’ve been admitting that I didn’t have as much a problem with being a Slayer as I pretended.

 

Thing is? The adrenaline, the power, the victory, and the need—they make all the pain and tears worth it. I toss a vamp into the air, stake him, and he comes back down in a shower of dust. Hungry and horny? Oh yeah, I’ll feel it, F.

 

***

 

(Faith’s POV)

 

I feel like a cat with a mouse right now. I could end it at anytime, I just don’t wanna. I’m just playin’ with him ‘cause I ain’t ready for this fight to be over with yet. I’ll eventually have to let it come to an end though ‘cause there’re plenty of others to start.

 

He’s gettin’ so frustrated that he’s making more mistakes. Out of all the blows I’ve landed on him, he’s maybe gotten a couple in on me. God, this is wicked.

 

“C’mon, lover, put some effort into it why don’t ya?”

 

His eyes flash angrily and he throws a wild punch. I duck under his arm and grab it, pullin’ it up behind him. I let the motion follow through, usin’ his momentum to flip him. He lands on his back and I straddle him, grabbin’ a fistful of his shirt. I give him a wicked grin.

 

“Brings back memories, huh?”

 

He tries to buck me off and I tighten my thighs ‘round his hips and ride it out. I end his struggle with a strike to his solar plexus that makes him freeze for a sec. I jerk him up by his shirt and let loose with a few vicious punches to his face ‘fore I release him again. I let him drop back to the floor and then I roll off him.

 

I turn my back on him and glance around, findin’ a Slayer fightin’ nearby. I give it brief consideration and then I stroll over to her. I wait ‘til she stakes the vamp she’s fightin’ and then tap her shoulder. She spins, stake held ready and I pluck it out of her hand.

 

“‘Scuse me, I need this for a sec.”

 

She just gapes at me in response and I snicker. Then I turn back around to find Joaquin chargin’ at me. I tuck the stake into the back of my pants, shrug and then meet him halfway.

 

I negligently block the first few blows and then I catch his fist in my hand. He tries to hit me with the other and I duck the blow. Then I twist his arm up behind him again, ‘cept this time I grab his shoulder to keep him from flippin’ and I don’t stop ‘til I feel his shoulder pop out the joint. I hear a muted pop and he screams.

 

I sweep his legs from under him, force him to his belly and pull the stake. I flip him, catch his gaze and then start to bring it down to his chest. Somethin’ big hits me from behind and I fly over Joaquin’s head to land on my belly a few feet away. A heavy weight pins me to the ground and I flex my muscles as I arch up, tossin’ it off.

 

I roll to my back, flip to my feet and find Dionne climbin’ to his feet. Fuck yeah, this is gonna be fun. I flip the stake in my hand and return it to my waistband. I ain’t gonna need that just yet.

 

Dionne charges at me and I duck away. Ain’t no way in hell I’m lettin’ him get his hands on me. I ain’t got a death wish.

 

He comes at me again and I slam a fist into his ribcage before I slip away out of reach. Another blow comes at me from a different side and I spin ‘round to find Joaquin back on his feet. Ah, shit. Now I gotta deal with both of these fuckers.

 

I see Dionne runnin’ at me out of the corner of my eye and I put Joaquin out of my mind. I’ll worry about him later. I shrug, bow slightly and charge forward to catch Dionne in the gut with my shoulder and he goes flyin’ back a few feet into a concrete pillar. His head bounces off the concrete and I start to go after him, only to feel a sucker punch right in the kidney.

 

I stiffen in response and slowly turn back to Joaquin. I sneer and shake my head as I retrieve my stake.

 

“Oh, this is it, motherfucker.”

 

I reach out and grab a handful of his hair, forcin’ his head back and exposin’ his throat as he bends backwards. His hands clutch at my arm, leavin’ his chest unprotected and I go in for the kill. My stake pierces his heart and I’m grabbed from behind just as he bites the dust. Thickly muscled arms wrap ‘round my waist and I’m dragged backwards.

 

‘Fore I can get away, Dionne turns me ‘round and slams me onto the table. The small of my back hits the edge with all my weight behind it, but the pain doesn’t register. I’m frozen as he looms over me and my mind slips off to another time, another place.

 

“You’re mine, Slayer,” He hissed.

 

Oh, God, my mind cried out as I gazed up from the floor. Dane’s dark eyes gazed back at me, a dangerous light shinin’ in the depths. I knew I was in trouble, but before I could move, he grabbed my shirt and hauled me up.

 

A fiery pain lances up my spine, pullin’ me back to the here and now. Dionne’s pullin’ me to him by my shirt and I grip his arms as I force myself to move. Despite the agony it causes, I wrap my legs ‘round his waist and tense, preparin’ to toss him over my head. Then suddenly his eyes go wide and his gaze drops from mine.

 

“Oh fuck me.”

 

I follow his line of sight to find the very tip of a stake protrudin’ from his chest right where his heart is. His eyes meet mine again and then he explodes, showerin’ me with dust. I let my legs fall, my feet hittin’ the floor, and another jolt of pain jars my spine. I wince and look up, findin’ myself lookin’ into a pair of hazel eyes.

 

B smirks at me and shakes her head as she holds a hand out to me. “You know, I could get a complex if you keep getting into positions like that.”

 

I accept her help, grabbin’ her hand, and she pulls me to my feet. I’m clenchin’ my jaw to keep from screamin’ as the pain in my spine returns with a vengeance. It starts to fade quickly and a wave of relief floods me. I open my mouth to speak and then I just shut it with a shake of my head.

 

“Ah, fuck it,” I mutter and jerk her to me by our still joined hands.

 

Her hands fly to my shoulders in startled response and I grab her hair with my free hand. I pull her mouth to mine and kiss her, hard and fast. Words just couldn’t have described just how grateful I’m feelin’ right fuckin’ now.

 

 

Chapter Twenty-Four: An Old Friend in Me

 

(Buffy’s POV)

 

The kiss breaks just as abruptly as it began and I’m left standing there as she walks off. All I can do is blink and stare after her, dumfounded. The flow of blood is having a hard time rerouting back to my brain after the sudden southern trip it took.

 

Finally, she looks back over her shoulder at me. Her gaze drifts over me and then she gives me an amused look.

 

“Comin’, B?”

 

Oh, but don’t I wish. I’m still having trouble so it takes me a few seconds to get any words out.

 

“Huh?”

 

Okay, so it was more of a grunt than anything. But don’t I get points for trying?

 

She shakes her head and laughs. With one last look, she snorts and then throws herself back into the fight. She stakes a vampire and moves on to the next.

 

“Better come after me, B. Never know when I’ll need ya to guard my ass again.”

 

I only just hear her words above the din in the warehouse. But they serve their purpose and I follow her into the thick of it. It’s not long before we’re shoulder-to-shoulder in the middle of the warehouse, surrounded by vampires and Slayers.

 

Four vamps come after us, two on each side and familiar hands grab mine. Faith’s momentum turns us around and I leap up into a spin-kick. They stumble back and my arms cross with Faith’s as I land. I continue the maneuver, turning as Faith completes it with a spin-kick of her own. We end up back where we started at and share a laugh as we return to the fight.

 

The cacophony of sounds sets a familiar rhythm that my body is starting to respond to. Without hesitation, I give myself into it. My moves gain a natural fluidity that Faith’s easily matches. A smirk plays over my lips in answer to the one on hers.

 

And we have synchronized Slayage, ladies and gentleman. I chuckle and duck, letting her take out the vamp trying to sneak up behind me. We slap hands in a high-five as she moves behind me to guard my back.

 

Back-to-back, we continue the fight. Everything else starts to fade from my awareness, until the only things that exist for me are her presence and the opponents around us. Not even the other Slayers register in my consciousness now.

 

I’ve fought at the side of hundreds of Slayers by now, a few humans, and even some demons. But none of them could ever, ever match up to what it’s like fighting with her by my side. It’s like we become an extension of each other. The way we move together is magic.

 

I just wish it hadn’t taken me so long to accept it. Things could’ve been so different if I hadn’t kept rejecting our connection. I decided when she agreed to help us this time that I wouldn’t keep fighting it. Even with everything that’s happened I still feel the same way.

 

We have a lot of stuff we need to deal with, but there’s hope for us yet. I throw a punch at a green-skinned demon that’s just come at me. He growls and grabs for me, only to receive a knife in his lung by way of an arm reaching around me. I look over my shoulder at Faith, discontented.

 

“Sorry,” She says with a grin, obviously not even a little apologetic.

 

She jerks the knife from his ribcage and he grabs at the wound as he collapses with a gurgling sound. I reach down to snap his neck before I move on. I find myself face-to-face with a vampire with one too many piercings in odd places and I grimace.

 

“You know, I’ve never really seen the point in getting that part of your nose pierced.”

 

I duck a sloppy swipe at my head and grab her arm, flipping her onto the ground with her own momentum. She clambers to her feet and comes at me again. I shrug as I duck around her.

 

“I mean, really. Is it even hygienic?”

 

She punches me in the side and I roll my eyes as I grab her arm. I catch her gaze with a wry look.

 

“You hit like a girl.”

 

She looks at me in confusion as I pull her to me, and then I slam my fist repeatedly into her gut. I kick her legs out from under her and follow her to the ground, staking her when she hits. I straighten and look for my next opponent.

 

He finds me. A bigger version of the green-skinned demon Faith took care of tackles me from the side. I hit the ground with a grunt and shove him off me, or at least I try to. He pins me to the ground, surprisingly strong considering how weak the other one was.

 

I struggle fruitlessly against the hold he has on me. His arm lifts and my eyes widen as a thin, jagged spike slides out of his wrist. Oh fuck—

 

***

 

(Faith’s POV)

 

Fuck me! I quickly stake the vamp I’m fightin’ and take off towards B. She’s just a few feet away, but I gotta shove a few idiots out of my way to get to her. Shit, I think one of ‘em was a Slayer.

 

Oh, well. She’ll get over it. I grab one of the metal foldin’ chairs away from the table pull it apart. The metal screeches in protest as the seat of the chair tears down the middle, leavin’ a jagged edge. I toss the bigger half and close the distance between us.

 

I catch the demon’s arm in my hand, stoppin’ his spike less than an inch from B’s head. The demon jerks his head up to look at me in surprise and I give him a smirk. I bring the chair piece up across his throat, the edge slicin’ through it and sendin’ blood flyin’. I look down at B and raise an eyebrow.

 

She grimaces and shoves his corpse from her. She wipes at the blood and slowly sits up. She looks back up at me.

 

“Gee, thanks.”

 

“Anytime,” I wink.

 

I toss my makeshift weapon so I can grab her hand and then jerk her to her feet. I smack her on the ass and get back into the fight. I’m comforted by the heat of her when she gets back-to-back with me. I prefer it when she’s right there so I can keep an eye on her – she gets into too much trouble otherwise.

 

It doesn’t take us long to find the rhythm once again. I sidestep a knife swipe and grab the vamp’s arm, bringin’ it down on my bent knee and revelin’ in the snap of the bone. I stake the vamp and move on.

 

A fist catches my jaw and I roll with the punch. My mouth fills with blood from where my teeth cut into my cheek and I slowly lift my eyes to the vamp responsible for it. I lick my lips and then spit the blood into his face.

 

“You motherfucker,” I snarl.

 

I grab his throat and ram him back against a support post. I bring my knee up into his nuts and he bowls over with a shrill cry. I take the opportunity to grab a fistful of his hair and slam his face down against my knee. I pull him up by his hair and ram my stake home.

 

I turn ‘round, grabbin’ B’s shoulders and flippin’ over her to kick her opponent in the head. He stumbles back as I land and I grab him, pullin’ him right into my stake. He bursts into dust and I blow a speck of it off my nose.

 

I drop to my back on the floor to do a scissor-kick, sendin’ two vamps flyin’ as I leap back to my feet. If life after death as a Slayer doesn’t work out, I’m sure I could find a job as a break dancer. I snort and slam my stake into an unsuspectin’ vamp’s chest.

 

I turn and somethin’ hits my shoulder and slides down across my chest, but I’m so far in the zone it doesn’t matter right now. A sword slices through the air towards me and I bring my hands up, clappin’ ‘em over the flat of the blade and stoppin’ it abruptly. I let go and grab the vamp’s wrist, twistin’ ‘til the bone snaps and breaks through skin. The sword drops from suddenly nerveless fingers and hits the ground.

 

I kick the sword aside and release him to slam the base of my palm into his face, breaking the bridge of his nose. Blood gushes from the injury but I don’t give him time to get pissed. I stake him and walk through a shower of his ashes to reach the next contestant.

 

The hair on the back of my neck stands on end and I find myself lookin’ into blood red eyes. The fucker in front of me looks wicked. He’s shorter than me, probably about 5’3, but he’s wider than a Mack truck and his skin matches the color of his eyes. His lips curl up into a sneer, revealin’ razor sharp teeth.

 

A hand bigger than both of mine put together clips me in the ribs. The pain doesn’t register but I dimly recognize the feelin’ of my ribs crackin’. He catches me in the gut with another punch and the wind rushes out of me. I double over in reaction to the pain that suddenly pierces the adrenaline surgin’ through me.

 

I straighten quickly, only to have a familiar sound drop me to my knees. I look up and a fine mist of blood rains down on me as the sword in B’s hand takes the demon’s head off. I stand, laughin’ as I lick the blood from my mouth.

 

B’s eyebrows furrow and her gaze drops. I watch as her hand lifts and she gently touches my upper chest. Her fingers brush aside the remnants of my shredded tank top to reveal a wicked gash runnin’ from my shoulder down across my chest, endin’ just at the rise of my left breast. I wince as the throbbin’ pain makes itself known.

 

“Fuck, that’s gonna be a bitch to heal.”

 

She laughs disbelievingly and mutters, “Only you, Faith.”

 

My eyebrows furrow. “What the fuck’s that supposed to mean?”

 

She shakes her head and covers the wound back up. “Most people would freak ‘cause they were that close to dying. But you, you’re worried it’s going to take a while to heal.”

 

I shrug. “What’s your point?”

 

She doesn’t answer me and I jerk my head up, to find her gazin’ over my shoulder. Suddenly, I’m aware of the loud silence surroundin’ us. I look up, confused to find that the only ones standin’ are ours. And they’re all starin’ at me and B, wide-eyed.

 

“What?” I snarl, taken off-guard.

 

 

Chapter Twenty-Five: Predatory

 

Fuck, I’m so glad that shit’s over with. ‘Course, I’m even happier now that B’s sent her little troops off to do their own things. One more second of them starin’ at us like we’re Messiahs and I’d have had to put the smack-down on some-fuckin’-body. I get that me and B are hot as fuck, and seein’ us fight’s a mind-fuck and a half, but Jesus!

 

I’d be ecstatic if she’d make ‘em all leave. There are plenty of things I can think of that I’d like to be doin’ and none of ‘em involve sittin’ in a dark corner in a dusty warehouse. But the only thing my mind is willin’ to supply me with at the moment are some wickedly inventive images of me and B.

 

My libido’s on overdrive and I’m goin’ nuts just sittin’ here but there’s nothin’ else for me to do. I can’t go much further than where I am ‘cause the sun’s high enough to shine inside the entrance now. All I can do is sit and watch the Scoobies and the Slayers doin’ their thing. And I’m stuck here ‘til they’re ready to go.

 

My gaze keeps strayin’ to where B’s standin’ across the room. She’s talkin’ to Red and Ken and gesturin’ with her hands. Every so often, a word or two drifts to where I’m sittin’ but it’s just like so much fuckin’ Greek to me. I sigh and my gaze drifts down.

 

I tilt my head slightly and my eyes narrow. I smirk. Her body’s vibratin’ with tension and she looks like she’s ‘bout to pop. I can feel the energy comin’ off her from here.

 

Suddenly, her stance shifts and I glance up to find her lookin’ back at me. Her mouth is parted and her tongue quickly darts out to swipe at her bottom lip. I give her a dangerous smile and she shivers.

 

***

 

(Buffy’s POV)

 

She’s looking at me like she wants to eat me. I bite my lip to stifle a moan. Oh, God, I want that too.

 

“Buffy?”

 

I jerk my gaze back to Will and blush. I scrub at my face and shake my head.

 

“I—I’m sorry, Will. What was that?”

 

Kennedy clears her throat to cover a laugh and I glare. She quickly holds up a hand to placate me.

 

“Sorry. I was just telling you that everything checked out. We took care of the ones we found hiding on the other floors. I sent a bunch of the uninjured Slayers upstairs to go through everything and they’re going to let us know if they find anything noteworthy.”

 

I sigh. “Well, I guess all that remains for me to do is to check on the injured.”

 

Kennedy shakes her head. “Nope, all ready did that too. Wes brought the MV around and he’s making sure they’re taken care of.”

 

Thank God, or Giles, for the medical van. It’s an RV filled with medical equipment, but some of the Slayers started calling it an MV and that’s where it all went wrong. But odd names aside, it’s pretty useful in our line of work. Even more helpful is that we usually have at least three Slayers with medical training on hand.

 

I groan. “Is there anything left that I can do?”

 

“You mean other than grunt work?” Kennedy quips and then she shrugs. “Well, yeah. There is something you can do.”

 

“What?” I ask warily.

 

I don’t like that look. It usually means she’s about to be true to her bratty nature.

 

Deadpan, she replies, “You can get Faith to stop scaring the others.”

 

“Huh?” I ask, confused.

 

She points and I look in the direction she’s indicating. I meet Faith’s gaze again and I’m trapped.

 

“I’ve seen more than a couple of Slayers take one look at her and scamper off like they were afraid she was getting ready to pounce.”

 

I blink and jerk my head around to glare at Ken again. “She isn’t any danger to anyone here. Tell them they need to calm down. She’s just a little... tense right now.”

 

“Um, I dunno, Buff,” Willow says contemplatively, a slight grin tugging at one corner of her mouth. “I’m actually a little worried for your safety right now.”

 

“What?” I ask sharply.

 

Please, Will. I plead silently. I’m a little on edge myself right now. This isn’t the greatest time for someone to start in on Faith.

 

“She looks like she’s going to eat you alive,” Willow explains, unable to hide her smile any longer.

 

“Oh, God, Will,” I groan and cover my eyes with one hand as I point at her with the other. “You’re evil!”

 

“You didn’t see the way she was looking at Faith, babe,” Kennedy interrupts. “I think it’s actually Faith we should be worried for.”

 

I slam my eyes shut and shake my head as I blush hotly. I try to ignore the chuckles coming from my supposed friends. I reopen my eyes and shake my head at them.

 

“You’re both evil. I swear if you don’t leave me alone, you’ll both be on kitchen duty for the next two weeks.”

 

Kennedy shudders and bites her lip, trying to calm down. A snort escapes and she claps a hand over her mouth.

 

I throw my hands up and walk off. “Maybe I will go talk to her. At least she won’t pick on me.”

 

“No, she’ll just pick at you,” Kennedy calls after me.

 

I dodge a group of Slayers cleaning up demon corpses and make my way over to where Faith is. As I near her, my body temperature rises and I tremble in reaction to the primal energy she’s putting off. My eyes narrow and I take a deep breath as I stop in front of the chair she’s sitting in.

 

***

 

(Faith’s POV)

 

Eyes half-lidded, I tilt my head back to gaze up at B. I give her a lazy smile in response to the heated look she’s givin’ me.

 

“Somethin’ I can do for ya, B?”

 

I watch her take a deep, shudderin’ breath and then she shakes her head with a laugh. She absently rubs her thumb over a cut on her forearm.

“Why do I have a feeling anything you say right now’s going to sound like a come-on?”

 

I shrug. “I dunno—maybe ‘cause it is?”

 

I know we need to get our issues outta the way ‘fore we let things go further than they all ready have, but my body ain’t listenin’ to reason. Apparently my mouth ain’t either.

 

“How much longer we gotta stay here?”

 

She shrugs. “I think we can get out of here soon. I just have to do one more check and then go pull my car up to the door.”

 

A voice interrupts my reply, “Hey, Buffy!”

 

We break our gaze and look up to see Ken comin’ towards us with a file in one hand. She winces under our scrutiny and shrugs.

 

“I didn’t want to interrupt, but one of the younger Slayers found something I thought you guys should see.”

 

She holds a folder out and Buffy snatches it away. She flips it open and a piece of paper drifts out, flashes of color catchin’ my attention. I snatch it outta the air and flip it over. I blink in reaction to seein’ my own mug shot lookin’ back at me.

 

My lip curls up in a sneer in unconscious reaction. Jesus, I look fucked up in that pic. It’s one of the ones they took when I first turned myself in. I was pretty beat up and kinda dead on my feet at the time.

 

‘Course, I’ve taken the phrase “dead on my feet” to a whole new level, but enough with my morbid sense of humor. I hand the picture to B and shrug.

 

“Don’t know why they had that shitty thing.”

 

“It doesn’t look that bad,” B replies absently and then waves the folder in her hand at me. “They’ve got all kinds of info on you up until you disappeared, Faith.”

 

Heh, what world is she livin’ in? That pic has to be the worst one I’ve ever seen of myself, with the exception of one that my ex, Kenny has. Then again, there ain’t much worse than a picture of me fucked up on God knows what and drunk as a dog.

 

“Guess that’s how they found out who I was,” I mutter.

 

“What?” Buffy asks in confusion.

 

Oh yeah, that’s right. With everything that’s happened, I ain’t had the chance to tell her ‘bout that.

 

“They came after me just a little bit before we were set to attack. He had me brought in and was wicked pissed.” I smirk. “‘course, me bein’ me, I just kept makin’ it worse.”

 

Buffy taps the file with one fingertip. “So I guess now we have to find out where the info came from.”

 

“No skin off my back if we don’t,” I answer easily. “I just wanna get outta this place.”

 

“We need to figure out where their captives are at first,” Kennedy says quietly.

 

I frown in response and then my expression clears. “I heard one of the other vamps say somethin’ ‘bout ‘em keepin’ the pets in another warehouse nearby.”

 

“Okay,” Ken answers. “I’ll take a group and the MV and head out to find them. Why don’t the two of you get out of here?”

 

“But—”

 

“Ah! Don’t argue,” Ken interrupts. “The two of you together put off more energy than the rest of our force combined. Frankly, you’re driving us all insane with it.”

 

B opens her mouth to object and then snaps it shut. She glances at me and I shrug. Don’t look at me, B. I ain’t gonna deny it.

 

She gives me a look that I’m sure is supposed to be irritated, but all it spells to me is “frustrated”. I give her a little grin, darin’ her to say anything. Come on, B. Y’know I’ll just embarrass ya.

 

She curls her lip into a tiny sneer and rolls her eyes. “Okay, we’ll go. I’ve got a blanket in the backseat that you can cover up with.”

 

I lift my eyebrow. “Thanks, I appreciate it.”

 

She turns to go and then freezes. She hesitantly turns back to face us with an odd look. She opens her mouth, snaps it shut, and then a blush crawls up her cheeks.

 

Amused, I drawl, “Somethin’ wrong?”

 

She licks her lips and then she asks shakily, “Your place or mine?”

 

I just about fall outta my chair and Ken slides down the wall holdin’ her belly, laughin’. I bite my bottom lip as I struggle to regain my composure. Fuck, she’s adorable. When I finally look up, B’s lookin’ at me like she wants to kill me.

 

“Yours,” I just barely manage to choke out.

 

 

Chapter Twenty-Six: Alcohol, Blood, and Sweat I

 

I run a hand through my hair absently as I look around the room I’m standin’ in. It just screams “Buffy”. Pastels and light oak furniture make up the décor of her apartment. I ain’t really surprised. I’m actually kinda fond of it, truthfully.

 

A whimper catches my attention and I look down at the three month old crème colored Labrador puppy dancin’ ‘round my legs. She leaps up and paws at my thigh, then falls back onto all fours. I smile wryly and shake my head as I kneel down.

 

“Hey there, Lee,” I murmur.

 

I run my hand over the soft fur and the pup eats it up. She’s pressin’ into my fingers like she just can’t get enough of it. I lean back when she tries to leap up and lick my face, laughin’ at her disappointed whine.

 

“Hey,” B calls softly.

 

I jerk my head up, startled and embarrassed, to find B standin’ right next to me. Our eyes lock for the first time since we got here and my pussy clenches in response. A softer version of the lust I’m used to seein’ in others is reflected back at me.

 

I want her, but we need to talk first, damn it! I remind myself. With that in mind, I stand, intendin’ to tell her that.

 

She reaches out towards me, offerin’ me a wine glass. I accept it and look, startled to find that it’s blood. I glance back up at her questioningly.

 

“I keep it here for when Spike or Angel drop by,” She explains quietly.

 

Tryin’ to pretend that doesn’t bother me, I nod and take a sip, my eyes widenin’ in response to the taste. She spiked my drink. I lick my lips and raise an eyebrow.

 

She holds up her wine glass, this one shades lighter than mine. “I didn’t want to be drinking alone, so I added some of my wine to your drink.”

 

“Okay,” I say slowly.

 

Somethin’ is goin’ on here. If I didn’t know better, I’d say she’s tryin’ to seduce me. My breathin’ quickens at the thought.

 

B’s eyes lower and she takes a sip from her glass. My eyes track the movement and I notice a slight tremor in her hand. My gaze darts back to hers and she lowers her glass.

 

“So, um,” She clears her throat. “Do you want to talk?”

 

No. I clamp my jaw shut to keep the answer from slippin’ out. Oh, fuck. I may just be fucked here—in more ways than one.

 

I drain my glass in two swallows and hand it to B. I shrug at her surprised expression.

 

“I was thirsty. But um, yeah, we probably should, y’know— talk.” My voice breaks.

 

“Oh fuck it.”

 

The words startle me and I watch, confused as B sets her glass down on the coffee table. She reaches out and takes mine from me, settin’ it aside as well. She comes towards me and I back up. If she gets her hands on me, I’m done for.

 

“I—I thought we were gonna talk,” I stammer.

 

B follows me ‘til I’m up against the wall and grabs my tank top, jerkin’ me to her. The throbbin’ between my thighs intensifies as she presses her body into mine. Her hands flatten against my belly and she insinuates a knee between my thighs. I whimper.

 

I’m fucked. She’s got my libido by the clit and I’m startin’ not to give a fuck about anything else. I swallow hard and look down into her eyes.

 

She bites her bottom lip and looks up at me from beneath her lashes. I’m experiencin’ déjà-vu for a sec. She releases her lip and leans further into me.

 

“I know there’s a lot we need to deal with,” She murmurs hoarsely. “But right now I need you so much, Faith.”

 

Fuck, if that ain’t the one thing I’ve always wanted to hear her say. I close my eyes for a brief sec and then let myself go for the second time in one day. I open my eyes to look into hers again. There was never a chance of me resistin’ her anyway.

 

This thing that’s between her and me? It’s as inevitable as a stake findin’ a home in a vamp’s chest. It’s unavoidable and it’s been buildin’ since day one. Maybe even before.

 

Her hands run up the front of my ruined tank top, slidin’ over my tits to pause on my upper chest. My nipples tighten and I shudder as I clasp her hips, pullin’ her closer. I lick my bottom lip and lower my mouth to hers. Our lips brush against each other, once, twice and a third time.

 

Her tongue darts out to tease my bottom lip and it becomes somethin’ more. My tongue slips out to tangle with hers and one hand rises to tangle in soft blonde hair. I grab her thigh with the other and bring it up, lettin’ it wrap ‘round my hip. Her arms slide ‘round my neck and she groans against my mouth.

 

The sound makes me ache for more. I stumble back and turn, pressin’ her up against the wall. I grind my hips into hers and she mimics me. I break the kiss and arch back, starin’ down at the sight of our clothed bodies writhin’ together. Oh fuck, that’s hot—makes me wanna see it sans clothin’.

 

B lunges forward and our mouths crash together. The tang of her blood fills my mouth, mixin’ with mine and the taste of the wine and I groan as I kiss her harder. My hand leaves her hair, trailin’ down her neck and over her shoulder to her t-shirt covered chest. My palm slips over her nipple and she gasps against my mouth.

 

She leans into my hand and sucks on my tongue, makin’ me grind against her harder. She whimpers and I chuckle against her mouth as I slide my hand further south. My fingertips brush her lower belly and she pulls her mouth away, gaspin’ for air.

 

“We—we should go to bed,” She stammers.

 

“Go to bed?” I ask, archin’ an eyebrow at her. “But, baby, I ain’t got any plans to sleep anytime soon.”

 

B giggles, buryin’ her face in my neck. Her voice comes out muffled, “You know what I meant, F.”

 

I smirk. “Aw, c’mon, B. It’s aight to have sex someplace other than the bedroom, y’know.”

 

She lifts her head and glares. “I know, but I don’t want our first time to be against the living room wall.”

 

“Well, that’s good,” I answer slowly, “Seein’ as how our first time was actually on a pile of pillows in front of a big ass group of vamps.”

 

She smacks my arm and untangles herself from me. She shoves me back and goes around me. I turn to see her walkin’ away.

 

I furrow my eyebrows and only just stop from smackin’ myself in the forehead. I don’t even see that as our first time, so how could she? It was dry humpin’.

 

I call, “Hey, where ya goin’, B? I didn’t mean anything by it.”

 

She pauses in the archway to the hall and looks back over her shoulder. She smirks.

 

“If you want to continue what we were just doing, F, you’ll follow me.”

 

She abruptly disappears down the hall and I blink, surprised. Then I roll my eyes and start off after her, pausin’ to kick my boots off. I continue down the hall, jerkin’ my tank top up over my head and off. I let it fall to the floor as I enter the bedroom at the end of the hall.

 

I look around in confusion and then the door slams shut. I turn and find Buffy standin’ behind me. She takes in the fact that I’ve lost my tank top somewhere and then lifts her eyes back to mine, the heat of her gaze so intense it nearly scorches me. I watch, spellbound, as she grasps the hem of her T-shirt and whips it off.

 

She lets the shirt fall to the floor and her hands drift to the buttons on her jeans. I don’t think I’ve even blinked durin’ this entire time. I can see why. I’m perfectly happy to just keep starin’ at her.

 

She pops the button on her jeans and lowers the zipper, givin’ me a teasin’ look. She bends at the waist, wigglin’ her hips to slide her skintight jeans off. I catch a glimpse of a tiny pair of black panties and whimper. God, is it wrong to wish I was standin’ behind her instead of here? My gaze falls on her black satin clad breasts and I lick my lips, decidin’ I’ll be fine right where I am.

 

She steps out of her jeans and drops ‘em on the floor. She looks up at me and straightens slowly, lettin’ me take her in. Jesus, she’s beautiful.

 

Golden tan skin that I know feels like silk hides lithe muscles that are twitchin’ from leftover adrenaline right now. Her body’s a story of an active lifestyle and it makes her that much more appealin’ to me ‘cause I know she can take me as I am. She looks delicate, but I know what that body can do. The thought that I’ll be able to get my hands on her makes my body heat up.

 

I lift my gaze back to hers, lettin’ her see just what she’s doin’ to me. She saunters toward me and I’m positive the grin she’s givin’ me would probably frighten anyone else. Not too many are able to handle a Slayer on the prowl.

 

But they ain’t me. I’ll just give her a look of my own and things will be just fuckin’ perfect in my world. She reaches me and it rapidly becomes obvious that my world can become so much better.

 

Her hands slide up my arms ‘til they reach my neck and she tangles her fingers in the hair at my nape. I lift my hands and slide ‘em over the soft skin of her hips, tuggin’ her closer as she pulls my head down. Our bellies brush against each other as our mouths meet again and I moan at the skin-on-skin contact.

 

We stand there just kissin’ for the longest time, but it ain’t nearly enough. I run one hand up her back ‘til I reach her bra clasp and pop it open with a twist of my wrist. I smooth my hands over her sides and up to her shoulders where I grasp the thin straps, slowly guidin’ ‘em down her arms.

 

I let her bra drift to the floor as I wrap an arm ‘round her waist, closin’ the short distance between us. Our breasts brush against each other and someone moans. I ain’t sure, but I have a sneakin’ suspicion that it was me.

 

I glide my left hand over the skin of her stomach, the light fuzz on her belly ticklin’ me. My fingertips bump the underside of her breast and I cup it, feelin’ her hard nipple brush my palm. She gasps against my mouth and I break away to look down. The contrast of my pale, olive-toned skin against her darker complexion makes me wanna see more.

 

 

Chapter Twenty-Seven: Alcohol, Blood, and Sweat II

 

(Buffy’s POV)

 

Her lips capture mine again and I sigh into the kiss. Her hand leaves my breast and I whimper against her mouth in response. She pulls away and gives me a determined look.

 

“Clothes have gotta go.”

 

She steps back and I sit down on the bed. I slide up to the top and settle back against my pillows to watch. Faith smirks and reaches down to unbuckle her belt one-handed. I lick my lips and arch an eyebrow as I lean up on my elbows for a better view.

 

There’s just something so sexy about watching her right now—bare-chested, bruises and cuts scattered over her skin. Strong hands work the latch on her belt, scraped knuckles catching my eyes. She pops the row of buttons on her jeans open and wiggles her brows at me as she bends to slip them off. My gaze is immediately drawn to the firm breasts swinging gently with the movement.

 

Instead of straightening, Faith climbs onto the mattress and crawls towards me with predatory grace. A moan catches in my throat when I realize she hadn’t been wearing underwear, the glimpse of neatly trimmed dark curls making my mouth go dry. This woman is going to be the death of me. She reaches me and I come to the conclusion that at least I’ll die happy.

 

***

 

(Faith’s POV)

 

I crawl up the bed towards her, keepin’ eye contact as I go. I don’t stop ‘til my face is hoverin’ over hers and then I drape my body over hers. I sigh as the contours of her body mold to mine. She leans up to capture my lips and I meet her halfway, pressin’ her back into the pillows as I lick at her bottom lip.

 

This close, the heat comin’ off her is almost unbearable. I can feel the blood pumpin’ through her veins, the sound of her poundin’ heart fills my ears along with her elevated breathin’. The slight tremblin’ of nervousness moves through her body to mine as one of her hands comes to rest on my ass and the other clasps the back of my head.

 

My lips leave hers, trailin’ kisses over her jaw to her neck. I nuzzle my face into her skin, the scent of the battle fillin’ my head and makin’ my body shake with hunger. Beneath the smell of blood, sweat, lust, and ashes I can still detect the lavender body wash she uses and somethin’ salty/sweet that’s uniquely her.

 

I shift most of my weight onto one elbow, bringin’ my free hand up to her breast. I tease the dusky pink nipple between my thumb and forefinger, pinchin’ it just enough to draw a gasp from B. I nip at her neck playfully and her nails dig into my scalp as she guides my mouth closer to her artery. I trail my tongue over the skin teasingly and pull back, givin’ her a naughty grin.

 

“Gonna have to work for it, Slayer.”

 

She gives me a low growl and pulls my mouth to hers, kissin’ me with bruisin’ force. Her other hand leaves my ass, her nails trailin’ a fiery path up my back. Then she moves her hand to cup my right tit and now I don’t care about the blood tricklin’ down my back. Her nails flick over my nipple and it’s my turn to growl.

 

I swing a leg over hers to straddle her leg and slip a little further up so that my thigh’s pressin’ up between hers. I grind down into her, trails of wetness coatin’ our skin as our pussies slide against each other’s thigh. I break away from her mouth to toss my head back and let out a low, long groan to relieve the pressure startin’ to build in my belly.

 

My sudden action forced her hand to let go of my hair and her fingers trail down my neck and over my chest, tracin’ the healin’ wound there. Her other hand leaves my breast and slips up over my shoulder, her fingers tanglin’ in my hair again.

 

I look down between us, greeted by the sight of our bodies writhin’ together. My earlier thoughts come back and I smirk. Sometimes wishes do come true. A slightly painful tug of my hair brings my attention back to B.

 

I give her a feral grin and duck my head, suckin’ a nipple into my mouth. I work it over with my teeth and tongue, drawin’ all sorts of interestin’ noises from her. I let the tip of a fang scrape over it, threatenin’ to pierce the flesh.

 

“Oh f—fuck,” She rasps, her voice breakin’.

 

Oh, I like that. I release her nipple and blow a stream of hot air across it. She cries out and I switch to the other one. I wrap my lips ‘round it and move my hand from her breast. My fingers trail over her belly, startin’ a purposeful path down between us.

 

Her reaction is immediate. She leaves the wound on my chest alone and gets a handful of hair in both of her hands, pullin’ my head away from her breast. My lips release her nipple with a wet pop and I willingly follow where she’s leadin’. Her tongue invades my mouth and I suck on it harshly.

 

My fingers brush her damp pubes and slip between her lips, slidin’ over and around her swollen clit. A renewed flood of wetness drenches my hand and I take a deep breath, strugglin’ not to rush. Then two things happen at once. My fingers find her cunt and I hear the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard.

 

“Faith, please,” She begs, her lips tremblin’ against mine. “I need you.”

 

My name in that hoarse, desperate tone drives me wild. Still tryin’ to keep things slow, I glide two fingers inside her. Wet heat surrounds me and her walls grasp at my fingers, tryin’ to pull me in further as she cries out. My hand starts up a slow, easy rhythm, and I use the pressure of my own hips to keep her from increasin’ the contact.

 

She pulls her mouth away from mine to groan, “Harder, baby.”

 

I shake my head and give her an enticin’ grin. “C’mon, baby. It’ll be so much fuckin’ better if we keep it slow.”

 

“Fuck slow,” She snaps.

 

I arch an eyebrow at her and lean in to capture her lips again. I murmur against her mouth, “That’s the point.”

 

Usually, I’d be all for fuckin’ hard and fast. But this is B, and I want more than that with her even though my libido’s screamin’ at me. I don’t know how much longer I’ll stay in control though, ‘cause my body’s been in overdrive since Dionne and his boys busted in. But here’s me givin’ it my damndest.

 

Frustrated, B growls and sucks my bottom lip into her mouth. Her teeth scrape over it, once, twice and then she bites. I gasp and my body jerks as it registers the pain as pleasure. Blood dribbles down my chin and fills my mouth from the mark she left.

 

I feel her body surge against me as she uses my distraction to flip us over. She looms above me, her expression as wild and untamed as I’ve ever seen it. I gaze up at her, my free hand movin’ to clasp her waist as my fingers start to slip from inside her. She captures my wrist, holdin’ my fingers in place.

 

“Let me show you how it’s done, F,” She snarls.

 

Her hips start up a relentless, drivin’ rhythm as she rides my hand. All I can do is watch, captivated by this aspect of her personality. This is her inner Slayer comin’ out full force. Her eyebrow lifts, eyes issuin’ a challenge and my control breaks.

 

I sit up, bringin’ myself face to face with B. I tense my forearm muscles and start meetin’ her thrust for thrust. I lean in to capture her lips and she grabs a handful of my hair, stoppin’ me from reachin’ my goal. I groan in frustration and she chuckles.

 

She pulls my head back, exposin’ my throat. She ducks her head, trailin’ the tip of her tongue from the hollow at the base of my throat to the cleft in my chin. She lets her mouth hover over mine, catchin’ my eyes from close up. She smirks.

 

“Think you got the hang of it, yet, F?”

 

“Why don’t you be the judge of it, B?” I rasp.

 

I wrap my arm ‘round her waist and tug her so that our chests are brushin’ against each other. I slam my fingers up into her harder, usin’ my entire arm to put force into it. Her hips meet my thrust and she chuckles again.

 

“I think you’re g—getting the hang of it,” She says, her voice breakin’.

 

She closes the distance between our mouths and teases my lips with her tongue. One of her hands slips from my hair and I lose track of it. All of my senses are focusin’ on her tongue, her lips, and her pussy. But I don’t lose track of it for long.

 

Her fingertips slip through my pubes, findin’ my achin’ clit with unerrin’ precision. She pinches it between her index and middle fingers, twists, and a loud cry tears from my throat. I collapse back onto the bed, bringin’ her with me. She lifts up onto one elbow, her legs straddlin’ my thighs as we continue to drive each other closer to the edge.

 

Her fingers slide further past my clit, findin’ my drippin’ slit easily and she wastes no time. Three fingers drill inside me, stretchin’ me wide open. My eyes slam shut and I spread my legs wider, tryin’ to get her further inside as my hips hump against her hand. My own fingers falter inside her, but I pick the pace back up quickly.

 

Oh, fuck. This feels so Goddamn amazin’. My arm leaves her waist and I reach down to grab a handful of her ass. My nails dig into the soft flesh, breakin’ the skin. She breaks our kiss, a hiss escapin’ her lips.

 

Wetness coats my fingertips and the scent of fresh blood reaches my nose. I feel my face start to vamp out and I clench my jaw, tryin’ to fight it. Our eyes lock and she gives me a teasin’ grin. Oh, God, B. Don’t fuckin’ play with me right now.

 

Ignorin’ the plea in my eyes, she tosses her head back to expose her neck, her sweat-dampened blonde hair fallin’ in waves down her back. She leans forward to nuzzle my ear and a warm rush of air washes across it.

 

“Don’t fight it,” She chokes out.

 

I look down at the elegant neck bein’ offered to me and my eyes zero in on my mark. I can see the blood racin’ beneath the scarred tissue, beggin’ for me to drink. I close my eyes and give in, lettin’ my fangs sink into her. More of her wetness floods my hand and I let my uncertainties go.

 

I can still taste a hint of the wine she drank earlier. The lust burnin’ in her blood makes it that much richer. Her hips gain a jerky, uncoordinated rhythm, and a faint spicy taste taints her blood, tellin’ me that she’s close. I return my arm ‘round her waist, pullin’ her close again as I grind my palm up into her clit.

 

The sweat and cum liberally coverin’ our bodies makes us slide against each other slickly. Over the sound of her thunderin’ heart, I can dimly hear soft grunts and low growls reminiscent of sounds from our earlier battle. I suck harder at her neck and she stiffens, a low, whinin’ sound rendin’ the air and remindin’ me that this ain’t that.

 

Her inner walls clamp down on my fingers painfully and she’s comin’, hard. She jerks and I barely have the sense of mind to retract my fangs ‘fore she can hurt herself. Her hips snap against me and her head flies back. Over and over, she calls my name.

 

Her palm grinds against my clit and her fingers slam home deep within me, hittin’ my sweet spot and sendin’ me spiralin’ as my eyes slam shut. Heat suffuses my body and I’m gaspin’ for breath as I arch up, the memory of life flarin’ through me bittersweet. A sound like thunder fills my ears, drownin’ everything else out as I’m set adrift.

 

***

 

(Buffy’s POV)

 

I hold onto Faith tightly, trying to regain my bearings. My heart is pounding so hard that I’m a little worried it might explode. I’ve never felt anything as intense as what just happened. I can’t find the right words to even begin to describe it.

 

My ears are ringing and there’s a lingering soreness in my throat. My breathing slows and sets into a more normal rhythm and I take a deep breath, smiling as the heavy mixture of blood, sweat, and arousal fills my senses. A soft sound catches my attention and I look up, suddenly aware of the tension in the body I’m sprawled on. I’m surprised and deeply concerned by what I see.

 

Faith has her game face on and tears are streaming down her face. Her fists are clutching the crème colored quilt so tightly that her knuckles have gone bone white. I scramble off her and move up the bed so that I’m face-to-face with her. Her eyes are wide open and looking at something I can’t see.

 

My brows furrow and I hesitantly cup her cheek. She blinks and our gazes lock as her face reverts to human. Her haunted expression fades to an aching tenderness that makes my heart clench. She gives me a sad smile and lifts her head, catching my lips in the softest kiss I’ve ever felt. Her tongue slips past my lips and the taste of blood and tears floods my mouth.

 

She guides me onto my back and covers my body with hers. Her hands glide over my skin and I’m stunned to feel my body responding again so soon. Her fingers brush my nipples and I moan softly against her mouth. Then the softness disappears as her kiss becomes hard, her touch growing determined and relentless.

 

Her fingers tease my opening and she pauses, pulling back from me. The expression on her face tells me she’s giving me one chance to back out. My eyes flutter shut and my hips surge against her, driving down on her fingers. My still sensitized body objects and I freeze, trying to give my body time to adjust.

 

She isn’t having any of that. Her fingers plunge in and out of me, her forearm tensing and relaxing convulsively with the movement. It doesn’t take long for my body to turn the pain into pleasure. Straddling my leg once again, she grinds her center against the tensed muscles of my thigh, the fresh coat of wetness making my insides quiver.

 

Wanting to help, I go to lift my hands to clasp her hips and find my wrists quickly trapped in a firm grip. She shakes her head and stretches out over me, bringing my arms up above my head. She looks down into my eyes and sneers.

 

“Keep ‘em there.”

 

Oh, God. A mini-orgasm makes my pussy contract painfully around her still moving fingers. Before the tremors fade, she searches out my g-spot and sends me back over the edge. I cry out and slam my eyes shut, deciding that as of right now she can do whatever the Hell she wants.

 

I feel her fingers slip from my pussy and I cry out, objecting to the loss. She gives me a predatory smile, arches her eyebrow in warning, and releases my wrists. She starts crawling backwards toward the foot of the bed, licking her lips slowly. I furrow my eyebrows in confusion and then my eyes widen as understanding dawns.

 

“Open wide, B,” She murmurs.

 

I spread my legs and she settles down between them, gliding her hands up my calves. She grasps my thighs and lifts them over her shoulders, circling them with her arms and clasping my hips. She lets her gaze drop to the apex of my thighs and a low, rumbling growl escapes her as she lowers her head.

 

Her mouth nuzzles me and I cry out as her tongue laps at my heated flesh. She wraps her lips around my clit and I clench my hands, trying not to grab for her head as she sucks hard. Her tongue bats at my clit and I clamp my hands around the bars of the headboard. I tighten my grip and call her name, offering myself up for whatever her need drives her to take from me.

 

 

Chapter Twenty-Eight: Bleeding from the Heart

 

(Faith’s POV)

 

I enter B’s bathroom, my hands full with the tray of food I’m carryin’. I kick the door shut and look up to see her settled comfortably in the garden tub. White bubbles cover her to the rise of her breasts, keepin’ me from seein’ her beautiful body. I finish chewin’ the strawberry in my mouth and swallow, shakin’ my head.

 

“What?” She asks with a slight grin.

 

I set the tray on the wide edge of the bathtub and give her a shrug, unwrappin’ my towel and lettin’ it drop to the floor. She sucks in a breath and I grin. It’s nice to know I’m not alone in not bein’ able to get enough.

 

“Scoot up, babe.”

 

She slips forward and I climb in. I settle down behind her and reach forward to grasp her hips, pullin’ her back against my chest between my thighs. I lean back against the tub and wrap one arm ‘round her waist, lettin’ the other dangle over the side of the tub.

 

B turns and kisses me, her tongue slippin’ past my lips. She caresses my teeth with her tongue and suddenly freezes, jerkin’ back to look at me. I arch an eyebrow at the odd look she’s givin’ me.

 

“What?”

 

“Where are your fangs, Faith?”

 

Huh? I run my tongue over my teeth and blink. Oh, heh. Then I shake my head and burst into laughter.

 

When I calm down, I find her lookin’ at me with an impatient expression. I rub the back of my neck and reach for one of the glasses on the tray. I can’t believe she hadn’t asked about this before now. I take a sip from the wine glass, sighin’ in pleasure at the taste of the wine.

 

“I dunno if ya ever noticed, but most vamps don’t keep their fangs extended all the time. They usually look almost normal unless they’re fightin’ or feedin’.”

 

Her eyebrows furrow and then her expression clears as she nods. “Yeah, I just didn’t really think about it. It’s not like I actively compare your kiss to someone else’s.”

 

I smirk. “Good to know you’re not thinkin’ ‘bout someone else when your tongue’s in my mouth, B.”

 

She smacks my arm and turns back around. “You’re such a pig. Get to the point.”

 

I prop my chin on her shoulder. “It takes a lot for a vamp to keep their human appearance unless they’re relaxed. Unfortunately, I stay tense most of the time, so I just don’t bother puttin’ the extra effort into keepin’ my fangs hidden.”

 

Knew I’d find away to relax eventually. Never thought it would take nonstop sex to do it, though. I stifle a laugh and kiss the skin near my mouth.

 

“So you’re pretty relaxed now, huh?”

 

“I should hope so,” I drawl. “I mean, if four hours of fuckin’ like bunnies didn’t do it, then I’d be worried.”

 

“Faith!” She squawks.

 

I set my glass on the tray and retrieve a strawberry, dippin’ it in the glass bowl of chocolate sauce. I bring it to her lips and my eyes fall to watch as she turns her head to bite down on it. Her lips brush my fingertips as she pulls back and I hum in pleasure.

 

“Yes?” I ask in answer to her protest.

 

She rolls her eyes and finishes chewin’, swallowin’ as she reaches for the second wine glass on the tray. She takes a sip and turns her head to kiss my cheek. Her breath brushes my ear and I shiver, feelin’ my nipples tighten.

 

B snorts and leans her head back against my shoulder. “Haven’t you had enough yet?”

 

I nip at her earlobe and murmur, “Never.”

 

B retrieves a strawberry and dips it in the sauce, turnin’ to offer it to me. I gently clasp her wrist and guide her hand to my lips, takin’ the strawberry into my mouth along with her fingers. I catch her gaze, feelin’ my body start throbbin’ again as her eyes darken.

 

I moan, lettin’ my eyes flutter shut as I wrap my tongue around her fingers. I bite down on the fruit and draw her fingers from my mouth, placin’ a gentle kiss on the tips ‘fore I release her wrist. I settle back with a lazy smile, openin’ my eyes to find her lookin’ at her fingers. I chuckle at her flustered expression and she returns her attention to me, lettin’ her hand slip back into the water.

 

Her fingers entwine with mine and she guides my hand to her thigh beneath the bubbles. I caress the silky skin and she returns her head to my shoulder. I nuzzle my face into her neck, ignorin’ my body’s instinctive response.

 

I hear her sigh and I place a soft kiss to her pulse. “What’s wrong?”

 

“Nothing,” She answers. “I was just thinking about the reason why you stay so tense.”

 

Do I explain it? She can probably guess it without me havin’ to say anything. It’s not too hard to understand. I let my eyes close.

 

“‘Fore ya came and got me, I still struggled a lot with just lettin’ myself continue to exist. I could feel the Slayer crawlin’ beneath my skin, pissed at havin’ to share space with a vamp.”

 

“Yeah,” She murmurs. “That’s pretty much what I figured.”

 

I smile sadly, lettin’ my face rest in the crook of her neck. I don’t know how to tell her that unless I get my soul back, it’s gonna start happenin’ all over again. I still ain’t sure how I’m gonna get it back, either.

 

***

 

B eventually sensed somethin’ was up, so we got out of the tub and came back to her room. I’m pretty sure she meant to talk, but she fell asleep instead. I can’t really blame her. It’s been a hell of a day, and we certainly gave each other a workout.

 

I’m just lyin’ here with her in my arms, gazin’ down at her. Her face is snuggled into my shoulder and one arm’s wrapped ‘round my waist, the other’s up by my head. One of her legs is tucked between mine, her knee dangerously close to my pussy.

 

I’m tired but my mind won’t give me any rest. My thoughts keep circlin’ ‘round what I need to do. I keep comin’ back to one conclusion, and I really don’t like it. I think I could even go so far as to say I fuckin’ hate it.

 

I gotta go back to Louisiana. The Council has a lot of resources, but even Giles didn’t understand much about what I’ve become. Lenore’s the only one who’s been able to tell me anything, and though she didn’t know about the sitch with my soul, she’s still my best bet. And as much as it breaks my undead heart, I can’t take B with me.

 

I don’t know that I’ll even find a way to get my soul back from whatever part of Hell it’s in. I don’t wanna tell her only to find out there’s nothin’ I can do and end up breakin’ her heart. That’s exactly what’ll happen too, when she realizes just why I need to get my soul back so badly.

 

I won’t feel right bein’ with her ‘til I know for sure that I won’t be a danger to her and everyone ‘round us. I doubt she’d wanna be with me either if she knew I can still lose control like I did before, and I’ll have to tell her. So, my fears aside, if I wanna be with B, I gotta get it back.

 

And on the totally fucked up and sappy side, I wanna be able to offer her my heart, body and soul. I got the body and heart locked up tight, pulse not withstandin’ and beat up as they may be, but I ain’t about to offer her half a soul. I want her to have it all, and I’ll give her anything it’s in my power to give.

 

What really, truly fuckin’ sucks, is I know I gotta leave now. If I wait ‘til she’s awake? I won’t have the strength to walk away. I kiss B’s temple, close my eyes, and struggle not to cry.

 

I’m gonna lie here a little longer, at least ‘til sundown. I just wanna hold her for a while and feel her warmth seepin’ into me. I’ll have to make it last, ‘cause the coldness of death is just waitin’ for me to leave this bed.

 

***

 

Leavin’ her apartment was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. The second? Admittin’ I loved her in the first place. It’s fucked up that I spent so much time runnin’ from her and now I wanna run right back to her.

 

I left her a note, but it ain’t enough. I keep gettin’ these images of her cryin’ her eyes out over it. I came by HQ to change clothes and pick up my stuff and I got an idea as I was leavin’.

 

She’s gonna cry no matter what, but she ain’t gotta be alone when she does. It’s why I’m here now. I pause in the open doorway of Red’s office, just watchin’ her for a sec. I know she’s gonna pissed when I tell her, but somehow I think she’ll understand.

 

Red doesn’t wanna see B hurt anymore than I do, so she’ll get that I need go get a hold of myself. Probably even be all proud and shit ‘cause I’m bein’ so fuckin’ mature. ‘Course, she’s gonna shit a brick over the way I’m goin’ about it, but I wouldn’t expect any less from B’s best friend.

 

Red lifts her eyes from her computer and catches sight of me, squeakin’ in surprise as her eyes widen. I smirk and lean against the doorframe, crossin’ my arms over my chest.

 

“Problems, Red?”

 

She shakes her head and holds a hand to her chest, sputterin’, “You—you scared the Hell out of me, Faith! Don’t do that!”

 

I shrug apologetically. “Sorry.”

 

“Uh-huh,” She answers skeptically. “You sure don’t sound like you are.”

 

“True.”

 

She glances ‘round me into the hallway and my smile fades. She catches my expression and concern floods her face.

 

“Where’s Buff?”

 

I ain’t even gonna ask why she automatically thought B would be here with me. Guess B must’ve told her ‘bout this thing that’s happenin’ between us. I sigh.

 

“Hopefully she’s still sleepin’.”

 

“Oh. So, uh, why are you here then?” Her eyes widen and she hurries to add, “Not that I’m not glad to see you. I mean, I always like to see my friends.”

 

I chuckle. “Nice to know I’m welcome. But, to answer your question, I need ya to do somethin’ for me.” I rub my bicep and frown. “Well actually, it’s for B.”

 

Her face brightens and she leans forward in her seat. “What can I do?”

 

I lift my hand to run my fingers through my hair and let my gaze drop. “I have to leave and B’s gonna need ya.”

 

Her eyebrows furrow and she gives me a confused look. “What? Why are you leaving, Faith? You know we all want you here, Buffy especially.”

 

I grimace and squeeze my eyes shut, feelin’ tears burnin’ my eyes. “I know,” I groan.

 

“Then why?”

 

I open my eyes and let her see exactly how much this is fuckin’ me up inside. I see the startled expression cross her face and it doesn’t make me feel any better. I gulp.

 

“I don’t know how much B told ya about what’s happened, but there are some things that she doesn’t even know about.” I clench my jaw and bite out, “I fucked up, badly.”

 

“That doesn’t mean you have to leave. Everyone makes mistakes,” She protests.

 

“I drained two people, Red,” I growl, frustrated.

 

“What?” She gasps, her eyes goin’ wide.

 

I give her a sad smile. “Yeah, that’s right, Red. Murder-queen came back, and now I gotta go do somethin’ to put her back in her cage.”

 

“Buffy doesn’t know, does she?” She asks quietly.

 

“She knows about the first one,” I answer in the same tone.

 

“Where will you be going?”

 

She actually seems worried for me and not scared. There was a time we wouldn’t have had this conversation. It’s weird to see the contrast between the girl she used to be and the woman she is. Guess ya gotta be complex to be friends with a Slayer, though.

 

“Louisiana.” I answer softly.

 

“Are you going to see Lenore?”

 

I nod. “Yeah, I am. I think she’s got a better chance of helpin’ me figure out how to get my soul back. I got this feelin’ it’s gonna be a bitch.”

 

“M—maybe I could do it,” Red stammers. “You might not even have to leave.”

 

I give her a sad smile. “Red, Giles didn’t know shit about what’s happenin’ with me. I know you’re powerful with the witch-fu and shit, but I don’t think ya can do anything.”

 

“B—but maybe I could.”

 

I shrug. “I don’t wanna do Angel’s deal, y’know. I kinda like gettin’ my happy on.”

 

“Faith, are you sure you’re not just trying to find an excuse to run away?”

 

My face vamps out and I snarl, “What the fuck kind of question is that?”

 

She stands up, leanin’ over her desk. “It’s a pretty valid one from where I’m at.”

 

I sigh, forcin’ my face back to normal. “No, Red. It ain’t an excuse to run. You don’t know how fuckin’ bad I wanna just go back to B’s and curl up around her.”

 

I ignore her startled look and continue, “But I ain’t gonna be able to relax ‘til I know for sure that I ain’t a threat to her. Been there, done that, ain’t lookin’ for a repeat.”

 

“But, Faith—”

 

“Shut it, Red,” I snap, losin’ my cool. “I’m headin’ out. Ya can sit here and fume or ya can go be there for B. She’s gonna need someone to hold her and it can’t be me.”

 

I turn to leave, startled to find Dawn standin’ outside the office. She’s givin’ me this look that makes me a little worried for my safety. I wonder how long she was standin’ there. Suddenly she throws herself into my arms, buryin’ her face in my neck.

 

I rub her back awkwardly, not used to doin’ this comfort thing. She shoves me back and gives me a very familiar look. Summers women are a stubborn breed.

 

“You better come back,” She growls. “Or I’m gonna come find you and stake your ass.”

 

I lean forward and kiss her forehead. “I will, Dawn. I swear it.”

 

Tears fill her eyes. “Good, ‘cause you still have to meet Connor.”

 

I pat her cheek and force myself to leave, retrievin’ my bag from where I left it outside Red’s office. I hadn’t realized it would be almost as hard to leave Dawn as it is B. But I guess those Monks really didn’t fuck around. Chick’s like a little sister to me.

 

 

Chapter Twenty-Nine: The Longest Night

 

(Buffy’s POV)

 

I wake up and without even opening my eyes, I know Faith’s gone. I can’t sense her anywhere. I don’t even try to lie to myself and say she’s just out slaying. I know better.

 

An agony so intense it makes my head pound rolls through me and I curl into a ball on the bed. Tears fall from my eyes to drench the sheets and sobs tear from my still sore throat. The pain only serves to make the tears come faster as my mind provides me with images of just why it hurts in the first place.

 

Why am I even surprised? I should have known this would happen. Every time I think I’m about to get happily ever after, it slips right through my fingers. But I can’t even bring myself to be angry with her.

 

Oh, God, it hurts so much. I feel like my heart’s bleeding out from my eyes in tears. Dramatic, I know, but that’s the way it feels. It’s worse than sending Angel to Hell.

 

I hear Lee bark in the living room as the front door opens and I stiffen. Is it? I close my eyes as my senses tell me that it isn’t Faith and a fresh wave of misery washes over me. I wrap my arms around my middle and try to stifle my sobs.

 

A sound draws my attention and I lift my head, forcing my eyes open to see Will in the doorway. The look of sympathy on her face is my undoing. I lose my struggle to contain my cries and she hurries to me. She sits down on the bed and pulls me into her arms, making soothing noises in the back of her throat as she rocks us side to side.

 

I bury my face in her neck, just letting the tears flow. Unlike in the past, her attempt at comforting me isn’t very effective, but I appreciate it all the same. She’s been my best friend for so long and I’m grateful she’s here. I just wish it were Faith instead.

 

I don’t know how long we sit here before my sobs finally abate. I pull back from Will, bringin’ the sheet back up from where it had fallen to my waist at some point. I wrap it tightly around me as embarrassment sets in. I don’t even want to know what she’s probably thinking.

 

I definitely know just what it looks like. My hair’s mussed and still a little damp from our bath. There are fresh bruises and bites on my neck. There are more than a few hickeys covering me, some in some pretty personal spots – some of which she just got a very good view of, i.e. the one right on the rise of my left breast and the one around my belly button.

 

The sheets are damp from sweat, cum, and maybe even a little saliva. A few of the pillows are scattered around the room and somehow the lamp was knocked off my nightstand. The bars on my headboard, which are made of iron, have been bent apart. The room screams “sex” and, taking a deep breath, I realize that it reeks of it too.

 

My gaze falls back on my redheaded friend and I become uncomfortably aware that she’s realized it too. I let out a shuddering breath and wipe the last of my tears from my cheeks. Her eyes meet mine and I jerk my gaze away. I catch sight of a folded piece of paper on the nightstand and my eyebrows furrow.

 

I sigh and close my eyes as I ask, “She’s gone isn’t she?”

 

I just have this sadistic need to hear it. I’ve never been into emotional torture, but apparently things change. Part of me’s still hoping stupidly that I’m wrong and she’s just out slaying.

 

“Yeah,” Will answers quietly.

 

Another tear squeezes past my eyelid and I force my eyes open. I reach across the bed and grab the notebook paper I’d seen. I open it and I don’t know if I want to kill Faith or kiss her when I read it.

 

B, I’m sorry I hurt you again. But I swear it’s not what I meant to do. And if you’re not hurting, then you’re pissed. Please, B, try to keep trusting your heart a little longer. I know I all ready asked that once but I just need a little more time. There’s something I have to do before I can be with you. I don’t want to start a relationship with you when I’m not whole.

 

I love you,

Faith

 

When she’s not whole? What the Hell? That doesn’t... I lift my eyes back to Will’s.

 

“She’s going for her soul isn’t she?”

 

Will nods and I’m not sure if I’m going to cry or scream. What is it with my lovers? Angel lost his soul ‘cause of me and Spike regained his for me. Now Faith is going to try to get hers back too.

 

But why didn’t she just ask Will to do it? I open my mouth to speak, only to have Will interrupt.

 

“We don’t really know enough about what’s happened to her to know if we can help her. Lenore at least understands more about what she’s going through than we do.”

 

Well, that tells me at least where she’s gone. I consider whether I should go after her, every ounce of my being screaming yes. Will clears her throat and I jerk my attention back to her.

 

“She said she wouldn’t be able to relax until she knew she wasn’t a threat to you. I think she needs to do this on her own, Buff. She seemed really rattled.”

 

I look away, not understanding the brief flash of indecision that crosses Will’s face. I want so badly to go after her. But I know Faith. If she’s determined to do this on her own, following her isn’t going to do anything to help our relationship.

 

God, I love her. But I’d like it if she’d show just a little less stubbornness. I sigh.

 

“I get that, Will. I just wish she hadn’t left without telling me herself. I could’ve done without the whole “get some, get gone” method.”

 

Will winces and nods in agreement. “Yeah, I don’t really care much for the way she went about it either. But you have to admit that she’s acting a lot more mature than she has in the past, with wanting to straighten her problems out and everything.”

 

It’s something anyway. I rub my temples and mumble, “Yeah.”

 

“So,” Will starts slowly, grabbing my attention. “Now that we’ve gotten the “getting gone” part settled, want to explain the “getting some” part?”

 

Now it’s my turn to wince. The smirk on her face is positively evil. I groan.

 

“Can I get dressed first?”

 

“Sure,” Will answers as she stands. “But you’re not getting out of telling me just when you started having lusty thoughts about Faith.”

 

Oh, God. Just shoot me now. I can tell all ready that it’s going to be a long night.

 

***

 

(Faith’s POV)

 

I take back what I said when I arrived at the airport in Cali with B. This was the longest flight I’ve ever taken. I blink. Jesus, was that really less than two weeks ago?

 

That thought only serves to remind me of just how fuckin’ tired I am. The last sound sleep I really had was the day before we left Georgia. Since then there’s been so much goin’ on that I couldn’t sleep for long and it was really light when I did sleep ‘cause I was on edge. It’s taken a lot outta me and now the adrenaline’s startin’ to wear off, leavin’ me exhausted.

 

I lean back against the backseat of the taxi and let my eyes drift to the window. I’m tryin’ not to think too much. But, the best laid intentions, y’know? My mind keeps flashin’ to that last image of B as I was leavin’.

 

I just stood by the bed for a few minutes after I got dressed, gazin’ down at her. Her hair was coverin’ part of her face, but what I could see looked so fuckin’ peaceful and she had a soft smile playin’ at the corners of her mouth. It was a mind-fuck realizin’ it was ‘cause of me. Not just ‘cause we made love, but ‘cause she was happy I was there.

 

It made it that much harder to leave. Fuck, I hope Lenore can help me. There’s a girl waitin’ for me and I don’t wanna have to disappoint her. At least, I hope she’s waitin’ for me.

 

She may be contemplatin’ murder right about now. Hopefully she’ll gimme a chance to explain ‘fore she stakes my ass. I couldn’t really blame her if she wanted to kick my ass first, though. Leavin’ a letter instead of talkin’ to her was really kinda fucked up of me, but I ain’t that strong.

 

The taxi comes to a stop in front of the familiar colonial house and I slip forty in the money slot. I get out ‘fore the driver can give me my change and shut the door, slippin’ my bag over my shoulder as I go. I hear the car drive off as I make my way up the short driveway.

 

I step up onto the porch, squarin’ my shoulders as I reach out to ring the doorbell. ‘Fore I can, the door swings open and I’m faced with Lenore. She’s got grayish white hair in a bun and glasses — y’know, the typical grandma librarian chick. ‘Cept this grandma has a fuck-load of power.

 

“Faith,” She says, surprised.

 

“Hey,” I mutter.

 

“Are you all right?” She asks softly and then backs up. “Sorry, do come in.”

 

“I’m just tired as Hell. It’s nothin’ a few days of sleep wouldn’t fix.”

 

I follow her into the house and she shuts the door behind her. She takes my bag from me and sets it in a nearby chair. Grabbin’ my arm, she leads me into the livin’ room.

 

“Sit down. Would you like anything to drink?”

 

“Nah,” I answer with a sigh and sit down on the couch, leanin’ forward with my elbows on my knees.

 

“All right,” She answers and sits down in the armchair. “Can I get you anything else?”

 

I run my hand through my hair. “Listen, Lenore, I know you’re like really into the whole hostess thing, but there’s somethin’ I need your help with.”

 

“What is it? You know I’ll help you if I can.”

 

I catch her gaze seriously. “I need ya to help me get my soul back. And it can’t wait.”

 

Her expression grave, Lenore nods. “You know I will if it can be done, but may I ask why now?”

 

I lower my eyes to the floor. “I found out that part of my soul is bound to the Slayer, so I still have it, but the other half’s trapped in purgatory.”

 

“I see,” She answers softly. “Yes, it would make sense as to why you’re still in control, I guess. That was a sort of sticking point for us before. But why is it so urgent that you retrieve it?”

 

“I lost control,” I answer, bringin’ my gaze back to hers. “And it’s gonna keep happenin’ ‘til I get my soul back.”

 

“May I ask how you found this out?”

 

I study her expression for a minute, tryin’ to figure out what she’s thinkin’. I can’t get anything from it to decide if she’s got any ideas. I sigh and then I tell her ‘bout the dream. When I’m finished, she’s givin’ me a grim look.

 

“What?” I ask, worried.

 

“You said the cave had red sand and there were two tunnels?”

 

“Yeah,” I answer with a shrug.

 

“Oh dear lord,” She mutters and stands to leave the room.

 

“What’s the problem?” I ask defensively as I follow.

 

It’s never good when stuffy people say those three words. In fact, it usually leads to a whole fuckin’ lot of pain. At least that’s been my experience. I’m sure B would agree.

 

She ignores my question and leads me down the hall to her office. I stand in the doorway and watch her rifle through the books on one of her bookshelves. She grabs one and moves to her desk, gesturin’ for me to come over.

 

I reluctantly join her and she sits down in her chair as she flips through the book. She stops, slidin’ it closer to me and I look down at the page. My eyes widen and I lean on the desk to get a closer look. The colorless sketch is faded and rough, but there’s no mistakin’ the familiar scene.

 

A figure is chained to the wall, his back visible. Lines of what I guess are blood run down his back from gruesome lookin’ wounds. A wicked lookin’ demon is standin’ behind him with what looks like a whip in his hand.

 

The demon towers over the person. There’s some kind of spikes stickin’ up from his head and there’s somethin’ weird comin’ outta his back. I frown and study it for a sec, unable to tell what it is. I scan the short paragraph below the sketch and sigh.

 

The paragraph describes the cave from my dream perfectly. Fine red sand, the two tunnels, the rock walls, everything. But there’s somethin’ I’m confused about.

 

I look back up at Lenore. “That sounds like the place. Who’s the fuckin’ pinhead?”

 

“The demon is known as the Soul Harvester,” She says quietly. “Purgatory is a level of Hell, but it also contains a few levels of its’ own. He rules one such level.”

 

I nod. “Aight, so what does that mean? I gotta kill him or somethin’?”

 

She licks her lips nervously. “I don’t think it will come to that. But, you may be required to pay a price.”

 

I really, really don’t like the fuckin’ sound of that. I mean, nothin’ good ever comes outta dealin’ with demons. I’ll do what I gotta, though. I clench my jaw.

 

“What kind of price?”

 

“I’m not sure. There isn’t much written record about it. There are, however, accounts of the Soul Harvester being a rather sadistic individual.”

 

I feel a jolt of uneasiness risin’ in my belly and makin’ my chest tighten, but I shove past it. This ain’t the time for that. I’ll worry about what might happen later.

 

“How do I get there?”

 

“There’s a spell we can use to send you to the location of your soul. After that, it shouldn’t take long to find him.”

 

“Let’s do it.”

 

She lays her hand on my arm. “Are you quite certain this is the path you wish to take? There are records of people never returning from his realm, Faith.”

 

Am I sure? Not really, but I ain’t got a choice. My heart won’t let me do nothin’ else.

 

“I’ll return,” I answer, puttin’ steel in my tone. “There ain’t a fuckin’ thing that can stop me now.”

 

 

Chapter Thirty: Harvester of Souls

 

I hit the stone floor belly first, the breath rushin’ outta me. My head bounces off the ground and a ringin’ fills my ears as flashes of light dance across my vision. A low pulse of pain radiates from my temple where it hit to the back of my skull.

 

My stomach roils, threatenin’ to make me puke. I swallow hard and force myself up onto my knees, lettin’ my head hang as the poundin’ increases.

 

I’m suckin’ in deep breaths, tryin’ to keep from gettin’ sick. A sudden rush of pain makes me tense, and my head goes back as a scream tears from my throat. Tears flood my eyes and I fall forward on my hands as I continue to cry out.

 

A fiery pain races through my veins as a painful pressure swells in my chest. A slow burn snakes its’ way through my body, makin’ me shake uncontrollably. I can feel the bulgin’ tendons in the sides of my neck achin’ from the tension.

 

I feel my face vamp out and then the pain stops as quickly as it began. I pant, feelin’ my body still tremblin’. I let my eyes drift back open, tryin’ to get myself under control.

 

I get to my knees warily, afraid it ain’t over. A sick feelin’ makes my stomach drop and I grimace. There’s somethin’ crawlin’ under my skin, makin’ me itch. I glance down, eyes widenin’ at the sight of somethin’ writhin’ and twistin’ beneath my flesh. What the fuck?

 

Oh, God, this is too fuckin’ much. I should’ve listened to Lenore. I clench my fists, strugglin’ not to claw at myself. My nails dig into my palms and the skin breaks, tricklin’ blood between my fingers to drip onto the floor.

 

The feelin’ finally starts to fade, only to be replaced with another as familiar as my own face. Rage—the dark, primal kind I usually only feel when I’m fightin’ a vamp. I haven’t felt this particular brand of it since before I was turned, though.

 

I leap to my feet, my chest risin’ rapidly with each breath. I need somethin’ to tear into. I peer through the darkness, realizin’ I’m standin’ in a tunnel. I’m facin’ a dead-end, so I turn around. I see a dim, flickerin’ light in the distance and take off runnin’.

 

My senses are screamin’, tellin’ me there’s a demon nearby. The excitement starts to build, makin’ my body vibrate. I put more speed into my steps, goin’ towards the light.

 

My skin flushes with anticipation and there’s a poundin’ in my chest that makes my brow furrow in confusion. There’s somethin’ not right here. But I ain’t sure what.

 

My thoughts are all mixed up, and gettin’ worse as I go. The reason I’m here escapes me, and I don’t really care anymore. All I know is that there’s somethin’ to kill at the end of this tunnel.

 

The exit comes into sight and part of me recoils, makin’ me slide to a halt. A wall of fire blocks my path, the flames lickin’ at the stone walls and turnin ‘em black. I’m conflicted as one set of instincts screams for me to stop and the other tells me to keep goin’.

 

I hesitate and then feel the anger surge as part of me chafes at bein’ afraid. With a snarl, I force myself to saunter through the flames. I pause, realizin’ that the flames aren’t even touchin’ me. I curl my fingers through the fire, watchin’ in wonder as it flickers and swirls over my hand without burnin’ me.

 

I have just a sec to register the comfortin’ warmth caressin’ my skin before I’m brought to my knees by a feelin’ of intense sorrow. It hits me like a bolt of lightnin’, makin’ me sob loudly. I lunge forward onto my hands, silky sand slippin’ between my fingers as I clench my fists convulsively.

 

My memories rush forward to claim me, draggin’ ragged cries from my throat. I’m drownin’ in a sea of conflictin’ emotions, unable to fight my way past it. Then it all fades again to leave me with nothin’ but the anguish of regret and self-hatred.

 

Tears trail over the angles and ridges of my face, leavin’ salty trails behind. I’m gaspin’ for breath and I can’t hear anything over the rush of blood in my ears. Suddenly I’m aware of just what’s wrong and I blink in confusion. My hand lifts to my chest, feelin’ the poundin’ of my heart and my mouth drops open.

 

That explains the pain—ain’t no way somethin’ dead can suddenly come back to life without a whole lot of it. Why now? Or more importantly, how in fuckin’ Hell did this happen?

 

A sound snaps me out of my stunned contemplation and I lift my head. The sight before me makes my heart slam against my ribcage. Y’know, that ain’t a feelin’ I’ve missed all that much, I muse as I scramble to my feet.

 

An invisible force knocks me back onto all fours and pins me there. I struggle against it, screamin’ out as it presses in around me painfully. Despite my screamin’ instincts, I force myself to stop fightin’ and the pain fades. The reason for my horror smiles as he strolls towards me.

 

Seven feet tall, at least, bare-assed naked, and skin a mottle of grays stretched taunt over bulgin’ muscle, this demon’s a page right outta my nightmares. Metal spikes stick outta his skull like some kinda wicked fucked hairdo and his skin is pulled back on his face, givin’ a way too close look at his bone structure. He makes the Beast look tame.

 

“Stay still, sinner,” He snarls in a loud roar that echoes off the cave wall. “What brings you to my realm?”

 

I lick my lips nervously. “I’m here to get my soul back.”

 

He laughs harshly, the sound makin’ my ears hurt. “Now what would a dirty, little mixed-blooded bitch like you want with a soul?”

 

Huh? What the fuck does that mean?

 

“What the fuck did you just call me?”

 

He kneels down on the ground in front of me and grabs a handful of my hair, pullin’ my head back. I swallow painfully and he smirks.

 

“Human, but not; demon, but not; dead, but not—it’s what you are. Now tell me why I should give it back to you.”

 

I clench my teeth. “I need my soul so that I can regain control over my instincts.”

 

He shoves me to the ground and releases my hair. He stands up and turns, puttin’ his back to me. I grimace as I see just what it is I was seein’ on his back in that sketch. Rows of razors have been imbedded in his skin, the sharp edges juttin’ out.

 

A low glow emanates from his body and then he turns around, a gruesome smile on his face. His sharp teeth glint in the torchlight, stained red.

 

“You want it back?”

 

“Yes,” I snarl. “I certainly ain’t here for the fuckin’ company.”

 

“What will you do for it?”

 

“Whatever it takes,” I answer without thought.

 

The pressure around me suddenly evaporates and I’m able to move again. I scramble to my feet, givin’ him a wary look.

 

“Then you’ll have your chance,” He laughs, the sound sendin’ chills up my spine.

 

The cave grows unbearably hot and white hot flames envelop me, makin’ me scream in agony. My skin blisters and peels as the fire licks at me. Then the room swirls and I find myself in another cave. My eyes barely have time to adjust before I’m brought to my knees again by a dark sensation.

 

Lust and overpowerin’ hunger gnaw at my insides. A low sound fills me, rhythmic and drivin’. My head falls back and I growl with animalistic intent. I get to my feet in a fluid motion as my instincts guide me.

 

I pass through the shadows, dim light crossin’ my features at odd intervals. I go ‘round a bend in the cave wall and find the source of the sound. Wooden drums beat powerfully, a man in tribal clothin’ playin’ ‘em like a pro in the torchlight.

 

There’s an altar stretchin’ up outta the sand just in front of him. My eyes lift and I find what my instincts are cravin’. A small blonde is lyin’ unconscious on the flat stone, her body bared and decorated in odd symbols. Her head is turned away from me, exposin’ her neck to my hungry gaze.

 

I reflexively take a step forward. I realize what I’m doin’ and look around, panicked.

 

“Fuck,” I hiss, seein’ no way out other than the way I came.

 

Lenore warned me that bein’ here might bring out the other aspects of who and what I am. I just didn’t get what she meant by it. But now I can feel the vampire in me screamin’ for blood and it’s so fuckin’ hard to resist. I’m startin’ to lose my grip over it.

 

With a snarl, I scramble backwards ‘til I hit the wall and my fingers claw uselessly at the smooth stone. I jerk my head back, slammin’ it into the wall and usin’ the pain to keep myself focused. I slide down the wall, wrappin’ my arms ‘round my waist and keep slammin’ my head back.

 

A sound seeps into my consciousness and I jerk my head up in the direction I came in here from. Somethin’ slips outta the shadows and I growl in reaction. A big demon enters the firelight, his sleek dark skin glistenin’. My eyes trail down and I snarl.

 

What the fuck’s with the demons in this realm? Don’t they own any fuckin’ clothes?

 

As he saunters towards the altar, his intent grows obvious. I force my eyes away from his dick in disgust and a second set of instincts rises. A howl of rage starts to build in my chest and I try to contain it, but it rips from my throat and echoes in the cave. The demon spins to look at me and I flip to my feet.

 

He freezes, surprise showin’ on his oval-shaped face. His hesitation gives me just enough time to decide what to do.

 

I tilt my head, lettin’ myself feel the darkness inside, lettin’ the hunger rise up. Then I unleash it, lettin’ it come out in an explosion of motion. I run at him, slammin’ into him and pinnin’ him to the wall with my full weight. I look him up and down, and then sneer in his face.

 

“I’ve seen chicks with bigger clits than that.”

 

I bring my knee up into his erection, hard, and he roars in pain. I slam my fist into his gut. Then I slam his face into my knee ‘fore I force him to straighten and then I slam his head back against the wall. I back off to give him time to recover.

 

I may not be able to keep control over my need to feed here. But I know how to satisfy my need for violence in another way. It’s tried and true.

 

He charges at me, throwin’ a volley of wild punches. I duck and weave, managin’ to stay out of reach the entire time. Then I leap into a spin-kick, sendin’ him stumblin’ back. I reach out and grab his shoulder, jerkin’ him into my fist and lettin’ him go.

 

He shakes off his injury and snarls somethin’ in a language I don’t understand. I duck as he throws another punch at me, but I miss the follow-up, gettin’ nailed in the ribs. I grunt and lunge for him, irritated.

 

I start throwin’ punches, every one of ‘em makin’ contact. I’m movin’ so quick that he can’t even do more than try to block with a pained, bewildered look. A wild hit catches him in the chin, makin’ him fly back and land in the red sand. He doesn’t move.

 

Surprised, I warily move towards him. When I’m within a few feet of him, he moves. Caught off-guard, all I can do is roll with the punch that catches me in the gut. I slam into the wall and slide down, lookin’ up dazedly to see him comin’ for me.

 

I wait for him to reach me ‘fore I move. He leans down to grab me and I arch up onto my shoulders, wrappin’ my thighs ‘round his neck. I catch his gaze briefly and with a twist of my legs, his neck snaps. I flip away from his corpse as it collapses to the ground and I land in the sand on my feet.

 

I glance over his corpse once and then bring my gaze back to the body on the altar. All that fills me now is a sense of deep satisfaction. My chuckle is cut off as I’m enveloped in the painful flames once again.

 

 

 

Conclusion